Basildon Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 117 verdicts at Basildon Crown Court (Basildon, Basildon). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

June 2026 1 case

Jack Kingsbury

Engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15 *

Sentence

15 years and 8 months imprisonment with a further 2 years on licence

Jack Kingsbury, 29, of Spa Hill, Croydon, added victims on Snapchat and attempted to groom them. After concerns were raised by healthcare professionals, Essex Police investigated and found he had engaged in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15 and incited a child to engage in sexual activity. He travelled from London to Basildon to meet one victim. Police uncovered thousands of contacts across multiple phones and anonymous accounts. He was convicted of 11 child sex offences.

Denied the offences but was found guilty after trial at Basildon Crown Court. Also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, lifetime restraining orders, and placed on the sex offenders' register.

12 Jun 2026

May 2026 3 cases

Hollie Dance

Causing grievous bodily harm with intent *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Hollie Dance and her son Thomas Summers chased a chef for 13 miles from Westcliff-on-Sea to Basildon, Essex, on 10 October 2022, after Dance's daughter falsely accused him of attacking her with a bottle. Dance tailed the victim in her BMW along the A127 while Summers followed in a rented Toyota. The victim made an increasingly frantic call to the police as he fled. Summers then rammed the victim's car, sending it into a bush. The victim suffered fractures to his shoulder and foot. The attack occurred weeks after Dance buried her son Archie Battersbee, whose life support had been switched off following a prank.

Also banned from driving for two years after release. Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving; convicted of possessing an incapacitant spray. Previous convictions dating back to 1996. Recorder Peter Clark said: 'Two wrongs do not make a right, they never do.'

29 May 2026

Thomas Summers

Causing grievous bodily harm with intent *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

Thomas Summers, along with his mother Hollie Dance, chased a chef for 13 miles from Westcliff-on-Sea to Basildon, Essex, on 10 October 2022. The victim was rammed off the road and into a bush by Summers driving a rented Toyota, causing fractures to his shoulder and foot. The attack was motivated by revenge after Summers' sister falsely accused the victim of a bottle attack. The incident occurred weeks after the family buried Archie Battersbee, whose life support was withdrawn.

Also banned from driving for two years after release. Pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving; also found guilty of affray. The judge described the pursuit as 'a determined, persistent, highly dangerous pursuit.'

29 May 2026

Marcel Romanowski

inciting a child to engage in sexual activity *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

Marcel Romanowski, 28, from Banbury in Oxfordshire, groomed a child online via WhatsApp after being told her age. He sent indecent images of himself, arranged to meet her at a hotel in Southend in February 2025 for sexual activity. The victim alerted hotel staff who protected her; he was arrested the next day. He was convicted of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual communication with a child and meeting a child following grooming.

Convicted after trial. Also subject to life on sex offenders register, 10 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Victim impact statements noted long-lasting effects.

13 May 2026

April 2026 6 cases

Salujkit Rudchat

Illegal money lending and money laundering *

Sentence

16 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 30 days rehabilitation activity, 200 hours unpaid work

Christopher Bates and Salujkit Rudchat ran an illegal money lending business from their home between May 2019 and August 2022, targeting vulnerable Thai nationals. They lent £119,200 at interest rates up to 120% per annum. Rudchat sourced borrowers through her contacts in the Thai community and was the main contact, while applying pressure including threats of legal action, arrest, bankruptcy, visa issues, family shaming, and workplace visits to enforce repayments, causing severe distress to borrowers.

Pleaded guilty to illegal money lending and money laundering. Sentences concurrent. Sourced borrowers through Thai community contacts and was main point of contact. Judge noted targeting vulnerable people with pressure and intimidation.

27 Apr 2026

Christopher Bates

Illegal money lending and money laundering *

Sentence

19 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 30 days rehabilitation activity, 150 hours unpaid work

Christopher Bates and Salujkit Rudchat ran an illegal money lending business from their home between May 2019 and August 2022, targeting vulnerable Thai nationals. They lent £119,200 at interest rates up to 120% per annum. Bates provided the money and drew up loan agreements. They used intimidation including threats of legal action, arrest, bankruptcy, visa issues, family shaming, and workplace visits to enforce repayments, causing severe distress to borrowers.

Pleaded guilty to illegal money lending and two counts of money laundering. Sentences concurrent. Judge noted they acted deliberately with pressure and intimidation on vulnerable borrowers.

