Podcast: Seven jailed for £22m construction industry fraud unearthed by Kent Police

Seven people involved in a construction industry fraud that cheated the tax office out of £22m have been jailed.

The offenders – six men and one woman – were given sentences ranging from 27 months imprisonment up to nine years and four months. 

Also in today’s podcast, a devastated mum has warned of a “drug epidemic” in a Kent town after her son overdosed on ecstasy and died.

The 16-year-old has taken the pills with a friend at home in Folkestone, and was found unresponsive the following morning.

Kent has missed out being part of the government fast-tracked devolution programme.

The sweeping change to local government would have seen the abolition of all 14 councils in Kent and the creation of a directly elected mayor – you can hear reaction from local leaders. 

An XL Bully has bitten a police officer during one of seven dawn raids in Kent designed to smash a criminal network.

Zombie knives, Class A drugs and dozens of devices were seized during swoops with suspected drug dealers arrested.

And a pub with a troubled past is set to have a revamp after being taken over by new management.

The site at East Farleigh will be getting an upgraded patio area and brand-new cocktail bar.