Basildon Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 56 verdicts at Basildon Crown Court (Basildon, Basildon). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Claire Button

Murder

October 17, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum term of 9 years

On December 15, 2024, Claire Button smothered her five-year-old autistic son Lincoln Button to death at their flat in Windstar Drive, South Ockendon, Essex, after he had a meltdown at a supermarket over sliding doors. She then attempted suicide by overdosing on pills and cutting her wrists, writing a note stating 'he does not fit in the world and where he doesn’t fit I don’t either'. Her husband returned home in time to save her life. Button had sought mental health help multiple times prior, including hospital visits and ambulance calls, but received inadequate support, such as being sent away with medication or facing long waits.

Pleaded not guilty to murder but was convicted by jury. Described as a loving mother struggling with mental health issues and lack of support services. No premeditation found. Judge noted the case as one of the hardest in 30 years.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Lee Brumby

Child rape

September 23, 2025

Sentence: 16 years imprisonment

Lee Brumby, a former headteacher, sexually abused and raped a girl starting when she was approximately five or six years old, involving games with sexual demands and engaging in sexual activity in her presence, with the abuse continuing until she was about nine to eleven years old. The offences caused severe psychological harm, including night terrors and constant fear for the victim.

Judge Richard Conley noted that Brumby showed no remorse, appeared cold and unfeeling, and continued to deny the offences despite evidence. He was described as a 'deeply selfish man' who exploited his victim for his own sexual desires, with his ex-wife being a key witness.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Jim Lowe

Burglary

September 16, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and disqualified from driving for one year

Jim Lowe and his brother were involved in a series of burglaries in Essex and Kent, stealing thousands of pounds worth of jewellery, including a family heirloom. They were arrested in March following a police pursuit after being seen fleeing a house in Rayleigh.

Pleaded guilty to one count of burglary, going equipped for burglary, and aggravated vehicle taking.

Sources: cambridge-news.co.uk

John Lowe

Burglary

September 16, 2025

Sentence: 45 months imprisonment and a three-year driving ban

John Lowe and his brother were involved in a series of burglaries in Essex and Kent, stealing thousands of pounds worth of jewellery, including a family heirloom. They were arrested in March following a police pursuit after being seen fleeing a house in Rayleigh.

Pleaded guilty to seven counts of burglary and one count of driving while disqualified.

Sources: cambridge-news.co.uk

Sean Woodham

Stalking and Harassment

September 3, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment (activated suspended sentence) plus 10 months consecutive

Sean Woodham, 35, of Tudor Road in Westcliff, harassed his ex-partner by calling her 337 times and sending numerous text messages between July 8 and July 23, shortly after his release from prison. This followed a 2024 restraining order that prohibited direct contact with her, stemming from prior harassment. He breached the order multiple times by June 2025, leading to his sentencing for stalking and harassment, amid his involvement in drug-dealing to fund his habits.

The judge noted his descent into drug and alcohol abuse, previous breaches of a restraining order, and described his behaviour as fixated, obsessive, and relentless. He had been given a merciful sentence earlier due to mitigation about turning his life around.

Sources: echo-news.co.uk

Michael Hyde

Participating in an online paedophile ring

June 5, 2025

Sentence: 12 years and four months in prison

Michael Hyde, a 53-year-old from Grays in Essex, was involved in an international online paedophile ring where users shared indecent images and videos of children and discussed tactics to groom and prey on vulnerable child victims. He acted as a top moderator, vetting other users and helping to hide their activities from law enforcement. Hyde breached his existing Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was arrested at his home in May 2024, where small amounts of cannabis and cocaine were also found.

Pleaded guilty to charges including making and distributing indecent images of children, facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child under 13, and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He had a prior conviction for making indecent images in 2013.

Sources: essexlive.news

Joseph Richards

Robbery

May 23, 2025

Sentence: 40 months imprisonment

On September 2, 2024, at Pitsea railway station, Joseph Richards approached a 20-year-old man who was on his way to work, engaged him in conversation, shook his hand and refused to let go, then demanded his silver necklace while threatening to seriously harm him. When British Transport Police officers arrived on the platform, Richards instructed the victim to act as if they were friends or he would stab him, but the victim informed the officers of the robbery, leading to Richards' arrest.

Pleaded guilty to robbery at an earlier hearing. Also ordered to pay a victim surcharge.

