KentOnline podcast

20:29

A woman who feared she would die at the hands of her controlling husband has told of her horror after he avoided prison despite years of abuse that left her with life-changing injuries. She says what began as “the most incredible love” turned into a suffocating and terrifying relationship in which she was constantly monitored, isolated and attacked inside her own home. Also in today’s podcast, you can hear the moment a man was arrested after a drone was allegedly used to deliver drugs to inmates at a prison in Maidstone. Police called after the device had been found within the grounds alongside a package containing a large quantity of cannabis. We’ve spoken to a Medway councillor who has become one of the latest Conservatives to defect to Reform UK. Cllr Robbie Lammas has represented the Princes Park ward since August 2021 as a Tory but has now switched, saying his former party “is over”. In sport, Gillingham’s stand-in boss Richard Dobson was disappointed to lose their EFL Trophy match but delighted with the lessons learned by many of their young players. The Gills lost 2 – 1 after sending a young team out to meet a seasoned Colchester United team away. And, a play about Gareth Southgate's time as England manager has arrived in Kent as part of its first UK tour. Dear England is based on a letter the former footballer wrote to fans during Covid ahead of Euro2020 – you can hear from the man who’s stepping into the lead role. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

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Podcast: A woman who stabbed a stranger in a street in Dover has been detained in a psychiatric unit 21:29

hace 1 day21:29

21:29

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Podcast: Asda employee fraudulently used company’s Cabfind account to book £6k worth of taxis to London, Maidstone and Gravesend 20:53

hace 2 días20:53

20:53

An Asda employee has faced court after abusing a company taxi account to fund more than £6,000 worth of personal journeys – including a 115-mile round trip to visit his mum in London. He repeatedly booked cabs on the supermarket’s tab despite having no right to use the system, exploiting it for weeks before being caught. Also in today’ podcast, bosses in Medway say red routes will be repaired - after pictures revealed the painted lines in one town have already worn away . The double lines were controversially introduced on busy routes - including the A2 in Rainham - in May last year in a bid to tackle congestion. The KentOnline Podcast has been hearing how teachers, nurses and young families are among those struggling to afford hygiene products in Kent. You can hear from a local charity who provide products including toilet roll, washing powder and deodorant to those who can't afford it as we start a national awareness week. A mum says it is “irresponsible” that a shop window displayed an uncensored cushion with an expletive in view of children. She was walking past the Urban Outfitters in Tunbridge wells when she saw the embroidered pillow on display. And in sport, you can hear from Gillingham’s weekend goalscorer Jonny Williams who’s frustrated at the team’s performance in the loss to MK Dons . It’s back to back defats for the Gills who have now dropped to fourth in the table. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

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Podcast: Thousands of people are being urged to join a protest organised by SOS Whitstable against pollution in our seas and rising water bills 27:08

hace 5 días27:08

27:08

Campaigners are gathering on the Kent coast this weekend to protest against sewage leaks and rising water bills. SOS Whitstable says Labour aren't doing enough to tackle the issue, more than a year after winning the general election. Also in today's podcast, police in Kent have told us they're providing reassurance to the Jewish community in the county following a terrorist attack in Manchester. Two people died when a man drove into crowds outside a synagogue before attacking people with a knife. Hear how MPs in Kent have reacted to what happened. It's been confirmed today Sarah Mullally is the new Archbishop of Canterbury . The former nurse is the first female head of the Church of England and takes over the role from Justin Welby who stood down in January. Hear from our reporter who's at Canterbury Cathedral. A coven of witches in Kent has been told they can't hold a psychic fair in a village hall, just six days before it was due to take place. The Coven of the Sacred Oak booked Bredhurst Village Hall for the event to share their skills and raise money. More than 10,000 dancers from around 60 different countries are going to be heading to Medway over the next few days. The Towns are hosting the qualifiers for the 72nd International Dance Festival ahead of the final at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Celia Imrie's going to be heading to Kent to chat about her new book. The Bridget Jones's Diary and Thursday Murder Club star will be at the Hazlitt Theatre as part of Maidstone LitFest . In sport, Gillingham will be looking to bounce straight back this weekend from their first defeat of the season. They lost 1-0 to Harrogate Town at Priestfield last Saturday and head to MK Dons tomorrow. Assistant boss Richard Dobson is taking charge of the side while manager Gareth Ainsworth is away having heart surgery. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

