Canterbury Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 583 verdicts at Canterbury Crown Court (Canterbury, Canterbury). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

June 2026 3 cases

Jaskirat Singh

Conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration to a member state *

Sentence

5 years 3 months imprisonment

Jaskirat Singh, 25, organised the transport of Indian nationals from the UK to France hidden in HGVs between December 2024 and March 2026. Evidence from his phone showed messages coordinating logistics, videos of large sums of cash, and a TikTok account advertising cross-Channel journeys. He claimed to have been sending 60 people a week to France, earning more than £185,000. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration to a member state.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration. Judge described him as the logistics coordinator, earning over £185,000, and noted the offending was repeated over a sustained period with significant financial gain. Defence argued he was a subordinate, not the architect of the conspiracy.

18 Jun 2026

Ali Alnour

Endangering lives during sea crossings *

Sentence

27 months imprisonment

Ali Alnour piloted a dinghy across the English Channel from France to the UK with 74 people on board. Many passengers lacked life jackets, and some were sitting on the tubes with their legs in the water. He was charged under s24(E1A) Immigration Act 1971 (as amended by the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025) for endangering lives during sea crossings.

Pleaded guilty. Sentencing submissions were made by defence in absence of guidelines.

10 Jun 2026

Harry Homewood

Sexual assault *

Sentence

3 years and 9 months imprisonment

Harry Homewood, 22, targeted two friends in their late teens who were socialising in Canterbury city centre. At around 2.30am on 14 March 2026, while they were walking in Station Road East, Homewood approached them, started speaking, and then touched them over and under their clothing repeatedly, committing sexual assaults and making inappropriate comments despite the victims telling him to stop. The girls alerted friends and police were called. Homewood was arrested shortly afterwards and charged the next day.

Pleaded guilty to multiple sexual offences. Subject to police notification requirements indefinitely.

4 Jun 2026

May 2026 7 cases

Warren Conn

Rape *

Sentence

14 years imprisonment

Warren Conn, 50, formerly of Kings Park Mews, Lurgan, was arrested in January 2026 at his County Armagh home. A woman found a 25-minute video on an old phone showing Conn sexually assaulting her several years earlier; she had no memory of the recording or consenting. Forensic examination revealed further evidence of rape. Upon his arrest, police seized two mobile phones and a laptop, which contained a large collection of indecent images of children. Conn was transferred to Kent for questioning and admitted to 15 sexual offences over three interviews across two days. He pleaded guilty to all charges at Canterbury Crown Court.

Pleaded guilty to 15 sexual offences, including rape and possession of indecent images of children. Victim discovered a 25-minute video on an old phone showing assault.

28 May 2026

Harry Arnold

Rape *

Sentence

20 years imprisonment

Harry Arnold raped two women and subjected them to a campaign of sexual torture and physical abuse. The victims, unknown to each other, were forced to endure humiliation and degradation. Arnold was convicted of controlling and coercive behaviour in February 2025 and, following a second trial, found guilty of eight further offences including multiple counts of rape. He was arrested in 2020 after a victim disclosed previous offending.

Convicted after two trials. Will serve an additional three years on licence, subject to sex offender register for life, restraining order, and indefinite barring from working with children and vulnerable people.

20 May 2026

Kristian Mata

Supply of crack cocaine *

Sentence

three years and four months’ imprisonment

Kristian Mata, a 19-year-old Slovakian national from Canterbury, was identified as operating a drugs line supplying crack cocaine. The investigation began in September 2025 after detectives linked mobile phone numbers to known drug users and an address associated with Mata. CCTV footage confirmed his involvement in communications with users. He was arrested on 18 September 2025, charged the following day, and pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court. He was sentenced on 14 May 2026.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine. Investigating officer highlighted the harm caused by class A drugs.

14 May 2026

Laura Haynes

Grievous bodily harm with intent *

Sentence

5 and a half years imprisonment

On the morning of June 1, 2024, Laura Haynes, aged 40, and her son Charlie Haynes banged on Stacey Blackman’s front door in Beachborough Road, Folkestone, ambushed her with a hammer, and launched a prolonged assault leaving her with a fractured left upper jaw, eight missing teeth, bruising and wounds to her mouth. They dragged her into the bathroom, forced her head underwater causing her to fear drowning, and Laura gave instructions during the beating, making comments such as 'Where’s your boyfriend now?'. The attack was described as revenge with unclear motivations, involving significant planning and premeditation. They fled, washed the hammer, and stashed it.