27 Apr 2026

Jack Bolton-Poole

Stalking *

Sentence

five years and ten months in custody

Repeatedly breached restraining and stalking protection orders by sending threatening emails to two women with death threats including titles “WE WILL KILL YOU” and “a life for a life”, contacting one victim’s workplace and sharing personal details, causing both women to fear for their lives. Police linked emails to his home and found evidence on his laptop after arrest in February 2025.

Admitted multiple stalking and harassment charges. Previously received a suspended sentence in 2024 for stalking the same victims. Breached restraining and stalking protection orders and bail conditions by contacting a victim on Instagram.

17 Apr 2026

Jake Sultana

Supply of Class A drugs *

Sentence

four years and five months in prison

Acted as deputy for Raymond Nafrah in running a drugs line supplying heroin and crack cocaine, left in charge while Nafrah travelled abroad. Part of network exploiting a vulnerable drug user to store and prepare drugs.

Convicted with additional offences as deputy in drugs network.

13 Apr 2026

Emmanuel Nafrah

Supply of Class A drugs *

Sentence

three years in prison

Assisted brother Raymond Nafrah in running a drugs line supplying heroin and crack cocaine, exploiting a vulnerable drug user by using his home to store and prepare drugs. Part of long-running investigation by Operation Raptor team.

Convicted with additional offences as part of drugs network.

13 Apr 2026

Raymond Nafrah

Supply of Class A drugs *

Sentence

five years and one month in prison

Ran a drugs line supplying heroin and crack cocaine, assisted by brother Emmanuel Nafrah and deputy Jake Sultana, exploiting a vulnerable drug user by using his home to store and prepare drugs. Arrested on 1 March 2023 asleep in bed on the drugs phone with drug equipment and a knuckleduster. Messages revealed threats of violence and exploitation while he travelled abroad.

Convicted of running a drugs line supplying heroin and crack cocaine. Additional offences.

13 Apr 2026

March 2026 6 cases

Nelson Lee

Encouraging and assisting an offender *

Sentence

3 years 9 months imprisonment

Nelson Lee, 24, of Feryby Road, Grays, encouraged his brother Sonny Carter to attack the victim over a dispute likely linked to the theft of a moped. He sent messages to Carter, including one stating 'He’s gonna be getting done for good' and another referencing carrying out an assault, advising to delete messages. The caravan rented by Lee was searched, finding drugs and cash. Lee was arrested on August 11, 2026.

Admitted to a charge of encouraging and assisting an offender. Encouraged Carter to attack the victim over a prior dispute.

27 Mar 2026

Sam Tolley

Assisting an offender *

Sentence

2 years 6 months imprisonment

Sam Tolley, 27, of High Road, Orsett, assisted Sonny Carter by helping him lay low at an address in Lincolnshire after the shooting on July 26, 2026. Tolley was arrested alongside Carter on July 28, 2026, by armed police.

Convicted after trial of assisting an offender. Also admitted driving whilst disqualified and banned from driving for 22 months.

27 Mar 2026

Sonny Carter

Possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life *

Sentence

12 years and eight months imprisonment with extended licence period of four years

Sonny Carter, 22, used a double-barrelled shotgun to shoot at a person in a caravan site in Chadfields on July 26, 2026, possibly over the theft of a moped. He fired both rounds directly at a Volkswagen Golf during a confrontation with a moped rider, collected the spent shells, and fled on the moped. The incident was reported around 12pm, with witnesses seeing the events. Carter fled to Lincolnshire with help from an associate and was arrested on July 28, 2026.

Admitted a charge of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. Deemed a dangerous offender.

27 Mar 2026

Ryan Alden

Sexual abuse of children *

Sentence

14 years imprisonment with 6 years extended licence

Ryan Alden, 37, of Stonehill Road in Leigh-on-Sea, committed offences dating back to April 2011. He lied about his age to form a relationship with a teenage girl, involving penetration and a multiplicity of degrading sexual offences, some recorded on hidden cameras in the flat without her knowledge. He then used Snapchat to groom and control several young people, including a child as young as 10, into performing sexual acts and sharing intimate images. Alden kept thousands of indecent images and hundreds of hours of videos depicting children being abused in sickening ways. He also engaged in voyeurism, using hidden cameras to film a woman getting a nipple piercing at a studio in south Essex and placing a spy camera in trousers in a swimming pool changing room to film children getting changed.