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Podcast: Ashford mum stabbed daughter in the back as she cooked the family meal before turning kitchen knife on herself 20:54

hace 7 días20:54

20:54

An inquest has heard a mum stabbed her daughter in the back with a 12-inch kitchen knife while she was cooking a family meal - before fatally turning the blade on herself. She’d told a psychiatric nurse of her fear of being sectioned just hours before the tragedy unfolded in Ashford in June. Also in today’s podcast, a family has accused planning officers of acting “cruelly” following the “flawed” refusal of an annex for their severely disabled son. The family say the outbuilding extension in Hoo could provide a suitable home for their son, who has autism and complex needs, to live and be cared for by them. A church leader will chair an evening with leaders in Medway to discuss what our country’s flag means . It’s after St George Crosses appeared on lampposts and spray painted on roundabouts over the summer – Reverend Nathan Ward says a bigger conversation needs to be had. We've been hearing how charitable trusts in Kent are helping support young carers. We’ve spoken to Imago, as figures show as many as one-in-five people under the age of 18 are responsible for looking after a loved one. And you can hear from a Kent cheerleading squad that will be taking part in one of the world’s most competitive championships . MCDA Allstars, based in Chatham, will be representing the UK at the Allstar World Championship 2026 in Florida. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

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Podcast: Investigation reveals the scale of bed blocking in hospitals in Kent as some patients wait months to be discharged 22:22

hace 7 días22:22

22:22

An investigation by KentOnline has uncovered the scale of bed blocking in Kent's hospitals with some patients waiting months to be discharged. Over the past year, almost 40,000 people in two parts of the county were kept in wards after their treatment had finished - costing the NHS around £50 million. Hear from the daughter of a woman who ended up in hospital for a month longer than she needed to be. Also in today's podcast, the government is being urged to invest more into GP surgeries as a survey in Kent shows the workforce is in crisis. Doctors and practice managers across the county were asked about their experiences and almost three quarters reported being under 'significant stress'. As Stoptober gets underway, pregnant women in Kent are being urged to stop smoking as figures reveal hundreds are still doing it while expecting. Stats show more than 1 in 10 mums-to-be in Thanet are having cigarettes - the highest in the county. A grandmother from Goudhurst says she's still in shock after her home was targeted in a suspected arson attack. Neighbours spotted the blaze on the edge of Valerie Excell's house on High Ridge on September 18th. The KentOnline Podcast has been told it's still important the stories of the Windrush generation are shared today. Thousands of people moved from the Caribbean between the 1940s and 70s to rebuild Britain following the second world war. Among them was Asquith Xavier who lived in Chatham and fought against discrimination to become the first Black train guard at Euston station. Hear from his granddaughter, Camealia Xavier-Chihota, who runs Medway Culture Club which is putting on events during Black History Month. A wine producer that has a vineyard in Kent has picked up one of the most prestigious awards in the industry. Nyetimber has a site in Thurnham and has been recognised for their 2016 Blanc de Blancs, while their head wine maker also won Sparkling Wine Maker of the year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

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Podcast: Residents in Joyce Green Walk, Dartford, fear lives are at risk after 'hoarded' items in a garden were deliberately set alight 18:19

hace 8 días18:19

18:19

People living in part of Dartford say lives are being put at risk by mounds of hoarded waste in a garden. Pictures at KentOnline show the state of the land outside the bungalow on Joyce Green Walk in the town, and a fire that recently broke out there is being treated as suspected arson. Hear from reporter Alex Langridge who has been covering the story. Also in today's podcast, police have cordoned off part of Rochester High Street following reports of a suspicious item. The bomb squad was called to a residential property near Corporation Street yesterday evening. Residents in Dover say they are suffering sleepless nights due to a generator at a new store. The machine has been running at the Co-op on Archers Court Road in Whitfield for the past seven weeks. The deputy leader of Reform UK says the party taking control of Kent County Council will show the country what they can do. They won this years' local elections in a landslide. Richard Tice has been the guest on the latest episode of the Kent Politics Podcast . A bus that used to take passengers around Maidstone has been given a new lease of life , as a soft play facility for SEN children. The Nu-Venture vehicle had to stop running a couple of years ago when it's engine died and was donated to Five Acre Wood School in Loose. And in sport, Kent rugby player Rosie Galligan says being part of the World Cup winning squad has been "phenomenal". The 27-year-old from West Malling came on as a 70th-minute replacement in Saturday's victory over Canada at Twickenham. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

