Closure Order Granted Following Disturbance

A house in Newington has been subject to a partial closure order after it was linked to a disturbance.

The 28-day order was granted at Medway Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday (8th November) after Kent Police applied to the court for the partial closure of the house in Church Lane.

Under Section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, the order prevents anyone from visiting or being inside the property, other than the landlord or the tenant, during that period, or else risk a custodial sentence or an unlimited fine.

Officers made the application following an incident which happened inside the property at around 6am on Sunday 22nd October.

While responding to the disturbance four officers were assaulted, which led to one of them sustaining serious facial injuries.

Seven people were subsequently arrested. Of those arrested the following were charged.

• Luke Crowley, 32, of Lowe Avenue, Canning Town, was charged with wounding with intent and affray. He has been released on bail and is due to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 21 November.

• Emma Tatham, 30, of Church Lane, Sittingbourne and Lauren Walsh, 21, of Winstanley Road, Sittingbourne, were both charged with affray and assault of an emergency worker.

• Kerry Crowley, 52, of Church Lane, Sittingbourne, was charged with affray.

The three women were bailed upon charge and are due to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 30th November.

Kent Police remind that anyone who find themselves affected by assault should report it via the Kent Police website (or by dialling 999 if a crime is in progress).