News Knife attacker


Barnes jailed A PROLIFIC Maidstone thief tried to rob a man in an alleyway whilst armed with two kitchen knives. Jason Barnes (47) of King Street,


was seen waving the weapons and shouting threats after chasing his victim through the town last year. Barnes initially approached the victim at the end of Lynley Close. He pointed a knife at his chest and demanded he hand over his pos- sessions. The victim refused and ran away. Police were called and, after dropping the knives, Barnes was arrested. During a search he tried to headbutt one of the officers. Barnes was charged with at- tempted robbery, two counts of possessing a knife in a public place and assaulting an emer- gency worker.


He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced to four years and five months in prison


Age support OLDER residents in Maidstone


who feel isolated or lonely have been urged to ask for help in a local authority pilot scheme. Kent County Council (KCC) has launched a new social service for people aged over 65, who are feel- ing low or concerned about a practical issue in their life, such as feeling unwell or needing help picking up a prescription. Trained staff will help older people improve health, confi- dence and independence. The pilot scheme has been of- fered to older residents in Shep- way, Maidstone, as well as three other areas of Kent.


Cycling plan


A ROUND-table meeting is to be held between Maidstone Council committee chairmen/vice chair- men, council officers and Maid- stone Cycle Forum to consider “a proper partnership” to ensure safer cycling in the borough. Cllr David Naghi described to a council committee current cycle lanes around Maidstone as “a bit of a disaster”.


COVID cash MAIDSTONE Borough Council,


which administrates Government business support grants during the COVID-19 pandemic, has so far allocated 7,170 grants totalling £40m.


8 Stolen dogs found in car


SIX stolen dogs were found in an abandoned vehicle after a burglary in Staplehurst. The dogs, who are a mixture of bulldog breeds, were taken from a home


in Marden Road, Staplehurst, at about 8.30pm on March 9. The vehicle they were found in has also been seized and is suspected to


have been stolen from the London area. No arrests have been made. Inspector Stephen Kent said: “Returning the dogs to the victim in such a short time is a testament to the professionalism of our officers. “Dog owners can be assured that we do take reports seriously and have


the resources and expertise to achieve positive results.” Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call on 01622 604100 quoting 46/38652/21.


downsmail.co.uk


Police ‘didn’t even try to solve ferrets theft’


A COUPLE who reported the theft of 30 ferrets from their rescue centre are unhappy with the police’s efforts to find the culprits. Roy and Christine Wilson, who


have spent more then 20 years run- ning a sanctuary to the animals, were targeted in a raid earlier this month. Thieves, who police believe must


have used cages and a vehicle to make good their escape, breached security at the premises off Polhill Lane, Harrietsham, between 6pm on March 3 and midday on March 4.


Retired car-breaker Mr Wilson (80) said: “Unless you do all the work, gather a bucket-load of evi- dence and then hand it over to the police, they are not interested. They told me the case is closed through lack of evidence. “The trouble is, they didn’t even try. They didn’t come out to see us and they clearly couldn’t care less.” The founder of Harrietsham Fer- ret Rescue is unsure of the bur- glars’ motivation, but he believes it could be financial. Young ferrets can fetch up to £40 on the open market while a Euro- pean polecat can make £60, he said. Describing the thieves as “trash”, Mr Wilson, who is originally from


Deptford, south London, added: “We’ve spent 20 years rescuing these animals and finding them good homes, then someone comes along and nicks them. I’ve heard of six other thefts from people locally. “We run this place by word of


mouth and never advertise. We ask prospective new owners to book an appointment and then we do a home check to make sure they are going to be looked after properly.” Kent Police said: “Initial en-


quiries with the victim established there were no opportunities for ei- ther CCTV evidence or forensic capture to be obtained.


“Officers issued a media appeal


to try and identify any new lines of enquiry or information which could assist the investigation, but unfortunately at this stage no ar- rests have been made. “As a result, the investigation has been filed pending any further in- formation coming to light.”


Rhubarb deal


VALUE supermarket Aldi has signed a deal to buy rhubarb from a Maidstone supplier. The deal has been made for a million stalks from Farm Fresh Producers’ Organisation, based at Turkey Mill, which represents local growers.


Farm Fresh PO has worked


with Aldi for eight years, provid- ing asparagus, strawberries and green beans.


Store appeal


THE Tesco superstore in Grove Green has helped to raise more than £3,370 on behalf of the Royal British Legion’s poppy ap- peal.


A Poppy Appeal organiser said: “Even during the uncertain times we are facing, and having been put into another lockdown, Tesco Grove Green has raised a whopping £3,371, which is a tremendous effort on everyone’s part.”


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