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Ben Austin

Benjamin Austin joined the KM group in 2022. He joined as a trainee reporter covering the West Kent region for the Kent Messenger

New school for SEND pupils opens in 19th century mansion

28 September 2024
New school for SEND pupils opens in 19th century mansion

A new school for students with special educational needs has moved into a Victorian mansion previously used as offices.

3

‘Callous’ thief followed victim home to steal necklace

26 September 2024
‘Callous’ thief followed victim home to steal necklace

A “callous” thief has been jailed after following her elderly victim home to steal her jewellery.

Suspect arrested after ‘gun’ fired at police car

26 September 2024
Suspect arrested after ‘gun’ fired at police car

A man has been arrested following reports of a “handgun” being fired at a police patrol car.

Fishing spot still closed after ‘deadly’ carp disease discovered

25 September 2024
Fishing spot still closed after ‘deadly’ carp disease discovered

Restrictions have been put in place at a popular fishing spot after traces of a disease deadly to carp has been found.

Romance fraudster swindled £120,000 from victim he met online

25 September 2024
Romance fraudster swindled £120,000 from victim he met online

A 53-year-old man who claimed to be a secret operative army officer in Mali and swindled £128k from a woman he met online has been jailed.

23

‘You’ve still got options’: paedophile recorded pep talk before arrest

24 September 2024
‘You’ve still got options’: paedophile recorded pep talk before arrest

A “dangerous” paedophile has been jailed for nearly 20 years after being found guilty of rape and sexual assault.

‘It’s like a moat around our home’

24 September 2024
‘It’s like a moat around our home’

Residents face a “moat” of water outside their flats as a leak goes unfixed for almost a month.

1

‘We’re fully booked until January - but it’s time to move on’

24 September 2024
‘We’re fully booked until January - but it’s time to move on’

The owner of a village hotel, pub and restaurant has decided to sell up after turning the business around in just a year.

4

Serial shoplifter targeted Aldi, Asda, Morrisons and Co-op

20 September 2024
Serial shoplifter targeted Aldi, Asda, Morrisons and Co-op

A 22-year-old shoplifter has been jailed after she admitted stealing from major supermarkets.

'Why was my brother cruelly and brutally murdered as he walked through park?'

20 September 2024
'Why was my brother cruelly and brutally murdered as he walked through park?'

A family of a teenager stabbed to death in a park is in “constant despair” as police continue to look for answers one year on.

Sixth person charged after drugs and guns found

19 September 2024
Sixth person charged after drugs and guns found

An investigation which stemmed from police pulling over a vehicle without a front number plate has seen a sixth person charged.

Tree trial planted in ‘sledging spot’

19 September 2024
Tree trial planted in ‘sledging spot’

Upset over ‘sledging spot’ after tree project appears

15

Road closed for two more days due to water burst

18 September 2024
Road closed for two more days due to water burst

A road is to remain closed for two days due to a burst water pipe.

Banking hub set for town hit by branch closures

18 September 2024
Banking hub set for town hit by branch closures

A new one-stop shop for banking is set to launch in a town - despite the idea previously being ruled out.

1

Agricultural college’s live-in provision rated ‘outstanding’

17 September 2024
Agricultural college’s live-in provision rated ‘outstanding’

A college has been given top marks for its residential provision with students “thriving” according to inspectors.

Bake Off’s Laura Adlington to unveil unique ‘airport hangar’ thrift shop

16 September 2024
Bake Off’s Laura Adlington to unveil unique ‘airport hangar’ thrift shop

Two best friends with a huge combined social media following are teaming up to promote a hospice’s pre-loved fashion venture.

4

‘I’ve worked here for 23 years - this is what I’ve learnt’

15 September 2024
‘I’ve worked here for 23 years - this is what I’ve learnt’

The manager of a jewellers celebrating 50 years in a Kent town says moving to the shop changed his life.

1

Wildlife charity loved by Hollywood star on brink of closure

13 September 2024
Wildlife charity loved by Hollywood star on brink of closure

An animal charity that boasts A-list support from actor Johnny Depp and The Kinks’ Dave Davies is on the brink of closure amid rising costs.

Man ‘threatened at knifepoint in earbuds robbery’

13 September 2024
Man ‘threatened at knifepoint in earbuds robbery’

A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of robbing someone of their earbuds while armed with a knife.

Road reopens after car overturns

12 September 2024
Road reopens after car overturns

A road has reopened after being blocked by an overturned car.

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