Episodes
Some Maidstone businesses have been accused of "trying to con the public" for displaying the wrong food hygiene rating, or none at all.An investigation's found nine out of ten restaurants and takeaways with low scores in the town were misleading customers about their rating.A man who attacked a Kent Police officer with a pair of scissors has been found guilty of attempted murder.The PC suffered more than 20 injuries, mostly to the face and neck, when it happened in June last year. Hear the moment shortly before the attack happened when police tried to arrest Robert Jenner, 50, at his flat i...
There are calls for more to be done to revive Ramsgate town centre as figure show 1 in 4 shops there is empty.MP Polly Billington has been meeting with an action group set up to tackle the problem, and backed new powers enabling the council to bring sites back into use.Hear from reporter Max Chesson who's been investigating the issue.Also in today's podcast, the UK's signed a joint-action plan with Germany aimed at stopping people-smuggling gangs and dangerous small boat crossings to Kent.Berlin's pledged to tighten its laws to make it easier to prosecute those facilitating illegal crossing...
A police control room manager who sent unarmed officers to a Dartford home hours before a woman was shot, has been cleared of gross misconduct.A neighbour had told 999 call handlers the victim's boyfriend had arrived with a handgun.The police watchdog launched an investigation into Inspector Thomas McCall following the murder suicide.Also in today's podcast, The owner of an animal sanctuary near Sittingbourne says she may be forced to leave Kent.Amey James founded Happy Pants Ranch but has been given nine months to get off her current site in Newington after losing an appeal over planning.A...
A man who caused more than £24,000 worth of damage to a Lamborghini parked in Ashford has been ordered to pay compensation.The 49-year-old had been having a drink at the Low Key Taproom in Queen Street when the expensive car was parked nearby.Also in today's podcast, a yellow weather warning for strong winds comes into force today and lasts until 6 on Sunday morning.Storm Darragh is the fourth named storm of the season and is expected to bring damaging winds and heavy rain to some parts of the county.More than 30 people have been arrested as police crack down on county line dealers supplyin...
It's been revealed a Ukrainian man who was found dead in a Maidstone park had crashed his e-scooter and fallen into some water. Absolutely, an inquest has been told Anatolii Cherevko had spent a night at a friend's house before the 24-year-old's body was discovered in an area of Mote Park.Also in today's podcast, our reporter Joe Crossley's been hearing about what's being doing to address an apparent increase in anti-social behaviour in part of Swale.It comes just days after two staff members at McDonalds were attacked at Sittingbourne Retail Park - and a group of around ten people disrupte...
Podcast: Paedophile hunters confront Ramsgate man who sent messages to young "girl" live on Facebook
A child sex offender held his head in his hands and cried “my life is over” as he was exposed by paedophile ‘hunters’ in a video live-streamed to thousands online.Footage of the ‘sting’ was broadcast on Facebook after the Ramsgate man was caught engaging in sexually explicit chats with someone he believed to be a nine-year-old girl.Also in today’s podcast, an arrest has been made over a huge fire that broke out near Canterbury Cathedral on Monday night. A teenager has been taken into custody – crews remain on the High Street today and a cordon is still in place. Tenants at a new build block...
Canterbury city centre has been closed off after a fire broke out at an abandoned former department store. Firefighters have been working through the night at the site of the old Debenhams – one person has been treated for smoke inhalation. Also in today’s podcast, you can hear from a man who was fined for driving on a street where traffic is banned during term time even though the school was on holiday.He says he drove down the road in Chatham when the school was on half-term break and was shocked when he received the fine in the post. Two secondary schools could be closed by the governmen...
A housing developer is trying to pull out of contributing more than £50 million worth of new infrastructure and community facilities - including a £30m major road improvement.The future of the A28 dualling project in Ashford has been thrown into doubt as it emerged Hodson Developments wants to scrap or delay dozens of agreed commitments.Also in today’s podcast, staff have been left in tears after their much “lifeline” charity store had to permanently close following a backdated rent increase.The rental hike left them in £20,000 of arrears and meant it was unable to continue trading.A plan t...
An investigation has been launched after a train derailed in what authorities have described as a “low-speed” incident near Ramsgate. The train was spotted off the tracks, sparking major delays on the network late last night. Also in today’s podcast, a heartbroken family has issued a stark warning after their three-year-old Yorkshire Terrier was killed on a golf course. Mel Lacey was walking his three dogs when he says one of them, Poppy, was hit by a utility vehicle.Police hunting a convicted killer wanted on recall to prison have warned the public not to approach him.Peter Clement was jai...
A woman's received a fine for dropping a cigarette in Swanscombe, despite living 200 miles away and never visiting the town.The fixed penalty notice was sent to Natalie Walton's parents' home in Gravesend.Also in today's podcast, farmers unhappy with the government's changes to inheritance tax have been staging a go-slow tractor protest in Dover.Around 100 vehicles headed through Whitfield towards the docks yesterday afternoon.A school in Sittingbourne has sent a letter out to parents after a small amount of asbestos debris was found.It was discovered after building work at Borden Grammar.K...
