Machete Madness Outside Sittingbourne Pub
James “Jimmy” Hilden sparked terror outside a Sittingbourne pub after a taxi money row turned violent. When a man refused to stump up £20 for a lift in October 2018, Hilden pulled out a terrifying machete.
Violent Rampage After Threat
The 54-year-old, with no fixed address, wasted no time making his anger known. After threatening the man with the blade, Hilden later attacked the victim’s home, smashing into five parked cars with his vehicle. CCTV caught the reckless rampage in full.
Jailed for Threatening with a Bladed Weapon
Hilden faced Maidstone Crown Court, denying charges including threatening with a bladed article, affray, and criminal damage. But the court found him guilty on all counts. He was handed an 18-month jail sentence on Friday 24 May 2019.
Police Warn Against Carrying Knives
Detective Constable Dan Mead said: “Hilden’s willingness to threaten people with a machete shows he presents a very real threat to the public. Carrying a knife only increases your chances of becoming a victim or ending up in prison.”
The chilling ordeal serves as a stark reminder: carrying bladed weapons is a dangerous gamble with serious consequences.
