KentOnline
The top stories from the KentOnline news team
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Episodes
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Podcast: Lilyroos Glamping near Deal given permission to extend opening months despite fears over noise
Tuesday, 4 March 2025
A Kent campsite has been given permission to extend its opening hours - despite concern from people living nearby over noise.Lilyroos Glamping near Deal will be able to welcome visitors for 11 months of the year, instead of just seven. Hear from reporter Louis Walker who has been following the story.Also in today's podcast, an inquiry into the deaths of at least 27 people who died when their small boat capsized in the Channel has begun. Evidence is being heard to find out what lessons can be learned from the tragedy as the vessel made its way to Kent in November 2021.Bosses at a dental surg...
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Podcast: The Apprentice star Jonny Heaver from Deal posts video on TikTok about his facial scars
Monday, 3 March 2025
Star of The Apprentice, Johnny Heaver, has taken to TikTok to explain his facial scars..The 23-year-old from Deal is still in the process and is hoping to become Lord Sugar's next business partner, but his appearance has prompted speculation online. He now says he wants to set the record straight.Also in today's podcast, the sister of an artist who was murdered by a man she didn't know in Thanet has called for more action to tackle violence against women.Claire Knights was attacked as she walked her dog in Birchington in August 2023 and her body was found two days later.Killer Harrison Law...
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Podcast: Death of 25-year-old Regan Phillips, who went missing after a night out in Rochester, caused by accidental fall into the river
Friday, 28 February 2025
A “caring and loving” young man who was “always there for anyone” died after suffering hypothermia and drowning in a river.An inquest has heard 25-year-old Regan Phillips disappeared after enjoying a night out with work colleagues in Rochester. Also in today’s podcast, sickening footage shows the moment a cruel teen holds up a dead seagull by its wings “like a trophy” after it was reportedly killed with a catapult.The youth posed with the bird outside a church in Ashford while another boy captures the moment on his mobile phone.A salon boss says her plans for a new development will breathe ...
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Podcast: Traders hit out at decision to demolish Park Mall shopping centre and Edinburgh Road car park in Ashford
Thursday, 27 February 2025
Traders in a shopping centre in Ashford say a decision to demolish the site is "brutal"...The council have announced the closure-hit Park Mall centre will be temporarily replaced with a car park, while plans are considered for its redevelopment.Also in today's podcast, campaigners against a new road tunnel linking Kent and Essex have suggested a rail route instead.They have been setting out alternatives to the Lower Thames Crossing which they say will be smarter and cheaper.A coroner's ruled the death of a 22 year-old Ashford man who was hit by a train in Australia was a tragic accident.Luk...
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Podcast: Family of former sub-postmistress convicted of stealing from her branch near Canterbury hope to finally prove her innocence
Wednesday, 26 February 2025
The family of a sub-postmistress “shunned in the street” after being convicted of stealing thousands from the branch she ran hope to finally prove her innocence 27 years on.Pat Owen was found guilty of theft from the post office near Canterbury in 1998 despite denying she had anything to do with a £6,000 shortfall in its accounts.Also in today’s podcast, council bosses have confirmed a closure-hit shopping centre and neighbouring multi-storey car park are to be knocked down.Traders at the site in Ashford have been told they need to vacate the site by August 31 ahead of demolition work.A man...
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Podcast: Queen Camilla in Canterbury to unveil statue of playwrite, poet and spy Aphra Behn
Tuesday, 25 February 2025
The Queen is in Kent today to unveil a statue of a heroine of English literature, credited with being the first full-time professional woman writer. Her Majesty arrived in Canterbury high street to reveal the bronze figure Aphra Behn – who was born to a Kent barber in the 17th Century, and then went on to lead an extraordinary life.Also in today’s podcast, a high-flying university graduate is facing a lengthy spell behind bars for causing a man’s death in a horror crash in Dover. He was speeding and on the wrong side of the road when he collided almost head-on with a taxi, killing the rear-...
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Podcast: Kent police sergeant caught naked near Chatham play park spared prosecution
Monday, 24 February 2025
A police sergeant caught naked near a children’s play park has been spared a criminal conviction after prosecutors rejected appeals for him to face more serious charges. He’s escaped with just a caution after he was spotted by shocked dog walkers loitering with no clothes on in woodland in Chatham.Also in today’s podcast, an inquest has heard a father of two was killed in a crash caused by speed, the damp road surface and the condition of his tyres.He died last September on the A2 after he lost control of his black Vauxhall and smashed into the central barrier and a bridge parapet.A plannin...
