Notorious Escapee Terrorises Maidstone with Knife Threat
Jamie Herbert, 56, made a daring break from an open prison on the Isle of Sheppey before unleashing terror on Maidstone. Armed with a knife, he grabbed a woman in a prison car park, forcing her at knifepoint to drive him around and withdraw cash.
Knife-Wielding Criminal Forces Woman to Drive and Withdraw Cash
Herbert threatened to stab the woman unless she followed his orders. He made her withdraw money from a Post Office in Maidstone. But in a lucky escape, the woman locked herself inside her car. Herbert tried to break in but failed. He then fled to Sutton Road, where he threatened another man in a Morrison’s car park and snatched a small amount of cash.
Police Nab Escapee After Knife Rampage
Officers caught Herbert shortly after in Lansdowne Avenue. They seized the deadly weapon and hauled him in. The Dover man now faces charges of escaping lawful custody, kidnap, possession of a bladed weapon in public, and attempted robbery.
Herbert Slapped with Over 10 Years Behind Bars
At Maidstone Crown Court on 17 September 2025, Herbert pleaded guilty to all charges. He was handed a hefty 10 years and nine months sentence. Herbert must serve at least two-thirds of this before he can apply for parole, followed by a strict five-year extended licence upon release.
“Jamie Herbert is a brazen and violent criminal who tried to escape prison without a second thought for the people he put in harm’s way during his attempt,” said Detective Constable Scott Bittlestone. “He has since been returned to a more secure facility, having lost his right to a higher degree of freedom in an open prison. Herbert must now serve the remainder of his initial sentence as well as an additional term for these offences. Crime does not pay.”
Jamie Herbert’s knife-wielding rampage is a chilling reminder: try to outrun justice and you’ll only dig yourself a deeper grave.
