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Canterbury Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 164 verdicts at Canterbury Crown Court (Canterbury, Canterbury). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

January 2025 10 cases
Jack Colin Cracknell
Causing death by dangerous driving *
Sentence
six years imprisonment
Jack Colin Cracknell, 22, of Faversham, Kent, was driving with four other passengers in his car in the early hours of the morning on 3 December 2022. He reached speeds of 117mph along the New Dover Road in Canterbury, a road with a 40mph speed limit. As he approached a roundabout near the New Gate Inn pub, he hit a kerb, causing the car to go into the air and roll over, before colliding with the pub building. One passenger, Lucy Billingham, 18, died at the scene despite efforts by emergency workers. Another passenger suffered fractures to two bones and underwent an operation on the day of the collision to insert a metal plate and screws into their arm.
Pleaded guilty to one count of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Disqualified from driving for eight years.
Jack Cracknell
Causing death by dangerous driving *
Sentence
6 years imprisonment
Jack Cracknell, 22, from Faversham, drove at 117mph in a 40mph zone on New Dover Road, Canterbury, on December 3, 2022, losing control of his Ford Fiesta, crashing into a roundabout and pub, killing passenger Lucy Billingham, 18, and injuring another.
Admitted charges of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Oliver Eyles
Conspiracy to supply cocaine *
Sentence
5 years and 6 months imprisonment
Oliver Eyles, 36, from Ramsgate, managed the daily running of a cocaine supply network in Thanet, including onward distribution to street dealers.
Pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine; managed day-to-day operations.
Jason Tse
Conspiracy to supply cocaine *
Sentence
3 years and 10 months imprisonment
Jason Tse, 41, from Westgate, involved in a cocaine network based in Thanet, contributing to the group's supply operations.
Pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine.
John Horn
Conspiracy to supply cocaine *
Sentence
6 years and 6 months imprisonment
John Horn, 38, from Ramsgate, led an organised crime group supplying class A drugs in Thanet, enlisting Oliver Eyles for distribution to street dealers.
Pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine; leader of the group.
Joseph Shuttleworth
Conspiracy to supply cocaine *
Sentence
2 years and 4 months imprisonment
Joseph Shuttleworth, 35, from Ramsgate, was part of an organised crime group supplying cocaine in Thanet, dismantled by Kent Police.
Pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine.
Keith Baigent
Conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration *
Sentence
three years nine months imprisonment
Keith Baigent, 63, of Folkestone, Kent, was part of an organised crime group led by Freddy Lawrence that conspired to smuggle immigrants across the English Channel from France to the UK. In August 2018, the group attempted to use a boat called the Sorel Light to pick up migrants, but efforts were thwarted by mechanical issues. On 30 August 2018, co-conspirators were arrested in France with 12 Vietnamese migrants. Baigent was arrested by the National Crime Agency in the UK.
Found guilty following a trial on 15 November 2024 of one count of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration to the UK. Assisted Lawrence by helping to purchase the boat Sorel Light.
Paul Giglia
Conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration *
Sentence
three years four months imprisonment
Paul Giglia, 64, of Cheriton, Kent, was part of an organised crime group led by Freddy Lawrence that conspired to smuggle immigrants across the English Channel from France to the UK. In August 2018, the group attempted to use a boat called the Sorel Light to pick up migrants, but efforts were thwarted by mechanical issues. On 30 August 2018, co-conspirators were arrested in France with 12 Vietnamese migrants. Giglia was arrested by the National Crime Agency in the UK.
Found guilty following a trial on 15 November 2024 of one count of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration to the UK. Assisted Lawrence by making previous failed attempts to sail to France to pick up migrants.
Robert Onicala
Manslaughter *
Sentence
4 years in a young offender institution
Robert Onicala punched Ion Niculae following a trivial disagreement over music at a party to celebrate Easter on May 5, 2024, at a farm off Nickle Lane, Chartham. Niculae, 51, was knocked unconscious and later pronounced deceased despite paramedics' efforts. Witnesses described an argument during a barbecue, leading to the fatal punch.
Pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Prior incident involved a slap from another man.
Freddy Lawrence
Conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration *
Sentence
seven years six months imprisonment
Freddy Lawrence, 57, of Folkestone, Kent, led an organised crime group that conspired to smuggle immigrants across the English Channel from France to the UK. In August 2018, the group made several attempts to sail to France to pick up migrants using a boat called the Sorel Light, but faced mechanical difficulties. On 30 August 2018, co-conspirators were arrested in France while loading 12 Vietnamese migrants onto the boat. Lawrence was arrested by the National Crime Agency in the UK shortly after.
Pleaded guilty on 24 October 2024 to one count of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration to the UK. Headed the organised crime group and masterminded the operation.
November 2024 3 cases
David Saunders
Dangerous driving *
Sentence
18 months imprisonment and 56 months driving ban
David Saunders, 37, from Ashford, Kent, was driving his Vauxhall Astra at excessive speed in Ashford in November 2023 when he lost control and crashed into a wooden fence, narrowly missing a family of six consisting of a mother, father, and four children. After the crash, he pretended to be an undercover police officer using handcuffs purchased for TikTok pranks and brandished a knife, causing members of the public to flee. He was detained by police after a pursuit. No one was hurt in the incident.
Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, threatening another with a bladed article, impersonating a police officer and failing to provide a specimen for analysis. Expressed genuine remorse and has struggled with alcohol dependency but made efforts to improve his life.
Lee Horton
Theft and racially aggravated public order offences *
Sentence
18 months imprisonment
Lee Horton, 45, formerly of St George’s Avenue, Sheerness, targeted a convenience store in Westgate, Canterbury on the evening of January 26, 2024. Staff spotted him leaving the shop without paying for chocolate. When followed outside and asked to return the item, he became abusive, shouted racist comments, and left the area. Officers were called just after 6pm to St Dunstan’s Street. An investigation led to his interview under caution and charges. He also admitted to multiple other thefts and a burglary.
Pleaded guilty to chocolate theft, two racially aggravated public order offences, six thefts of alcohol and groceries from Swale supermarkets between May 29 and June 14, and a burglary at Sports Direct in Queenborough on May 16. Judge imposed custodial sentence to reflect on actions.
Jacob Bean
Grooming *
Sentence
five-and-a-half years imprisonment
Jacob Bean, residing in Chartham near Canterbury, groomed a 10-year-old girl via Snapchat and WhatsApp, sending her child abuse videos and photos of his penis, and encouraging her to perform sex acts on herself. This occurred prior to his sentencing, and at the time, he was under investigation for grooming three other underage girls and making indecent images. On release, he would have been subject to indefinite sex offender notification requirements and a sexual harm prevention order.
Pleaded guilty to sexual communication with a child, making indecent images, attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act, and causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in penetrative sexual activity. The victim's father expressed feelings of failure as a parent in a court statement.
October 2024 8 cases
Abdurahrim Yalcin
Sexual Assault *
Sentence
18 months imprisonment, on sex offenders register for 10 years
Starting in 2022, Yalcin acted inappropriately towards a teenage girl, escalating to severe sexual assaults over and under clothing on multiple occasions, attempting to buy silence with clothes and money. Reported end of 2023.
Found guilty after trial of three counts of sexual assault.
Carl Fincham
Supply of cocaine *
Sentence
8 years imprisonment
Carl Fincham, 43, of Northwood Road, Broadstairs, was part of a criminal gang led by Matthew O’Reilly that used landlords’ empty flats to conceal large quantities of cocaine and drug-related equipment. The investigation uncovered 1.2kg of cocaine valued at over £30,000 in February 2023.
Involved in collecting, storing, and selling illegal substances for Matthew O’Reilly.
Rocco Inchenko
Possession with intent to supply cocaine *
Sentence
5 years and 3 months imprisonment
Rocco Inchenko, 21, of Dumpton Park Drive, Ramsgate, was caught by police in February 2023 in possession of two large bricks of cocaine, small packets of the class A drug, and a key fob granting access to a flat in Cavendish Street, Ramsgate. The flat was used by a gang to hide 1.2kg of cocaine worth more than £30,000.