Admitted 32 offences. Judge Richard Conley described the offending as long-term and widespread abuse of children, falling into a different category of magnitude. Prior to convictions, described as a man of good character. Shown willingness to engage in counselling and therapy. Given a life-long Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must comply with sexual offence notification requirements for life.

16 Mar 2026

Daniel Summers

Possession with intent to supply cocaine *

Sentence

35 months imprisonment

Daniel Summers, 34, of Chinchilla Road, Southend, was stopped with William Innes by Essex Police on December 18, 2025, in Shoebury Road, Southend, in a Mercedes A-class car. Officers found three packages of cocaine with a street value of up to £14,700 in the car. A search of Summers' home revealed drug supply paraphernalia including gloves, white residue, and zip-lock bags hidden in a Sainsbury’s carrier bag and at the side of a wardrobe. A key card to a room at a Rayleigh hotel was found in his possession, where additional significant items were seized.

Possession with intent to supply cocaine. Drug supply paraphernalia found at home. Will be pursued for criminal profits through the Proceeds of Crime Act.

3 Mar 2026

Leo Gravely

Blackmail *

Sentence

7 years imprisonment

Leo Gravely, 20, of St Michael's Road in Canvey Island, used Snapchat account 'alfie_bach' to contact two teenage girls in 2022 when he was 18, making sexually violent threats to obtain explicit imagery. Actions continued for months, reported to police, phone seized with indecent imagery.

Found guilty after 11-day trial on two counts of blackmail and two counts of having indecent images.

1 Mar 2026

February 2026 5 cases

Scott Gambier

Shop theft *

Sentence

2 years 6 months imprisonment

Scott Gambier, 46, of Ordnance Road, Enfield, repeatedly entered the BP garage on Rayleigh Road in Brentwood, despite a Criminal Behaviour Order prohibiting him, and stole items including M&S meat on multiple occasions last summer. He was caught on CCTV and taunted staff. In early September, during a covert operation, he was wrestled to the ground and arrested by PC Jack Douglas while filling a shopping bag with goods.

Pleaded guilty to 23 counts of shop theft and 22 breaches of his Criminal Behaviour Order. Six months added for breaching terms of a suspended sentence given in April 2025.

27 Feb 2026

Bradley Pritchard

Possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply *

Sentence

5 years and 4 months imprisonment

Bradley Pritchard, 33, was stopped by Essex Police in Johnstone Road, Thorpe Bay in November 2025. He initially provided false information but officers found £12,500 worth of cocaine in his car. A search of his home in Exford Avenue, Southend revealed four 1kg blocks of cocaine in a pink suitcase in a garden shed, another 1kg block in a plastic tub with drug packing paraphernalia, and 100g in a wardrobe, totaling about £512,500 worth of the Class A drug intended for south Essex streets.

Admitted playing a significant role in the drug supply operation. Charged with two counts of possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply.

26 Feb 2026

Billy Masters

Sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder whilst in his care *

Sentence

9 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 120 hours unpaid work, 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days

Billy Masters, a 28-year-old care worker at a mental health unit in Essex, engaged in sexual activity with a high-risk, extremely vulnerable in-patient by kissing her on the lips during an 'emergency' on the ward in early 2022. He ushered her into a room for the incident. Over a three-month period, they exchanged private messages that became sexual. The victim felt trapped, terrified, and abused, suffering deep emotional scars, fear, shame, and distrust of mental health professionals. Masters was suspended immediately and has since changed career to work as a drainage engineer.

Pleaded guilty. First offence. Judge noted stark breach of trust but immediate custody not imposed due to lack of prior trouble. Ordered to pay costs.

23 Feb 2026

Oaveed Rahman

Causing unnecessary suffering to animals and fraud by false representation *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

Oaveed Rahman, 27, operated 'Save A Paw', a rogue animal rescue centre in Crays Hill, Essex, falsely advertising it as a family-run service to rehome dogs for a fee. On 13 May 2025, Essex Police raided the site and found multiple dead dogs, including 41 confirmed deaths, and others requiring urgent veterinary care due to starvation and neglect. Rahman accepted payments, such as £650 from pet owners like Emma Thompson for her dog Lennon, who died after two months at the centre. The mistreatment involved prolonged cruelty, leading to deaths and euthanasia. Concerns were reported to authorities up to two years prior, but action was delayed until April 2025 reports prompted the raid.

