Bristol Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 178 verdicts at Bristol Crown Court (Bristol). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

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

James Doherty

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving

January 31, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 2 months in detention and banned from driving for 4 years and 1 month

James Doherty, 18, purchased a BMW with under-inflated rear tyres and drove it too fast around a corner in the Lawrence Weston area of Bristol at about 2pm on November 17, 2024. He lost control, crashing into a bus stop where a four-year-old boy was waiting with his father and stepmother, causing serious injuries including collapsed lungs, fractured pelvis, fractured ribs, and a spinal fracture to the boy, and injuries to the stepmother's leg. Doherty had traces of cannabis in his system, fled the scene with his pregnant wife, and later handed himself in at a police station.

Pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Judge Peter Blair described his actions as extraordinarily culpable and utterly cowardly, and noted he had no driving licence or insurance.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Katherine Reilly

Child cruelty

January 24, 2025

Sentence: Six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years

Katherine Reilly, 25, was convicted of child cruelty for failing to seek immediate medical help after an eight-week-old baby sustained severe injuries at the hands of Tom Kember in Taunton, Somerset, in January 2020. The baby had already suffered head injuries, and Reilly's delay in contacting emergency services exacerbated the harm. She was in a committed relationship with Kember at the time.

Convicted of child cruelty. Judge Julian Lambert described her actions as 'wicked and spineless' for not seeking medical attention during an 80-minute delay after the injuries were inflicted, and for shielding Kember. She showed no remorse or regret.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Tom Kember

Causing grievous bodily harm with intent

January 24, 2025

Sentence: 21 years imprisonment with a further four years on extended licence

Tom Kember, 27, caused grievous bodily harm with intent to an eight-week-old baby at a property in Taunton, Somerset, in January 2020. The baby, born prematurely, sustained catastrophic head injuries, including traumatic brain injury, leading to profound disabilities such as being non-verbal, registered blind, suffering multiple daily seizures, and having a reduced life expectancy. Injuries were likened to the force of a car crash or a fall from a two-storey building. Kember searched online for terms related to baby injuries before and after the incident and delayed seeking help for about 80 minutes.

Pleaded not guilty but was convicted by a jury. Judge Julian Lambert described the attack as 'an attack of monstrous evil with the worst possible consequences'. Kember has two prior convictions for domestic violence and an incident involving police. He showed no remorse and was deemed dangerous.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Tanaka Zivanai

Murder

January 23, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years and 10 months

Tanaka Zivanai, 32, stabbed his partner Zanele Sibanda, 28, multiple times in the Tredworth area of Gloucester on August 27, 2024, after confronting her about suspected infidelity. The attack occurred in the early hours in front of witnesses, involving a knife he brought from home. Neighbours had previously heard arguments, including threats to kill her. Police and paramedics attended but she died at the scene from multiple stab wounds to the head, throat, body, and arms. The incident was captured on CCTV and involved accusations related to a visa.

Pleaded guilty to murder and possession of a knife in a public place. The defendant expressed genuine remorse and deep-seated grief, having lost control during the incident.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Samantha Hill

Misconduct in Public Office

January 17, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and 240 hours of unpaid work

Samantha Hill, a police officer with Devon and Cornwall Police, accessed sensitive police material she was not authorised to view, including briefings, images, and recordings related to cases such as the Keyham shootings, suicides, and the murder of Bobbi-Anne McLeod. Between January 2021 and November 2021, she shared this confidential information via WhatsApp with friends and family, compromising investigations and risking the integrity of trials.

Pleaded guilty to 18 offences of misconduct in public office. A misconduct panel determined her conduct amounted to gross misconduct and stated she would have been dismissed from the force.

Sources: devonlive.com

Angelus Payne

Sexual Assault

January 16, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment and a £228 victim surcharge

Angelus Payne committed three counts of sexual assault against the victim in her home in February 2023. The victim reported feeling too scared to stay in her home afterwards, experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulty sleeping. She described her home as a place where she should feel safe but no longer did, and she is trying to cope with the trauma.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault. Prosecutor was Sarah Regan and defence counsel was Ian Morell.