Found in possession of cocaine and given access to a flat used to store drugs.
Natalie Child
Facilitating supply of cocaine *
Sentence
12-month community order with 150 hours unpaid work
Natalie Child, 33, of Naylands, Margate, a letting agent, gave keys to the flat in Cavendish Street, Ramsgate, to Rocco Inchenko, allowing a drugs gang to use it to conceal cocaine and equipment. She was paid £500 over several weeks to collect money left in the fridge. She was arrested when attempting to enter the flat during a police raid in February 2023.
Letting agent who provided keys to the flat and collected money; claimed she suspected criminal use but did not know it involved cocaine.
Matthew O’Reilly
Supply of cocaine *
Sentence
8 years and 3 months imprisonment
Matthew O’Reilly, 38, of Bakers Field, Ramsgate, arranged for Carl Fincham and Rocco Inchenko to collect, store, and sell illegal substances on his behalf. The operation involved using landlords’ empty flats to hide cash and drugs. In February 2023, police seized 1.2kg of cocaine valued at more than £30,000 from a flat in Cavendish Street, Ramsgate.
Led a group involved in collecting, storing, and selling illegal substances.
Nitesh Bissendary
Causing death by dangerous driving *
Sentence
16 years imprisonment and 10-year driving disqualification
On August 10, 2022, in Ramsgate, Kent, Nitesh Bissendary, 31, of Highlands Glade, Manston, lost control of his black Alfa Romeo after taking cocaine. He drove approximately 30 metres on the pavement before crashing into pedestrians, killing five-weeks-pregnant Noga Sella, 37, and her 81-year-old father Yoram Hirshfield. Mrs Sella's husband Omer was badly injured, and two children were also hurt. Bissendary fled the scene but returned, failed a roadside drug test for cocaine, and refused a blood test. He claimed a vehicle defect caused him to look away from the road.
Found guilty of two counts of causing death by dangerous driving. Previously pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, failing to provide a sample for analysis, and possession with intent to supply cocaine. Judge described actions as 'disgraceful'.
Julian Martinez
Robbery *
Sentence
3 years imprisonment
On July 25, 2023, at 9.30pm on Station Road in Margate, Julian Martinez approached a victim driving away from the area whilst transporting items related to a jewellery business. He had been following them in a Mercedes parked nearby. After failing to enter the vehicle, he broke a window and snatched a bag from inside. The driver escaped, and a member of the public intervened, wrestling the bag back and returning it to the victim. Martinez fled in the Mercedes. He was identified through police enquiries, arrested on March 30, 2024, and charged the next day.
Pleaded guilty to the offence. Used aliases Gerado Escobedo Neri and Jason Chezez. Aged 46, of no fixed address.
Jake Jones
Making threats to kill, actual bodily harm and criminal damage *
Sentence
2.5 years imprisonment
On an evening in April 2024, Jake Jones, a 31-year-old NHS worker who cleans operating theatres, returned home to his partner Michelle Bielby's residence in Herne Bay, Kent, after drinking eight cans of beer following his night shift. Believing she was texting another man, he called her a slag, slammed her dinner plate, grabbed her by the throat and pushed her against the microwave. He repeatedly strangled her, smashed her perfume and drink glasses, cut up her debit card, damaged her phone charger and jumper, threw her on the bed, asked where her windpipe was, and threatened 'If I can’t have you, nobody will' and 'I’m going to put you in a grave'. He scrawled 'mummy is dead tonight, rest in peace' in crayon on the bathroom wall, leading the victim to fear for her life and kiss her children goodbye. After Jones fell asleep, police were called.
Convicted in absence at magistrates court in September of making threats to kill, actual bodily harm and criminal damage. Judge described the attack as prolonged and noted the potential for fatal harm due to targeting the neck. Defendant had been drinking and believed the victim was texting another man; he has since stopped drinking and describes himself as a hermit.
