Cases cancelled after arson attack at magistrates
Court cases had to be cancelled after an evening arson attack on Maidstone Magistrates’ Court.
Firefighters were called to the court, in Palace Avenue, at around 11.30pm on Thursday after a flammable liquid was poured through the front door and set alight.
The door and nearby mat both suffered minor damage in the small fire and defendants were asked to wait outside on the pavement.
A security officer explained somebody had poured paraffin through beneath the door and the blaze was spotted by guards on watch.
Bail dates were reissued and some defendants were given new details of their rearranged appointments.
A spokesman for Kent Police said: “The incident is being treated as suspicious and inquiries are ongoing into the circumstances.”
Defendants were not allowed into the building on Friday morning and about 10am court officials said all 64 cases due to be heard on the day were postponed.
Her Majesty’s Courts and Tri- bunals service added: “Police are investigating and staff are working to ensure the court can be opened again to the public as soon as possible.”
Defendants kept in custody were dealt with in the court by magistrates before those outside were told to return at another time.
A court worker took details of individuals stood outside the venue and dealt with their cases one-by-one.
Around 30 people, including court staff, defendants and lawyers, were gathered outside before being told their hearings were set to be heard on different days.
The smell of the burnt mat and door remained and prevented any cases from being heard while the mat was swept clean.
Safety tape was also put in place around the perimeters of the mat as a safety precaution. The court reopened on Monday. Open 7 days a week including all Bank Holidays from 12 noon to 2pm, 5.30pm to 11.45pm