Sources: thewestonmercury.co.uk

Antony Snook

Murder

December 19, 2024

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 38 years

Antony Snook drove a group of armed teenagers, including Riley Tolliver and Kodi-Shai Wescott, to Ilminster Avenue in Bristol on January 27, 2024. The group chased and fatally stabbed Mason Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16, in a case of mistaken identity amid a postcode rivalry, with Snook facilitating the attack using his vehicle.

Convicted of two counts of murder; acted as the driver who transported the armed teenagers to the scene.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Bailey Wescott

Assisting an offender

December 19, 2024

Sentence: Five years and three months imprisonment

Bailey Wescott, 23, assisted the murderers after they stabbed and killed Max Dixon and Mason Rist on January 27, 2024, in Knowle West, Bristol, by disposing of items connected to the crime and aiding in covering up the attack.

Pleaded guilty to assisting an offender by helping to dispose of items linked to the attack, including lighting a fire to destroy evidence, after the murders.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Kodi-Shai Wescott

Murder

December 19, 2024

Sentence: Life detention with a minimum term of 23 years and 44 days

Kodi-Shai Wescott participated in a group that armed themselves with machetes and chased down Mason Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16, in Bristol on January 27, 2024. The victims were innocent bystanders caught in a mistaken identity incident linked to escalating violence between rival districts.

Convicted of two counts of murder; reporting restrictions were lifted, revealing his identity; involved in the attack due to family-related postcode rivalry.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Riley Tolliver

Murder

December 19, 2024

Sentence: Life detention with a minimum term of 23 years and 47 days

Riley Tolliver, along with others, was driven to Ilminster Avenue in Bristol on January 27, 2024, where they chased and fatally stabbed Mason Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16, who were mistakenly identified as rivals. The attack involved machetes and occurred in the Knowle West area, stemming from a tit-for-tat postcode dispute.

Convicted of two counts of murder; part of a group that attacked due to mistaken identity in a postcode rivalry.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Jamie Ogbourne

Assisting an offender

December 17, 2024

Sentence: 5 years and 3 months imprisonment

Jamie Ogbourne, 27, of Hartcliffe, assisted the perpetrators after the murders of Max Dixon and Mason Rist by helping to clean the weapons used in the attack and arranging taxis and a change of clothing for two of the teenage murderers. This occurred following the fatal stabbings on January 27, 2024, in Bristol.

Pleaded guilty to assisting an offender; helped clean weapons and arrange logistics for the teenage murderers.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Bailey Westcott

Assisting an offender

December 17, 2024

Sentence: 5 years and 3 months imprisonment

Bailey Westcott, 23, of Whitchurch, assisted the perpetrators after the murders of Max Dixon and Mason Rist by lighting a fire to dispose of items linked to the attack and helping to clean weapons. This took place following the fatal stabbings on January 27, 2024, in Bristol.

Pleaded guilty to assisting an offender; helped dispose of items linked to the attack by lighting a fire.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Beverley Chapman

Breach of Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

December 16, 2024

Sentence: £5,260 fine, £4,650 prosecution costs, £2,000 court surcharge

Beverley Chapman, of Tembleath Farm, St Columb Major, Cornwall, kept a herd of cattle with calves in a field containing a public right of way along the South West Coast Path at Park Head. On June 30, 2024, the cattle attacked 75-year-old dog walker Brian Gregory, trampling and butting him, resulting in a severed artery, horn marks, and gashes down to the bone. Despite being informed of the attack, Chapman added more cattle to the herd instead of removing them. A month later, the herd attacked two locals and their dogs, injuring one pet. Chapman only removed the cattle four days later after instruction from Cornwall Council. Alternative enclosed fields without public rights of way were available.

Pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Failed to remove cattle after two reported attacks on walkers.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Luke Wilson

Affray

October 23, 2024

Sentence: 3 years football banning order, £214 fine, 40-100 hours community service

Involved in a street brawl between Cheltenham Town and Bristol Rovers fans outside the Moon Under Water and The Miller pubs on Bath Road in Cheltenham town centre on October 15, 2022, around 2pm, about an hour before a League One fixture. Punches were exchanged in the disorder, but no serious injuries occurred. Identified via CCTV footage.

