Man who threatened people with knife in Herne Bay jailed

A man who threatened multiple people in Herne Bay with a knife has been jailed.

Mark Billingy, 47, of St George's Terrace, Herne Bay, was sentenced following a string of incidents in the town between May and August 2023.

The first occurred at a shop on William Street on 23 May when he threatened a member of staff.

A local beat officer later found a knife on Billingy.

On 6 June, Billingy waved a knife and kicked a man's car after getting into an argument with him.

Later that month, he made racist comments towards a group of people on Central Parade, and returned holding a BB gun and knife.

Billingy was arrested at his home and charged the following day.

Whilst on court bail, Billingy threatened a member of staff at a store on the High Street whilst attempting to shoplift from it.

He was re-arrested and charged with further offences.

Billingy was convicted of possession of an imitation firearm, robbery, possession of an offensive weapon, theft and affray.

He was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on 8 March to seven and a half years in jail, with an extended three years on licence.

Sergeant Jonathan Sheehan, of Canterbury district's Community Safety Unit, described Billingy as a "persistent menace" who put residents and shop workers "in fear of violence."

"Kent Police takes knife crime extremely seriously and I am glad the number of charges we managed to bring in this case has led to a lengthy prison sentence.

"I hope the people of Herne Bay feel safer knowing that he is no longer on the streets."