September 2024 2 cases
Qari Sher Mohammad
Sexual touching of a child *
Sentence
10 years imprisonment
Qari Sher Mohammad, 61, from Woodford Road, Forest Gate, London, sexually assaulted four children over nearly a decade while acting as an imam at a mosque in Thorold Road, Gillingham, between March 2014 and December 2023. Initial concerns raised in 2018, with further assaults reported in 2022-2023. One victim, now an adult, supported prosecution.
Convicted after trial on 16 indictments of sexual touching of a child. Subject to a 5-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order upon release.
Joel Loba
Supply of class A drugs *
Sentence
5 years and 7 months imprisonment
Joel Loba, 27, from Westbrook Road, Margate, was arrested on June 25, 2024, at a property where officers seized three phones, £1,360 cash, and class A drugs. Investigations linked three phone numbers used for bulk marketing to drug users in Margate to Loba, confirming his role in supplying crack cocaine and heroin.
Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, possession with intent to supply a controlled drug, and possession of criminal property.
July 2024 1 case
Dr Gregory Manson
Sexual assault *
Sentence
7 years imprisonment
Dr Gregory Manson, of Tower Way, Canterbury, conducted inappropriate and unnecessary intimate examinations on several male patients at Cossington House Surgery in Canterbury. Complaints led to an investigation starting in 2017, and he was arrested on February 21, 2018. He was charged with 24 offences and convicted of 14 counts of sexual assault and four counts of indecent assault.
Found guilty after a trial of sexual assault and indecent assault. Victims reported unnecessary intimate examinations not recorded in medical records.
June 2024 1 case
Sean Charles
Shoplifting, common assault and assault on an emergency worker *
Sentence
Fined £75 and ordered to pay £50 compensation
Sean Charles, 38, of no fixed address, was originally sentenced for stealing his cancer-suffering grandmother’s mobility vehicle in Ashford, which was later found abandoned and badly damaged after a crash. The grandmother reported him to police, leading to his arrest. The offences also included assault on an emergency worker, drink-driving, criminal damage, two counts of driving without a licence and two counts of driving without insurance. On December 30, 2024, while on licence, he entered a Greggs bakery on Canterbury high street, selected savouries and attempted to leave without paying. A member of the public intervened, leading to a tussle where Charles pushed the victim into a drinks fridge, as captured on CCTV. Later that day, while being arrested in another shop, he kicked a police officer in the shin without causing injury.
Pleaded guilty to shoplifting, common assault and assault on an emergency worker. Already recalled to prison for 28 days due to breaching licence conditions from prior sentence. No additional jail term imposed for new offences. Defence noted lack of support upon release leading to reoffending.
May 2024 1 case
Stuart Rigden
Causing grievous bodily harm *
Sentence
6 years imprisonment
Stuart Rigden carried out a savage assault on a man in his 30s at a home on Athelstan Road, Cliftonville, Margate, in the early hours of 18 August 2023. The pair had been out in Ramsgate the previous night, argued in a bar, and Rigden returned by taxi two hours later to attack the victim, leaving him unconscious with broken ribs, internal bleeding, and facial injuries requiring urgent hospital care in London. When police arrived, Rigden answered the door covered in blood but claimed everything was fine.
Pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm. Also ordered to pay a £170 victim surcharge and banned from contacting the victim for five years under a restraining order.
April 2024 1 case
Alan Hurst
Rape *
Sentence
19 years and 6 months imprisonment with 5 years and 6 months extended licence
Alan Hurst undertook a campaign of rape against a child victim between 2015 and 2022, targeting her over a seven-year period with up to 50 instances of rape. The victim shared what was happening with a friend in late 2023. Specific charges included six counts of rape (two between 2015-2019, one between 2019-2020, one between 2019-2022, two in 2023), two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 (2015-2019), and two counts of assault by penetration (one 2019-2020, one 2019-2022). The attacks left the victim feeling powerless and terrified for many years, with a horrendous impact on her life.