Victor Rotundu

Causing death by careless driving

October 23, 2024

Sentence: 5 years and 4 months imprisonment, disqualified from driving for 7 years and 8 months

Victor Rotundu, of Newport, Gwent, was driving his grey Citroen C4 on the M32 near junction one around 10.13am on Sunday, October 6, 2024, in dry weather conditions, when he lost control, careered off the road, and crashed into a tree. Toxicology reports indicated his blood alcohol level was at least 140umg per 100ml, estimated at 222umg per 100ml at the time of the crash, over three times the legal limit of 80umg per 100ml. His passenger, Andrei Griguta, 37, died at the scene.

Admitted to causing death by careless driving. Required to pass an extended driving test.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Samuel Morgan-Phelps

Affray

October 20, 2024

Sentence: 3 years football banning order, £214 fine, 40-100 hours community service

Macauley Parsons

Affray

October 20, 2024

Sentence: 3 years football banning order, £214 fine, 40-100 hours community service

Mason Tea

Affray

October 20, 2024

Sentence: 3 years football banning order, £214 fine, 40-100 hours community service

Kieran Watts

Affray

October 20, 2024

Sentence: 3 years football banning order, £214 fine, 40-100 hours community service

Adam Upton

Affray

October 20, 2024

Sentence: 3 years football banning order, £214 fine, 40-100 hours community service

James Groom

Affray

October 20, 2024

Sentence: 3 years football banning order, £214 fine, 40-100 hours community service

Harry Locke

Affray

October 20, 2024

Sentence: 3 years football banning order, £214 fine, 40-100 hours community service

James Bennett

Affray

October 20, 2024

Sentence: 3 years football banning order, £214 fine, 40-100 hours community service

George Parsons

Affray

October 20, 2024

Sentence: 3 years football banning order, £214 fine, 40-100 hours community service

Daniel Hicks

Affray

October 20, 2024

Sentence: 3 years football banning order, £214 fine, 40-100 hours community service

Bryan Smith

Dangerous driving

October 9, 2024

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment and disqualified from driving for 10 years and 8 months

On September 2, 2024, Bryan Smith, 47, of no fixed address, led police on a 27-minute pursuit through southern and central Bristol in a stolen car with cloned registration plates. He drove on pavements, through several red lights, at speeds up to 80mph in a 30mph limit, narrowly missed other vehicles, hit two vehicles belonging to members of the public, and was stopped using stingers and a taser in the Fishponds area without harming anyone, thanks to skilled officers and police helicopter support.

Admitted driving offences. Pleaded guilty to each offence at Bristol Magistrates’ Court last month. Pc Dan Hambin described the driving as amongst the most reckless and exceedingly dangerous he has ever seen.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Sean Reuben

Rape

August 13, 2024

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment and indefinite addition to the Sex Offenders’ Register

Sean Reuben, 49, of Lawrence Weston, raped a woman in her 20s at a house in Clevedon in November 2021. He was arrested the same night after the victim reported the incident. The crime had a profound impact on the victim, causing physical and mental harm including suicidal thoughts, self-harm, nightmares, flashbacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite his denial, a jury found him guilty in May, and he was sentenced on August 13, 2024.

Pleaded not guilty and was found guilty by a jury. Judge Burgess highlighted him as a dangerous sexual predator with no remorse.

Sources: northsomersettimes.co.uk

Philip Denford

Sexual abuse

July 31, 2024

Sentence: Imprisonment (specific term not detailed)

Philip Denford, a 28-year-old man from Weston, carried out sickening sexual abuse, though specific details of the crimes, including when and how they occurred, are not provided in the text.

Described as a 'dangerous and predatory' sexual abuser; carried out 'sickening sexual abuse'.

Sources: thewestonmercury.co.uk

Christine Kekkonen

Murder

May 23, 2024

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 15 years

Christine Kekkonen stabbed her 41-year-old husband, Henri Kekkonen, in the neck at their home in Dunford Terrace, Baltonsborough, Somerset, between 4pm and 4.20pm on May 9, 2024. She sent a text message to her mother admitting to something awful, prompting a call for emergency services. Despite their arrival within 15 minutes, Henri could not be saved and died at the scene. The knife was recovered during a search, and she was arrested and charged with murder by detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team.

Convicted of murder despite claiming she did not intend to injure. Judge noted evidence of deliberation, such as hiding the knife, and stated her mental health difficulties did not explain her actions. Family statements highlighted the profound impact on them.