Convicted by unanimous jury verdict of grievous bodily harm with intent following trial. Previously of good character with a caution from youth for unrelated offence. Caring responsibilities for 14-year-old twins and mother with early-onset dementia. Sincerely sorry, described as biggest mistake of life. Judge noted vicious, unprovoked and sustained attack on vulnerable victim and took caregiving responsibilities into account. Ordered to pay £228 victim surcharge and subject to 5-year restraining order.

1 May 2026

Kawser Azad

Supply of Class A drugs *

Sentence

7 years imprisonment

Kawser Azad, a 29-year-old drug dealer believed to be a leading member of the 'Marlow line' county lines operation supplying drugs across east Kent, was spotted by police driving a black Mercedes along Stodmarsh Road near Canterbury in July 2022. He accelerated to 72mph in a 30mph zone during a police pursuit. Officers found two mobile phones and over 70 wraps of Class A drugs (37 wraps of diamorphine and 38 wraps of crack cocaine) in the vehicle. Phone evidence showed drug dealing messages. He was charged with two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, facilitation of a person with intent to exploit, and dangerous driving.

Pleaded guilty to all charges. DC Danny Holloway commented on the harm caused to the community.

1 May 2026

Amar Bostan

Robbery *

Sentence

10 years' imprisonment

Amar Bostan repeatedly stabbed a complete stranger in a 'violent and unprovoked' mugging on Hardinge Street, a residential road in Ashford, at around 10.45pm on July 24, 2025. He caused multiple injuries to the male victim's leg, kicked and held down the victim whilst brandishing a 3in-6in knife, and robbed him of his phone, car keys and a small amount of cash. He attempted to flee in an Audi pursued by armed police on the M20.

Initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea on day one of his trial. Charged with robbery and possession of a bladed article.

1 May 2026

Charlie Haynes

Grievous bodily harm with intent *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

On the morning of June 1, 2024, Charlie Haynes, then 19, and his mother Laura Haynes banged on Stacey Blackman’s front door in Beachborough Road, Folkestone, ambushed her with a hammer, and launched a prolonged assault leaving her with a fractured left upper jaw, eight missing teeth, bruising and wounds to her mouth. They dragged her into the bathroom, forced her head underwater causing her to fear drowning, and Charlie repeatedly punched her face as she rested her head on the toilet seat in the blood-splattered bathroom. The attack was described as revenge with unclear motivations, involving significant planning and premeditation. They fled, washed the hammer, and stashed it.

Convicted by unanimous jury verdict of grievous bodily harm with intent following trial. Previously of good character. Expressed regret. Suffered from anxiety. Judge noted vicious, unprovoked and sustained attack on vulnerable victim and took caregiving responsibilities into account. Ordered to pay £228 victim surcharge and subject to 5-year restraining order.

1 May 2026

April 2026 12 cases

Joshua Mumby

Sexual assault *

Sentence

10-year extended sentence including six and a half years imprisonment

Joshua Mumby, 29, from Deal, uploaded multiple indecent images online showing him sexually abusing a child and discussed the sexual abuse of children with other internet users. Police were alerted in August 2025. He was arrested on August 21 and charged the next day. He was convicted of three counts of sexual assault and two counts of taking indecent images of children.

Originally pleaded not guilty but changed plea. Subject to indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and lifetime sex offender registration.

30 Apr 2026

Nelson Cooper

Fraud *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

Nelson Cooper and Scott Smith conned elderly residents in Dover, Canterbury, Ramsgate and Swanley into paying for unnecessary roof and chimney repairs between September 2024 and January 2025. Cooper ran the company and often escorted victims to banks to withdraw cash, advising one to say it was for Christmas presents. Mobile phone evidence showed he targeted elderly people and boasted about profits.

Pleaded guilty to fraud offences.

30 Apr 2026

Scott Smith

Fraud *

Sentence

2 years and 4 months imprisonment

Scott Smith worked with Nelson Cooper in a roofing scam defrauding elderly residents. He was arrested at a property in Ramsgate on January 10, 2025, where an elderly victim had already paid over £25,000 for unnecessary work.

Pleaded guilty to fraud offences.

30 Apr 2026

Bennacer Benssagia

Drug smuggling *

Sentence

3 years and 3 months imprisonment

On March 8, 2026, Bennacer Benssagia, a 47-year-old lorry driver from Tangier, Morocco, was stopped by Border Force at Dover docks while driving a legal consignment of watermelons. Officers discovered 110kg of cannabis (class B drug), worth £550,000 street value, hidden in 1,088 heat-sealed 100g packages marked 'Beetlejuice' in the driver's cab: 24kg in bunkbed mattress, 47kg in bulkhead, 39kg in side linings.

Admitted charge of drug smuggling. Motivated by need to pay school fees for his three children. Judge accepted motivation was to secure children's education rather than greed, but noted harm caused to society and his family. Will serve up to half sentence before automatic deportation.