Sources: essexlive.news

Michael Burke

Dangerous Driving

May 15, 2025

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment

Michael Burke led police on a high-speed chase along the A13, driving at speeds exceeding 100 mph, including on the wrong side of the road. The incident occurred on January 14, 2025, and involved undertaking vehicles, moving between lanes, and attempting to evade police. He abandoned his car and hid in a roadside swamp but was apprehended by Essex Police Dog Kaiser. The car had been linked to a series of incidents in the Thurrock district, and Burke was disqualified from driving at the time.

Pleaded guilty to the offences. The judge noted a disregard for motoring laws due to similar offences in 2021, 2022, and 2024. Also banned from driving for five years and four months and ordered to take an extended re-test.

Sources: echo-news.co.uk

Jay Hexter

Child sex offences

May 2, 2025

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment

Jay Hexter was investigated by Essex Police since October 2020 for allegations of sexual assault involving two young girls. One victim confided in a friend, leading to the report. He was arrested and interviewed, initially answering no comment, but was later convicted of three counts of sexual assault of a child, three counts of sexual activity with a child, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, and causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Convicted of eight child sex offences after a trial. He will be subject to a restraining order and placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Sources: essexlive.news

Jack Fincham

Being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog

March 21, 2025

Sentence: Extension of suspended sentence order by three months

Fincham's dog, a black cane corso named Elvis, bit a runner named Robert Sudell in September 2022 in Swanley, Kent, causing an injury to his arm. In June 2024, the dog was out of control and grabbed a woman's leg in Grays, Essex, leaving no injury. Fincham admitted to two counts of being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog. The incidents occurred while Fincham was dealing with personal circumstances, including a recent move.

The judge warned the defendant he needed to be 'very careful now'. The original custodial sentence was set aside as not just in the circumstances. Fincham had pleaded guilty to the offences.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Daniele Aldegheri

Robbery

October 14, 2024

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Daniele Aldegheri, 49, carried out a series of robberies across Essex and Suffolk, wearing a Halloween-style horror mask and using knives and a metal baton to terrify staff at Co-op stores in Silver End and Hatfield Peverel between February 14 and August 4, 2024, and at Morrisons Daily branches in Braintree and Witham on July 30 and August 15, 2024. He was also linked to a previous raid at a book shop in Ipswich, where he was caught on CCTV without a mask. Police used CCTV footage, mobile phone tracking, and vehicle movements to identify and arrest him on September 3, 2024, after finding him hiding under a duvet at his home in Bocking End, Braintree. The crimes involved threatening staff, stealing money, and caused ongoing psychological impact to victims.

Motivated by financial troubles, including borrowing from a loan shark to buy morphine for his chronically ill partner; had previously served a sentence in Italy for the same offence.

Sources: standard.co.uk

David Crookes

Child sex offences

September 9, 2024

Sentence: 13 years and 9 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years extended licence

David Crookes, a 67-year-old from Link Road in Canvey, committed a series of child sex offences, which were described as wicked, vile, and disgusting. He repeatedly failed to appear in court, including for plea hearings and an initial sentencing in May, leading to his arrest and remand. He was finally sentenced after being produced from prison.

Failed to attend multiple court hearings citing medical issues such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; described as a dangerous offender; was arrested and remanded after breaching bail.

Sources: echo-news.co.uk

Shazad Miah

Supply of heroin and crack cocaine

August 14, 2024

Sentence: 9 years imprisonment

Shazad Miah operated a drug line known as 'Frankie' between February and June 2023, supplying crack cocaine and heroin in Southend. He used the profits, exceeding £30,000, to fund four holidays in four months to Paris, Menorca, Amsterdam, and Turkey, including a trip on a privately chartered boat. He was arrested at Luton Airport on June 4, 2023, upon returning from Turkey, with a drug line phone in his possession. Police raided his home, seizing over £3,000 in cash and other evidence. An estimated 2.295kg of Class A drugs, valued at around £191,000, were supplied during this period.

Found guilty after a trial. Had prior convictions for drug dealing in 2013 and 2020. Used profits from drug sales to fund four holidays.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Paul Bell

Causing a public nuisance

August 1, 2024

Sentence: 1 year and 10 months imprisonment

Paul Bell was involved in a Just Stop Oil protest on November 9, 2022, where he climbed gantries on the M25, causing significant traffic delays, an accident near one site, and disruption aimed at generating media interest for the cause.

