Chatham Police Standoff Ends with Man Pleading Guilty to Ten Charges
High Street Lockdown Lasted Nearly Eight Hours
Chatham’s bustling High Street was locked down for almost eight hours following a tense stand off with police. Tony Atherton, 35, of no fixed address, sparked chaos after hijacking a building during a wild police chase earlier in the day.
Atherton’s Wild Ride: Stolen Car and Cider Bottle in Hand
The drama kicked off when Atherton fled from police in a stolen vehicle. He then barricaded himself inside a building, swigging from a bottle of cider while arguing with police negotiators who tried to get him to surrender.
Guilty Plea Sees Atherton Remanded in Custody
Atherton finally surrendered just after 12:40am on Friday morning. He was taken to hospital before being arrested and charged with multiple offences, including:
- Dangerous driving
- Vehicle theft
- Possession of an offensive weapon
- Three counts of theft
- Driving without insurance
On Saturday, Atherton appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to all charges. He has been remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court.
