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Thug smashed dinerwindow
A DRUNK teenager cracked a window at McDonald’s after a screamingmatchwiththe security guard inMaidstone. Reece Waters (19), formerly of
Church Crescent in Harrietsham but nowliving inMaidstone, took a tube of sour cream and onion Pringles into the dockwith himon a single charge of criminaldamage. Prosecuting, James Nichols told
Maidstone Magistrates Court: “At around7pmon June 14,Waters en- teredMcDonald’swith a group of friends.He appeared agitated and began shouting at security. He then kicked and hit the door caus- ing it to crack. “McDonald’s had to pay £1,089
to get it fixed, so I would ask that some compensation is awarded.” Defending, Jag Takk said: “Mr
Waters is 19 years old and suffers from autism, ADHD and As- perger’s syndrome.When he was 15, his dad died of a heart condi- tion,meaning hismumhadto look after himand his siblings alone.” MrTakk saidhismother thenleft
the home. “He lived with his younger brother and had to en- dure a host of problemswith rent, bailiffs and care. “His younger brother is now in care. However, Mr Waters hasn’t
turned to crime. I’m aware he is here today for a criminal matter, but he hasn’t gone round stealing fromhouses or anything like that. “The background here is hewas
drunk at the time, recognised the security guardwho has had previ- ous altercations with his cousin, took the situation upon himself andendedupkicking thedoor.He was then quickly arrested. It is safe to say today he has taken proceed- ings very seriously.” Chairman of the bench, Gary
Knight said: “It’s a shame to spoil your clean record with something so silly. Do you have a temper? I think you need to learn to count to 10.” Waters admitted criminal dam-
age andwas given a 12-month con- ditional discharge and a £605 fine.
Alderman honour for Fran
THE former Liberal Democrat leader of Maidstone Borough Council has beenmade an Honorary Alderman for her sterlingwork over decades. FranWilson, who decided to retire earlier this year, was leader of the
council twice and served on every committee. On July 17, MBC voted unani-
mously to bestowthe honour on her. Cllr Fay Gooch, the independent
deputy leader to current Lib Dem leader Martin Cox, described her as “hard-working, determined, very thorough, hugely experienced, a consummate politician and a great strategic thinker…” Cllr Wilson was leader when the
Local Plan, the controversial scheme to deliver 17,600 houses to the bor- ough and supporting infrastructure, was adopted. Conservative opposition group leader Cllr John Perry said thatMrsWil-
son was a “wonderful servant to the borough” and a “formidable politi- cian”. He added: “I cannot think of anyone better to be our first Honorary Al-
derman. Iwish her all the best for the future.” Labour leaderMalcolmMcKay said that despite his initial reservations
about the ceremonial role, he said that MrsWilson as the first recipient had set the standards high fromthe start.
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