Pleaded guilty to causing a public nuisance. Described as a willing volunteer in the protest, not an organiser. Waved and blew kisses as he was led to the cells; judge remarked on the disproportionate nature of the actions.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Paul Sousek

Causing a public nuisance

August 1, 2024

Sentence: 1 year and 8 months imprisonment

Paul Sousek joined a Just Stop Oil protest on November 9, 2022, climbing gantries on the M25, which resulted in widespread traffic disruption, delays for the public, and an accident near one location, all to draw media attention to their cause.

Pleaded guilty to causing a public nuisance. Described as a willing volunteer in the protest, not an organiser. Thanked the judge after sentencing and attempted to read a document before being removed; he was retired at the time.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Theresa Higginson

Causing a public nuisance

August 1, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Theresa Higginson took part in a Just Stop Oil protest on November 9, 2022, climbing gantries on the M25, resulting in widespread traffic disruption, delays for many people, and an accident near one gantry, with no further incidents occurring.

Pleaded guilty to causing a public nuisance. Described as a willing volunteer in the protest, not an organiser. Shouted comments about her vegan diet during proceedings; judge highlighted the disproportionate actions and their impact on public life.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Gaie Delap

Causing a public nuisance

August 1, 2024

Sentence: 1 year and 8 months imprisonment

Gaie Delap participated in a Just Stop Oil protest on November 9, 2022, by climbing gantries on the M25, leading to hours of delays, an accident near one gantry, and efforts to influence public opinion through mass disruption.

Pleaded guilty to causing a public nuisance. Described as a willing volunteer in the protest, not an organiser. Judge told her that age had not brought wisdom; she was a retired individual at the time.

Sources: standard.co.uk

George Simonson

Causing a public nuisance

August 1, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

George Simonson participated in a Just Stop Oil protest on November 9, 2022, by climbing gantries on the M25, which led to hours of traffic delays, an accident near one gantry, and fortunate avoidance of more incidents. The protest aimed to create mass disruption for media attention to demand stopping oil use.

Pleaded guilty to causing a public nuisance. Described as a willing volunteer in the protest, not an organiser. Judge noted the actions were disproportionate to aims and caused widespread disruption.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Jordan Osbourne-Small

Conspiring to supply cocaine and possession with intent to supply cocaine

July 24, 2024

Sentence: five years and nine months imprisonment

Jordan Osbourne-Small worked in a management role for a drugs line operating out of Ilford, which supplied cocaine and facilitated around 1,700 drug deals between June and December 2022. He was caught preparing wraps of class A drugs in his lounge during a police warrant in December 2022, with drugs, scales, and paraphernalia seized from his home, including a mixing agent from a safe.

Denied charges but was convicted following a trial at Basildon Crown Court, with the jury taking less than one hour to convict him.

Sources: ilfordrecorder.co.uk

Hinzague Hanson

Aggravated Burglary

June 1, 2024

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

Hinzague Hanson, 23, of Gravesend, Kent, was part of a group that forced their way into a home in Basildon in July 2021, subjecting a woman and her children to a terrifying aggravated burglary. He was also convicted for stabbing a man during a street fight in Kent.

Jarrod Agius

Supply of Cocaine

May 19, 2024

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Jarrod Agius, 29, operated a Class A drugs line known as 'the AJ line' from his home in Wickford. He managed the supply of cocaine, sending block texts to customers and directing deliveries. Police raided his property in Bridge Road in October, finding drugs paraphernalia, two machetes, and an extendable baton. During the raid, Agius flushed a SIM card down the toilet. Evidence from phone usage patterns confirmed his involvement in the drug operation.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possessing criminal property (£3,000 cash). Had prior convictions for dealing cocaine and heroin in 2014, and for conspiracy to rob and threatening with a bladed article in 2018. His barrister noted his difficult background and efforts to reform while in prison.

Sources: echo-news.co.uk

Ricky Bishop

Supply of Cocaine

May 19, 2024

Sentence: 24 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Ricky Bishop, 36, acted as a delivery operative for Jarrod Agius's drug operation, transporting cocaine to customers as part of 'the AJ line'. Police raided his home in Benfleet High Road, finding empty cocaine wraps and incriminating messages on his phone that showed him receiving and following instructions from Agius. He initially downplayed his involvement but later admitted to a greater role in the supply chain.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine. Had no prior convictions and was dealing drugs due to personal difficulties and drug use, but is now off drugs and employed. His barrister requested leniency, noting his role as a father-of-four and the potential homelessness of his mother if he were imprisoned.

