KentOnline

More details have emerged at the trial of a man accused of murdering Kent PCSO Julia James.
Jurors have heard from the first witness – a local gamekeeper who took a picture of the suspect and called police the day after the 53-year-old was killed.
Hear from our reporter Sean Axtell who’s following the case at Canterbury Crown Court.
Also in today’s podcast, the largest probation service in Kent is failing to stop ex-offenders from returning to a life of crime, while staff are overworked and badly managed – according to a damning report.
Inspectors have been looking at the work done by the service in West Kent which has offices in Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Gravesend and Chatham.
We’ve got reaction from a former criminal who now helps people turn their lives around.
A council leader in Kent has been branded insensitive after being photographed smiling, alongside a mayor, at the opening of a foodbank.
Dartford’s Jeremy Kite – who’s a Conservative – can be seen cutting the ribbon of the new facility – we want to know what you think.
The podcast has been told how some women are feeling forced to give up work as they struggle to cope with symptoms of the menopause.
We’ve been chatting to a woman who runs a clinic in Whitstable and has spoken out after the issue was highlighted by Davina McCall.
Children at a school in Kent have become the first in the country to try out new tech to help with their mental health.
This week is all about raising awareness and we’ve been along to Laddingford St Mary’s school in Maidstone to find out more.
And, find out where in Kent the Queen’s Baton will be visiting ahead of this summer’s Commonwealth games in Birmingham.

Work to replace a busy roundabout in Ashford with traffic lights has finally started after being delayed twice because of Operation Brock on the nearby M20.
The A2070 will be reduced to one lane in both directions from the Sevington ‘Jet Roundabout’ to the Cloverleaf Roundabout for six weeks while it’s done.
Hear from news editor Dan Wright.
Also in today’s podcast, the jury at the trial of a man accused of murdering Kent PCSO Julia James have visited the spot where she was killed.
We’ve got reaction to the Queen’s speech setting out the government’s plans for the next year.
Jo James from the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce has been telling us what she thinks about the idea of reviving our high streets.
As the cost of living crisis continues, we’ve been hearing from a charity shop in Ashford which has decided to sell everything – including wedding dresses – for £1.
A Swanley swimming teacher has also spoken about her fears that fewer children are learning to swim as parents can’t afford lessons.
And in football, Gillingham have confirmed they’re freezing their season ticket prices after being relegated to league two.
The club’s chairman Paul Scally has written a letter to fans, and says work to find investors is ongoing.

A man has gone on trial accused of murdering Kent PCSO Julia James.
The 53-year-old was attacked while walking her dog not far from her home in Snowdown between Canterbury and Dover in April last year.
Hear from Katya Folwer from our colleagues at KMTV who has been at Canterbury Crown Court today.
Also in today’s podcast, as the rising cost of living continues to dominate the headlines, a Canterbury dad has revealed how he’s skipped meals to ensure his daughter has something to eat.
It’s as data from the Food Foundation shows a sharp rise in the number of people struggling to put meals on the table over the past three months.
Police and forensic teams have spent the weekend at the scene of a suspected burglary on Sheppey.
They were initially called early on Saturday morning – our reporter John Nurden has been to the scene.
A nightclub in Dartford is taking action following a rise in drink spiking cases across the country.
We’ve been speaking to Jordan Craine who is the general manager at Atik.
In showbiz news, find out which Kent star won a BAFTA last night.
Plus, a Kent man’s been chatting to our sister radio station, kmfm, about getting four ‘yeses’ from the Britain’s Got Talent judges at the weekend.
Ryan Weeks from Tunbridge Wells is part of the Frontline Singers who left viewers in tears after their performance on Saturday.

The owner of a Maidstone gym says he’s disappointed police have turned down his request to hold a knife amnesty, for a second time.Jay Atkins is worried about crime in the town centre and thinks a secure bin could be placed in his premises to collect weapons.
He’s been speaking to the podcast about his idea.Also in today’s episode, we have details on the local election results after votes took place in Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells.Nationally, the Prime Minister has admitted the Conservative party have faced challenges in the first vote since Partygate.A Kent actor who recently saw his childhood abuser jailed, says he’s turning the experience into something positive and has written a courtroom drama.Hear from Stuart Antony from Gravesend who was targeted by a family friend over five years from the age of 10.Kent’s Rose Ayling-Ellis is going to be the first celebrity to sign a Cbeebies Bedtime story this weekend.And in sport, the Gillingham manager will have watch the first game of next season from the stands.Neil Harris has been given a touchline ban after being shown a red card in their penultimate game against Portsmouth.

The former owners of one of Kent’s most famous hotels have gone on trial accused of cheating the taxpayer out of nearly half a million pounds.Michael Stainer, 74, and his 60-year-old wife Doris both deny the charges. Hear from our business editor Chris Britcher.
Also in today’s podcast, a Medway mum who’s calling for more CCTV to be installed at a cemetery where her baby’s grave has been repeatedly vandalised.Lily-Mae Spring was stillborn eight years ago and was laid to rest at Woodlands Cemetery in Gillingham.The KentOnline Podcast has been told some NHS staff in Kent have anxiety and are struggle to sleep as a result of the work they’ve been doing during the pandemic.Workers are being encouraged to speak about how they’re feeling and get help if necessary.Hear about a special bus that’s touring the county.New figures show a worrying decline in the number of flying insects in Kent.The data was collected by counting the number of bugs found splatted on cars last year compared to back in 2004.Dr Lawrence Ball from Kent Wildlife Trust has been explaining why we should be concerned.And, a submarine which was built at Chatham Dockyard is celebrating it’s 60th birthday this week.HMS Ocelot remained in service for 27 years but returned to the Dockyard in 1991, where it remains on display.

