Man who shot at police with air rifle jailed for three years

Officers had been called to an address in New Ash Green on January 17, 2020, after reports that a man, Adam Woodbridge, had made threats and assaulted a woman who was known to him.

When requests were made by police for Woodbridge to come to the front door he shouted abuse, and threatened to hurt any officer who attempted to enter.

A number of shots were then fired from inside the property, one of which penetrated the door and struck an officer on the hand. Additional resources were sent to the scene and entry was secured to the property. Woodbridge was arrested and an air rifle seized.

Appearing before Maidstone Crown Court earlier this month Woodbridge, aged 49, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to possessing an air weapon with intent to cause fear of violence, common assault of an emergency worker and criminal damage.

He denied a further count of common assault as well as a charge of assault by beating, both of which the court ordered to remain on file.

Woodbridge was sentenced to three years and three months in prison. He was also made subject of a five-year restraining order.

Detective Constable Megan Hughes, of the West Kent Vulnerability Investigation Team, said: ‘Whilst no one was seriously injured, the custodial sentence Woodbridge will now serve is a reminder of the dangers air weapons can pose when in the wrong hands.

‘The restraining order also passed by the court is a reflection of a lengthy period of distress that Woodbridge has also caused to the woman involved in this incident. I hope the outcome of this case will at least provide some reassurance and comfort to her.’