Four men to appear in court over attempted cable theft that plunged QEQM Hospital’s A&E into darkness

QEQM Photo Chris Constantine

Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate have charged four men n connection with an attempted cable theft that resulted in a four hour power cut at QEQM Hospital in Margate on Wednesday (February 20).

The four men are; Noel Mahoney, 23, of Old Willow Close, Bow, London; Patrick Kiely, 35, of Devons Road, Bromley By Bow, London; James Kiely, 37, of Darlingscote Road, Shipston on Stour, Warwickshire. and Jonathon Whitty, 38 of Fairfield Road, Bow, London.

They have each been charged with one count of criminal damage with intent to endanger life and one count of attempted theft.

The men were arrested by West Midlands Police on February 21 in the Birmingham area.

The power outage  was caused when the power cables were cut during a suspected theft attempt at around 7pm. It was not restored until just before 11pm.

Ambulances had to divert to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford as the department was unable to accept any more patients. Doctors and nurses were reduced to working by torchlight and mobile phone lights.

Kent Fire and Rescue was brought in to provide emergency flood lighting. Other areas of the hospital were unaffected.

The four men are due to appear before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court  today (February 23).

Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses to call 01843 222289 quoting 46/34099/19.

2 Comments

  1. Hmmm, Bow, I lived there for some years. They wouldn’t dream of doing this in their own manor. Greedy, ignorant, life-threatening criminals.

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