Bristol Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 102 verdicts at Bristol Crown Court (Bristol). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Andrew Edwards

Stalking

September 12, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment suspended for two years, 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, GPS monitored tag for three months, and 100 hours of unpaid work

Andrew Edwards, a former police officer, used police systems including intelligence records, the Automatic Number Plate Recognition system, and the Police National Computer to monitor his ex-partner's movements without a lawful purpose. He conducted 27 unauthorised searches and visited the area of her home address on 31 occasions, including while on duty and in breach of bail conditions. He also asked a friend to check her social media after being blocked. This occurred while he was a response officer in Chippenham, leading to his suspension and resignation on 6 May.

Pleaded guilty to stalking and misconduct in public office. The Crown Prosecution Service noted that he abused his power and fabricated justifications, while Wiltshire Police described his behaviour as totally unacceptable and below professional standards.

Sources: wiltshire999s.co.uk

Kemar Lewis

Possession of class A drugs with intent to supply

September 12, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Kemar Lewis was observed exchanging small items for money in east Bristol on August 6, 2025, leading to his arrest on suspicion of supplying class A drugs. A search of his home, conducted with the help of a police dog, uncovered heroin worth £55,000, crack cocaine worth £58,500, cannabis worth almost £1,800, a cutting agent worth around £50,000, and cash totaling £25,125 hidden under the floorboards.

Pleaded guilty to possession of class A drugs with intent to supply, possession of class B drugs, and possession of criminal property. £25,000 was forfeited to the courts.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Ben Bourton

Wounding with intent

September 10, 2025

Sentence: Hospital order and restriction order

Ben Bourton attacked his father, Paul Bourton, over a four-hour period on November 25, 2023, while his father was visiting to deliver medication and help him shower. Bourton, who had not taken his medication that day, hit his father with an open palm, struck him with a phone charger, stabbed him 10 times in the stomach, leg, and arm, pushed him, bit him, and pulled his coat over his head. Despite the injuries, Bourton refused to let his father go to the hospital until he shaved his back. His father sustained deep wounds, including a significant one to his abdomen, and required treatment at Southmead Hospital.

The defendant had a previous caution for assaulting an emergency worker in 2022, and a history of concerning behaviour and violent incidents. He has health issues including autism, OCD, an eating disorder, and anxiety. The judge noted that the defendant prioritised his own wellbeing over his father's serious injuries.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Andrew John Westwick

Possession of cannabis

September 8, 2025

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

Andrew John Westwick, 59, of East Town Lane, had cannabis worth £28,500 seized from his home, leading to his sentencing.

Liam Nicholl

Intentional strangulation

September 2, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment

Liam Nicholl, 25, of Winscombe Road in Weston-super-Mare, strangled, beat, and traumatised a woman, causing physical and psychological abuse during a traumatic incident. He was arrested and convicted for these actions.

Pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation and three other offences, which will be served concurrently. The victim sustained physical and psychological abuse, and the police commended her courage.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Darren Atkins

Possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life

August 29, 2025

Sentence: 12 years and seven months in prison

Darren Atkins, aged 42, travelled from Birmingham to Gloucester on January 18, 2025, on a motorbike as part of a group involved in a mistaken identity shooting. He was present during the confrontation at the victim's home, where the victim was shot in the leg, resulting in severe injuries that may require amputation. Atkins did not directly participate in the shooting but was complicit in the events.

Pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Did not know about the firearm initially and had a difficult background. Must serve at least two thirds of the sentence.

Sources: gloucestershirelive.co.uk

Simeon Bernard

Wounding with intent

August 29, 2025

Sentence: 16 years and two months in prison

Simeon Bernard, aged 39, travelled from Birmingham to Gloucester on January 18, 2025, on a motorbike as part of a group involved in a mistaken identity shooting. He shot the victim, a man in his 40s, in the leg during a confrontation at the victim's home, causing significant injuries that required multiple operations and may lead to amputation. The incident was captured on CCTV, and Bernard was paid to act as the driver but became the gunman.

Pleaded guilty to Section 18 wounding with intent, possession of a prohibited weapon, and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Originally charged with attempted murder and must serve at least two thirds of the sentence.

