A 17-year-old boy from Ashford has been charged with a string of offences, including assault and killing a wild bird, following a series of catapult-related incidents in the town last February.
Kent Police launched an investigation after receiving two separate reports of catapult misuse. The first incident occurred on Thursday, February 20, 2025, on Simon Avenue, Ashford. It was reported that a man was assaulted after a catapult was fired at him, and the victim was further attacked when he confronted the suspect.
Just two days later, on Saturday, February 22, 2025, officers were alerted to a disturbing incident at Christ Church Graveyard on Beaver Road, Ashford, where a person was reportedly attacking wildlife with a catapult.
Following extensive enquiries, a 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested on February 24, 2025. He has since been formally charged with assault, possession of an offensive weapon, and killing a wild bird, an offence under the Wildlife Act.
The teenager has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear before Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on June 10, 2025.