A 17-year-old boy from Ashford has been charged with multiple offences following a string of catapult-related incidents, including an assault on a man and the killing of a wild bird in a graveyard.
Kent Police say the first incident occurred on Thursday, 20 February 2025, when a man was struck by a catapult on Simon Avenue, Ashford. The suspect then reportedly assaulted the victim further after being confronted.
Just two days later, on Saturday, 22 February, officers were called to Christ Church Graveyard on Beaver Road, where witnesses reported a person attacking wildlife using a catapult.
Following an investigation, a 17-year-old male was arrested on 24 February and has now been charged with assault, possession of an offensive weapon, and killing a wild bird, which constitutes an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The teenager has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear before Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on 10 June 2025.
A Kent Police spokesperson said:
“These were serious and concerning incidents involving violence against both a member of the public and wildlife. We are committed to holding offenders accountable, especially when offences impact community safety and protected species.”
The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with further information is urged to contact Kent Police.