Sources: gloucestershirelive.co.uk

Aaron Cheetham

Controlling and Coercive Behaviour and Intentional Strangulation

August 26, 2025

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment and a 10-year restraining order

Aaron Cheetham, 37, of Weston-super-Mare, subjected his partner to a year of controlling and coercive behaviour, including isolating her from friends and family, monitoring her movements, making repeated threats and intimidation, and intentionally strangling her during a violent incident, which caused significant physical and emotional trauma.

Found guilty of controlling and coercive behaviour and intentional strangulation. The victim reported significant emotional and physical trauma, including loss of self-confidence and fear of further violence.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

James Kelvin

Making indecent images of children and voyeurism

August 21, 2025

Sentence: 26 months imprisonment

James Kelvin, originally from Bishop’s Stortford and living in Goldsithney near Penzance at the time of sentencing, created 640 Category C, 46 Category B, and 37 Category A indecent images of children, including two video clips, between November 15, 2019, and October 8, 2021. He also made two Category A and two Category B indecent pseudo-images of children and committed voyeurism against a girl under 18 while living in Bristol. There was a two-year delay in police examination of his devices after his arrest in March 2022, which caused significant hardship and anguish for victims.

Pleaded guilty earlier in the year. Judge Peter Blair ordered consecutive sentences for the offences, disregarding delays in police analysis but urging victims to complain to the Home Secretary for more resources.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Ricky Morgan

Sexual abuse of a child

August 12, 2025

Sentence: Eight years imprisonment

Ricky Morgan was convicted of non-recent sexual abuse of a child. The abuse involved actions against a child, though specific details of the incidents were not provided in the text.

Bradley Warwick

Wounding without intent

July 24, 2025

Sentence: 17 months and 1 week imprisonment

Bradley Warwick, 28, of no fixed abode, wounded a person in December 2023. He was charged with the offence and found guilty in June 2025 before being sentenced.

Found guilty of wounding without intent. Sentenced by Circuit Judge J Patrick.

Sources: northsomersettimes.co.uk

Eugeni Kostadinov

Robbery

July 22, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment, driving disqualification for 4 years and 10 months, and a £228 victim surcharge

Eugeni Kostadinov threatened a woman with a knife and stole £2,000 and items of sentimental value from her home in Staple Hill on August 19, 2024. On August 21, 2024, he attempted to steal vehicles on the A38 in Thornbury, including opening the door of one vehicle to take keys, banging on another car's window, and threatening to shoot a driver to steal their car. He fled in the stolen vehicle, reversed into a police car during a chase, and was arrested after trying to escape in a field in Slimbridge. No evidence of an actual gun was found.

Convicted after a six-day trial of two counts of robbery, three counts of attempted robbery, and possession of a Class A drug. Police described his actions as abhorrent, noting the lasting impact on victims.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Martyn Newitt

Misconduct in a public office

July 11, 2025

Sentence: 12-month suspended prison sentence, 120 hours of unpaid work, and 20 rehabilitation days

Between May 2020 and December 2021, Martyn Newitt, a former temporary Police Sergeant from Dobwalls, Liskeard, formed an inappropriate relationship with a woman he met while on duty. He was also found guilty of causing a computer to perform a function with intent to secure unauthorised access to data, contrary to the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

Admitted misconduct in a public office. Resigned from the police in January 2025 and will face misconduct proceedings. Detective Superintendent Alexandra Doughty noted the seriousness of the reports and the victim's resilience.

Sources: cornwalllive.com

Shakawan Siddiqi

Murder

July 11, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years and 74 days

Shakawan Siddiqi fatally stabbed Kunta Ceesay, aged 25, during an altercation on Stapleton Road on September 20, 2024. There may have been a previous dispute over a small amount of money. Kunta died of his wounds that day, and Siddiqi was arrested and later convicted.

