Local News

An injured man who repeatedly spat at ambulance staff who were trying to help him has been jailed for six months.

William Gregory, 36, had been drinking alcohol when he was found collapsed on a grass verge next to a row of houses in Newbridge Avenue, Sittingbourne, on Monday 5th September. He also appeared to have removed a plaster cast from his foot.

Members of the public were concerned for his welfare and dialled 999, resulting in Kent Police officers and South East Coast Ambulance Service clinicians attending the scene.

As they tried to help him, Gregory turned violent and threatened to fight the officers before spitting at the ambulance crew.

He was arrested but continued to lash out and spit after being placed on a stretcher so they could examine his injured foot. A spit guard was then placed over Gregory’s head but he continued to try to spit and bite those present through the material.

Gregory, of Marine Parade, Sheerness, pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting an emergency worker when he appeared before Medway magistrates on Friday 23 September. He also admitted stealing £54 worth of goods from B&M Bargains, Queenborough, whilst on bail.

The six-month sentence also includes the activation of an eight-week suspended sentence for an unrelated offence.

Investigating officer PC Lauren Yates told SFM News: ‘Spitting at anyone is an abhorrent thing to do but to target someone who is trying to help you is completely unacceptable. Our colleagues at South East Coast Ambulance Service save lives every day and deserve our utmost respect and thanks. The fact they continued attempting to examine William Gregory even whilst he was spitting at them shows how dedicated they are to their jobs and how dreadful his actions were. I hope this outcome sends a strong message to anyone else who might consider assaulting an emergency worker in the future that they risk being put behind bars."

SECAmb Security Manager Dave Monk added: "‘This individual’s actions were disgusting. We welcome the jail sentence and promise to continue to work with our police colleagues to hold individuals to account for their actions. Our staff deserve to come to work without the fear of being assaulted and abused. We will never allow our staff to feel that this kind of behaviour is acceptable and part of the job."

Seven Fox Red Labrador pups, all suffering from mange, were discovered yesterday (Monday 12th September) by Swale Borough Council's Stray Dog Service.

They have all nowl been microchipped and given vaccinations at Bobbing Hill Veterinary Surgery who have reported that one of the Labrador puppies weighs less than half of what she is meant to.

Swale Borough Council's Stray Dog Service tld SFM News: "We're so proud of our babies for being big and brave whilst at the vets today. Our little miss was the smallest weighing in at just 4kg, but don't be fooled, her teeth are just as sharp has her brothers! All pups have also been treated for fleas and worms and they're off now for a good wash before coming home for some tea and a big nap."

SBC's Dog Warden then went on to thank Leanne at Paw Prints Groomers, for volunteering to groom the 10-week-old pups free of charge.

The warden added: "As always, your support is greatly appreciated and your kind comments have been lovely. If anyone would like to donate towards the pups ongoing vet costs, please contact Bobbing Hill Vets. However, please be aware that through no fault of their own, they’re unable to accept anything under £20. Donations aren't mandatory and there is absolutely no obligation, we just get asked this question frequently."

Swale Borough Council have confirmed: "This is animal cruelty and outright neglect. These pups didn't ask to be born and they certainly didn't deserve to be dumped like rubbish. Sadly with the current pet crisis, we feel this is just the tip of the iceberg."

Anyone with any information on the possible owner, or who dumped the pups, is asked to call Swale Borough Council on 01795 417850.

Anyone who wishes to donate to their veterinary care should contact KareBear Kennels Day Care and Doggy Holidays in Gillingham on 01634 233 624.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service were called to Sheppey Way in Iwade to reports of a bungalow fire at around 11pm last night (Thursday 1st September).

Four fire engines attended and crews tackled a fire in the roof space using hose reel jets and main jets.

KFRS’ volunteer response team also attended to provide support the occupants and residents in neighbouring properties affected by the incident. 

There were no reported casualties and the cause is not yet known. 

Targeted action to locate wanted suspects in Swale has led to a series of arrests for offences including a violent assault and fraud.

The arrests follow proactive work by teams across the district to reduce the number of outstanding suspects also linked to offences such as shoplifting and criminal damage.

Over recent days this increased focus has led eight named potential offenders being successfully located. These include a 23-year-old woman who was arrested in connection with allegations of a serious assault with a glass at a premises in Sittingbourne High Street. A man, aged 40, was also successfully detained and later charged in relation to causing criminal damage to properties in Crown Quay Lane, Sittingbourne.

Whilst a significant number of arrests made by Kent Police will often be the result of reactive responses to crimes in action, officers dedicate considerable time and resources to ensuring other suspects do not slip through net. This can include checking through evidence such as CCTV to identify thieves who target businesses, such as supermarkets and small retailers.

On Saturday 30th July, several items were stolen from a Co-op in Faversham and a suspect was actively sought having previously ran from police. The 40-year-old has now been located and interviewed under caution as part of an ongoing investigation.

Officers are also determined that suspects linked to non-recent crimes are also brought to justice. On Wednesday (24th August) a 36-year-old man from Faversham was arrested in connection with allegations he used an employer’s bank card to make multiple fraudulent purchases between January and May 2022, totalling more than £2,000.

Divisional Commander for North Kent, Superintendent Keith Roberts, told SFM: "ensuring an increased focus in identifying and locating outstanding suspects is just one way of providing a robust response to all manner of offences, no matter how small or minor they may seem. A lot of proactive work our officers do remains unseen, however their diligence and determination are crucial in keeping our communities and streets safe."