Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Bus station knife drama sparks ‘epidemic’ claims
Judge’s warning as mum jailed for brandishing blade in city
A judge has warned of a knife crime “epidemic” after jailing a mum-of-three who waved a five-inch kitchen blade at Canterbury bus station. Concerned James O’mahony told of his fears while sentencing Kayley Skelton, who brandished the knife following a row with her partner. Canterbury Crown Court heard she even boarded a bus with the blade, but the vehicle was stopped by police and Skelton was arrested. “There is real concern nowadays about knife crime; it is an epidemic,” the judge warned, as he jailed the 32-year-old for two-and-a-half years. Prosecutor Caroline Knight had told the judge how the “alarming” scenes unfolded on February 19. “Witness Mr Brand was at Canterbury bus station when he saw Miss Skelton,” she said.
“She had in her hand a can of drink and a knife that your honour has just been shown. “Mr Brand was sufficiently alarmed she was brandishing the knife - she appeared to be shouting at someone. “He called the police, and the bus he was waiting for arrived. Miss Skelton continued to brandish the knife then got on the same bus as Mr Brand.”
Pol i c e i nt e r c e p t e d t he bus, seized the weapon and arrested Skelton.
Miss Knight told the court brandishing the five-inch blade in a busy place during the day was an aggravating factor.
The prosecutor added that Skelton has racked up 10 convictions for 27 previous offences. Mitigating, Phil Rowley said Skelton is a “mother concerned for the welfare of her children” and lost control after a row with a former partner.
The barrister added Skelton suffers a history of mental illness.
Jailing Skelton for two-anda-half years Judge O’mahony said: “You must reflect. You are young and you have the rest of your life ahead of you - what you make of it is down to you.”
Skelton, of Sussex Close in Herne Bay, had earlier been found guilty of carrying a bladed article during a trial before magistrates, which she failed to attend. n What do you think? Email kentishgazette@thekmgroup. co.uk.
‘She had in her hand a can of drink and a knife that your honour has just been shown’