Found guilty of murder after a two-and-a-half week trial. The sentence includes unrelated convictions for a wounding offence and possession of a bladed article from February 2024.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Omar Hassanjee

Conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine

July 10, 2025

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment

Omar Hassanjee headed an organised crime group supplying wholesale amounts of heroin and cocaine. Investigators tracked his associates making trips to collect drugs, leading to the seizure of cocaine worth £13,000 from James Lea and heroin worth £2.5 million from a car driven by James Pokora. Additionally, £15,000 worth of high-purity cocaine was found under the floorboards of a safe house on Stoney Lane in Birmingham, which Hassanjee visited. He used his own home to store proceeds from the drug supply. The network was uncovered in May 2024.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin and conspiracy to supply cocaine. Played a leading role in supplying huge quantities of class A drugs, causing harm in communities.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Lewis Thomas

Fraud

July 10, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment, suspended for 1 year; 180 hours unpaid work; repay £5,020 to victims

Lewis Thomas, 35, from Stockwood, defrauded victims across the South West by taking upfront payments for loft ladder installations that he never completed. He operated under more than 27 different business names and stole over £5,000 from victims in Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Wales, causing emotional distress. He breached a previous deferred sentence and Criminal Behaviour Order from February 2024.

Sentence suspended due to being the sole carer for his young child. Ordered to repay victims within 28 days. Breached a previous Criminal Behaviour Order.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Graham Wright

Making indecent photographs of a child

July 10, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Graham Wright, 62, from Nailsea, possessed extreme pornographic images portraying a person involved in sexual acts with dogs, horses, and pigs, and made indecent photographs of a child. He appeared in court and received his sentence.

Pleaded guilty to possessing extreme pornographic images and making indecent photographs of a child. Ordered to pay a £187 surcharge, participate in a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 25 days, and given a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years.

Sources: northsomersettimes.co.uk

Tom Pleass

Fly-tipping

July 9, 2025

Sentence: 54 weeks imprisonment and 11 months driving ban

Tom Pleass engaged in repeated illegal waste activities, including fly-tipping and breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order issued in October 2023. He was observed multiple times with waste on his vehicle, including incidents in November 2023 and January 2024, where he was stopped by police and gave false details. He continued these activities, taking scrap metal to a dealer without proper licences, and estimates suggest he committed around 200 offences during the pandemic period.

Pleaded guilty to fly-tipping, breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order, not having a scrap metal licence or waste transfer notes, and failing to respond to an interview request. He had prior convictions for similar offences.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

David Watson-Williams

Rape

July 7, 2025

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment with an extended three-year licence

In the early 2000s, David Watson-Williams raped a woman in her flat in St Pauls. The victim had returned home around 3am, left her door unlocked, and fallen asleep fully clothed. She was woken by the attack, pretended to stay asleep for her safety, and recognised him as the perpetrator. She reported the crime in August 2021, leading to his identification and arrest. The attack forced her to leave her home and has had lasting effects on her life.

Found guilty of rape after a jury deliberation that took 45 minutes. He has a prior conviction for rape and will remain on the sex offenders' register for life. The victim provided a statement detailing the profound impact on her life.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

John Colmer

Misconduct in public office

July 4, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

John Colmer, a 25-year-old custody officer employed by Serco, abused his position by contacting a rape victim during an ongoing trial at Plymouth Crown Court between August 3 and 7, 2024. He accused her of lying about the rape and threatened to reveal her identity publicly, using information he obtained while on duty. This misconduct occurred amid national violent disorders following the murder of three young girls in Stockport.

Denied the offence but was found guilty by a jury. Judge James Patrick handed the sentence after considering his role as a public officer.

Sources: plymouthherald.co.uk

Martin Newitt

Misconduct

July 4, 2025

Sentence: 12-month suspended prison sentence

Martin Newitt, a police officer from Dobwalls, was involved in offenses leading to a suspended sentence, though specific details of the crimes were not provided.

Stephen Makore

Tenancy fraud

July 3, 2025

Sentence: 9 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and 140 hours of unpaid work

Stephen Makore ceased to occupy his council property in Playford Gardens, Bristol, and sublet it to two other people between August 27, 2020, and May 31, 2023, in violation of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013. Suspicions were raised following a Right to Buy application in 2021, and investigations revealed he was liable for council tax at addresses in Newport and Monmouth, with bank statements showing regular rent payments into his account.