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Podcast: University of Kent spends £20k on canopy in Chatham as it makes cuts to staff
Friday, 21 February 2025
It has emerged the debt-ridden University of Kent has splashed out £20,000 on a canopy just weeks after it was revealed it is paying £7,000 a month for an empty bar.Students at the Medway campus have been left unimpressed with the newly-built shelter - labelling it “worthless” and a “waste of money”.Also in today’s podcast, there’s been an update on investigations into a fatal shooting which happened outside a village pub on Valentine’s Day. You can hear from Kent Police who say the body of the man suspected of carrying out the attack has been seen in the water.The terrifying moment a maske...
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Podcast: Dad-of-four from High Halden near Ashford given ‘crushing’ news he has just 18 months to live
Thursday, 20 February 2025
A 39-year-old dad-of-four has been given the “crushing” news he has just 18 months to live as the cancer he hoped he had defeated has returned and spread.The Kent community has rallied to support Matt Jones following the devastating diagnosis, which has left him fearing his youngest children will “not even remember me when I’m gone”.Also in today’s podcast, investigators have given an update following the shooting murder of a woman in Knockholt on Valentine’s Day.Lisa Smith was gunned down outside a pub and police now believe her attacker has also died.Villagers have been left stunned after...
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Podcast: Murder trial hears Canterbury man suffered domestic abuse from his estranged wife in the lead-up to his death
Wednesday, 19 February 2025
A trial has heard a Canterbury woman fatally stabbed her estranged husband repeatedly in the chest and through the heart, before storing his body - dressed in his underwear - in a cupboard in her bedroom.The discovery of the 65-year-old's remains was made on July 11 last year after a police officer investigating his disappearance and experienced in homicide enquiries recognised a distinctive "sickly smell" emanating from foliage.Also in today’s podcast, reports of anti-social behaviour have dropped across Kent, but is still an issue for some towns.You can hear from a business owner in Thane...
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Podcast: Tributes paid after man and two dogs die in a house fire in Hersden, near Canterbury
Tuesday, 18 February 2025
A dad who's been described as a 'true gentleman' has died in a house fire in Canterbury.Ian Jameson and his two dogs were discovered at the property in Hersden on Friday night, now a fundraiser has been set up to support his family.Also in today's podcast, CCTV from near to where a woman was shot outside a Kent pub on Valentine's Day has emerged.43 year-old Lisa Smith from Slough suffered fatal injuries near the Three Horseshoes in Knockholt last Friday night.Figures show Kent Police have recorded more than 1,600 cases of child sex abuse images in the space of a year.That's more than 4 ever...
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Podcast: Knockholt community in shock after a woman in her 40s was shot dead outside the Three Horseshoes pub on Valentine's Day
Monday, 17 February 2025
A community has spoken of their shock after a Valentine's Day shooting outside a Kent pub.Police and paramedics had been called to the Three Horseshoes in Knockholt at around 7pm on Friday. A woman in her 40s had been seriously injured and died at the scene.Also in today's podcast, there's been a backlash over plans to build 450-homes on a flood zone in Edenbridge.A revised application for the site in Four Elms Road also includes a secondary school, scout hut and youth centre. A Kent influencer who socials about life with two autistic children has revealed her own autism diagnosis.Lisa Lloy...
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Podcast: Three hospital trusts in Kent record worst A&E waits ever after winter flu puts pressure on NHS
Friday, 14 February 2025
New figures seen by the KentOnline Podcast show almost 3,000 patients were left waiting more than 12 hours for a bed at a Kent hospital in January.Three out of four trusts covering the county recorded their worst-ever emergency figures last month. In 2020 the figure for a long wait was just five patients.Also in today's episode, the MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey has spoken about his experience with HIV during a debate in parliament.Kevin McKenna says the diagnosis and treatment of HIV and AIDS has changed since he was diagnosed 20 years ago.We're told work to create a new health hub in T...
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Podcast: Mum from Harrietsham died in her sleep after an ambulance was stood down just six minutes from her home
Thursday, 13 February 2025
First today we hear from the dad of a Harrietsham woman who died in her sleep just hours after an ambulance was stood down while on its way to her home.Mum of two Karen Ovenell had called 999 after suffering sharp chest pains in August last year.An inquest into the 43-year-old's death has heard how the initial call handler booked an ambulance - but Karen was then told to sleep and book a GP appointment the following day or go to A&E.Also in today's podcast, members of Kent County Council are meeting to vote on their draft budget for the next financial year.In order to balance the books, bos...
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Podcast: Drunk mum who broke friend’s eye socket at Herne Bay’s Vivid nightclub spared jail two weeks before baby due
Wednesday, 12 February 2025
A drunk mum who broke her friend’s eye socket in a vicious nightclub attack has been spared jail after her victim told a judge: “I don’t want her to go to prison, she’s pregnant.”Nadine Telfer, who is due to give birth in two weeks, faced a spell behind bars after dragging another woman to the floor by her hair and punching her in the face. Also in today’s podcast, a popular Kent school fitness and activity coach has been horrifically injured after being hit by a scooter while jogging on holiday.He suffered a shattered leg, ruptured artery and deep muscle laceration in the accident in Goa, ...
