Robber Threatens Shopworker, Nabbed and Jailed for Over Four Years
Blazing Robbery at Gillingham Spar
Benny Joe Dighton, 43, homeless and desperate, stormed a Spar store in Gillingham’s Twydall Green on the night of March 21, 2025. Waiting until customers had cleared, he confronted a lone shopworker just after 9.30pm, threatening them at knife-point and demanding cash.
He made off with around £500 but not before a second staff member tried to stop him. The bold robbery sent shockwaves through the local community.
Quick Police Action Brings Down the Knife-Wielding Crook
kent.police.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police swung into action fast. Within hours, officers hunted Dighton down and arrested him the very next day, March 22. Come Sunday, he faced charges including robbery and possession of a bladed article – charges he later admitted at Maidstone Crown Court.
Jail Time: Four Years and Four Months Behind Bars
On June 11, Dighton was locked up for four years and four months. Detective Constable Faye Curtis slammed his “brazen” and “appalling” actions:
“Dighton knew exactly what he was doing that night and waited for the perfect moment. His violent behaviour caused serious fear. It’s right he faces prison. Kent won’t tolerate crime like this.”
Local Anger Spurs Calls for Tougher Security
The attack left staff and residents rattled. Many are now demanding better security for small shops across Gillingham and Medway. The message is clear: criminals like Dighton won’t get away with terrorising the community.