Pleaded guilty to tenancy fraud. Required to repay £3,600 along with a statutory surcharge of £156.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Zhaoqian Yu

Human trafficking

July 2, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 10 months imprisonment

Between November 2017 and September 2019, Zhaoqian Yu controlled women working as prostitutes at a brothel in Birmingham and trafficked a vulnerable sex worker from London to Birmingham, fully aware of her exploitation. Between August 2018 and June 2019, he transferred £347,000 in proceeds of crime to a Chinese restaurant in Gloucester via an underground banking operation. Between December 2018 and October 2021, he conspired with others to import 34 kilos of cannabis into the UK for onward distribution.

Pleaded guilty to human trafficking, controlling prostitution for gain, conspiracy to import cannabis, and transferring criminal property.

Sources: gloucestershirelive.co.uk

Jake Herault-Redman

Conspiracy to supply class B drugs

July 1, 2025

Sentence: Three years and three months imprisonment

Jake Herault-Redman was part of a group that operated a same-day cannabis delivery service in Bristol under the name 'The Smoke Shack', using social media and an encrypted messaging app to promote and deliver drugs in brown paper bags to numerous addresses. Police seized seven kilograms of cannabis, over £3,800 in cash, £13,000 in cryptocurrency from his address, and over £3,330 worth of designer clothes. Weapons including machetes, air rifles, knives, and baseball bats were also found at the operation's hub in Eastville.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class B drugs and acquiring criminal property.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Joseph Wilks

Conspiracy to supply class B drugs

July 1, 2025

Sentence: Four-and-a-half years imprisonment

Joseph Wilks was a key figure in a group operating a cannabis delivery service in Bristol, known as 'The Smoke Shack', which used social media and an encrypted app for sales and deliveries in brown paper bags. During a police raid in Eastville in June 2024, he assaulted an officer upon entry and attempted to flee, leading to his detention. Police seized seven kilograms of cannabis, over £3,800 in cash, and weapons including machetes, air rifles, knives, and baseball bats from the address. He admitted to stating that he refrained from using a machete on the officer only because he heard them identify as police.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class B drugs, acquiring criminal property, and assaulting a police officer.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Callum Coen

Conspiracy to supply class B drugs

July 1, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment, suspended for two years

Callum Coen was involved in running a same-day cannabis delivery service across Bristol, using brown paper bags for deliveries promoted on social media and an encrypted app under 'The Smoke Shack'. During a police raid in Eastville in June 2024, he fled the premises and was arrested shortly after. Police seized seven kilograms of cannabis, over £3,800 in cash, and various weapons from the address.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class B drugs and acquiring criminal property.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Ryland Headley

Murder and Rape

June 30, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years

In June 1967, Ryland Headley, then aged 34, broke into the home of 75-year-old Louisa Dunne in the Easton area of Bristol by forcing open a window. He sexually assaulted her, leading to her death. The crime involved a brutal attack where he met her screams and struggles with sufficient force to kill. Palm prints found at the scene linked him to the crime, solving what is thought to be the UK's longest-running cold case.

Told he had committed a 'pitiless and cruel act by a depraved man'. The judge noted that due to his age, he would never be released and would die in prison. Credit for time spent on remand to be calculated separately.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Josh Kelly

Controlling and coercive behaviour

June 27, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Josh Kelly subjected seven women to a pattern of abuse, including controlling and coercive behaviour, physical assaults, and threats over several years. He attacked his ex-girlfriend at the graveside of their baby daughter, who died in November 2022, kicking her with steel toe cap boots and dragging her around. This incident occurred around the six-month anniversary of the daughter's death. Kelly also monitored her movements, restricted her social interactions, threatened self-harm and violence, and engaged in jealous and manipulative behaviour, often while maintaining multiple relationships simultaneously.

Pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour towards seven women aged between 20 and 24.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Joshua Kelly

Controlling and coercive behaviour

June 27, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 8 months imprisonment and a 10-year restraining order

Joshua Kelly, 23, from Staple Hill, subjected seven women to a reign of terror by initially using love bombing to befriend them before becoming aggressive and controlling. He moved into their homes, accused them of being unfaithful, limited their social time, and manipulated them across overlapping relationships between 2020 and 2025. His actions caused significant trauma, leading victims to report difficulties in trusting others.

Pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour towards seven women aged between 20 and 24, while in overlapping relationships with them between 2020 and 2025. The officer in the case noted that Kelly used love bombing tactics, accused victims of infidelity, and controlled their movements and social interactions.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Mark Manship

Rape of a child under 13

June 27, 2025

Sentence: 19 years imprisonment with an extended licence period of 8 years

Mark Manship, 39, of Cardiff, raped and sexually assaulted a very young girl, shared indecent images of her online, and took an indecent picture of a teenage girl in 2011. He was caught after exchanging sexually explicit messages and indecent images with an undercover FBI agent in December 2020, which led to his arrest by Avon and Somerset Police and the discovery of hundreds of indecent images on his devices.

Pleaded guilty to multiple offences. Judge described the facts as extremely distressing and horrific. Also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a restraining order, and added to the Sex Offenders' Register.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Junior Griffiths

Supply of Class A Drugs

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Junior Griffiths was part of a group running a major drug supply network in Bristol. The network involved supplying cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, and cannabis. Police seized 14kg of cocaine worth over £1.1 million, along with other drugs valued at around £30,000 and £84,595 in cash from a property in Barton Hill.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (cocaine and MDMA) and two counts of being concerned in the supply of class B drugs (ketamine and cannabis). He was involved in running the drugs line and directing couriers.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

David Chanter

Supply of Class A Drugs

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment

David Chanter was involved as a courier in a major drug supply network in Bristol, which supplied cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, and cannabis to hundreds of customers. Police seized 14kg of cocaine with a street value of over £1.1 million, along with other drugs worth £30,000 and £84,595 in cash from a property in Barton Hill.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Claude Craig Gumbs

Supply of Class A Drugs

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment

Claude Craig Gumbs was involved in running a drugs line that serviced hundreds of customers with various drugs. On August 21, 2024, a man was detained after a foot chase on Church Road, Redfield, with 3kg of cocaine in his rucksack, which was linked to Gumbs via fingerprints on the packaging. Police executed a warrant at Gumbs' address in Harwood House, Barton Hill, on February 11, where drugs and £84,595 in cash were seized. He was arrested along with Osheen Griffiths.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (cocaine and MDMA), two counts of being concerned in the supply of class B drugs (ketamine and cannabis), supplying a class A drug (cocaine) to a man in Redfield in August 2024, possession with intent to supply a class A drug (cocaine), and possession of criminal property. Cash and drugs were found at his address.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Osheen Griffiths

Supply of Class A Drugs

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 3 months imprisonment

Osheen Griffiths was involved in running a drugs line that supplied hundreds of customers with cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, and cannabis in Bristol. Police seized 14kg of cocaine worth over £1.1 million, other drugs worth £30,000, and £84,595 in cash from a property in Barton Hill. He was arrested at Gumbs' address.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Terry Ellick

Supply of Class A Drugs

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Terry Ellick was involved as a courier in a major drug supply network in Bristol, which supplied cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, and cannabis to hundreds of customers. Police seized 14kg of cocaine with a street value of over £1.1 million, along with other drugs worth £30,000 and £84,595 in cash from a property in Barton Hill.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Cody Smith-Alwood

Controlling or Coercive Behaviour

June 23, 2025

Sentence: 32 months in custody for controlling and coercive behaviour, six months for breach of restraining order, and one month each for assault by beating and section four public order offence (concurrent)

Between 2020 and 2024, Cody Smith-Alwood engaged in controlling and coercive behaviour towards his former partner, including staying in her home uninvited, controlling her phone, constant calls, threats to reveal confidential information, and physical assault on November 4, 2024, where he threw her over his shoulder, causing injury. He also breached a restraining order against another woman and made threats to stab her brother and friend.

Victim reported severe emotional and physical impact, including weight loss and humiliation. The defendant continued coercive behaviour from prison.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

James Brown

Theft

June 20, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

James Brown defrauded 19 families by taking approximately £100,000 upfront for kitchen installations, ripping out their existing kitchens, and then failing to complete the work or return their money. This occurred during the spring and summer of 2023 in areas including Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North East Somerset. He used lies and excuses to delay, and victims suffered significant emotional distress, financial loss, and inconvenience, with some left without basic facilities for extended periods.

