Second Suspect Charged Over Brutal Maidstone Burglary
Kent Police have charged a second man following a vicious aggravated burglary in Maidstone, where a victim suffered a serious knife injury to the hand.
Violent Break-In on A20 Ashford Road
Officers were called at around 9am on 21 March 2025 to a property near the A20 Ashford Road after reports of a break-in involving two suspects. One was reportedly disguised as a delivery driver. The intruders threatened the occupants, assaulted one victim with a knife, and made off with a sum of cash.
Emergency teams from Kent Police and the South East Coast Ambulance Service attended. The injured man, in his 30s, was taken to hospital and has since been released.
New Charges: Lenard Coates in Custody
On Monday, 7 April, 22-year-old Lenard Coates from London Road, Mitcham, Surrey, was arrested and charged with:
- Aggravated burglary
- Wounding with intent
- Possession of a bladed article in a public place
Coates was remanded in custody and is due to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 9 April.
Earlier Arrest and Ongoing Probe
Another suspect, 36-year-old James Baseden of Hollingworth Road, Maidstone, was arrested on 28 March. He faces robbery charges and appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court the next day. Baseden remains in custody pending a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on 25 April.
Kent Police say the investigation is ongoing.
“This was a serious and targeted incident that left a man injured and a household shaken. We are committed to bringing those responsible to justice and continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone with relevant information to get in touch.”
If you have any information, contact Kent Police on 101 quoting reference 46/38925/25, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
