A suspect is set to make an appearance in court, facing charges related to the robbery of a pensioner in Darenth. The incident, which occurred on January 19, 2024, sent shockwaves through the community.
The victim, a woman in her 70s, was walking along a footpath near Gore Road at approximately 11:10 am that fateful Friday. As she passed an individual coming from the opposite direction, she was reportedly assaulted from behind, causing her to fall to the ground, and her handbag was forcefully stolen.
In the aftermath of the traumatic ordeal, the victim managed to make her way to a nearby hospital, where she sought medical attention. Police were promptly alerted to the incident.
One of the immediate actions taken by the victim was to ensure her bank cards were blocked, preventing unauthorized access to her financial accounts. It is alleged that following the robbery, six separate attempts were made to use her bank cards at various shops in Gravesend later the same day.
The investigation into this distressing incident quickly gained momentum. On January 23, at around 12:30 pm, officers from the Kent Police’s Proactive Targeting Team arrested a 17-year-old male in Gravesend. During the arrest, Police also seized a quantity of cannabis.
Following a thorough investigation, the teenager, hailing from Dartford, was formally charged by investigators from the Kent Crime Squad. The charges include robbery, six counts of fraud, and one charge of possessing a class B drug.
The seriousness of the alleged offences led to the suspect being remanded in custody. He is scheduled to appear before the Medway Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, January 24, 2024, where the legal process will commence.