Pleaded guilty to 19 counts of theft. The judge noted the devastation to victims and that only a custodial sentence was appropriate, considering his previous good character and promises to repay victims by selling his home.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Khalid Abditoon

Possession with Intent to Supply

June 19, 2025

Sentence: six years and 220 days imprisonment

Khalid Abditoon and Fahim Mohamed were arrested in April after a warrant was carried out in St Annes, Bristol. During the raid, Avon and Somerset Police officers seized crack cocaine, heroin, drug paraphernalia, phones, and a large knife from the property. They preyed on the most vulnerable members of society through drug dealing.

Charged with possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin, and an immigration offence.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Fahim Mohamed

Possession with Intent to Supply

June 19, 2025

Sentence: four years and four months imprisonment

Fahim Mohamed and Khalid Abditoon were arrested in April after a warrant was carried out in St Annes, Bristol. During the raid, Avon and Somerset Police officers seized crack cocaine, heroin, drug paraphernalia, phones, and a large knife from the property. They preyed on the most vulnerable members of society through drug dealing.

Charged with possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin, and an immigration offence.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

David Garland

Murder

June 13, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment

David Garland, 40, of no fixed abode, participated in the murder of Michael Wheeler, 37, due to a mistaken belief that Wheeler was a convicted paedophile. The incident took place at Mark Roberts' flat in Yeovil on August 24, 2024. Wheeler suffered severe injuries, and his body was concealed. Garland also admitted to interfering with the burial of the body. The crime was motivated by a £100 debt and confusion over an online report of a different individual.

Found guilty of murder and conspiracy to murder; had previously admitted to preventing the lawful burial of the body. Remanded in custody pending sentencing hearing.

Sources: somersetlive.co.uk

Mark Roberts

Murder

June 13, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment

Mark Roberts, 39, of Juniper Close, Yeovil, was involved in the brutal murder of Michael Wheeler, 37, whom he and others mistakenly believed to be a paedophile. The attack occurred at Roberts' flat in the early hours of August 24, 2024, resulting in multiple injuries including 11 skull and facial fractures to the victim. Wheeler's body was hidden and later found in a derelict caravan on farmland in Yarlington on September 25, 2024. The motive involved a £100 debt and a mistaken identity based on an online news report.

Found guilty of murder and conspiracy to murder; remanded in custody pending sentencing hearing.

Sources: somersetlive.co.uk

Kevin Geoffrey Thompson

Sexual Assault

June 10, 2025

Sentence: Imprisonment

Kevin Geoffrey Thompson was jailed for sexual assault and for possessing thousands of indecent images of children.

Jardel Edwards

Possession of a firearm and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs

May 29, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

On February 6, 2025, plain-clothed officers stopped Jardel Edwards in Webb Street, St Judes, around 4.40pm, and found crack cocaine and heroin in his pockets. A subsequent search of his home on Cotton Mill Lane in Barton Hill uncovered a handgun, a taser, ammunition, and further evidence of drugs supply. He was arrested and later pleaded guilty to the offences.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm, one count of possession of ammunition, and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. The sentence comprised five years for the firearms offences and three years for the drugs offences. Police noted his evasive behaviour and the potential harm from drug dealing.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Melissa Wilband

Manslaughter

May 22, 2025

Sentence: To be determined

Melissa Wilband, 28, was convicted of manslaughter for violently shaking her four-month-old daughter, Lexi Wilband, leading to brain bleeding. The incident occurred at their home in Newent, Gloucestershire, in April 2020. Lexi collapsed on April 12, 2020, and died on April 18, 2020, at Bristol Children’s Hospital. Wilband made a 111 call claiming Lexi stopped breathing in her bouncer chair. Medical evidence showed Lexi had been shaken violently on at least two occasions, with post-mortem revealing extensive brain and eye bleeding. Wilband had a history of cocaine use and lied about the baby's paternity, presenting a fake DNA certificate.