Pleaded guilty to 10 counts of sexual abuse including rape, assault by penetration, and sexual assault of a child under 13. Plea hearing on 1 March 2024. Prior charges ordered to lie on file.
March 2024 3 cases
Lamin Ngobeh
Robbery *
Sentence
9 years imprisonment
Lamin Ngobeh, along with two others, forced their way into a house in Hangleton Road, Hove, on the evening of 13 May 2023, punched a woman in the face, threatened her and her partner with knives, and stole a laptop, an iPad, and some cash. The men fled in a silver Vauxhall Vectra, which crashed during a chase by the male victim. The vehicle was forensically examined, leading to arrests.
Found guilty by a jury. Remanded in custody until sentencing.
Ronald Mugumbwe
Robbery *
Sentence
10 years imprisonment
Ronald Mugumbwe, along with two others, forced their way into a house in Hangleton Road, Hove, on the evening of 13 May 2023, punched a woman in the face, threatened her and her partner with knives, and stole a laptop, an iPad, and some cash. The men fled in a silver Vauxhall Vectra, which crashed during a chase by the male victim. The vehicle was forensically examined, leading to arrests.
Found guilty by a jury. Remanded in custody until sentencing.
Vin Che
Robbery *
Sentence
10 years imprisonment
Vin Che, along with two others, forced their way into a house in Hangleton Road, Hove, on the evening of 13 May 2023, punched a woman in the face, threatened her and her partner with knives, and stole a laptop, an iPad, and some cash. The men fled in a silver Vauxhall Vectra, which crashed during a chase by the male victim. The vehicle was forensically examined, leading to arrests.
Found guilty by a jury. Remanded in custody until sentencing.
February 2024 2 cases
Ibrahima Bah
Manslaughter *
Sentence
9.5 years imprisonment
On December 14, 2022, Ibrahima Bah piloted an overloaded small boat carrying 47 people across the English Channel off the Kent coast. The boat got into trouble, resulting in four deaths and four missing persons. Survivors were rescued and brought to Dover. The incident highlighted the dangers of people smuggling operations.
Found guilty of manslaughter of four victims. The boat was home-built, low-quality inflatable not suitable for more than 20 people, and many passengers lacked life-jackets.
Harrison Lawrence Van-Pooss
Murder *
Sentence
Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 31 years
Harrison Lawrence Van-Pooss ambushed Claire Knights, 54, while she was walking her dog near Minnis Bay on August 23, 2023. He sexually assaulted her, beat her, and stomped on her head, causing fractures and brain damage. He then hid her body in a dyke, where it was discovered two days later. Prior to this, he had pleaded guilty to upskirting another woman at his workplace the day before the murder.
Pleaded guilty to murder and upskirting. Sentence was increased by the Court of Appeal for being unduly lenient, with judges citing insufficient weight given to aggravating factors such as targeting a lone woman and hiding the body. He feigned symptoms of psychosis after arrest.
January 2024 4 cases
Rafal Czajka
Importation of controlled drugs *
Sentence
9 years imprisonment
Rafal Czajka, a 39-year-old Polish national and lorry driver, attempted to smuggle 45 kilos of cocaine, worth an estimated £2.1 million at street level, into the UK. The drugs were hidden in six metal box sections built into the bulkhead of his trailer, covered by a wooden board secured with rivets. The lorry was stopped and searched by Border Force officers at the port of Dover on November 16, 2021. It also carried a legitimate load of ventilation blower parts from the Netherlands destined for Basingstoke, Hampshire. A rivet gun and pop rivets were found in the cab.
Pleaded guilty to the importation of controlled drugs.
Jozef Balog
Assisting unlawful immigration *
Sentence
2.5 years imprisonment
In June 2022, Jozef Balog, a 33-year-old Slovakian national, attempted to bring a Vietnamese woman into the UK by concealing her in a tiny, custom-built hideaway behind the dashboard of his modified Vauxhall Vectra. The vehicle was intercepted by Border Force officers at the UK Control Zone in Coquelles, Northern France. Officers noticed the passenger side carpet was out of place and dismantled the glove box, discovering the woman in cramped conditions. Balog claimed he was returning to his home in Manchester after visiting relatives.