A bus company's investigating after a driver was filmed telling a passenger she gave 'disabled people a bad name'.The confrontation happened after Nargis Fakhri, who uses a wheelchair, tried to board the 140 Arriva service at Strood Retail Park.Also in today's podcast, we've been hearing how "Do Not Swim" warnings for some of Kent's busiest beaches will be a blow to local businesses.The water quality at Dymchurch, Littlestone and near to Deal Castle has been rated 'poor' following investigations by the Environment Agency. It's led to fears it could impact summer tourism next year.Hear from ...
The bosses of an air show being held in Thanet has told the KentOnline Podcast there’s no truth to the rumour it could have to be called off because of road closures. If the Manston International Air Show is to go ahead in 2025, it would mean major roads around the event would have to be shut – a move that could cause gridlock during the summer holidays. Also in today’s podcast, a Nando's restaurant which claimed to have closed for “some DIY” was actually pest-proofing to help solve its “mouse activity” problem.Bosses were given a two star hygiene rating after the rodents were spotted by in...
The family of a Whitstable man who took his own life, have questioned why his university didn't recognise that he was struggling with his mental health. Henry Jaques Duley hadn’t attended lectures for five months but no-one followed up with him in person – he was found dead the day before he was due to return to class. Also in today’s podcast, you can hear from a Kent pharmacist after figures showed an increase in assaults on pharmacy staff across the county. It's thought some patients are becoming increasingly aggressive because of medicine shortages.Kent’s Davina McCall says she's feelin...
A drug dealer who made tens of thousands of pounds selling narcotics online from a bedroom at his dad's home in Whitstable has been jailed.A court heard Felix Boo , 24, from Clifton Road bought expensive watches and invested in cryptocurrency after making tens of thousands of pounds.Also in today's podcast, a Maidstone man says he's having to go to A&E several times a week after falling onto a rusty piece of metal in his garden.Matthew Childs has tried to get the dressing re-done at his GP surgery but has been told they can't see him.Head to KentOnline or follow us on socials to see picture...
There have been long delays on the M2 after a pedestrian was hit by a lorry.It happened on the coast bound carriageway between Sittingbourne and Faversham last night.It has been revealed a Canterbury man who killed his partner in a stabbing attack had his mental health referral closed on the same day.53-year-old David Creed from Long Acre Close attacked Catherine Granger in December 2020, just days after saying voices in his head were telling him to kill her. There has been a huge rise in the number of compensation claims for pothole damage in Kent.Figures have gone up from 655 in 2022 to m...
Fed-up neighbours have compared bright lights on a nearby school which stay on until 10pm every night to the Blackpool Illuminations.The Broadstairs residents say the “irritating” glare is still visible even when they have their curtains closed. Also in today’s podcast, homeless people from Essex could be sent to live in Kent as a local authority considers buying hundreds of new-build flats. Basildon council has been eyeing up the properties near Dartford to address its “urgent need” for temporary accommodation.A heroic stranger has talked a grandad out of jumping off a railway bridge in Fa...
A teenage boy who went missing from Medway has been found safe and well.16-year-old James Gibbons hadn't been seen since for nine days ago and was last spotted heading towards woodland near his home in Cuxton.Also in today's podcast, farmers from across Kent are joining a rally in London to protest over changes to inheritance tax.From April 2026, farms worth more than £1 million will have to pay a 20% levy which they say could lead to food shortages. The Prime Minister insists the changes will only affect a small number of farming families.A Ukrainian woman who moved to Kent when the war br...
There are growing fears history is being “demolished” at a long-abandoned railway works as construction progresses on 303 flats in Ashford. Drone images taken in recent days of the site have sparked concern as brickwork at the Grade II listed engine sheds seems to have been taken down. Also in today’s podcast, you can hear from the boss of a playground that’s been rated “outstanding” who’s had to make the “crushing” decision to close after being unable to find a new home. The nursery in Sheerness employs 16 staff, has 56 children on its books and is due to take an another 30 next year – but...
People living on a road in Gillingham fear they won't be able to park near their homes after plans were put in for an HMO.Developers want to convert a property on Selbourne Road into a seven-bed facility, with work including a loft extension. Hear what some neighbours think and we've got a response from the company behind it.Also in today's podcast, a motorcycle thief who was arrested after being chased by police through Maidstone has been jailed.Hear the moment the 23-year-old was detained.A Kent family are calling for potentially live saving equipment to be available in schools and nurser...
It’s been ruled a heartbroken mum grieving the loss of her nine-year-old son unintentionally overdosed on pills prescribed to help her sleep.The beauty therapist from Ashford died just days after the six-month anniversary of the tragic death of her beloved boy, who suffered a fatal asthma attack in November last year.Also in today’s podcast, you can hear the moment a knifeman in Chatham was detained by police after he threatened his neighbours for hanging party decorations. Born-worn cameras captured the arrest of the 57-year-old, who’d violently confronted the people in the flat upstairs b...