28 Apr 2026

Callum Elliot

Aggravated burglary *

Sentence

7 years and 2 months' imprisonment

Callum Elliot and Darren Butler forced their way into a home near Corbett Road, Hawkinge, late on Sunday, November 3, 2024, wearing balaclavas and boiler suits, brandishing machetes to intimidate the residents. They demanded high-value items including watches and clocks before fleeing in a white Audi.

Of Folkestone. Pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary.

24 Apr 2026

Darren Butler

Aggravated burglary *

Sentence

8 years and 7 months' imprisonment

Darren Butler and Callum Elliot forced their way into a home near Corbett Road, Hawkinge, late on Sunday, November 3, 2024, wearing balaclavas and boiler suits, brandishing machetes to intimidate the residents. They demanded high-value items including watches and clocks before fleeing in a white Audi.

Formerly of Seaham, Durham. Pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary.

24 Apr 2026

William Webb

Conspiracy to commit burglary *

Sentence

3 years and 2 months' imprisonment

William Webb planned the aggravated burglary of a home near Corbett Road, Hawkinge, on November 3, 2024, which involved masked intruders armed with machetes storming the property and intimidating residents to steal high-value items. Evidence from mobile phone data linked him to the offence.

Formerly of Canterbury. Convicted by a unanimous jury for conspiracy to commit burglary. Identified as the architect of the raid through mobile phone data; meticulously planned the burglary.

24 Apr 2026

Rico Castle

Blackmail *

Sentence

three years and four months’ imprisonment

Rico Castle, from Ashford, formerly of Willesborough Road, Kennington, made an unwarranted demand of money from a vulnerable victim with ADHD and Tourette’s syndrome between January 2021 and July 2023. Initially friends with the victim, Castle discovered he had a savings account and began pressuring him for money, promising repayment which did not occur. Demands escalated with threats to harm the victim and those he cared about, forcing the victim to hand over more than £22,000. Police were alerted on July 7, 2023, after concerns from someone close to the victim.

Pleaded guilty to blackmail.

21 Apr 2026

Ryan Whitehead

Dangerous driving *

Sentence

1 year imprisonment

On Sunday, February 8, 2026, Ryan Whitehead drove off from the Port of Dover while being spoken to about a road traffic offence. He led police on a high-speed pursuit on the M20, reaching speeds over 100mph, before losing control of his car in Seal, near Sevenoaks. The vehicle crashed into a traffic island, narrowly avoiding a head-on collision, and ploughed into a hedge. Whitehead fled but was found hiding in a nearby garden box and arrested. He was charged with assaulting an emergency worker, dangerous driving, and driving without insurance whilst disqualified.

Admitted all four charges. Disqualified from driving for four-and-a-half years and ordered to take an extended retest.

20 Apr 2026

David Whitehall

Production of indecent photographs of a child *

Sentence

three years and two months in prison

David Whitehall was arrested on January 16, 2026, during a routine check at his home in Dover after acquiring a new smartphone to bypass restrictions and contact minors online. He exchanged explicit photographs of himself with young people while soliciting inappropriate images from them. Forensic examination revealed numerous indecent images of children, including twenty-seven videos in the most serious category. During arrest, he punched a police officer in the face and resisted additional officers by kicking and shoving. Faced eight charges including production of indecent photographs of a child and assault of an emergency worker.

Pleaded guilty at initial hearing at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court. Subject to indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order from 2016 conviction. Described by detective as prolific child abuser posing serious risk to young people.

8 Apr 2026

Gary Fishlock

Attempted robbery *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Gary Fishlock, 64, from Birchington, targeted the Westwood Cross branch of a bank in Broadstairs on 29 January 2026 at approximately 2:45 pm. He approached a front counter staff member and presented a written note stating 'I have a gun, put the money in the bag'. He held a concealed object inside a bag, pointing it toward the counter to simulate a weapon, and shouted demands for money. Staff retreated to secure rooms and triggered alarms. Fishlock left after a minute but was arrested by armed response officers 15 minutes later. No actual weapon was found.

Pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm in a public place. The judge cited the reckless nature of the crime and the psychological impact on the victims.

1 Apr 2026

Tyla Wanstall

Controlling or coercive behaviour *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

Tyla Wanstall subjected his girlfriend to a sustained campaign of domestic abuse from September 2024, including physical violence such as punching her in the arm, face and stomach, striking her with a stool, dragging her by the hair to the edge of a bridge over the Thanet Way where she feared being thrown off, spitting in her face, smacking her head against a car console causing a black eye, and threats to kill her and their pet, snap her jaw, and turn up at her workplace. The abuse involved controlling behaviour, repeated accusations of cheating, bombardment with calls, and humiliation. The relationship began in October 2023 via Snapchat and escalated after incidents of jealousy, including one in December 2024 where he swung an axe and hit her ankle with a stool. Wanstall struggled with PTSD following the discovery of his mother Leah Churchill and sister Brooke Wanstall dead from carbon monoxide poisoning in his Whitstable burger van in February 2023.