The parents of a nine-month old baby who died after choking on food at a nursery in Ashford have hit out at plans to relax rules around the ratio of staff to children.
It’s something being considered by the government as a way of making childcare more affordable.
Oliver Steeper died six days after becoming unwell in September last year.
Hear from his mum and dad Lewis and Zoe.
Also in today’s podcast, a prison guard – who was armed with what’s been described as a ‘rapists toolkit’ – has been found guilty of attacking a prostitute at an Airbnb in Folkestone.
Senior judges are reviewing the sentence of the Kent man who kidnapped and murdered Sarah Everard.
Former Met Police officer Wayne Couzens from Deal will have his appeal heard, along with four other killers.
A Kent man has posted a heartbreaking video online revealing he’s been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease at the age of just 35.
Sam Hayden-Harler lives near Swanley and had been undergoing tests after noticing changes to his strength last year – hear what he’s had to say and how he’s trying to raise awareness.
And, there could be a heatwave in Kent later this month.
The Met Office reckons temperatures could reach 23c in the middle of May.

A man has been seriously injured after being stabbed following a crash in Herne Bay.Hear from our reporter Jack Dyson who has been to the scene of the collision which left one vehicle on its roof.Also in today’s podcast, P&O Ferries’ passenger sailings are resuming from Dover.It’s more than six weeks since the company suddenly sacked almost 800 staff and replaced them with agency workers.Our reporter Chris Britcher shares his thoughts on whether we’ll all be rushing to get back in board.Following an 11 day break, hundreds of asylum seekers have arrived in Kent after crossing the Channel in small boats over the weekend.Some could now be sent to Rwanda as part of a new deal agreed by the government – we have reaction.A Medway woman says she’s putting her life at risk every time she goes out, because pavements in Rainham aren’t wheelchair friendly.Sally Matthews needs an electric chair to get around but says she’s forced into the road.A transgender activist from Medway has spoken out about the long waiting lists faced by people possibly wanting to change their gender.Hear from Hilary Cooke who fears it’s leading to mental health problems.And in sport, there was huge disappointment for Gillingham fans at the weekend as the club were relegated from league one.Hear from manager Neil Harris who has apologised for their performances this season.

A driver of an electric car has been fined for staying too long in a supermarket car park to charge it.
Find out where James Piddock was and how much he was told to pay.
Also in today’s podcast, it’s emerged a man suspected of killing his wife at a tattoo studio in Canterbury before taking his own life died from a stab wound to the stomach.
An inquest has opened into the death of Catalin Micu who was found at GothInk studio in the city earlier this month.
Hear from our reporter Brad Harper who was at today’s hearing.
An app’s being launched that identifies the safest routes in and around Ashford town centre.
Streetwise tells you which areas have CCTV, good street lighting and high footfall.
A Kent business expert is warning cyber attacks are becoming more common and sophisticated as we move towards a cashless society.
There’s been a lot of talk about the issue, after a story on Kent Online revealed how frustrated pensioners claimed pay-by-phone car parks in Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable were ageist.
Gillingham fans and players are getting ready for an incredibly tense final game of the season…
Tomorrow’s result will determine whether they’re relegated from league one – or complete the great escape.
Hear from the manager, Neil Harris, and captain, Stuart O’Keefe.

A large crane has collapsed at a building site in Canterbury.It happened on New Dover Road where a retirement complex is being built. Hear from our reporter Joe Wright who is in the city.
Also in today’s podcast, a damning report has found domestic abuse victims in Kent were failed and their abusers escaped justice because of police failings.The HM Inspectorate of Constabulary has been looking at various aspects of what the force does. Hear from them and reaction from Kent Police and the police and crime commissioner.Eight shops in Gravesend have been ordered to close after a series of raids targeting businesses thought to be involved in selling illegal tobacco…It’s thought to be the largest operation of its kind in the UK and we joined the police and council as they boarded up shops.Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for an animal sanctuary in Kent to be allowed to stay open.Happy Pants Ranch moved to land near Sittingbourne last January but had to apply to the council to be allowed to continue operating there.And, a Gravesend woman who’s known as the ‘laughing accountant’ is set to represent the UK at the World Laughter Championships…Genny Jones has previously appeared on Britain’s Got Talent and also runs laughing yoga classes.

A Kent actor has spoken exclusively to the KentOnline Podcast about the abuses he suffered as a child at the hands of a man considered a family friend.
Stuart Antony from Gravesend, who’s appeared in EastEnders and The Bill, reported his abuser to police in 2016.
He’s waived his right to anonymity after 62-year-old Billy Nutt from Week Street in Maidstone was jailed for 18 years.
Also in today’s podcast, for the first time since they sacked almost 800 staff nearly six weeks ago, P&O Ferries have resumed sailings from Dover.
Workers have been replaced with lower paid agency staff. Hear today from the RMT Union and the transport secretary.
A Kent mum who’s been told there’s no place for her son at a local school says she’s prepared to go to court.
11 year-old Sam Horsley from Hartley has autism and needs to go to a specialist secondary in September.
A Kent PCSO is being remembered a year after she was killed while walking her dog.
Julia James was attacked in woodland not far from her home in Snowdown between Canterbury and Dover.
And in sport, Gillingham are still in with a chance of avoiding relegation from league one.
We’ve got details of why fans were nervously watching Fleetwood Town’s result last night.