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Drug dealer Steven Kelly cleared of aiming gun at PCs near West Kingsdown

PC Anthony Jacklin
PC Anthony Jacklin

A drug dealer accused of aiming a gun at two police officers has been cleared of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

But Steven Kelly was convicted of possessing six kilos of strong skunk cannabis with intent to supply.

Because of time spent on remand, a judge indicated he would consider imposing a drug treatment order.

PC Anthony Jacklin told Maidstone Crown Court how he "genuinely and honestly" believed he and PC Scott Godden would be shot when they saw Kelly with the weapon.

"I was just waiting for the bang to go off. I thought myself and my colleague were about to be shot..." - PC Anthony Jacklin

He claimed Kelly, 44, pointed the handgun at them after they went to a remote farm between West Kingsdown and Eynsford during the early hours of March 26.

PC Jacklin said despite his police training, "human instinct" took over.

"I was just waiting for the bang to go off," he added. "I thought myself and my colleague were about to be shot."

Film of the incident from the police car's in-built camera and CCTV on the farm building were shown to the jury.

The large haul of drugs was found inside a caravan in one of the farm buildings.

The two officers were on patrol when they heard reports over their radio that a Mercedes Sprinter van and trailer had been stolen from Horton Kirby.

They headed along the A20 towards Swanley before driving along Knatts Valley Road and into rural Maplescombe Road.

The case was heard at Maidstone Crown Court
The case was heard at Maidstone Crown Court

PC Jacklin said they came across a large building resembling a chicken shed. A BMW car was parked inside a closed gate.

They saw the silhouettes of four people walking around inside. One then ran towards their car.

"He shouted something but I couldn’t make out what it was," said PC Jacklin. "He then raised his right arm and pointed a silver-coloured handgun directly at me and my colleague.

"At the time everything slowed down. The only thing I was concentrating on was the barrel of the gun."

He ducked down behind the wheel and reversed away from the farm. They waited further down the road for back-up to arrive.

Prosecutor Iestyn Morgan said the jury would have to decide whether Kelly was the gunman.

Kelly, of Mahogany Close, Rotherhithe, south east London, denied both charges.

He had been in custody but Judge David Griffith-Jones granted bail until sentence on August 19.

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