Petrol Threat Man Jailed After Fiery Forecourt Drama
Kingsley Edmed, 22, went on a terrifying rampage at a Brookfield Road petrol station in Ashford. In the early hours of Saturday 24 August 2019, he doused a car in petrol and threatened to torch it — all while holding five people hostage.
Hostage Horror at Petrol Station
Edmed pulled up and stormed into the forecourt shop around 3.20am. He confronted a man he knew, demanding money. The drama spilled back outside, where Edmed climbed into the back seat of the man’s car — still parked by a fuel pump.
- With four others inside, Edmed refused to let them leave until he got his cash.
- He threatened to set the car on fire, then started pouring petrol through an open door, soaking the back seats and the passengers.
- After the terrified passengers fled, he smashed the rear window with a ball and chain, jumped into the driver’s seat, and sped off.
Crash and Burn Followed by Police Hunt
Minutes later, a resident in Noakes Meadow heard loud bangs and car alarms. Outside, they spotted Edmed’s stolen car screeching down the road after crashing into several parked vehicles.
The next day, police found the burnt-out wreck in Great Chart. Edmed was arrested a month later on 25 September.
Jury Clears Arson But Edmed Still Lands Jail
Edmed admitted aggravated vehicle taking but denied arson, criminal damage, threats, possession of an offensive weapon, and driving without insurance. The jury acquitted him of arson, but convicted him on all other charges.
Canterbury Crown Court sentenced him to four years behind bars on 5 March 2020.
“Edmed fully intended to scare his victims by causing damage and threatening to set them alight,” said Detective Constable Samuel Minichiello. “Fuelled by anger and aggression, he recklessly endangered innocent lives by crashing into four other cars. Thankfully, he will now serve time in prison for his actions.”