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Podcast: Man died after accidentally stepping on live third rail at tracks near Dover during bid to flee the UK and avoid arrest 20:10

hace 9 días20:10

20:10

A hearing's been told how a young man died in a tragic accident on a railway line in Kent as he attempted to leave the UK. An inquest was told the 25-year-old Albanian national was trying to cross the tracks near the Motis Lorry Park last September. Also in today's podcast, There's been a mixed reaction to new bus fares that've come into force in parts of Kent. Stagecoach have increased their prices by 10p for short or medium-length journeys. We've been hearing what people in Maidstone think while Stagecoach have told us why the price hike is necessary. Plans for 100 new homes and sports facilities in a village near Maidstone have been delayed again. Residents in Lenham have been waiting six years for a decision on the development off Old Ashford Road. Hear from the chairman of the parish council. Kent Fire and Rescue are praising the work of their volunteer unit, as it celebrates its tenth anniversary. The Volunteer Response Team is on call 365 days a year and works with crews at the scene of fires and floods. Drivers have helped rescue three dogs after they were dumped by a roadside in Sittingbourne. The animals were seen being left by a van driver on Ruins Barn Road before the vehicle sped off. In sport, hear from the Gillingham manager who has revealed he will be undergoing planned heart surgery this week. Meantime, Gillingham's unbeaten run under Gareth Ainsworth has come to an end. We've got reaction from midfielder Bradley Dack. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

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Podcast: ‘Greedy’ Canterbury gambler blew millions on betting sites while fleecing family and friends 26:08

hace 13 días26:08

26:08

A "greedy and manipulative" gambler who fleeced family, friends and teammates out of life-changing sums of money as he blew more than £4 million on betting sites has been sent to prison. Kenny Sanders convinced some of those closest to him to part with their savings, inheritances and pension pots, assuring them he was investing their cash in a thriving IT company. Also in today’s podcast, the family of a British couple detained in Iran have said they have “no clear information” on their upcoming court appearance, claiming UK officials are also “in the dark”. Lindsay and Craig Foreman were taken into custody in January during a motorcycle tour around the world and were later charged with espionage. Council leaders, MPs and local business bosses will meet in Ashford today, calling for international rail services to return to Kent. The event is being hosted by Kent County Council who say the move could boost the visitor economy by 300-million pounds a year. In sport, Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth is looking forward to the club making a statement to the rest of the division this weekend. Priestfield will be near to capacity for the visit of Harrogate Town, with the Rainham End sold out, and all available tickets for the bottom section of the Town End also snapped up in the week. And in the women’s game you can hear from the managing director of London City Lionesses who have approval to completely overhaul their Kent training ground . The rebuild of facilities at Cobdown Park in Aylesford will cost tens of millions of pounds and rivals those built for men’s teams. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

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Podcast: Lowered speed limit along bumpy stretch of A299 Thanet Way between Faversham and Herne Bay an "absolute disgrace" 22:36

hace 14 días22:36

22:36

The need for yet more restrictions on a “rollercoaster” stretch of the New Thanet Way has been branded an “absolute disgrace” – with highways bosses unable to say how long a reduced 50mph speed limit will stay in place. Kent County Council says “urgent” action was needed because dangerous bumps in the dual-carriageway between Faversham and Herne Bay are putting drivers at risk. Also in today’s podcast, a pensioner who drove his car into another man at a gated residential park, which was caught on camera, had previously attacked another resident . The 70-year-old deliberately drove into the man in Hoo after wrongly believing the victim was trying to harass him just months after being charged with assault by beating. Residents whose road has been turned into a ‘dangerous’ rat run after a major landslip more than two years ago fear someone will be killed. People living in Stanhope Road in Swanscombe say life has become intolerable since nearby Galley Hill Road was shut after the collapse in April 2023. A primary school in Gravesend is trying to raise £20,000 to fix their pool, which has fallen into disrepair It's believed Cecil Road Primary and Nursery is the only one in the area with a swimming pool – you can hear from the school’s head and from some of the students about what it means to them. And you can hear from international DJ Joel Corry who’s been on kmfm’s Hit List. He’s taken some time out to talk to Jack about his new fitness sessions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

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Podcast: Four men arrested after ‘stabbing’ in Halfway Road on Sheppey 21:58

hace 14 días21:58

21:58

Four men are being questioned by police after another man is said to have been stabbed . Police were called to reports of a disturbance inside a property in Halfway Road on Sheppey last night – you can hear from one of our reports who’s been at the scene. Also in today’s podcast, former Gillingham FC chairman Paul Scally is being sued in the High Court over the £7 million takeover of the club by its American owners. Brad Galinson and the club are taking legal action, alleging a whole host of financial wrongdoing concerning the League 2 side’s affairs. A motorist says he’ll think twice about ever buying a vehicle from a used car dealer again after the stress of buying a car with a “serious underlying fault“ gave him sleepless nights. Gary Faber bought a 2019 Jaguar E Pace online from Hippo Motor Group for £22,000 but six days later the engine management light came on. Management at Gillingham are backing a fan-led campaign to try and get 8000 people in Priestfield this weekend. It follows their 3-1 win over Newport County last Saturday which set a new club record for the number of games unbeaten. And, you can hear from a Kent singer/songwriter who w rote an original song every day , for more than 400 days. Jasper Hodges started busking on the streets of Canterbury when he was just 13 – he's now played festival at Hyde Park and Ally Pally. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