Pleaded guilty to assault by beating, controlling/coercive behaviour, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and making a threat to kill. Judge noted PTSD and ADHD but stated behaviour was too serious for suspension. Will serve half less time on remand before release on licence.

1 Apr 2026

March 2026 14 cases

Nicusor Lacatus

Facilitating illegal immigration *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Nicusor Lacatus, 53, from Romania, worked on behalf of a UK-based criminal network to recruit HGV drivers willing to move migrants between Dover and Calais. He was arrested by National Crime Agency officers in November at Folkestone’s Stop 24 service station on the M20 as he prepared to leave the UK.

Admitted facilitating illegal immigration.

27 Mar 2026

Oliver Hamilton-Harris

Grievous bodily harm with intent *

Sentence

two years and two months in prison

On 8 November 2025, Oliver Hamilton-Harris met a friend for an afternoon of drinking to celebrate his birthday the following day. The pair spent several hours visiting pubs across Herne Bay. At around 6pm, they left a pub and returned to a residential address on Herne Bay High Street. An argument broke out, turning into a physical fight in the front garden. Hamilton-Harris went back inside the property, armed himself with a weapon, and returned to confront the victim, inflicting two stab wounds to the right side, back, and left side of the victim's chest. The victim sought help nearby, and emergency services attended. Hamilton-Harris was arrested the following morning.

Pleaded guilty to committing grievous bodily harm with intent.

19 Mar 2026

Richard Mumford

Making and possession of indecent images of children *

Sentence

28 months in prison

Richard Mumford, of St Mary’s Gardens, Canterbury, was found in possession of 7,193 indecent and prohibited images of children during a routine check on his electronic devices in July 2024. Some images depicted victims as young as three years old, with 1,350 classified in the most serious category. Evidence suggested he attempted to delete his internet history. Two swords were also recovered during the search.

Entered a guilty plea for all charges at Margate Magistrates' Court on September 4, 2025. Already on the sex offenders’ register. DS Heidi Collins described his actions as deeply disturbing and reflective of sustained exploitation of children.

18 Mar 2026

Mark Slade

Rape *

Sentence

15 years imprisonment

Mark Slade, a 58-year-old former teacher from Margate, committed historic sexual abuse against a young girl decades ago, including one charge of rape, cruelty to a child, indecency with a child, and possession of indecent images of a child. The abuse involved physical violence such as digging nails into her head, slamming her head into a towel rail, pulling her hair, hitting her in the face, and forcing her to wet herself due to his fetish for children urinating, including taking pictures. Police found child-sized knickers, dresses, school uniforms, and images of children in knee-high socks, pigtails, and urinating at his home. The victim reported the abuse in 2022, leading to his arrest and suspension from St Crispin’s Infant School in Westgate-on-Sea, where he was employed despite a prior conviction. None of the offences were against pupils at that school.

Pleaded not guilty and convicted after trial. Judge noted no remorse or acceptance of offending. Previous conviction for battery of a child in 2009. Suffers from gender dysphoria and displays autistic characteristics. Must serve at least two-thirds in custody, followed by five years on licence. Subject to sexual harm prevention order and restraining order.

13 Mar 2026

James Henson

Burglary *

Sentence

five years’ imprisonment

James Henson, 34, of Martyrs’ Field Road, Canterbury, forced his way into a property in St Mary’s Street, Canterbury, shortly after 1pm on January 4, 2026, and fled after being challenged by an occupant. The following day, around 4pm on January 5, 2026, he broke into an address in London Road, Canterbury, stealing bank cards, credit cards, a mobile phone, and other personal items. He was arrested on January 6, 2026, with stolen goods, including a laptop from one victim, recovered. He was charged on January 7, 2026.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and handling stolen goods. Detective Constable Daniel Moles noted the significant impact on victims and the sentence's role in safeguarding others.

11 Mar 2026

Mark Baker

Burglary *

Sentence

2 years and 9 months imprisonment

Mark Baker, 40, of East Hall Walk, Sittingbourne, targeted electricity substations across east Kent between September and December 2025, including sites in Ashford, Canterbury, Herne Bay, Margate, and Sutton Valence, Maidstone. Dressed in high visibility clothing, he forced entry using bolt croppers and metal cutters to steal copper earthing and safety equipment, causing power outages affecting dozens of homes and electrical damage with costs exceeding £220,000. He was arrested on December 18, 2025, with stolen items recovered from his property.

