Kentcounty

Bilal Adam, 30, a Sudanese national living in Manchester, took a fishing boat from Royal Harbour in Ramsgate at about 03:15 on Tuesday and attempted to take it out to sea, causing over £5,000 of damage. He pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking and damaging a vehicle at Margate Magistrates' Court on Wednesday and was sentenced to eight months in prison. He was also disqualified from driving for one year and 121 days.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service has warned that without extra funding, it could face service cuts next year. The service is consulting residents on whether to freeze council tax, increase it by up to £5 a year for a Band D property, or suggest an alternative amount. The service currently receives about 67p of every £1 it spends from council tax.

Andy Gardiner, 59, a postman in Folkestone, died after being hit by a black VW Sharan on Canterbury Road on Sunday evening. His family described him as 'an amazing father, grandfather, brother, partner, friend' known for his infectious smile and love of running, football and music. A 49-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and released on bail.

Spending by Kent County Council on private special educational needs (SEND) places has soared by 429% between 2019-20 and 2025-26, from £27.6m to £143.7m, according to data obtained by a former head teacher. A former head teacher said the rises were driven by increasing numbers of children assessed as needing special schools combined with KCC's lack of capacity, and high success rates in tribunal appeals by parents seeking placements. KCC acknowledged the pressures came from rising costs and tribunal decisions, but said these were national issues and announced two new state-funded SEND schools planned for Whitstable and Swanley, although both have been delayed.

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth has warned his League Two side to avoid an FA Cup upset against National League side Barrow in their first-round match on Saturday. Ainsworth, who experienced a giant-killing as a player when Wycombe beat Wimbledon on penalties in 2001, says the gap between the leagues is small and expects a tough test.

Musa Salih, 19, has been jailed for life for murdering Harley Purdue, 19, in Chatham, Kent on 2 December 2025. Salih stabbed Purdue seven times during a late-night attempted robbery, then tried to lock him in a toilet to steal his money. Purdue died in his pregnant girlfriend's arms. Judge Saxby KC imposed a minimum term of 25 years.

A man has been charged with aggravated vehicle taking after an incident at Ramsgate harbour in the early hours of Tuesday. Kent Police were called at about 03:15 GMT to reports of a theft in progress at Royal Harbour, where someone allegedly attempted to take a fishing boat to sea. Bilal Adam, a Sudanese national from Greater Manchester, was charged and is due to appear at Margate Magistrates' Court.

Anti-migrant activist Daniel Thomas, 37, will stand trial in June 2027 at Westminster Magistrates' Court over claims he entered a restricted area at Western Jet Foil migrant processing centre in Dover on 31 March. He denies the charges, which also include racially aggravated harassment and using threatening words or behaviour. He originally pleaded guilty to entering the restricted zone but later withdrew that plea after his court heard he may have received incorrect advice from his solicitor.

Gianni Infantino has been unveiled as this year's effigy for Edenbridge Bonfire Society's annual celebration on Saturday. The society said he was chosen for making a 'string of decisions that have left their mark on the world of football in the wake of the World Cup'. The 36ft effigy will take centre stage alongside a giant Guy Fawkes.

Emilio, five, from Ramsgate, was diagnosed with high-risk metastatic neuroblastoma after developing a limp, tiredness and fever. His mother Mary said symptoms were initially thought to be a hip condition or virus, but hospital scans found a mass. Friends have raised more than £4,700 towards a £7,000 target to support the family while Emilio receives about 80 days of chemotherapy at London's Royal Marsden Hospital.

Marc and Tony Stevenson, twin brothers who both recently turned 70, have marked 44 years running Stevenson Brothers Rocking Horses from their workshop in Bethersden, near Ashford, Kent. They create bespoke rocking horses for customers worldwide and restore antique models. The brothers say customers often become emotional when reunited with childhood horses or seeing restored versions of their own childhood favourites.