Sources: echo-news.co.uk

Thomas Salton

Possessing nitrous oxide with intent to supply

February 19, 2024

Sentence: 35 months imprisonment

Thomas Salton, 30, from Brentwood in Essex, was caught with gift boxes containing nitrous oxide canisters, ketamine, balloons, and candy canes in his Range Rover on December 1, 2023. Police found 60 small canisters of nitrous oxide, 48 one-gram bags of ketamine, and £39,000 in cash in the vehicle. A 'naughty' and 'nice' list of customers was also discovered. Further searches at a rented property 10 miles from his home revealed 408 additional nitrous oxide canisters and 965 grams of ketamine. This case marks the first conviction for possessing nitrous oxide since it was banned in November 2023.

Pleaded guilty to possessing nitrous oxide with intent to supply. Also admitted to possessing ketamine with intent to supply, possession of a class A drug, and possessing criminal property. Prosecutor Alex Hinds noted the evidence was overwhelming and hopes this conviction deters others from buying or selling the drug.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Callum Vere

Possession of indecent images of children

February 6, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment, suspended for 2 years

Callum Vere, 23, of Newton Road, Basildon, possessed 2,156 Category A indecent images of children, including images of children as young as one year old who were wholly incapacitated, along with 2,199 Category B images, 5,190 Category C images, 58 prohibited images of children, and 66 images of bestiality involving dogs. These offences were aggravated by his prior convictions, the vulnerability of the children depicted, and his involvement with others for sharing images. The images were found on undeclared mobile phones while he was under a previous suspended sentence for making and distributing indecent images and sexually abusing his pet dog. The crimes occurred between his previous prosecution in 2022 and early 2024.

Judge Richard Conley considered Vere's severe learning difficulties and potential exploitation by others. He was fined £250 for breaching his previous suspended sentence and must complete rehabilitation activities and mental health treatment.

Sources: echo-news.co.uk

Connor Fisher

Drug supply offences

October 22, 2023

Sentence: jailed

Connor Fisher, 24, from Essex, was involved in drug supply offences after police smelled cannabis in his car.

David Kidd

Sexual abuse of a child

September 1, 2023

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment, suspended for 2 years, and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order

David Kidd, formerly of Appleford Court, pleaded guilty in 2023 to two charges of sexually abusing a girl under 13 and three charges of making indecent images of children. The abuse involved a young victim whose parents described it as every parent’s worst nightmare, stating their daughter would never be the same again. Kidd was arrested and sentenced for these offences, which caused significant harm to the victim.

Pleaded guilty to the charges. Later breached the order and received a community order for assaulting an emergency worker. Judge Richard Conley oversaw a recent hearing.

Sources: echo-news.co.uk

John Darby

Assault of a child under 13 by penetration

August 14, 2023

Sentence: 19 years imprisonment

John Darby, formerly of Thames Road in Grays, targeted children at a yacht club where he taught young people how to sail. He was convicted of 12 counts of assaulting a child under 13 by penetration, one count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of attempted assault of a child under 13 by penetration. The offences were historic, occurring more than 20 years ago, and the investigation began seven years earlier when a victim came forward to report the abuse.

Convicted of 14 child sex offences. The latest case against him was dropped because the complainant withdrew support, and the Crown Prosecution Service deemed it no longer in the public interest. Judge Samantha Leigh expressed concerns about the case's pursuit.

Sources: echo-news.co.uk

Luke Casson

Grievous Bodily Harm

August 14, 2023

Sentence: 11 years imprisonment and 5 years on licence for grievous bodily harm, plus 18 months concurrent for assault

Luke Casson, 35, of Shoeburyness High Street, was on remand for stabbing a former acquaintance in the neck while intoxicated by drink and drugs. On May 17, he punched a female prison duty governor at HMP Chelmsford in the head, causing a laceration requiring 10 stitches, dislodging two teeth, and leaving her permanently scarred. The attack was pre-planned as revenge for her speaking to staff and refusing his request to leave segregation. He was already in segregation for strangling another inmate.

Pleaded guilty to stabbing a woman in the neck. Judge Samantha Leigh found him dangerous and noted his lack of remorse and propensity for violence.