Pleaded guilty to multiple offences. Posed as a workman and used specialist tools to break into substations.

10 Mar 2026

James Gavin

Damaging property *

Sentence

12-month jail term suspended for 12 months, 180 hours unpaid work, fined £2,000

James Gavin, a 50-year-old HSBC executive, damaged CCTV cameras installed on land opposite his property in Grove Road, Selling, near Faversham, due to an ongoing dispute with landowner Brian Macey over the storage of wooden pallets posing a fire risk to his timber-structure home. On July 23, 2025, he shot the first camera with his legally-owned shotgun, throwing the remains into a ditch. On July 29, 2025, he shot the replacement camera, then used a drill and axe to remove and discard it and the wooden pole. His actions were captured on a hidden wildlife camera set up by tenant Isabelle O'Shea, who rented the land for her horses. Gavin was arrested that night, confessed immediately, and expressed remorse. The incidents followed three prior fires at the site and council enforcement actions. Victims reported feeling terrified and on edge.

Pleaded guilty to two offences of damaging property and two offences of possessing a shotgun at the time of committing criminal damage. Mental health issues including depressive disorder considered. Judge noted out-of-character behaviour, remorse, and impact of custody on employment and family.

6 Mar 2026

Jordan Williams

Owner of a dog that caused injury while dangerously out of control *

Sentence

6 months custody suspended for 12 months with 150 hours unpaid work

Jordan Williams owned an XL bully dog named Hunter that attacked a baby girl in Hawkinge near Folkestone in December 2024, causing two skull fractures, brain haemorrhages, and thigh tissue damage. The infant was airlifted to King's College Hospital and placed in a medically induced coma but made a remarkable recovery. Williams was upstairs in his bedroom at the time, and the dog was inadequately supervised despite a prior community resolution warning after it bit Williams in 2023. The dog was seized and euthanised.

Disqualified from keeping a dog for 6 years and ordered to pay £200 towards prosecution costs. Pleaded guilty. Judge considered age, remorse, autism, and childhood experiences.

6 Mar 2026

Edward Watson

Sexual abuse of a child *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Edward Watson, aged 49 and formerly of Garrard Avenue, Margate, subjected a younger child to sexual abuse starting in 1990 when he was a teenager. He carried out several attacks, often locking the victim in a room before the offences. The abuse came to light in September 2023 when the victim disclosed it to a trusted relative, who encouraged reporting to police. Watson was arrested three days later and charged with multiple sexual offences including gross indecency, indecent assault, and unlawful sexual intercourse with a child.

Denied the offences but was convicted on all 12 counts by a jury following a 10-day trial. Will remain on the sex offenders register for life. A restraining order has been imposed to protect the victim.

5 Mar 2026

Not Stated

Rape *

Sentence

17 years imprisonment

A man who filmed himself drugging his chemsex date before repeatedly raping his unconscious victim shortly before he died has been jailed.

Filmed himself drugging his chemsex date before repeatedly raping his unconscious victim shortly before he died. Described as devoid of any humanity.

5 Mar 2026

Kasha Sanderson

Smuggling firearms, ammunition and Class A drugs *

Sentence

jailed

Kasha Sanderson was stopped on February 24, 2025, as she drove an Irish registered Peugeot 3008 SUV into the tourist controls at Dover Eastern Docks after arriving on a ferry from Calais. Border Force officers searched the vehicle and found two custom-built hides in the footwells containing 13 weapons including two Skorpion sub-machine guns, an Uzi sub-machine gun, a Glock handgun, nine converted blank firing pistols, 289 rounds of ammunition, and 5kg of heroin valued at £500,000. She was arrested following the discovery.

Admitted smuggling firearms, ammunition and Class A drugs. Claimed she thought she was smuggling cannabis.

5 Mar 2026

John King

Importation of cocaine *

Sentence

10 years imprisonment

John King, a 52-year-old lorry driver from Sandgate near Folkestone, was caught on July 24, 2020, arriving at the Port of Dover in his Volvo lorry at 5.25am. Border Force officers uncovered 15 kilograms of high-purity cocaine hidden in the vehicle's air filter and other areas, with a street value of £1.2 million. The tachograph showed multiple stops at a Belgian layby, and his phone contained a photo of a tampered air filter. He initially denied knowledge but later admitted his involvement. No information on other participants or prior trips.

Pleaded not guilty but convicted by jury. Described as an essential cog in a larger drug operation. Mental health struggles and family impact considered in mitigation. Court delays treated as mitigation. Must serve at least half the sentence. Ordered to pay statutory victim surcharge.