Hundreds of people are backing a grieving mum’s campaign for dogs to be banned from a cemetery - after she saw the animals “weeing on headstones”.She says she’s been left “absolutely disgusted” by walkers letting their pets run around and defecate while she is visiting her 16-year-old daughter’s grave.Also in today’s podcast, two people have been violently attacked near their homes after complaining about a neighbour’s music being too loud.A Halling woman has appeared in court, accused of hitting, punching and scratching them when they confronted her. You can hear from a Kent MP who’s urgin...
A man's lost the feeling in one of his hands and suffered injuries to his hip, leg and wrist after being attacked by a dog near Sevenoaks.It involved a Rottweiler-type dog and happened on land in Knockholt, leaving the victim needing plastic surgery. Hear from reporter Charlotte Phillips who has covered the story.Also in today's podcast, we can hear from the chief inspector of prisons after a report revealed how inmates at a Medway jail are using cardboard and towels to stop rats from getting into their cells.Inspectors have been looking at conditions at HMP Rochester and also raised concer...
We're going to hear about a story our reporter Elli Hodgson has been working on looking at digital exclusion.You've probably noticed that every day tasks like paying for parking or ordering a meal are becoming more and more linked to technology. You might need to download an app or scan a QR code. For some, it's brought huge benefits but what about those who struggle to adapt? We've been getting reaction.Also in today's podcast, it's been revealed almost 3,000 fines have been issued to drivers ignoring new School Streets rules in Medway.Cars have been banned from several roads during key ti...
Drivers have spoken of their shock after at least 10 vehicles were “shot at” as they travelled along the A2.Cars, lorries and coaches have all been targeted near Darenth and a Facebook post warning drivers of the danger has now been shared hundreds of times. Also in today’s podcast, a drunk man who killed his friend when he smashed his car into a wall had just minutes earlier proclaimed he was a "good driver" and would get his passengers "safely home".The 27-year-old was almost twice the legal alcohol limit, as well as over the limit for the breakdown product of cannabis, when he tried to d...
Reaction's continuing to come in following Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election.Joe Biden is due to speak later today before meeting Mr Trump for the transition of power - which won't become official until January. We've been asking people in Rochester what they think.Also on today's podcast, a debate's taking place today after thousands of people signed a petition calling for a Kent family centre to stay open.The county council is planning to close Seashells in Sheerness and move some of the services it provides, elsewhere. Hear from our local democracy reporter Simon Fin...
A dog is set to be put down after biting a woman in a Medway park.The victim was walking her own dog in Gillingham Park in April 2022 when she went to stroke the American Akita called Boris.The pet bit her hand, leaving a large wound which needed hospital treatment and took six weeks to heal.Also in today's podcast, an emergency service instructor from Kent has been telling the podcast how he spent three days digging for survivors after a landslide wiped out a village in Bosnia.Chris Kendall and his team were there to deliver training when the landslide happened in October.There's anger at ...
Residents in Whitstable have been left outraged after the county council decided to lock the gates of a playing field which has been earmarked for development. Padlocks have appeared on the entrances of the Church Street playing field which has been open to the public for generations. Also in today's podcast, as Americans cast their vote in the presidential election - we're being reminded the outcome could have real impacts here in Kent.Hear from Dr Andrew Wroe who is a senior lecturer in American Politics at the University of Kent.There are fears people will miss vital hospital appointment...
A driver who woke up after a “terrifying” crash on the A21 with no memory of the accident is appealing for witnesses.He had a swollen face, was covered in blood and surrounded by broken glass after hitting a central reservation, but has no idea of what caused the crash. Also in today’s podcast, a factory worker who sexually assaulted a woman outside a McDonald’s for almost 20 minutes has avoided jail.The Dover man was on a night out when he took advantage of his victim while she was in a vulnerable state. An elderly couple from Gillingham say they were just hours away from paying out £8,650...
A Kent hospital has apologised after a 75-year-old man resorted to sleeping on the floor after a 12-hour wait in A&E.Martin Wakely was taken to Medway Maritime with breathing difficulties, and his wife has described the state of the NHS as "disgusting".An elderly vandal has been spotted cutting down hundreds of handmade poppies.They were part of the Folkestone Poppy Project on the Leas, which sees thousands of crocheted poppies put up on railings every year.The NSPCC say there were more than 260 cases of online child grooming in Kent in the last 12 months.The charity's calling for tech comp...
A heartbroken mum has paid tribute to a dad-of-two who was found dead in the River Medway. Andrew went missing after his dinghy capsized near Sun Pier in Chatham – he’s being remembered as a generous and loving son.Also in today’s podcast, it’s been confirmed a motorcyclist has died following on collision on the M25. Traffic near the Dartford Crossing was brought to a standstill yesterday afternoon and the road didn’t reopen until nearly midnight. A special needs school may have to fork out “tens of thousands of pounds” after being hit with water supply issues.South East Water has apologise...