Sources: echo-news.co.uk

Muhammad Khan

Murder

July 28, 2023

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 27 years

Muhammad Khan stabbed Michael Ugwa, a 29-year-old father-of-three, to death in the food hall of Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock, Essex, on April 28, 2022, after an argument sparked by a flirtatious comment Ugwa made towards Khan's companion's girlfriend. Khan, wearing a balaclava, produced a flick-knife and attacked Ugwa in a public area filled with people, leading to Ugwa's death from a single stab wound to the chest. Khan fled the scene with his accomplice.

Found guilty of murder and affray. Judge noted he carried a knife daily for almost 18 months, was in an aggressive mood, and had argued with his girlfriend earlier that day.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Shannon Weston

Assisting an offender

July 28, 2023

Sentence: Two years imprisonment, suspended for two years, and 200 hours of unpaid work

Shannon Weston drove Muhammad Khan and Brandon Lutchmunsing away from Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock, Essex, immediately after the stabbing of Michael Ugwa on April 28, 2022, and assisted them in evading police between April 28 and May 4, 2022, by providing transport and support.

Found guilty of three counts of assisting an offender. She had a difficult upbringing and was effectively homeless at the time, and helped her then-boyfriend evade police.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Brandon Lutchmunsing

Manslaughter

July 28, 2023

Sentence: 13 years imprisonment with a further two-year extended licence period

Brandon Lutchmunsing, along with Muhammad Khan, cornered and attacked Michael Ugwa in the food hall of Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock, Essex, on April 28, 2022, following an argument over a flirtatious comment. Lutchmunsing participated in the assault, trapping Ugwa in a pincer movement, which led to Ugwa being stabbed and dying at the scene. Lutchmunsing fled afterwards.

Found guilty of manslaughter and affray. He had mental health difficulties and was not in possession of a knife during the incident.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Ahmed Khelifi

Supply of Class A drugs

July 20, 2023

Sentence: 2 years and 4 months imprisonment

Ahmed Khelifi, 39, supplied heroin laced with etonitazene, a synthetic opioid, which resulted in the deaths of two people in their 40s in Basildon, Essex, last month. Police traced a drug line linked to him through the victims' phone and searched his home in Gower Chase, Basildon, where they found a £1,000 stash of the laced heroin, £1,100 worth of crack cocaine, and £2,305 in cash hidden in the cushions of dining chairs. He was arrested and the substances were confirmed to be the same as those involved in the fatalities.

Pleaded guilty to charges of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Isaac Bello

Violent disorder

July 15, 2023

Sentence: two years in prison

Isaac Bello was involved in violent disorder on Southend seafront on July 30, where a group assembled in side streets and engaged in a fight with weapons, leaving at least two people with serious injuries. The event was monitored via CCTV, and arrests followed.

Admitted to violent disorder and possession of a bladed article. He was 17 years old at the time of the offences.

Sources: watfordobserver.co.uk

Hamza Dinbil

Violent disorder

July 15, 2023

Sentence: one year and 10 months in prison

Hamza Dinbil participated in violent disorder on Southend seafront on July 30, as part of a group that gathered and fought with machetes, causing serious injuries to at least two people. Police used CCTV footage to identify and arrest participants.

Pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of a bladed article in a public place. He was 17 years old at the time of the offences.

Sources: watfordobserver.co.uk

Lucas Braga

Violent disorder

July 15, 2023

Sentence: two years in prison

Lucas Braga took part in violent disorder on Southend seafront on July 30, involving a group of youths who brandished machetes and fought, resulting in serious injuries to at least two individuals. Police responded quickly and made arrests based on evidence gathered.

Admitted to violent disorder and possession of a bladed article. He was 17 years old at the time of the offences.

Sources: watfordobserver.co.uk

Mekai Brown

Violent disorder

July 15, 2023

Sentence: eight years in prison

Mekai Brown was part of a group involved in violent disorder on Southend seafront on July 30, where individuals brandishing machetes clashed, causing serious injuries to at least two people. The incident involved gathering in side streets and was captured on CCTV, leading to arrests.

Admitted to violent disorder and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm. He was 18 years old at the time of the offences.

Sources: watfordobserver.co.uk

Michael King

Violent disorder

July 15, 2023

Sentence: seven years and six months in prison

Michael King participated in violent disorder on Southend seafront on July 30, where a group of men and boys gathered in side streets before engaging in a fight with weapons, resulting in at least two serious injuries. Police made arrests based on CCTV evidence and further investigations.

Admitted to violent disorder and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm. He was 18 years old at the time of sentencing.