4 Mar 2026

Morgan Carter

Being concerned in the supply of cocaine *

Sentence

2.5 years imprisonment

Morgan Carter was involved in the supply of cocaine between November 4 and December 12, 2025. Police discovered a 158g block of cocaine, digital scales, an extendable metal baton, additional cocaine (six 2g bags and 15g in two bags), small quantity of cannabis, white powder residue, and £4,500 cash during a search of his home on December 14, 2025, following an aggravated burglary report. Incriminating phone messages confirmed his independent involvement in supply, including on tick. He also possessed criminal property (cash) and an offensive weapon.

Pleaded guilty. Previous conviction in February 2022 for drug offences resulted in a 20-month jail term suspended for two years. Judge noted he was given a chance to reform but returned to drug dealing. Remorseful, supported by family, addiction linked to mother's terminal illness.

3 Mar 2026

Akindele Balogun

Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs *

Sentence

four years imprisonment

On November 15, 2024, Akindele Balogun, a 43-year-old from Orpington, was driving on the M20 near Ashford when police attempted to stop him for breaching bail conditions related to prior drug supply offences. He refused to stop, drove erratically, and threw white packages containing Class A drugs from the vehicle. Police boxed in his car, arresting him. Two wraps of cocaine and two phones were found in the vehicle, with four additional wraps recovered from the hard shoulder. A search of his home at Emerald House revealed a large block of crack cocaine, blocks of heroin, and £450 in cash. He was sentenced after being found guilty on February 2, 2026.

Found guilty of two counts of possession with intent to supply following a week-long trial. Breached bail and probation conditions by leaving London during curfew and providing false address.

2 Mar 2026

February 2026 12 cases

Anthony Allen

Burglary *

Sentence

2 years, 4 months and 23 days imprisonment

Anthony Allen broke into Rozerin Olgun’s parents’ house in Boxley, Ashford, on Christmas Day 2025, while the family was visiting relatives. He stole jewellery, cash, and AirPods valued at over £3,000, leaving belongings strewn across ransacked rooms. CCTV footage timestamped at 11.33pm captured him lurking through the house and opening drawers. The next day, police traced the stolen AirPods to a house in Stanhope, where Allen hid in the loft but was convinced to surrender by officers. The victims returned to discover the burglary and were left traumatised.

Pleaded guilty to burglary. Extensive criminal record with 25 previous convictions for 55 offences, including two prior burglaries. Judge Paul Goldspring commented on the intrusion into safety and security. Defending counsel Shanda McAteer noted issues with drugs and loss of relatives; Allen apologised through counsel. Must serve at least 40% in custody and pay statutory victim surcharge.

27 Feb 2026

Christopher Bygraves

Theft, assault and fraud *

Sentence

1 year and 6 months imprisonment

On August 23, 2025, at around 11.49pm on Folkestone Road, Dover, Tom McConnell, 31, and Christopher Bygraves, 37, assaulted a man in his 30s in a frightening and unprovoked attack. They punched the victim, stole his phone and wallet, made further threats, and fled on foot. The victim was found with cuts and bruises to his head by members of the public who provided first aid. The offenders used the victim's bank card for fraud at a petrol station. They were arrested on August 29, 2025, and charged the following day.

Pleaded guilty to theft, assault and fraud. Used victim's bank card to pay for goods at a petrol station.

27 Feb 2026

Tom Mcconnell

Theft, assault and fraud *

Sentence

1 year and 8 months imprisonment

Pleaded guilty to theft, assault and fraud. Used victim's bank card to pay for goods at a petrol station.

27 Feb 2026

Matthew Thompson

Rape *

Sentence

9 years imprisonment with an extended licence period of 3 years

On December 6, 2024, Matthew Thompson, 36, of Grampion Close, Ashford, raped his victim, strangled them by squeezing their neck, and falsely imprisoned them by grabbing their hair to restrict movement when they attempted to leave. The incident was reported the following day, leading to his arrest on December 9, 2024, and charges. After a seven-day trial, a jury found him guilty.

Found guilty after a seven-day trial. Denied all accusations. Detective Constable Heidi Cole commented on the horrific ordeal and the victim's courage.

20 Feb 2026

Kevin Wernham

Child rape and sexual abuse *

Sentence

24 years imprisonment with 6 year extended licence period

Kevin Wernham, a 54-year-old mechanic from a caravan park in Aldington, Ashford, was convicted of 28 offences including rape, sexual assault, and causing a child to engage in sexual activity. His systematic abuse spanned two decades, preying on young victims by plying one with alcohol, making others watch pornography, forcing them into sexual acts, and even inviting other men to join. He manipulated victims by calling the abuse a 'shared, special grown-up thing' and warned one not to reveal it. Multiple victims bravely came forward, revealing similar ordeals that caused severe, lifelong psychological harm including mood swings, nightmares, flashbacks, and ongoing fear.

