Two ruthless criminals, Aaron Charlery and Darren Porter, have been sentenced to significant jail time for a series of violent robberies targeting women in Maidstone and Sittingbourne. Their reprehensible actions, planned with chilling precision, have rightly been met with condemnation and firm justice.
Predatory Attacks on Vulnerable Women
On October 3, 2024, Charlery and Porter executed a pre-meditated plan to rob sex workers, specifically targeting individuals believed to be alone in private residences. Their first victim, located near Broadway in Maidstone, was subjected to a terrifying ordeal. Porter, posing as a client, gained entry before brandishing an imitation handgun and ushering Charlery into the property. The pair then forcibly stole rings, a mobile phone, and £230 in cash from the terrified woman.
Undeterred by their initial crime, the duo then drove to London Road in Sittingbourne and attacked a second victim. As she opened her door, the men violently forced their way into her home. The woman genuinely believed Porter had a gun as he wrestled her to the ground, issuing threats. They stole £100 in cash and several bank cards before fleeing the scene.
Swift Police Action and Convictions
Kent Police launched an immediate investigation following the reports. Their diligent work, including examining CCTV footage from both locations, quickly led to the identification of the offenders' vehicle. Detectives established that Porter was insured to drive the car and meticulously gathered evidence that unequivocally linked both men to the robberies.
The very next day, officers spotted Porter in a car in Dartford. He attempted to evade arrest by driving dangerously during a police pursuit but was ultimately apprehended when his vehicle was brought to a stop. Porter was subsequently charged with two robberies and dangerous driving.
Charlery was arrested on October 8 in Sittingbourne. In a clear attempt to destroy evidence, he admitted to throwing some of the stolen phones into a river near the Sheppey Crossing and shaving off his beard after learning of his accomplice's arrest.
Charlery, 25, of Gatland Lane, Maidstone, pleaded guilty to both robberies at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced on Friday, July 11, to a total of four years in jail.
Porter, 45, of Wrotham Road, Gravesend, had previously pleaded guilty at the same court on March 31. He received a substantial sentence of seven years and six months in prison, of which he must serve at least two-thirds. Upon becoming eligible for parole, Porter will face an additional three years on licence. He was also given a consecutive 12-month sentence for dangerous driving.
Justice for the Victims
Detective Constable Matthew Wadhams commended the swift and effective police response, stating, "These despicable men brutally targeted two separate vulnerable women and put them through a terrifying ordeal. Our investigators were determined to track them down and promptly recovered evidence that proved their involvement in the offences. It was then only a matter of time before they were tracked down and arrested."
He also praised the courage of the victims, whose assistance was crucial in bringing these violent offenders to justice. Their bravery has ensured that Charlery and Porter are now behind bars, no longer posing a threat to other women.
The sentencing of these violent robbers sends a strong message that such predatory and terrifying acts against vulnerable individuals will be met with the full force of the law.