Sources: watfordobserver.co.uk

Tyler Omo-Irogho

Violent disorder

July 15, 2023

Sentence: three years and three months in prison

Tyler Omo-Irogho was involved in violent disorder on Southend seafront on July 30, where a group of youths, some brandishing machetes, gathered and fought, leaving at least two people with serious injuries requiring hospital treatment. He was arrested along with others after police responded to reports of people with weapons.

Admitted to assaulting an emergency worker, violent disorder, and possession of a bladed article. He was 19 years old at the time of sentencing.

Sources: watfordobserver.co.uk

Anita Mirmohammadi

Fraud

May 9, 2023

Sentence: 5 years and 10 months imprisonment

Anita Mirmohammadi, a 31-year-old finance manager at a Brentwood-based company, stole nearly £200,000 from her employer starting from 2018 by using a business credit card for personal expenses, including luxury purchases at Harrods, Selfridges, Mercedes Benz, and funding holidays to Mexico, Turkey, and Dubai. She also created fraudulent invoices to siphon money from the business account. The fraud was discovered on April 21, 2022, during unrelated fraud checks, leading to her arrest at Gatwick Airport on May 22, 2022. She was charged on February 10, 2023, and found guilty after a trial.

Found guilty after a seven-day trial; pleaded no comment during interview. Judge Shane Collery commented on her selfishness, self-obsession, and sustained dishonesty. A confiscation hearing is scheduled for November 2025 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Sources: echo-news.co.uk

Morgan Trowland

Causing a public nuisance

April 1, 2023

Sentence: three years imprisonment

Morgan Trowland, a structural engineer from Islington, north London, scaled the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge on the Dartford Crossing in October 2022 with Marcus Decker. Using ropes and climbing gear, they reached a height of nearly 200 feet, unfurled a Just Stop Oil banner, and set up hammocks, causing the bridge to close for over 24 hours from October 17 to October 18, 2022. This led to significant traffic disruptions, including a heavily pregnant woman needing urgent medical help, a person missing a funeral, and a business losing over £160,000 in earnings. The action was part of a protest against climate change.

Denied causing a public nuisance but was found guilty by a jury. Has six previous convictions relating to protests. Lost an appeal in July 2023, with judges stating the sentence reflected Parliament's will under new laws.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Marcus Decker

Causing a public nuisance

April 1, 2023

Sentence: two years and seven months imprisonment

Marcus Decker, a private tutor with no fixed address, scaled the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge on the Dartford Crossing in October 2022 with Morgan Trowland. Using ropes and climbing gear, they reached a height of nearly 200 feet, unfurled a Just Stop Oil banner, and set up hammocks, causing the bridge to close for over 24 hours from October 17 to October 18, 2022. This resulted in major traffic gridlock, affecting individuals such as a heavily pregnant woman requiring urgent medical assistance, someone missing a funeral, and a business incurring losses exceeding £160,000. The protest was related to climate change activism.

Denied causing a public nuisance but was found guilty by a jury. Has one previous conviction relating to protests. Lost an appeal in July 2023, with judges stating the sentence was not excessive and aimed to deter similar offending. Faces potential deportation after serving his sentence as a German citizen with leave to remain in the UK.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Gary Bennett

Murder

March 29, 2023

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years

Gary Bennett murdered his 30-year-old partner, Madison Wright, who was about to leave him due to his controlling behaviour. She was last seen on July 22, 2022, after attending a cleaning appointment, and her body was found eight days later on July 30, 2022, in Wat Tyler Country Park in Pitsea, Essex, covered in shrubs, branches, and a fence panel. Bennett sent text messages to suggest she had gone away and sold a necklace she was wearing for £310 at a pawnbroker's shop in Grays, Essex.

Denied the murder but was found guilty by jurors after two-and-a-half hours of deliberation. Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby described him as a schemer, a liar, and a murderer, noting he was too cowardly to admit his actions.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Debbie Johnson

Conspiring to supply Class A drugs

March 10, 2023

Sentence: 40 months imprisonment

Debbie Johnson, 56, of Northview Drive, Westcliff, was involved in a drugs line that supplied cocaine, operating out of Ilford and flooding Southend streets with around 900g of drugs between June and December 2022. She managed the supply chain for the runners and handled financial aspects of the operation.

Admitted conspiring to supply Class A drugs and was responsible for restocking drugs, paying runners, and ensuring profits were passed on.

