Woman Hunt Ends at Hotel After Imitation Gun Threat
Two women fled to a city centre hotel on Tuesday, 31 October, after being followed down the High Street by a man wielding what looked like a small gun.
Fake Gun Sparks Fear in Café Robbery
The man then stormed into a nearby café, brandishing the weapon to intimidate staff. Shocked customers watched as he forced one to hand over cash at gunpoint, fearing for their lives.
Luckily, kent.police.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police quickly intervened. Armed officers arrested 31-year-old Esmatullah Sharfi, a man with no fixed address. A thorough search revealed the gun was a cigarette lighter cleverly disguised as a firearm.
Robber Caught and Jailed for Four Years
Sharfi faced multiple charges: robbery and three counts of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to frighten. He pleaded guilty at canterbury/" title="Canterbury" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Canterbury Crown Court and was sentenced on 6 December 2023 to four years behind bars.
Detective Constable Matthew Burridge, East Kent CID, said: “Sharfi traumatised his victims by making them believe their lives were at risk, using what appeared to be a real gun. Imitation weapons can look terrifyingly real, and he exploited that fear for his gain.”
“This sentence sends a clear message — anyone threatening violence with fake weapons will face serious consequences in Kent.”
Support Available for Victims of Violence
If you’re a victim of violence or need advice on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), check local support services and use the online reporting service. Always call 999 in emergencies.