Pleaded guilty to assisting unlawful immigration in June 2022. Remanded in custody for 40 months since then, so sentence already served.
Bryan Anthony Hughes
Importing a Class A drug *
Sentence
7 years and 6 months imprisonment
Bryan Anthony Hughes, a 30-year-old lorry driver from Ballymena, County Antrim, was smuggling eight kilos of cocaine, valued at £480,000 on the street, hidden in baggage and a locker in his cab. The lorry, carrying a legitimate cargo of frozen potatoes from Tilburg, Netherlands, for delivery in the north west of England, was stopped at the UK Inbound border in Coquelles, France, on October 16, 2023.
Pleaded guilty to importing a Class A drug. No comment during initial interview.
Daniel Whereatt
Importing heroin *
Sentence
6 years imprisonment
Daniel Whereatt, 48, of Seymour Road, Bristol, was stopped at Dover’s Eastern Docks on March 18, 2019, as he returned to the UK from Amsterdam. He claimed to have been on a day trip to Dunkirk, but phone analysis confirmed he was in Amsterdam picking up heroin. Border Force officers searched his car after noticing a strong smell of fuel and found 18 tape-wrapped packages submerged in the fuel sender tanks, containing 6kg of heroin worth £800,000 and 2kg of cutting agents (paracetamol and caffeine). His DNA was on a screwdriver and metal file near the concealment area. The vehicle was insured for only two days, believed to be solely for the drug importation.
Pleaded guilty to importing 6kg of heroin. DNA found on tools used to conceal the drugs.
December 2023 1 case
Ross Patrick Deffley
Attempting to import class A drugs *
Sentence
10 years imprisonment
Ross Patrick Deffley, 26, of Solihull, West Midlands, attempted to smuggle 183kg of heroin and cocaine, valued at £16.5 million, hidden inside canisters of nitrous oxide within catering supplies. He was stopped at the Dover border on September 21 while driving a van. Border Force officers found the drugs concealed in the boxes, along with an extendable baton in the cab. His fingerprints and DNA were on packages containing 97kg of heroin and 86kg of cocaine. Deffley claimed the packages were for the catering industry but they were destined for a residential address he could access. He had set up companies to transport the nitrous oxide canisters used for smuggling.
Convicted of two counts of attempting to import class A drugs on November 30. Earlier convicted of possession of an offensive weapon. Subject to confiscation investigation under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
November 2023 1 case
Alan Leggett
Sending an electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety *
Sentence
10 months imprisonment, suspended for 24 months, and a 15-year restraining order
Alan Leggett, a 44-year-old YouTuber, targeted antisemitic abuse at a Jewish woman during a livestream broadcast in September 2020. The woman knew Leggett through her work for an organisation that investigates antisemitic abuse online. The abuse was deeply offensive to the victim and the Jewish community.
Pleaded guilty to sending an electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety. CPS committed to prosecuting hate crime with harsher sentences.
October 2023 4 cases
Ashari Mohamed
Facilitating illegal entry into the UK *
Sentence
3 years imprisonment
Ashari Mohamed, 28, a Sudanese national, piloted a small boat carrying 37 people including Sudanese, Iraqi, Syrian and Albanian nationals and eight children across the English Channel. The vessel was intercepted by the Border Force on July 10, 2022. Mohamed allegedly received 600 euros for the role due to his previous experience, though he claimed he did it for free in exchange for passage.
Pleaded guilty to facilitating illegal entry into the UK. Previous 8-month sentence for illegal entry to be served concurrently. Paid 600 euros to pilot the boat.
Azad Ahmadi
Conspiracy to assist with unlawful immigration *
Sentence
4 years 6 months imprisonment
Azad Ahmadi, 31, of Westgreen Avenue in Derby, was the paymaster in a people smuggling ring, intimately involved in planning to bring seven Iraqi nationals illegally into the UK. He transferred £4,280 to the Fullwoods' account to facilitate two smuggling attempts in December 2018 and January 2019.