Convicted of manslaughter; sentencing adjourned by Mr Justice Saini. Wilband denied shaking the baby and claimed a physical inability due to a bad wrist. She was granted conditional bail.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Peter Lazarides

Sexual offences

May 22, 2025

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

Peter Lazarides committed multiple sexual offences against four children over a three-year period from 2017 to 2020. The offences involved causing children to watch sexual acts, engaging in sexual activity in their presence, inciting children to engage in sexual activity, sexually assaulting them, and exposure. The crimes were initially reported in January 2022, with further victims coming forward in 2024 and 2025, leading to his conviction.

Found guilty of 16 out of 20 counts of sexual offences committed between 2017 and 2020. Showed no remorse during the trial, as reported by victims.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Matthew Jones

Grievous bodily harm with intent

May 9, 2025

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment with a 4-year extended licence

Matthew Jones stabbed his on-off girlfriend, Emma Kirk, approximately 15 times with a knife, inflicting severe injuries to her neck, head, face, and hands during a brutal and frenzied attack in Bath, Somerset, on February 26, 2024. The incident occurred after she told him she did not want to continue the relationship. Witnesses described him as 'a man possessed', and it took five men to pull him away; he also attempted to strangle her. She suffered life-threatening injuries, including punctured lungs, and required hospitalisation.

Pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent. Judge described him as dangerous and unpredictable, noting the attack was a ferocious assault.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Taylor Stacey

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving

May 1, 2025

Sentence: 22 months suspended imprisonment, disqualified from driving, and ordered to pay compensation

Taylor Stacey, 20, lost control of his BMW and struck a crowd at a car meet in Avonmouth, Bristol on 18 November 2023, seriously injuring a 20-year-old woman with internal injuries, multiple fractures including a fractured skull. He had placed the car in ‘sports plus’ mode, which reduced its traction control.

Christina Howell

Manslaughter

April 25, 2025

Sentence: Hospital order with restrictions under the Mental Health Act, indefinite detention

Christina Howell, diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, stabbed Hubert Brown, a 61-year-old man, in the neck on September 29, 2023, in the St Pauls area of Bristol. The attack was unprovoked and racially motivated; Howell had told her care worker she intended to target a 'Jamaican drug dealer,' mistakenly identifying Mr. Brown. She was armed with a four-inch lock knife, and witnesses reported racist abuse during the incident. Despite her mental health issues and prior hospitalisations, the attack occurred in broad daylight, leading to Mr. Brown's death later that afternoon.

Pleaded manslaughter by diminished responsibility due to schizoaffective disorder. Judge described the attack as racist and unprovoked, noting she is a danger and prohibiting her from entering Bristol.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Mali Bennett-Smith

Murder

March 10, 2025

Sentence: 10 years and five months detention

Mali Bennett-Smith, 17, stabbed his 19-year-old sister Luka Bennett-Smith to death at their home in the St Andrews area of Bristol on October 20, 2024. He had asked to practise a headlock on her, as they had done before, but this time he refused to stop when she signalled and instead stabbed her repeatedly. He called emergency services shortly after, admitting he hated her and wanted to kill her due to ongoing resentment and perceived bullying. The incident occurred while they were alone at home, and he had a history of home-schooling on a remote farm in New Zealand before moving to the UK.

Pled guilty to murder. Judge William Hart noted the killing was shocking and brutal, and highlighted aggravating factors such as the use of a knife and intent to kill. The defendant has severe dyslexia and dysgraphia, and his unconventional upbringing and gaming habits were mentioned as contributing factors.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Charles Graham

Manslaughter

March 6, 2025

Sentence: three years imprisonment

Charles Graham, 78, strangled his wife of nearly 50 years, Davinia Graham, 67, in their home in Cheltenham after she threatened to stab him. This followed her discharge from hospital on August 30, where she had been treated for an overdose and mental health issues. Graham snapped due to prolonged abuse, phoned the police to confess, and was arrested. The incident was influenced by years of domestic abuse and family hardships.

Pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the basis of loss of control. Had endured years of abuse from his wife due to her mental health issues, including family tragedies such as the death of a daughter and grandson. Judge praised his usual patience in managing the situation.

Sources: standard.co.uk

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