Sources: somersetcountygazette.co.uk

Stuart Hand

Rape of a female under 16

May 9, 2024

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order

In February 2019, Stuart Hand approached a teenage girl he did not know while driving in Pill, offered her a lift, gave her alcohol and drugs, engaged in sexual activity with her in the car, and then raped her at his home address. He drove her home the following morning. The victim, who was under 16 at the time, reported the offences to the police in 2022, leading to his arrest and conviction. She described being terrified and suffering ongoing emotional and mental trauma, including triggers from sights, sounds, and smells associated with the incident.

Found guilty after a trial; denied all offences initially. The victim provided a statement describing the lasting trauma, and the judge imposed the sentence considering the severity of the crimes.

Sources: somersetcountygazette.co.uk

Kieron Goodwin

Murder

May 8, 2024

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 35 years

Kieron Goodwin, 33, of Frome, murdered his partner, 29-year-old Olivia Wood, by strangling her on July 30, 2024, in his Frome flat after a relationship of fewer than three months. Police found evidence suggesting she was planning to leave, including a packed suitcase. He was also convicted of four counts of rape, five counts of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, one count of sexual assault by penetration, one count of intentional strangulation, and controlling and coercive behaviour against Olivia and three other women, spanning physical and psychological abuse.

Pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour against four victims; convicted of murder and 12 other offences after a five-week trial; judge granted indefinite restraining orders preventing contact with three other victims; victim impact statements highlighted the profound effects on survivors and Olivia's family.

Sources: somersetcountygazette.co.uk

Jane Allen

Allowing premises to be used for supply of Class A drugs

May 3, 2024

Sentence: 4 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Jane Allen, 63, allowed her home in Pastures Avenue to be used for storing cocaine as part of an organised crime group's operations supplying Class A drugs across the South West.

Allowed her premises to be used for the supply of Class A drugs, as the mother of Thomas Prodger.

Sources: thewestonmercury.co.uk

Jonathon Leson

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

May 3, 2024

Sentence: 1 year 10 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Jonathon Leson, 43, from Hills View, Barnstaple, was involved in an organised crime group by receiving deliveries of cocaine for street-level supply in North Devon as part of the conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Ricardo Robinson

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

May 3, 2024

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Ricardo Robinson, 29, from Sandford, headed an organised crime group that supplied significant quantities of cocaine across the South West. He was involved in conspiring to supply Class A drugs by organising deliveries from the Midlands.

Headed the organised crime group and organised the distribution of vast amounts of cocaine from the Midlands.

Sources: thewestonmercury.co.uk

Craig Allen

Allowing premises to be used for supply of Class A drugs

May 3, 2024

Sentence: 4 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Craig Allen, 52, allowed his home in Pastures Avenue to be used for storing cocaine as part of an organised crime group's operations supplying Class A drugs across the South West.

Allowed his premises to be used for the supply of Class A drugs, alongside his wife Jane Allen.

Sources: thewestonmercury.co.uk

Daniel Hawkins

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

May 3, 2024

Sentence: 1 year 8 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Daniel Hawkins, 29, from Eddys Lane, Barnstaple, was involved in an organised crime group by receiving deliveries of cocaine for street-level supply in North Devon as part of the conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Ernest Gorka

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

May 3, 2024

Sentence: 1 year 8 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Ernest Gorka, 28, from Norfolk Road, Weston-super-Mare, was involved in an organised crime group by storing cash and cocaine at his property for the supply of Class A drugs across the South West.

Anthony Cunningham

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

May 3, 2024

Sentence: 5 years 6 months imprisonment

Anthony Cunningham, 30, from Rover Drive, Birmingham, was involved in an organised crime group by delivering cocaine to members in the South West and transporting cash back to the Midlands as part of the conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Acted as a courier, delivering quantities of cocaine to the group and collecting cash to take back to the Midlands.

Sources: thewestonmercury.co.uk

Andrew Gray

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

May 3, 2024

Sentence: 1 year 8 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Andrew Gray, 26, from Steamcross, Claverham, was part of an organised crime group supplying cocaine across the South West. He received deliveries and distributed Class A drugs to users.

Samual Hurman

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

May 3, 2024

Sentence: 5 years 4 months imprisonment

Samual Hurman, 31, from Cherry Avenue, Clevedon, was involved in an organised crime group supplying cocaine across the South West. He acted as a courier, transporting Class A drugs as part of the conspiracy.

