Knife-Wielding Robber Sentenced After String of Attacks in Ashford
Donte Charles-Lauder, 25, was locked up at Canterbury Crown Court on 2 December 2022. He pleaded guilty to two robberies, two attempted robberies, two counts of carrying a knife, and one burglary.
Three Attacks in One Morning
On the morning of 3 December 2021, Charles-Lauder struck three times in Ashford. First, he chased a woman in an alley near Canterbury Road, trying to snatch her bag. A schoolboy on a bike scared him off.
Just 15 minutes later, he tried to rob another woman’s bag in Cemetery Lane but fled when disturbed by a passerby.
Two hours on, he targeted a woman in her 70s, yanking her hood down and stealing her bag. Her bank card was later used to buy a concert ticket.
Knife Threat and Burglary Follow
The violent spree continued on 7 December. Charles-Lauder threatened a man with a knife on Riversdale Road and stole his wallet. He then tried to use the man’s bank card at a takeaway.
The next day, he broke into a house near Heathfield Road but ran off when a resident disturbed him.
Police Crack the Case
Kent Police detectives pieced together CCTV footage identifying Charles-Lauder, formerly of Bloomsbury Way, Ashford. He was arrested on 14 December and charged with multiple offences, including carrying a knife in a separate incident on 14 October 2021.
Detective Sergeant Jay Robinson said: “Charles-Lauder targeted the vulnerable in robberies and a burglary which would have left victims shaken and upset. My team is determined to track down repeat offenders and put them before the courts. I’m pleased this jail term will protect Ashford residents from any further harm.”