Admitted causing unnecessary suffering to 21 dogs and a cat, and 11 counts of fraud by false representation. Banned from keeping dogs and cats for life. Judge Richard Conley highlighted the betrayal and mistreatment of animals.

20 Feb 2026

William Innes

Possession with intent to supply cocaine *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

William Innes, 33, of no fixed abode, was stopped with Daniel Summers by Essex Police on December 18, 2025, in Shoebury Road, Southend, in a Mercedes A-class car. Officers found three packages of cocaine with a street value of up to £14,700 in the car. A car registered to Innes was found parked outside a room at a Rayleigh hotel, accessed via a key card found on Summers, where additional significant items were seized.

Possession with intent to supply cocaine. Car registered to him parked at the Rayleigh hotel where additional items were seized. Will be pursued for criminal profits through the Proceeds of Crime Act.

11 Feb 2026

January 2026 5 cases

Sheralee Heary

Conspiring to supply cocaine and unauthorised use of trademarks *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

Sheralee Heary, 55, was part of an organised crime group running a cocaine supply line across south Essex. Co-ordinated raids occurred in February 2022. Cash seized included almost £19,000 hidden in concrete at one address and over £82,000 total in one day. The group also involved unauthorised use of trademarks for selling counterfeit clothing and accessories. The group criminally benefited over £1.8 million.

Pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine and unauthorised use of trademarks (selling counterfeit clothing and accessories). Ordered to pay £9,553.51 within three months or serve a further six weeks in prison.

16 Jan 2026

Nicholas Axford

Conspiring to supply cocaine and money laundering *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Nicholas Axford, 39, of St Johns Crescent, Canvey Island, was a senior member of an organised crime group conspiring to supply cocaine across south Essex. Co-ordinated raids occurred in February 2022. Cash seized included almost £19,000 hidden in concrete at one address and over £82,000 total in one day. The group criminally benefited over £1.8 million.

Pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine and money laundering. Ordered to pay £4,491.64 within three months or serve a further six weeks in prison. Resided at St Johns Crescent, Canvey Island.

16 Jan 2026

Connall Regan

Conspiring to supply cocaine and money laundering *

Sentence

8 years and 6 months imprisonment

Connall Regan, 31, masterminded a cocaine supply line across south Essex while serving another prison sentence. The group, including senior members, was targeted in co-ordinated raids in February 2022. Cash seized included almost £19,000 hidden in concrete at one address and over £82,000 total in one day. The group criminally benefited over £1.8 million.

Pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine and money laundering. Ordered to pay £20,126.04 within three months or serve a further nine months in prison. Masterminded the supply line while serving another prison sentence.

16 Jan 2026

Jimmy Heary

Conspiring to supply cocaine *

Sentence

4 years and 6 months imprisonment

Jimmy Heary, formerly of Oak Road in Crays Hill, was part of an organised crime group conspiring to supply cocaine across south Essex. Co-ordinated raids occurred in February 2022. Cash seized included almost £19,000 hidden in concrete at one address and over £82,000 total in one day. The group criminally benefited over £1.8 million.

Pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine. Ordered to pay £294,283.78 within three months or serve a further three years in prison.

16 Jan 2026

Anthony Singleton

Indecency with a child *

Sentence

67 weeks' imprisonment

In the early 1970s, while living on Canvey Island in Essex, Anthony Singleton abused a girl aged around 10 by making her touch his penis when she was 10 or 11, and kissing her on the mouth when she was 12 and 14. The victim reported the abuse to police in 2017, but the case was delayed for eight years due to Singleton's false claims of dementia. He was examined by psychiatrists in spring 2024 and autumn 2025, who found he was malingering. On the day of trial, he admitted lesser charges via plea bargain, sparing the victim from testifying. The abuse caused the victim lifelong panic attacks, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, and difficulties in relationships.

Pleaded guilty to gross indecency with a child and two counts of indecency with a child. Judge Shane Collery KC refused to suspend the sentence due to sentencing constraints from the time of the offences but emphasized immediate custody for punishment and deterrence. Defendant feigned dementia to delay trial.

