Podcast: Chatham mum avoids jail for hiding a sawn-off shotgun after case takes eight years to get to court from garden containers for vegetables Watch Video

⏲ Duration: 26:29
👁 View: 635K times
✓ Published: 24-Jun-2024

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<p>A Chatham woman who hid a sawn-off shotgun in her garden has avoided being sent to prison - after waiting eight years for the case to come to court.</p><p>Police were called to 47-year-old Wendy Allen's home on Weeds Wood Road</a> in April 2016 after an anonymous tip-off.</p><p>Also in today's podcast, figures seen by the KentOnline podcast show a 45% rise in drug offences in Kent over the last four years.</p><p>Around 3,600 were were recorded in the county in 2019 - that went up to more than 5,200 in 2022. Reporter Louis Walker speaks to a former addict</a> who says cocaine is a particular problem in the county.</p><p>With less than two weeks until the General Election, a leading Kent doctor is urging whoever forms the next government to have a cross-party long term plan for the NHS.</p><p>Hear from Medway GP Dr Julian Spinks.</p><p>In further health news, we're being urged to look out for vulnerable people as a heat health alert comes into force in Kent.</p><p>Summer's finally arrived with temperatures hitting up to 27c</a> over the next few days.</p><p>A disused train carriage has had an amazing transformation into a café at a special needs school in Maidstone.</p><p>The project at Five Acre Wood will also see pupils trained in hospitality skills</a> - reporter Cara Simmonds has been along to have a look around.</p><p>You can also hear today from a Sheppey man who's through to the final of Mr Gay Great Britain and is hoping to use the platform to raise awareness.</p><p>Jordan Chan from Halfway already volunteers with Swale Pride</a>, but says he entered the national competition to drive more positive change in the community.</p><p>And finally, the owner of a popular corner shop plans to keep working 'for as long as her body allows'</a> as she celebrates 40 years in business.</p><p>Bella Patel took over Savers Newsagents in Faversham Road, Kennington, with her late husband John in June 1984.</p>