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Podcast: Fresh calls for B2163 relief road after lorry smashed into George Inn in Leeds twice
Tuesday, 11 February 2025
A landlady has described how her village pub “shook visibly” as a juggernaut smashed into the building twice after getting stuck in a road closure.Villagers watched in dismay as the driver, who was trying to turn the vehicle round, backed into the function room. Also in today’s podcast, you can hear from the boss of Medway Council ahead of a meeting today to discuss their spending plans for the next financial year.It could see a hike in parking charges and sports centre membership - with council tax also set to increase.Horrified guests have been left stunned at the state of the holiday let...
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Podcast: MPs call on London Mayor to reconsider thousands of fines handed to drivers on the A20 between Sidcup and Swanley
Monday, 10 February 2025
There are calls for something to be done about fines handed to drivers on a stretch of the A20 after a change in the speed limit.This dates back to October 2023 when a section of the road between Crittalls Corner in Sidcup and the Swanley Interchange was reduced from 70 and 50 miles per hour to 40.Also in today's podcast, a Broadstairs woman who was attacked while walking home from uni classes is calling for better support services for victims of street harassment.Daisy Foster had to be treated in hospital after being assaulted by a group of men in Birmingham in 2023.The KentOnline Podcast ...
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Podcast: Nurse at Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham struck-off for racist comments, bullying and harassment
Friday, 7 February 2025
A nurse who called black members of staff monkeys and sent a topless picture of himself in fishnet tights to a junior colleague has been struck-off.Details of Alan Prew's behaviour at Medway Maritime Hospital have been revealed at a Nursing and Midwifery Council hearing.Also in today's podcast, volunteers looking after an ancient woodland near Maidstone say they're in desperate need of funding to continue to secure its future.Mangravat Wood in Loose was saved from a proposed Tesco development 25 years ago.Reform UK have won two seats on Medway Council after residents voted in by-elections.C...
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Podcast: Seven jailed for £22m construction industry fraud unearthed by Kent Police
Thursday, 6 February 2025
Seven people involved in a construction industry fraud that cheated the tax office out of £22m have been jailed.The offenders - six men and one woman - were given sentences ranging from 27 months imprisonment up to nine years and four months. Also in today’s podcast, a devastated mum has warned of a “drug epidemic” in a Kent town after her son overdosed on ecstasy and died.The 16-year-old has taken the pills with a friend at home in Folkestone, and was found unresponsive the following morning.Kent has missed out being part of the government fast-tracked devolution programme.The sweeping cha...
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Podcast: FirstPort freezes residents' accounts at Shorncliffe Heights, Folkestone after hike in bills
Wednesday, 5 February 2025
A property management company has frozen the accounts of residents in Folkestone after complaints about an increase in service charges.Some people living on the new Shorncliffe Heights development have seen their fees double, with others being asked to pay hundreds more annually.The town's MP is backing their concerns and we've been getting reaction from Green party councillor Mike Blakemore.Also in today's podcast, a Maidstone man who stabbed a police officer with scissors is starting 30 years in prison.Robert Jenner, 50, attacked the PC who'd gone to his home in Albion Place with a collea...
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Podcast: Drivers vow to boycott Elwick Place car park in Ashford as ANPR barrier fails to go up
Tuesday, 4 February 2025
Footage at KentOnline shows how drivers are getting stuck in a car park in Ashford, because the barrier won't go up.There have been complaints about the Elwick Place site with some motorists saying they've had to wait in 30 minute queues.We've had a statement from the council which owns the facility.Also in today's podcast, a Tunbridge Wells man who assaulted his partner in an unprovoked attack has been caught following a police chase through a river.The 34-year-old ran from officers while out on bail. They tracked him through woodland near Vauxhall Lane and later down a river, where he was...
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Podcast: Folkestone man who charged at his girlfriend with a knife is jailed and given a 10 year restraining order
Monday, 3 February 2025
A Folkestone man who charged at his girlfriend with a knife after she went to the cinema without him has been locked up.The court heard Wayne Burford, 44, of Foord Road South had previous convictions for crimes against his partner, including for controlling and coercive behaviour.Also in today's podcast, a man who caused the death of an 18-year-old woman in a crash in Canterbury has been jailed for six years.Footage from body-worn cameras shows Jack Cracknell telling police he was speeding at the time of the collision. If you live in Tonbridge, you're being asked what you think on redevelop...
