A former company boss has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison after assaulting a member of staff with a pistol and shotgun in a terrifying ordeal linked to the theft of dirt bikes and quad bikes.
Jamie Oakes, aged 37, took matters into his own hands on the morning of Tuesday, May 23, 2023, when he accused an employee of theft following the disappearance of several vehicles from his property. Rather than involving the authorities, Oakes, accompanied by another woman, subjected the employee to a violent assault.
The victim was taken to the rear of Oakes’ property in Green Street Green Road, Dartford, where both Oakes and the woman physically attacked him. During the altercation, Oakes discharged a blank-firing pistol near the victim’s face, causing a burn injury. He then brandished a shotgun, threatening to shoot the victim unless he disclosed the whereabouts of the stolen vehicles. Additionally, Oakes threatened to harm the victim’s family.
Despite the intimidation, the victim managed to escape and sought refuge at his home. Concerned for his safety, he alerted Kent Police about the incident.
In the ensuing investigation, officers executed warrants at Oakes’ residence in Green Street Green and another location in Hillside Road, Dartford. At Oakes’ address, law enforcement discovered an array of weapons, including a baseball bat, a large knife, knuckle dusters, a case for a blank-firing pistol, blank bullets, two air rifles, and shotgun cartridges. Meanwhile, during the search at the second location, officers uncovered eight shotgun cartridges concealed in a bread bag within a wardrobe, along with clothing matching the description provided by witnesses.
Following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court, Oakes was found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon. In addition to his prison sentence, Oakes was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge.
Charlotte Powell, 34, of Green Street Green Road, Dartford, who was also involved in the assault, was charged with assault by beating and actual bodily harm. She received a two-year conditional discharge.
Detective Constable Colin Page, the investigating officer, described the incident as “violent and frightening,” emphasizing the severity of Oakes’ actions and the impact on the victim. He commended the victim’s bravery in coming forward and highlighted the collaborative effort of officers in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
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