Sources: ilfordrecorder.co.uk

Danielle Jackson

Conspiring to supply Class A drugs

March 10, 2023

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation and unpaid work requirements

Danielle Jackson, 40, of Rochford Road, Southend, worked as a runner for a drugs line that supplied cocaine, operating out of Ilford and facilitating around 1,700 drug deals between June and December 2022 by sending bulk messages to customers and distributing drugs.

Admitted conspiring to supply Class A drugs and was given a suspended sentence with rehabilitation and unpaid work requirements attached.

Sources: ilfordrecorder.co.uk

Sydney Hicks

Conspiring to supply Class A drugs

March 10, 2023

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation and mental health treatment requirements

Sydney Hicks, 23, of York Road, Southend, worked as a runner for a drugs line that supplied cocaine, operating out of Ilford and facilitating around 1,700 drug deals between June and December 2022 by distributing drugs as part of shifts.

Admitted conspiring to supply Class A drugs and was given a suspended sentence with rehabilitation and mental health treatment requirements attached.

Sources: ilfordrecorder.co.uk

Renee Crocker

Conspiring to supply Class A drugs

March 10, 2023

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation and mental health treatment requirements

Renee Crocker, 25, of Shaftesbury Avenue, Southend, worked as a runner for a drugs line that supplied cocaine, operating out of Ilford and flooding Southend streets with around 900g of drugs between June and December 2022, involving shifts to sell drugs to customers.

Admitted conspiring to supply Class A drugs and was given a suspended sentence with rehabilitation and mental health treatment requirements attached.

Sources: ilfordrecorder.co.uk

George Murphy-Bristow

Robbery

February 16, 2023

Sentence: 13 years imprisonment

George Murphy-Bristow and Benjamin Murphy wore life-like latex masks to disguise themselves as elderly men and robbed a jewellery store in Epping High Street on September 27, 2021. They brandished a hatchet and a knife, forced their way into the shop, cabled-tied a staff member to a chair, and stole a £15,000 Rolex watch. The brothers fled the scene in a vehicle and were later linked to the crime through DNA evidence on the masks found in a car.

Convicted of robbery, two counts of possession of a bladed article, and going equipped for theft.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Benjamin Murphy

Robbery

February 16, 2023

Sentence: 18 years imprisonment

Benjamin Murphy and George Murphy-Bristow wore life-like latex masks to disguise themselves as elderly men and robbed a jewellery store in Epping High Street on September 27, 2021. They brandished a hatchet and a knife, forced their way into the shop, cabled-tied a staff member to a chair, and stole a £15,000 Rolex watch. The brothers fled the scene in a vehicle and were later linked to the crime through DNA evidence on the masks found in a car.

Andrew Wilding

Murder

December 2, 2022

Sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum term of 27 years

Andrew Wilding, 42, set fire to the flat he shared with his bedbound mother Elsie Pinder in Southend, Essex, on July 3, 2021, after conducting online searches for fires, arsons, murders, batteries involved in fires, inheritance pay-outs, and life expectancy of a person with a stroke. He was her sole carer, left the scene to go to a nearby McDonald's, and initially claimed it was an accident caused by a battery on charge. Neighbours raised the alarm and evacuated the building, but Ms Pinder died in the fire.

Found guilty of murder after a trial; detective chief inspector stated that his greed led to the crime and he put neighbours' lives at risk by setting the fire.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Katie Jarvis

Racially aggravated harassment and common assault

April 20, 2022

Sentence: Two-year community order with 200 hours of unpaid work and 60 days of specified activities

Katie Jarvis got into a dispute with a group of women outside a fish and chip restaurant in Southend-on-Sea on July 31, 2020, around 7.30pm. The incident began over an empty chair at a table where Michelle Antonio, who is black, was sitting. Tensions escalated when Jarvis attempted to take the chair, leading to an argument where she shouted racial slurs including 'black lives don’t matter' and 'black c****'. A fight broke out between the parties. Later, around 9.15pm, she was denied entry to the Hope Hotel by bouncer Toby Groom and returned an hour later, shouting abuse and spitting towards him, though it did not connect. She was arrested around 11pm that night.

Pleaded guilty to racially aggravated harassment and common assault. No previous convictions as an adult. Judge noted she has been subjected to abuse on social media due to being in the public eye. Defence lawyer stated she was celebrating after successful interviews and bumped into an old friend, leading to high spirits and regrettable actions.

Sources: standard.co.uk

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