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Convicted killer Kenneth Harman from Maidstone spared jail for stealing from Children's Trust Charity Shop in Gabriel's Hill

A convicted killer from Maidstone has been sentenced for stealing £800 from a charity shop.

Kenneth Harman, who was convicted of the manslaughter of his partner five years ago, was arrested after a break-in at the Children's Trust store in Gabriels Hill.

The 60-year-old, of Hayle Road, was sentenced to 120 days' imprisonment - suspended for 18 months - after admitting burglary and theft at Maidstone Magistrates' Court.

Convicted killer Kenneth Harman
Convicted killer Kenneth Harman

He has been given a four-month curfew, from 8pm to 8am, and must pay the shop £700 compensation.

Magistrates heard he used a back entrance to get inside the charity shop before escaping with £700 in cash and a further £100 in goods, including jewellery, ornaments and clothing, on December 2.

He also stole a salt and pepper set and an alarm clock, worth a combined £70, from the Grange Moor Hotel, in St Michael's Road, where he was living at the time.

Daniel Bonich, defending, said the crime was committed out of desperation due to a lack of money and Harman did not initially know his target was a charity store.

Harman, who receives £120 in benefits a week, will make fortnightly compensation payments of £10 to the store.

Magistrate Peter Bolton decided not to impose costs or a victim surcharge because of Harman's limited financial means.

The Children's Trust store in Maidstone
The Children's Trust store in Maidstone

In December 2008, Harman was found guilty of the manslaughter of his partner, 61-year old Michael Castle, and jailed to four-and-a-half years.

Mr Castle died from a single stab wound in February that year and was found dead in a boat the couple lived in, which was moored in Tonbridge.

A 17-year-old boy from Sevenoaks was arrested in Maidstone on December 3 and also charged with the Children's Trust burglary. His trial is due to take place at Maidstone Magistrates Court on March 14.

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