13 Jan 2026

December 2025 1 case

Ben Ransome

Conspiracy to supply cocaine *

Sentence

14 years imprisonment

Ben Ransome, 29, of Wickford, Essex, directed a sophisticated drugs network from his base in Wickford, coordinating the large-scale supply of cocaine and ketamine between July 2021 and May 2022 using drugs couriers. This included more than 208 kilograms of cocaine and 25 kilograms of ketamine with a total street value exceeding £20 million. In March 2022, as the investigation intensified, Ransome fled to Spain and later to Thailand. He was arrested and extradited back to Britain through collaboration between the CPS, NCA, Home Office, and Thai authorities.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Extradited from Thailand.

23 Dec 2025

October 2025 1 case

Claire Button

Murder *

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.

17 Oct 2025

September 2025 5 cases

Duran Guscott

Attempted rape of a child *

Sentence

13 years and 11 months in prison

Duran Guscott, 38, of Wakering Road, Shoeburyness, committed horrific child sex offences including attempted rape of a child, multiple sexual assaults on children, and taking indecent images of children.

Pleaded guilty to 12 charges including attempted rape of a child, multiple sexual assaults, and taking indecent images of children. Additional three years and one month on extended licence, lifetime restraining order, Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and on sex offenders register for life.

24 Sep 2025

Lee Brumby

Child rape *

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.

23 Sep 2025

John Lowe

Burglary *

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.

16 Sep 2025

Jim Lowe

Burglary *

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.

16 Sep 2025

Sean Woodham

Stalking and Harassment *

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.

3 Sep 2025

June 2025 2 cases

Arlanzo Sherwood

Assault of a girl by penetration *

Sentence

11 years imprisonment

Arlanzo Sherwood, a 46-year-old man from Basildon, Essex, was convicted of serious child sexual offences. The investigation by Essex Police's Quest team began in July 2019 after a family friend reported the abuse. The victim, a child at the time of the offences, disclosed the abuse to a friend and then her mother years later, leading to Sherwood being reported to police. Sherwood refused to comment or denied the allegations during interviews. He was charged in October 2021 and stood trial at Basildon Crown Court. The jury found him guilty on two counts of assault of a girl by penetration, one count of sexual activity with a child, and one count of voyeurism; he was acquitted on two other counts of assault by penetration and one count of sexual activity with a child. The survivor testified about the abuse during the trial.

Convicted after trial on two counts of assault of a girl by penetration, one count of sexual activity with a child, and one count of voyeurism. Acquitted on two counts of assault by penetration and one count of sexual activity with a child. Placed on the sex offenders' register for life and issued a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Judge commended the survivor's bravery.

26 Jun 2025

Michael Hyde

Participating in an online paedophile ring *

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.

5 Jun 2025

May 2025 4 cases

Joseph Richards

Robbery *

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.

23 May 2025

Michael Burke

Dangerous Driving *

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.

15 May 2025

Jay Hexter

Child sex offences *

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.

2 May 2025

Joshua Bridgewater

Sexual assault *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment suspended for 20 months

Joshua Bridgewater, from Westbury Road in Southend, walked free from Basildon Crown Court in May 2025 after receiving an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for 20 months, for sexually assaulting a woman under the influence of powerful medication. He pleaded guilty to coercive and controlling behaviour, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, and emotionally abusing his victim. The court heard that Bridgewater forced the woman to perform a sexual act while she was unconscious due to medication. She woke partway through the attack.

Pleaded guilty to coercive and controlling behaviour, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, and emotionally abusing his victim. The judge considered the victim's vulnerability and Bridgewater's lack of prior convictions, resulting in a suspended sentence.

1 May 2025

March 2025 1 case

Jack Fincham

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

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.

21 Mar 2025

November 2024 1 case

Derek Hall

Attempted sexual communication with a child *

Sentence

14 months imprisonment suspended

Derek Hall, a 73-year-old from Southend-on-Sea, contacted a decoy profile he believed was a schoolgirl on Facebook. Over three weeks he sent nude photos, exposed himself during a video call, and arranged to meet at Southend train station where he was arrested in January 2023. Initially claimed exposure was accidental before changing his plea during trial.

Pleaded guilty to attempting sexual communication with a child and possessing extreme pornography. Judge Richard Conley highlighted Hall's deep denial and lack of remorse, noting that but for his physical ill health immediate custody would have been imposed.

4 Nov 2024

October 2024 2 cases

Daniele Aldegheri

Robbery *

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.

