More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A rough sleeper who captured the hearts of residents and passersby may have been forced to flee after his makeshift bus shelter home was ransacked.
Homeless "Jim", once a high-flier in the City who taught royalty outdoor activities, has not been since vandals wrecked his camp on the A2 Watling Street, Gillingham, on Friday.
Police were called after his sparse belongings, donated by well-wishers since he moved in two months ago, were strewn over the road and pavement.
The 51-year-old has been inundated with bedding, clothing, warm drinks and food and became "a bit of a local celebrity".
He vowed not to take up offers of being put up in night shelters for the homeless because he feared being robbed or attacked.
And when KentOnline spoke to him at the end of November, he said he was happy with his unconventional lifestyle.
Among those sad to see his departure are customers and staff at The Star pub opposite.
Employees have been regularly popping over with snacks and drinks and he went for a roast dinner in the bar on Christmas Day.
Waitress Rebecca Morris said: "People keep asking for him. It's sad to see him go and we all hope he comes back. We are hoping because it was so cold over the weekend he decided to go to a homeless shelter."
Miss Morris last saw him on Friday night, but he has not been spotted since.
Jim, who described himself as a "loner", worked for a Swiss bank in London after leaving Gravesend Grammar School. He went to work abroad, got involved in hard drugs and was deported from Israel.