Extended sentence of 30 years comprising 24-year custodial term (must serve at least two-thirds before Parole Board) plus 6 years extended licence; consecutive to prior 4-year determinate sentence (half to be served first); showed no remorse, denied responsibility, and blamed victims; ordered to sign sex offender register for life, subject to sexual harm prevention order, and may be barred from working with children and vulnerable adults.

20 Feb 2026

Renato Selmai

Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs *

Sentence

2 years and 4 months’ imprisonment

Renato Selmai was spotted acting suspiciously by police in Brymore Road, Canterbury, in October 2025. He attempted to flee but was caught. Officers found two sealed packets containing over 300 wraps of cocaine, a Nokia burner phone with messages consistent with drug dealing, an iPhone, and £80 in cash on him. A search of his home revealed additional cocaine, approximately £2,000 in cash, and weighing scales with residue. He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. Claimed he was forced into drug dealing due to family debts in Albania.

19 Feb 2026

Adrian Richardson

Rape *

Sentence

seven years’ imprisonment

Adrian Richardson, 46, from Tonbridge, met his victim online and arranged to meet in person in Ashford. Despite her stating she did not want sex, he sexually assaulted her before raping her. The victim reported the ordeal to Kent Police in May 2023, alerted a friend, and called police. Richardson was arrested and charged on 18 April 2024.

Pleaded not guilty, convicted of rape and sexual assault following a trial in majority jury verdicts. Subject to notification requirements of the sex offenders’ register for life.

19 Feb 2026

Clifford Airey

Burglary *

Sentence

876 days imprisonment

On Monday, January 12, 2026, at around 11.30am, Clifford Airey smashed a window and attempted to break into a home in Herne Bay. The victim called Kent Police, who arrived within four minutes. Airey had fled but was pointed out by members of the public, leading to a short foot chase and his arrest. He discarded two screwdrivers in a nearby bush, and upon search, the victim’s passport, bus card, £385 in cash, and car keys were seized from him.

Admitted the offences at his first hearing at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court. Detective Constable Lois Goodman commented on the frightening incident for the victim and her young family, commending the swift actions of officers and public.

17 Feb 2026

Gareth Harnett

Supply of cocaine and cannabis *

Sentence

4 years and 6 months custody

Gareth Harnett was involved in the large-scale supply of cannabis and cocaine across Kent, totaling £92,000 between March and June 2020. He used the encrypted EncroChat platform under the handle 'Zanyenergy' to arrange purchases of large quantities of cannabis (priced £4,500 to £4,750 per kilo) and cocaine, sharing photos of the drugs and confirming deal locations, including in Canterbury and Ramsgate. He distributed the drugs to 'workers' for onward sale. Messages were decrypted by international law enforcement in spring 2020 and passed to Kent Police, leading to his arrest in Newcastle in December 2024.

Admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis. Investigating officer noted his integral role in drug supply.

13 Feb 2026

Aaron Nugent

Actual Bodily Harm *

Sentence

46 months imprisonment

Aaron Nugent, 45, from Faversham, subjected his girlfriend to months of coercive and controlling behaviour after they moved in together quickly. This included jealousy, accusations of infidelity, verbal abuse, isolation, checking her phone, and following her. The first physical violence occurred on November 18, 2025, when drunk, he hit her in the face, leading her son to punch him. He smashed a window to re-enter the house. On November 26, 2025, at midnight, while drunk, he woke her and punched and slapped her face repeatedly, then strangled her until she couldn't breathe, causing bruising and making her fear for her life. He threatened to murder her and pushed her down when she tried to escape. She fled to a neighbour's house to call police. Nugent then smashed her TV. Despite bail conditions, he returned to her home immediately. The victim suffered heightened anxiety and depression.

Pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. Breached a suspended sentence. Engaged in prison activities including oil painting, book club, and courses. Sentencing considered aggravating factors such as previous offending and history of violence against former partner. Subject to 10-year restraining order and £85 victim surcharge.

11 Feb 2026

Duncan Bayles

Indecent assault *

Sentence

28 years imprisonment

Duncan Bayles, a former children's home worker, committed multiple sexual offenses against children in the 1980s and 1990s at children's homes in Ramsgate and Deal. He indecently assaulted five boys under 14, committed acts of indecency with children, and attempted rape on four boys. He also raped and abused a girl, threatening her pets and manipulating her silence. Victims were groomed, bribed with gifts, and manipulated into believing the abuse was normal. Investigations began in June 2019 after a victim reported the abuse, leading to his arrest on August 18, 2020.

