Masked thugs jailed after terrifying spree targeting teens and young adults
Balaclava gang strike eight victims in under two hours
AJ Katnoria, Samuel Phillips, and Ben Hoey donned balaclavas and launched a chilling crime spree on 13 January 2024. In less than two hours, they mugged eight victims aged between 13 and 29, terrorising the streets before their swift arrest.
Fast police action leads to quick arrests
The attacks took place between 8.50pm and 10.15pm, with Phillips and Katnoria confronting victims while Hoey waited in a nearby car to aid their getaway. By 11.10pm, police had already nabbed Katnoria and Hoey following rapid investigations.
Sentenced to a total of 15 years behind bars
On 25 June, the trio faced justice. Katnoria and Hoey were each handed five years and three months, while Phillips received four years and seven months. The charges included three counts of attempted robbery, assault, and possession of cannabis.
DS John-Paul Foley: ‘They targeted vulnerable youngsters’
“These men scoured the streets looking for easy victims, including children. They disguised themselves and worked together to quickly menace and assault, then fled in a vehicle seeking their next target,” said DS Foley of North Kent CID.
“The youngest victim was just 13 years old, pushed to the floor and threatened with death. Each suffered physical or psychological harm. These prison sentences should offer reassurance and help restore safety to our community.”