14 Oct 2024

Harrison Hawkins

Sexual assault on a child under 13 *

Sentence

4 years 6 months imprisonment

Harrison Hawkins, a 37-year-old resident of Basildon, Essex, sexually assaulted a child under 13, took indecent images of a child, and possessed extreme pornographic material. Investigation began in June 2020 after indecent images were found on his phone. Further abuse emerged in November 2021 when the victim disclosed incidents. Hawkins was interviewed and made no comment. He admitted to three counts of sexual assault on a child under 13, two counts of taking indecent images of a child, and one count of possession of extreme pornographic material.

Pleaded not guilty initially but changed plea to guilty midway through trial at Basildon Crown Court. Placed on sex offenders register indefinitely, given a 10-year restraining order, and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.

14 Oct 2024

September 2024 1 case

David Crookes

Child sex offences *

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.

9 Sep 2024

August 2024 6 cases

Shazad Miah

Supply of heroin and crack cocaine *

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.

14 Aug 2024

Paul Sousek

Causing a public nuisance *

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.

1 Aug 2024

Paul Bell

Causing a public nuisance *

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.

1 Aug 2024

Theresa Higginson

Causing a public nuisance *

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.

1 Aug 2024

Daniel Johnson

Causing a public nuisance *

Sentence

21 months suspended for 24 months

Daniel Johnson, 25, of Perth and Kinross in Scotland, participated as a willing volunteer in a Just Stop Oil protest on November 9, 2022, where activists climbed gantries on the M25, causing widespread traffic disruption and media interest. The actions led to hours of delay for many people and an accident near one gantry.

Pleaded guilty to causing a public nuisance. Ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £750 in costs. Judge accepted remorse as genuine and noted realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

1 Aug 2024

Gaie Delap

Causing a public nuisance *

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.

1 Aug 2024

Disclaimer: The information on this page is compiled from publicly available court records and published media reports. It is provided strictly for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as a definitive record of any individual's criminal history or legal status.

Offence names marked with an asterisk (*) reflect descriptions used in media reporting and may not correspond to the formal legal charge or indictment. Sentencing details are as reported and may be subject to subsequent appeal, variation, or correction by the courts.

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The Gore, Basildon SS14 2EW, Basildon, Basildon, SS14 2EW, United Kingdom

+441268458000

Wheelchair accessible parking, Wheelchair accessible entrance

Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 17:00

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About Basildon Crown Court

Basildon Crown Court, located in Basildon, Basildon, is a Crown Court that handles serious criminal cases including murder, rape, robbery, and other indictable offences. With 117 sentencing records in our database, it is one of the Crown Courts serving the Basildon, Basildon area. Crown Courts sit with a judge and jury, and have the power to impose the full range of sentences available under UK law.

The court can be found at The Gore, Basildon SS14 2EW, SS14 2EW.

Accessibility provisions at this court include wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible parking.

For enquiries about cases heard at this court, you can contact the court by telephone on +441268458000.

All sentencing information published on this page has been sourced from publicly-available records and verified by our editorial team. If you believe any information is inaccurate or should be removed, you can submit a removal request directly from the relevant listing above.

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Basildon Crown Court Sentencing Results

Jack Kingsbury

Hollie Dance

Thomas Summers

Marcel Romanowski

Salujkit Rudchat

Christopher Bates

Jack Bolton-Poole

Jake Sultana

Emmanuel Nafrah

Raymond Nafrah

Nelson Lee

Sam Tolley

Sonny Carter

Ryan Alden

Daniel Summers

Leo Gravely

Scott Gambier

Bradley Pritchard

Billy Masters

Oaveed Rahman

William Innes

Sheralee Heary

Nicholas Axford

Connall Regan

Jimmy Heary

Anthony Singleton

Ben Ransome

Claire Button

Duran Guscott

Lee Brumby

John Lowe

Jim Lowe

Sean Woodham

Arlanzo Sherwood

Michael Hyde

Joseph Richards

Michael Burke

Jay Hexter

Joshua Bridgewater

Jack Fincham

Derek Hall

Daniele Aldegheri

Harrison Hawkins

David Crookes

Shazad Miah

Paul Sousek

Paul Bell

Theresa Higginson

Daniel Johnson

Gaie Delap

About Basildon Crown Court

Nearby Courts

Basildon Magistrates Court

Southend Magistrates Court

Chelmsford Crown Court

Chelmsford Magistrates Court

Romford Magistrates Court

Medway (Chatham) Magistrates Court

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