Kentish Express Ashford & District
Knifeman forced driver to give him a lift to Asda
Police praise victim of ordeal as thug with 9in knife jailed
A man who threatened his victim with a hunting knife before demanding to be driven to a shop has been jailed.
Anthony Kingwell, 34, has been sentenced to 22 months in prison after he took a man hostage and subjected him to a terrifying ordeal.
His victim was driving out of the Murco petrol station in Brookfield Road, South Ashford, on December 10 last year when Kingwell opened the passenger door of the car.
He produced a 9in knife from his tracksuit bottoms and demanded a lift to Asda, in Kimberley Way.
After dropping him off near the supermarket, the victim immediately called police. Officers attended and approached Kingwell after seeing him outside.
However, the offender attempted to flee, and as he was running was seen throwing a large, metal object into the air.
When this item was recovered it was found to be a black-han- dled hunting style knife with a blade that was approximately 9in long.
He was arrested and charged wit h false i mprisonment and possessing an offensive weapon.
Kingwell, formerly of Hillbrow Lane in Willesborough, appeared at Canterbury Crown Court this month, where he admitted the charges and was sentenced to 22 months behind bars. DC Jonathan Heard said: “Despite being in what must have been a frightening situation, the victim stayed calm and phoned the police as soon as he could.
“I would like to thank him for the support he has given this investigation.
“Kingwell put him in real fear for his safety and his actions have shown he is a threat to the public.
“There is never a good reason to carry such a weapon in a public place, and I hope Kingwell spends his time in prison reflecting upon the severity of his actions and the impact they have had on his victim.”