Thomas Prodger

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

May 3, 2024

Sentence: 5 years 4 months imprisonment

Thomas Prodger, 29, from Nin Court, Weston-super-Mare, was part of an organised crime group supplying cocaine across the South West. His role involved storing and delivering Class A drugs, including using his mother's house for storage.

Served as 'warehouseman', arranging storage of cocaine at his mother's house in Pastures Avenue before delivering it to others as needed.

Sources: thewestonmercury.co.uk

Shane Cunningham

Murder

May 1, 2024

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years

Shane Cunningham fatally stabbed Mikey Roynon, 16, in the neck with a large knife during a 16th birthday party in Bath, Somerset, in June 2023.

Was 16 at the time of sentencing. The judge warned of a plague of knife crime in the area.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Brett Marshall

Supply of class A drugs

May 1, 2024

Sentence: Two years imprisonment

Brett Marshall, 43, from Weston-super-Mare, was involved in a county lines cocaine and heroin supply operation. He was arrested on October 24 after officers observed him in a suspected drugs deal in Manilla Crescent. A search of his home revealed his involvement in supplying class A drugs from the West Midlands.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. Ordered to forfeit £100 believed to be from drug-related activity.

Sources: thewestonmercury.co.uk

Cartel Bushnell

Manslaughter

May 1, 2024

Sentence: 9 years in youth detention

Cartel Bushnell was involved in the incident where Mikey Roynon, 16, was fatally stabbed in the neck with a large knife during a 16th birthday party in Bath, Somerset, in June 2023.

Was 16 at the time of sentencing and found guilty of manslaughter. The judge noted the prevalence of knife crime in Bristol and surrounding areas.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Louise Sanders

Supply of class A drugs

May 1, 2024

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment

Louise Sanders, 45, from Weston-super-Mare, was involved in a county lines cocaine and heroin supply operation. She was present during a search of a home address linked to the operation, which revealed her role in supplying class A drugs from the West Midlands.

Kaleb Wyman

Supply of class A drugs

May 1, 2024

Sentence: Three years imprisonment

Kaleb Wyman, 19, from Birmingham, was involved in a county lines cocaine and heroin supply operation in Weston-super-Mare. He was arrested in autumn during a proactive operation by plain-clothed officers. At the time of arrest, he was found in possession of suspected class A drugs, over £1,000 in cash, and a knuckle duster. The drugs were supplied from the West Midlands.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, and one count of possession of an offensive weapon. Ordered to forfeit £1,189.90 believed to be from drug-related activity.

Sources: thewestonmercury.co.uk

Leo Knight

Manslaughter

May 1, 2024

Sentence: 9.5 years in youth detention

Leo Knight was involved in the incident where Mikey Roynon, 16, was fatally stabbed in the neck with a large knife during a 16th birthday party in Bath, Somerset, in June 2023.

Was 16 at the time of sentencing and found guilty of manslaughter. The judge warned of ongoing knife crime issues.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Sidney Morris

Child sexual exploitation

April 29, 2024

Sentence: 16 years imprisonment

Sidney Morris, 55, of Brompton Road, Weston-super-Mare, paid more than $14,000 to people abroad to exploit children, as young as four, in an Asian country. He engaged in sexual conversations with someone he believed to be a young child in June 2022 and was arrested in July 2022 at his home, where 574 indecent images of children were found on his devices. He attempted to hide his actions using the internet and targeted vulnerable individuals.

Pled guilty to 15 counts, including attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity and making indecent photos of a child. Poses a significant risk to children, as per investigating officer.

Sources: thewestonmercury.co.uk

Grant Wedlake

Sex Offences

March 1, 2024

Sentence: 21 years imprisonment

Grant Wedlake, 32, from Felton, committed sex offences against women, girls, and boys starting from 2005. He was found guilty of 12 offences, including sexual assault of a child under 13, rape of a child under 13, and rape. His offending left victims feeling guilty and ashamed, with one victim stating it ruined their childhood and life, while another hoped he would use his time in prison for self-improvement and education about the impact on victims.

Found guilty of 12 offences. Victims expressed feelings of guilt, shame, and sadness, noting his lack of remorse and manipulative behaviour. Investigating officer described him as dangerous and manipulative.

Sources: thewestonmercury.co.uk

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