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Podcast: Canterbury woman spared jail after spiking man’s drink with laxative in Dover boasts on Facebook 24:33

hace 15 días24:33

24:33

A woman spared jail for lacing a bottle of coke with laxatives which left a man with severe diarrhoea boasted on Facebook she was free within hours of leaving court. The 38-year-old poured more than half a bottle of lactulose into the fizzy drink which was then guzzled by the unsuspecting victim. Also in today’s podcast, a rugby referee rushed to hospital after almost collapsing during a match is warning others not to ignore their body if they are not feeling right. He was officiating a tie between Duke of York School in Dover and King’s Rochester in Medway when he began struggling just minutes after kick-off. There are calls for more of us to have conversations about organ donation as figures reveal 120 people from Kent have died while on the transplant list over the last decade. Numbers given to the KentOnline Podcast also show 118 people from the county received potentially life-saving surgery over the past year. A hairdresser is cutting her losses and has transformed her salon into a private healthcare clinic in Sittingbourne - with the help of a former client. She’s been in the hair industry for 40 years but says the salon had become unprofitable in recent years so she made the “devastating” decision to close it. And, a “nurturing and inclusive” music school for youngsters with special needs is set to move into its new home. Specialist college SupaJam will set up shop at the former NatWest building in Swanley next year – you can hear from their CEO about who they are and what they do. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

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Podcast: Off-grid grandad won't leave makeshift home on the Swanscombe Peninsula despite being ‘fenced in’ 25:36

hace 16 días25:36

25:36

An off-grid grandad says he won’t be forced out of his creekside home despite being “more or less” fenced in . Bob Thwaites has lived off the bank of the Swanscombe Peninsula without any problems since 1991 but the new landowner have now put up a 6ft to keep people out. Also in today’s podcast, there are fears the government's decision to approve a second runway at Gatwick Airport could lead to more noise pollution for Kent residents. £2.2 billion of private money is going to be spend on the expansion - which will allow for another 100-thousand flights a year. An MP is calling for a crackdown on excessive numbers of houses of multiple occupancy in Gillingham. Naushabah Khan says too many HMOs are being permitted in Gillingham and warns the current system could damage community cohesion and change the character of neighbourhoods forever. More than 130 people will carry the Baton of Hope at it travels through Kent today. The tour aims to change the narrative around suicide and started in Medway earlier - we’ve spoken to some of the people taking part. And in football we’ve got plenty of reaction from what was a record breaking weekend for Gillingham. Their in over Notts County has seen their unbeaten run in League Two to 21 games. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

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Podcast: Kent County Council backtrack on pledge to treat climate change as an emergency 24:59

hace 19 días24:59

24:59

Kent County Council have backtracked on a pledge to treat climate change as an emergency . An official declaration was made in 2019 - but a Reform UK councillor has now led a motion to scrap the statement, describing the science behind global warming as "nonsense". Despite a protest outside County Hall in Maidstone, the motion was voted through by 50 votes to 21 with three abstentions. Also in today's podcast, a Kent headteacher says children are being traumatised by content they're seeing online . Damian McBeath banned children from having phones in class last year and is now backing a national campaign calling for the digital age of consent to be raised to 16. Anti-immigration protestors are set to rally in Kent again this weekend. Demonstrators will march through Canterbury to a facility being used to house asylum- seeking children, while a counter demonstration is also due to take place. Hear from our local democracy reporter Dan Esson. The final Salute to the 40s event will take place at the Historic Dockyard in Chatham this weekend. The retro festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors but, after running for 18 years, this will be the very last one. Hundreds of people will be taking part in a fundraising walk for a hospice charity in Gravesend this evening. ellenor's annual Twilight Walk starts and ends at St Georges C of E School with an eight kilometre route around the town. And in football, Gillingham have the chance to break a club record this weekend. They're currently 20 games unbeaten in league two. A win or draw at Newport County tomorrow would make it the longest run without a defeat in the side's history. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

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Podcast: Cafe at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford closed off to make room for patients in makeshift ward 20:46

hace 20 días20:46