Found guilty of 12 counts of indecent assault, 6 counts of indecency with a child, and 1 count of attempted rape in first trial; convicted on additional 17 charges including 4 counts of child rape in second trial. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life and 2 years on licence after custodial period.

6 Feb 2026

David Jones

Rape *

Sentence

six years and six months imprisonment

David Jones, from Faversham, subjected his victim to two horrific sexual assaults in Sittingbourne in 2022. The victim disclosed the offences to a family member and reported the incidents to police 13 days later, leading to an investigation. Jones, of Feaver Driver, was arrested a few days after the report on suspicion of rape and assault of a female by penetration.

Convicted after an eight-day trial. Subject to a restraining order and required to sign on to the sex offender register for life. Detective Constable Stephanie Wilson noted that Jones took advantage of his victim for his own sexual gratification and subjected her to a horrific sexual assault.

1 Feb 2026

January 2026 2 cases

Christopher Crittenden

Conspiring to facilitate breach of immigration law *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

Christopher Crittenden, 45, from South Ockenden in Essex, and his nephew smuggled six Vietnamese nationals from Calais to Dover in 2019. They were caught by Immigration Enforcement officers on 29 September 2019 with five men and one woman hiding under fishing gear in the trailer they were towing. Mobile phone data showed Christopher's prior involvement, including a February 2019 video of him driving a lorry to pick up illegal immigrants and July 2019 WhatsApp chats discussing arrests and breaking the law.

Pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to facilitate the breach of immigration law. Motivated by money, had prior involvement in immigration crime, laughed off risks, and was part of a larger criminal network.

22 Jan 2026

Fred Ketteringham

Violent disorder *

Sentence

24 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years

On December 31, 2022, at Herne Bay Angling Club, Fred Ketteringham, along with Leo Westlake and Toby Shilling, entered the venue around 8pm, causing a nuisance by shouting, swearing, and harassing customers. After being asked to leave, violence escalated with Westlake punching the first victim, and Ketteringham joining in the assault on a second man, kicking him and causing a fractured ankle, head cuts, and permanent tinnitus. The group also assaulted a woman by pulling her to the ground and kicking/punching her, and beat two other victims. One member yelled 'Kill the s***' during the attack. Ketteringham was arrested and charged with four counts of actual bodily harm and one of grievous bodily harm, but pleaded guilty to violent disorder. He has since turned his life around through boxing, signing a professional contract, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle without alcohol or drugs.

Pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Played a lesser role, tried to calm the situation initially. Has 11 previous convictions, none violent since 2016. Ordered to complete 150 hours unpaid work and pay £5,000 compensation to victim Mr Harrison. Judge emphasized focusing on boxing career.

22 Jan 2026

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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Crown Court

Chaucer Road, Canterbury, Canterbury, Canterbury, CT1 1ZA, United Kingdom

+441227819200

www.find-court-tribunal.service.gov.uk

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About Canterbury Crown Court

Canterbury Crown Court, located in Canterbury, Canterbury, is a Crown Court that handles serious criminal cases including murder, rape, robbery, and other indictable offences. With 583 sentencing records in our database, it is one of the Crown Courts serving the Canterbury, Canterbury 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 Chaucer Road, Canterbury, CT1 1ZA.

For enquiries about cases heard at this court, you can contact the court by telephone on +441227819200 or visit the official court website for further information.

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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Canterbury Crown Court Sentencing Results

Jaskirat Singh

Ali Alnour

Harry Homewood

Warren Conn

Harry Arnold

Kristian Mata

Laura Haynes

Kawser Azad

Amar Bostan

Charlie Haynes

Joshua Mumby

Nelson Cooper

Scott Smith

Bennacer Benssagia

Callum Elliot

Darren Butler

William Webb

Rico Castle

Ryan Whitehead

David Whitehall

Gary Fishlock

Tyla Wanstall

Nicusor Lacatus

Oliver Hamilton-Harris

Richard Mumford

Mark Slade

James Henson

Mark Baker

James Gavin

Jordan Williams

Edward Watson

Not Stated

Kasha Sanderson

John King

Morgan Carter

Akindele Balogun

Anthony Allen

Christopher Bygraves

Tom Mcconnell

Matthew Thompson

Kevin Wernham

Renato Selmai

Adrian Richardson

Clifford Airey

Gareth Harnett

Aaron Nugent

Duncan Bayles

David Jones

Christopher Crittenden

Fred Ketteringham

About Canterbury Crown Court

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Margate Magistrates Court

Folkestone Magistrates Court

Southend Magistrates Court

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Medway (Chatham) Magistrates Court

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