SHANE HUBBARD FROM SITTINGBOURNE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER THREATENING EX-PARTNER IN DISTURBING MESSAGES

A man from Sittingbourne, Shane Hubbard, aged 28, who had a history of violent and threatening behavior towards his former partner, narrowly avoided imprisonment after a series of alarming messages that included threats of arson, assault, rape, and murder. The disturbing communications came to light during court proceedings, revealing a pattern of intimidation and violence that had deeply unsettled the victim and raised serious concerns about her safety.

In May of the previous year, Hubbard sent a series of threatening messages via Facebook Messenger to another woman, who was not his ex-partner but was compelled to report the threats due to their severity. These messages contained explicit threats of death and serious harm, with one stating, “I swear I am going to kill her.” The messages also included violent declarations such as, “I am torching the lot of them,” and a threat to break into the victim’s home, beat her, and commit rape. The court heard that although these messages were not directly sent to his ex-partner, the recipient felt it necessary to visit her address after receiving such alarming threats.

Prosecutor Elisenda Mitchell explained that Hubbard, who was previously residing on Minterne Avenue, had a prior conviction for stalking, criminal damage, and battery against his ex-partner. For these offenses, he had received a suspended sentence along with community service. The court was informed that Hubbard’s history of violence and threats was not an isolated incident, but part of a pattern of abusive behavior.

During the sentencing hearing held at Maidstone Crown Court on March 11, the court was presented with further evidence of Hubbard’s threatening conduct. On May 16, he sent a message to the recipient, stating, “Who is around my kids? I swear I will kill them.” Other messages included, “I swear I am going to kill her, she has had it, I am going to jail over this,” and “When I am off this tag I will torch the lot of them.”

The victim, who had two children with Hubbard, provided a witness impact statement that was read aloud in court. She described feeling terrified by Hubbard’s behavior and emphasized that he “wouldn’t take no for an answer,” illustrating the persistent nature of his harassment and threats. The court was not informed of the specific demands Hubbard made, but the severity of his threats was clear.

Hubbard’s criminal record was also discussed, revealing nine previous convictions for a total of 17 offenses. Despite the gravity of his threats, the court noted that Hubbard had changed his plea to guilty on all counts of sending threatening communications in January, prior to the trial scheduled for March 16, 2026. The judge, Philip Statman, remarked on the seriousness of the threats, stating, “It’s difficult to consider what graver threat could be made to a young woman or any woman.”

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Statman acknowledged Hubbard’s mental health issues, including a diagnosis of ADHD. He stated, “I am completely satisfied that the appropriate sentence is 20 months in prison. I reduce that to 16 months to reflect your plea.” The judge also ordered Hubbard to complete 40 hours of rehabilitation and 80 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, a five-year restraining order was imposed to prevent any contact with the victim and to ensure her safety moving forward.