Pleaded not guilty but convicted following trial in 2022. Acted as paymaster, transferring £4,280 to the Fullwoods. At the head of the conspiracy chain. Has wife, two young children, and employs seven in car wash business.
Pamela Fullwood
Conspiracy to assist with unlawful immigration *
Sentence
2 years imprisonment suspended
Pamela Fullwood, 45, of Wingfield Road in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, joined her husband in attempting to smuggle Iraqi nationals into the UK. In December 2018, her husband was stopped by French authorities with five migrants. In January 2019, they tried to smuggle two Iraqis hidden in furniture in a hired van, with their 13-year-old daughter travelling with them. Received £4,280 from the scheme's paymaster.
Pleaded guilty ahead of trial. Has significant problems with intellectual reasoning, high suggestibility, history of cancer, and upcoming preventative operation in March. Involved out of misguided loyalty to husband. Recorder Michael Turner spared immediate imprisonment to allow operation.
Nicholas Fullwood
Conspiracy to assist with unlawful immigration *
Sentence
3 years imprisonment
Nicholas Fullwood, 48, of Wingfield Road in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, hired a van and attempted to smuggle five Iraqi nationals into the UK in December 2018 but was stopped by French authorities. A month later, he and his wife attempted to smuggle two more Iraqis hidden inside furniture in a second hired van, with their 13-year-old daughter present.
Pleaded guilty in August 2021. Involved due to desperation from loan shark threats, but offending not excused. Recorder Michael Turner accepted mitigation.
October 2022 1 case
Callum Wheeler
Murder *
Sentence
life imprisonment with a minimum term of 37 years
On April 27, 2021, Callum Wheeler, 22, ambushed PCSO Julia James, 53, in Ackholt Wood near her home in Snowdown, Kent, while she was walking her Jack Russell dog Toby. Wheeler had been roaming the countryside with a railway jack, a large metal bar used to lift train tracks. He lay in wait in bushes for a lone female victim, motivated by sexual intent. When Mrs James spotted him, her Apple Watch data showed her heart rate spiking as she attempted to run away and change her route. Wheeler inflicted multiple blows to her head, causing catastrophic injuries described by a pathologist as the worst he had ever seen. DNA on the breast area of her white top indicated sexual touching. Wheeler had no connection to the victim but targeted her when she became vulnerable, away from other dog walkers. He was a prolific user of internet pornography, having searched for terms like 'raped' two days prior. Upon arrest, he admitted to uncontrollable actions and stated he would return to the woods to rape and kill if released, claiming Mrs James deserved to die.
Found guilty of murder in May. Sentenced by Mr Justice Wall. The judge described the attack as brutal, vicious, planned in advance, and sexually motivated. Wheeler showed no emotion during sentencing and was escorted from Broadmoor high security psychiatric hospital.
September 2022 2 cases
Cherrelle Clarke
Robbery *
Sentence
5 years imprisonment
Cherrelle Clarke, along with her mother Dionne Clarke, targeted elderly victims in Canterbury and Ramsgate between May and June 2022. On 25 May 2022, they robbed a man in his 80s of his wallet in a Canterbury supermarket car park, pulling it with force and causing him to fall and sustain grazes. They discarded the wallet in a river after removing bank cards. In June 2022, they stole a purse from a woman in Ramsgate by pretending to help with her shopping. The stolen bank cards were used to purchase items in shops, a café, and a pub, where the pair were arrested.
Admitted to offences of robbery, theft and fraud. Behaviour described as callous by police.
Dionne Clarke
Robbery *
Sentence
3 years and 8 months imprisonment
Dionne Clarke, along with her daughter Cherrelle Clarke, targeted elderly victims in Canterbury and Ramsgate between May and June 2022. On 25 May 2022, they robbed a man in his 80s of his wallet in a Canterbury supermarket car park, pulling it with force and causing him to fall and sustain grazes. They discarded the wallet in a river after removing bank cards. In June 2022, they stole a purse from a woman in Ramsgate by pretending to help with her shopping. The stolen bank cards were used to purchase items in shops, a café, and a pub, where the pair were arrested.
