News Court break-in


BURGLARS broke into the local magistrates’ court, just yards from the town’s police station. Thieves took computer equip-


ment in the break-in at 5amon the morning of Sunday, July 7. On the Monday, a sign on the


door of the court in Palace Av- enue directed all parties to the crown court in Barker Road. Conservative


councillor


Jonathan Purle said: “I’mnot sure there is any better metaphor of howthe police have lost control of Maidstone’s streets – a break-in at the magistrates’ court next door to one of the few manned police stations.” A police spokesman refused to


say how many staff were at the station at the time.


Assault case


A MAIDSTONE man has ap- peared before magistrates ac- cused of beating awoman. David Brown (27), of Cam-


bridge Crescent, denied three charges including criminal dam- age, assault by beating, and en- gaging in controlling and coercive behaviour. A trial date has been set for


Monday, July 29, at Maidstone Magistrates Court.


downsmail.co.uk


InvictaGrammar tops Kent schools’ league


INVICTA Grammar School has been rated the fourth best in the country and tops the league in Kent, according to a newguide. The Real School Guide 2019


bases its rankings on last year's examresults, pupil-to-teacher ra- tios and attainment data. The guide putsAshford’sHigh-


worthGrammar School in second slot, while third is Dartford Grammar School. The RSG compilers said: “This


guide aims to give parents a bet- ter idea ofwhich schoolswill help their child prosper, no matter what their background.” Julie Derrick, IGS head teacher


(pictured), said: “We are thrilled to have been recognised for our achievements in the Real School Guide. “We have always had high as-


pirations for our students in both their academic and personal op- portunities programme. “I believe studentsmust have a


balance of both; this, combined with teacherswho understand the importance of developing strong


relationships with their students, provides the platform for stu- dents to be inspired, work hard and enjoy their learning. “However, we recognise that


we could not do this without great support fromour parents.” Invicta is rated as outstanding


by education watchdog Ofsted and is run by the Valley Invicta Academies’ Trust. Nineteen Kent


secondary


schools have not been inspected in the last five years, all of which


KENT’S TOP 10


1 Invicta Grammar School 2 Highworth Grammar School 3 Dartford Grammar School 4 The Rochester Grammar School 5 Dartford Grammar School for Girls 6Weald of Kent Grammar School 7 The Folkestone School for Girls 8 Sir JosephWilliamson'sMath- ematical School 9 ChathamGrammar School for Girls 10 The Skinners' School


received outstanding reports in their last Ofsted inspections. Schools which receive an out-


standing Ofsted rating do not get inspected again unless there are special reasons for doing so. All but three of those on the list


are grammar schools and seven schools have not been inspected in at least 10 years.


Drug user abused store staff


AMAIDSTONEman unleashed a torrent of abuse towards staff at a local store after being asked to leave, a court heard. Jordan Lindo (25), of Quarry


Lions’ newchief


THE Lions in Maidstone have a new president. David Frost was presented


with his chain of office at Mote House inMaidstone on July 7 by outgoing president Bryan Viz- zard (pictured). David, a retired consultant en-


gineer, from Loose, has been president on two other occasions and has been a Lion for 34 years. His termof office lasts a year. The club usually gives away


more than £20k to charitable causes each year. It meets on the third Tuesday of eachmonth. For details visit www.maidstone- lions.org.uk or call themon 0845 8339869.


20 Maidstone August 2019


Road, was in the Premier store in Courtenay Roadwhen he became verbally aggressive in front of young children. Prosecuting, Debbie Jones told


Maidstone Magistrates Court: “During the afternoon onMay 20, Lindo refused to leave a Premier convenience store in Courtenay Road. He became aggressive and started swearing at staff mem- bers. “The defendant was heard


shouting an offensive remark at a staffmember saying ‘speak ******* English’. Young children were present at the store andwitnessed the incident. A small bag of cannabiswas also found on him.” Defending, Hugh Roberts said:


“Mr Lindo is a singleman.He did acknowledge during police inter- views a wrongdoing in the situa- tion. He was found with a small


Chairman of the bench, Mike


Bean said: “It seems like you need to start behaving like a sensible citizen. Can I ask how old you are?” Lindo replied: “I’m25. I’ve been


in and out of prison for about five years. Little things just set me off.” Mr Bean said: “You are a young


man and it’s time to get straight now. I’m sure you don’t want to be going in and out of prison your whole life, do you? Because you have only just got out of prison, we are going to give you two con- current sentences for both charges of using threatening behaviour and the possession of cannabis. “You will receive a 12-month


amount of cannabis on himfor his own personal use.” The court heard he had previ-


ous drug convictions and had served time in prison.


conditional discharge, meaning no further action will be taken. However, if you come to court againMr Lindo, youwill be in se- rious trouble.” Lindo pleaded guilty to both


charges andwas ordered to serve a 12-month conditional discharge and pay a £105 fine.


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