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Herne Bay paint vandals admit part in criminal damage spree

Three teenagers have admitted their part in a five-month vandalism spree which left cars across Herne Bay and Whitstable covered in paint.

Jesse Bath, 19, Luke Loxston, 18, and Kayleigh White, also 18, each pleaded guilty to criminal damage.

A court heard how all three had played some part in the spree between February 2 and July 18 last year.

A damaged car in the Memorial Park
A damaged car in the Memorial Park

One elderly victim found his car trashed after leaving it overnight near the Memorial Park.

A driver who witnessed the aftermath had said it was the third car she had seen damaged in the course of a week.

Another 17-year-old victim found her car covered with a pink and orange gel-type paint.

She also found two eggs smashed on the bodywork.

Jesse Bath
Jesse Bath
Luke Loxston
Luke Loxston
Kayleigh White
Kayleigh White

Her mum said at the time: “She was horrified and so worried her car was ruined. She is a learner and has her test coming up and she thought someone was being nasty, but couldn’t understand why.

“Then after posting pictures on Facebook she realised she wasn’t the only victim in Herne Bay.”

Bath, of Beaumont Street, Herne Bay; White, of Gordon Road, Herne Bay; and Loxston, of Ross Gardens, Canterbury; appeared for sentencing last week.

Magistrates at Folkestone ordered each to carry out 60 hours of unpaid community work.

Bath was told to pay £6 compensation and Loxston and White £500 each.

Investigating officer Sergeant Colette Todd said: "The actions of these people affected a considerable number of residents.

"I am pleased we have been able to bring this lengthy investigation to a conclusion."

A fourth defendant, Amy Summerson, had the case against her dismissed with prosecutors offering no evidence. She had denied the charge.

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