Admitted to offences of robbery, theft and fraud. Behaviour described as callous by police.
June 2022 1 case
Jon Pughe
Robbery *
Sentence
6 years imprisonment
Jon Pughe, 41, of Clifftown Gardens, Herne Bay, Kent, entered a Post Office in Margate Road, Margate, on 12 February 2022, wearing a balaclava and holding a crowbar. He hit a female staff member in the face, stole a large amount of cash from the till, and fled in a white Renault van. He was later arrested in Herne Bay town centre after police linked him via CCTV footage showing a tear in his jeans matching those he was wearing.
Admitted robbery. Caught due to matching jeans in CCTV footage. DCI Keith Taylor commented on the violent actions and their terrifying impact on the victim.
May 2020 2 cases
Luke Twyman
Robbery *
Sentence
6 years imprisonment
Ben Twyman and his twin brother Luke robbed a Coral bookmakers in Newington Road, Ramsgate, on an afternoon in February 2020, threatening staff with a handgun and stealing hundreds of pounds. Ben held the gun and approached the counter, while Luke stood at the door keeping watch. A baggy balaclava allowed staff to recognise Ben as a regular customer. They were arrested shortly after, with Ben captured four days later. The brothers went to a pub in Margate to count the cash post-robbery.
Pleaded guilty to robbery. Sentenced on 30th birthday via virtual link.
Ben Twyman
Robbery *
Sentence
6 years imprisonment
Ben Twyman and his twin brother Luke robbed a Coral bookmakers in Newington Road, Ramsgate, on an afternoon in February 2020, threatening staff with a handgun and stealing hundreds of pounds. Ben held the gun and approached the counter, while Luke stood at the door keeping watch. A baggy balaclava allowed staff to recognise Ben as a regular customer. They were arrested shortly after, with Ben captured four days later. The brothers went to a pub in Margate to count the cash post-robbery.
Pleaded guilty to robbery and having a firearm with intent. Sentenced on 30th birthday via virtual link.
November 2019 1 case
Robert Keogh
Illegally importing firearms *
Sentence
9 years imprisonment
Robert Keogh, 37, from Clonee, Dublin, was stopped by Border Force officers at the Port of Dover at 5am on Friday 2 August 2019 en route from Calais. He had left the UK through Dover on 24 July 2019 and claimed he was returning from driving around Europe. A search of his Volkswagen Passat recovered 60 firearms, including a Turkish manufactured Zoraki blank firing handgun converted to fire live ammunition concealed in the rear-left quarter panel, and 59 others wrapped in plastic and hidden in the bumper and rear quarter panels. None had serial numbers. This was believed to be the largest seizure of lethal weapons at a UK port. Latex gloves, three sim cards, and four mobile phones were also found. In interview, Keogh stated he had a 3,000 Euros gambling debt and claimed the vehicle was out of his control for three days while abroad, suspecting money might have been hidden in it. The firearms belonged to an organised crime group.
Admitted illegally importing firearms. Case against him was strong, leading to early guilty plea. Judge comments not specified.
February 2019 1 case
Timothy Davies
Rape *
Sentence
6 years imprisonment
Timothy Davies, 45, raped a woman in a train toilet after she became unwell around 1am in December 2018 while travelling to Ramsgate, east Kent. CCTV showed him touching her inappropriately before leading her to the toilet where she was sick. He locked the door and raped her during the attack. His wife knocked on the door three times, but he claimed the woman was being sick. The couple left the train at Ramsgate. The victim reported the incident to her family and the British Transport Police the following day. Davies claimed the activity was consensual, but a jury found him guilty.
Found guilty by jury of rape on 7 February.

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Crown Court
Chaucer Road, Canterbury, Canterbury, Canterbury, CT1 1ZA, United Kingdom
+441227819200

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 164 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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