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Podcast: Folkestone mum's anger as driver who hit daughter on zebra crossing avoids time in prison
Friday, 31 January 2025
A Kent mum whose daughter was hit by a driver on a zebra crossing has spoken to the podcast about her anger that he's been spared jail.11-year-old Dollie Giglia was knocked down on Tram Road in Folkestone in January last year. She suffered multiple fractures and a brain injury.Also in today's episode, five members of a crime group have been sentenced after police uncovered a cocaine network in Thanet.Footage at KentOnline shows the moment the ringleader was arrested at his home on Highfield Road in Ramsgate.Campaigners fighting to save two children's centres in Kent say they've won another ...
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Podcast: Faversham woman stole from Gillingham law firm where she worked after being hounded by bailiffs
Thursday, 30 January 2025
A Faversham woman who was caught stealing from her bosses, says she acted out of desperation after being hounded by bailiffs. Paula Gray, 61, of Lower Road stole more than £1,300 from solicitors David Simmonds and Donaghey in Gillingham after falling into debt following the death of her husband.Also in today's podcast, wildlife groups say there will continue to challenge the building of the Lower Thames Crossing, after the government gave the project its support.Rachel Reeves confirmed in a speech on growth yesterday they will be looking to the private sector to help fund the £9 billion roa...
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Podcast: Government confirms support for Lower Thames Crossing linking Kent and Essex, but exploring private finance
Wednesday, 29 January 2025
The Chancellor's made a significant announcement on the future of a project to build another tunnel linking Kent and Essex.During a major speech on how to boost economic growth in the UK, Rachel Reeves backed the Lower Thames Crossing and revealed the government's looking at privately financing the £9 billion scheme.Also in today's podcast, the family of a woman found dead after going missing from Folkestone believe police may have missed opportunities to find her while she was still alive.Leah Daley was discovered at the Warren last May 12 days after she'd last been seen.A criminal gang li...
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Podcast: Drink driver from Maidstone seen slumped over the wheel forced to stop by other drivers on the M25 in Surrey
Tuesday, 28 January 2025
Video footage at KentOnline shows the moment other drivers intervened to stop a drunk driver on the M25.The 42-year-old from Maidstone was almost four times the limit when he was spotted at Leatherhead - and police discovered a bottle of Jack Daniels on the passenger seat.Also in today's podcast, the man in charge at the Port of Dover has revealed the EU's new Entry Exit system has been delayed, again.It'll use biometric data like finger prints and facial scans and was initially supposed to come in in 2022. The KentOnline Podcast understands a phased roll-out will happened from the end of t...
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Podcast: Figures reveal a drop in the number of children applying to some secondary schools in Kent following poor Ofsted ratings
Monday, 27 January 2025
New figures seen by the Kent Online Podcast show there's been a significant drop in the number of children wanting to go to some schools in Kent after they received poor Ofsted reports.The figures highlight the impact a 'poor' grading given to a school by the watchdog can have on admission numbers.Also in today's podcast, three Kent men who were involved in a so-called 'clocking' scam involving second-hand cars and vans have avoided jail sentences.The group from Broadstairs and Chartham wiped two million miles off 23 vehicles before selling them online.Signs are going to be put up outside p...
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Podcast: Family pay tribute to 20-year-old from Minster who died following complications with diabetes
Friday, 24 January 2025
A 20-year-old from Sheppey who died following complications caused by diabetes has been described by his family as 'wonderful, kind, creative and loving'.Jake Chapman from Minster suffered a cardiac event which is thought to have been caused by a lack of insulin.Also in today's podcast, a Dartford shop owner's spoken of his devastation after a lorry containing all of his stock went up in flames.Crews were called to the blaze near the Orchards Shopping Centre last Saturday night.A weather warning for strong wind is in force across Kent as Storm Eowyn hits.Forecasters are predicting gusts of ...
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Podcast: Cranbrook tattoo artist fights to get dog returned after it was seized by Kent Police and declared an XL bully
Thursday, 23 January 2025
More than 1,000 people have signed a petition calling for a dog to be returned to its Cranbrook owner after it was seized and declared a banned XL bully.Police took the animal away following an anonymous tip off, but owner Zakh Green adopted the pet believing it to be a mastiff cross.Also in today's podcast, a Marden man who tried to stop a child reporting the abuse they'd suffered has been jailed.Michael Numan, 58 from Seymour Drive, told his victim they were in a 'special relationship' after targeting them in April 2023.Bosses of a Kent gymnastics club fear they could be made homeless if ...
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Podcast: Head of Hartsdown Academy, Margate sends warning letter to parents after pupils struck down by respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses
Wednesday, 22 January 2025
A warning letter's been sent out by a school in Margate as a number of pupils have fallen ill.There's been an outbreak of respiratory and gastrointestinal sickness at Hartsdown Academy.Also on today's podcast, plans for a major transformation of Folkestone harbour have been rejected.The shock decision came at a meeting last night with councillors on the planning committee raising concerns about the proposals for new homes and commercial units on the seafront.The ideas had been submitted by Sir Roger De Haan’s Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company.People living on an estate near ...
