Two men charged in Chatham murder investigation

Detectives have charged two men with murder following an investigation into the death of a man in Chatham.

Kent Police was called at 10.12am on Saturday 1 November 2025, following a report of a serious assault at a private address in Castle Road.

Emergency services attended the scene and a man who can now be named as Charles Belsham, 43, was treated for a single stab wound injury. He was treated by paramedics at the scene, however died from his injury.

An investigation was commenced and during enquiries, officers were able to link the incident to two other reported offences.

This related to a car being set alight outside a home in the Walderslade area of Chatham earlier on 1 November, and the theft of a vehicle from Palmerston Road, Chatham on Wednesday 29 October.

Officers charged three men in connection with the case on the evening of Wednesday 5 November.

Charges

Mark Jesse, 51 of Castle Road, Chatham, was charged with murder, as was 41 year old Shane Rule, of no fixed address.

Mr Jesse was further charged, alongside Ashley Robinson, 40, of Meadow Bank Road, Chatham, with arson and handling stolen goods.

Court

All three appeared at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 6 November 2025 and have been remanded in custody. 

Mr Jesse and Mr Rule will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday 10 November 2025 regarding the charge of murder. 

Mr Jesse and Mr Robinson will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 5 December 2025 with respect to the arson and handling stolen goods charges.

A 45 year old woman who was arrested in connection with the incident on 1 November has been bailed pending further investigation.

Appeal

Officers are continuing to appeal to any witnesses who have not yet spoken to the police to contact them. Residents with private CCTV and motorists with dashcam are also asked to check for relevant footage.

Anyone with information should call 01634 792209, quoting reference 46/188352/25.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by using the online form.