Chelmsford Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 104 verdicts at Chelmsford Crown Court (Chelmsford). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

March 2026 2 cases

Michelle Moore

Fraud by false representation *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 150 hours unpaid work, £1,000 compensation

Michelle Moore, 39, of West Avenue in Clacton, defrauded her mother, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and relied on her for care including food, cleaning her flat, and managing finances, by taking her bank card without permission and spending around £40,000 on personal items from 2019 to 2022. The offending left the wheelchair-using victim deeply hurt and unable to forgive her, with impacts resonating through the family.

Pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation. No previous convictions. Primary carer to five young children. Judge Jamie Sawyer said she should feel thoroughly ashamed of her actions.

12 Mar 2026

Katie Coles

Misconduct in a public office *

Sentence

22 weeks imprisonment

Katie Coles, a 24-year-old prison officer at HMP Chelmsford, was recorded on her body-worn camera accidentally activated, handing an unauthorised tub of pre-workout powder to an inmate in a cell. The footage captured her walking towards the open cell door, giving the item, and hugging the inmate before leaving. The incident occurred prior to her resignation the following day after being challenged. She was arrested and charged with misconduct in a public office.

Pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office at the earliest opportunity. No previous convictions. Judge noted she knew her actions were wrong and left herself vulnerable to manipulation. Likely to serve around 40% before release.

6 Mar 2026

February 2026 1 case

Preston Stanley

Robbery *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Preston Stanley, 20, was involved in a spontaneous robbery near the Morrisons supermarket in Chelmsford, Essex, in October 2025. The incident occurred at around 3.30pm after the victim greeted an unknown woman who was with two men. The woman accused him of being a pervert, and the men confronted him. As the victim tried to walk away, Stanley and an unknown man followed, punched him repeatedly in the head, and forcibly ripped two metal chain necklaces from his neck before running off. The attack was witnessed by two people who saw a verbal exchange and the initial punch by the unknown male.

Pleaded guilty to robbery. Judge showed pity for his difficult upbringing involving violence, but noted he acted willingly and enthusiastically. He has become religious and is remorseful. Was on a suspended sentence at the time of the offence. 40 per cent to be served in custody before release on licence.

20 Feb 2026

January 2026 2 cases

Collins Mufuta

Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent *

Sentence

5 years and 9 months imprisonment

On June 11, 2025, in Waltham Abbey, Collins Mufuta launched an unprovoked attack on a teenage boy who was walking to a shop with friends. Mufuta called out to the victim, repeatedly punched him, chased him after he ran, and stabbed him in the leg. The injury to the boy's thigh was not life-threatening. Mufuta covered his face during the attack but was identified through extensive CCTV work, forensic and digital evidence matching his clothing. He was arrested the following month in Waltham Abbey.

Pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place. Initially denied the offences.

19 Jan 2026

Melissa Murphy

Misconduct in a public office *

Sentence

8 months imprisonment

Melissa Murphy, formerly Melissa O’Brien, 49, admitted to an inappropriate relationship with an inmate at HMP Chelmsford in Essex. She sent handwritten letters containing explicit romantic and sexual content, which were found in the prisoner's cell. A photo of the inmate was found at her home. On December 8, 2023, she requested the prisoner be brought to the workshop despite no scheduled class, locked herself in with him, and was found flustered. A sim card was found in her house with correspondence encouraging private contact, though no evidence it was provided. She denied physical intimacy.

Pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct in a public office. Described as an isolated lapse. To serve up to 40% in custody.

16 Jan 2026

December 2025 1 case

Declan Diedrick

Grievous bodily harm with intent *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

Declan Diedrick, 25, of no fixed address, stabbed Pc Hollie Matthews in the face with a seven-inch serrated kitchen knife in Harlow, Essex, on December 29, 2023, while officers responded to welfare concerns. He was in an altercation, refusing to drop the knife, leading to the attack before being subdued.

Found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Admitted wounding without intent and possession of bladed article. Additional 3 years on licence.

1 Dec 2025

November 2025 2 cases

Charles Benson-Clark

Engaging in sexual activity with a child *

Sentence

6.5 years imprisonment

Charles Benson-Clark, aged 30 and formerly of Clavering, Saffron Walden, engaged in sexual activity with an underage girl, including penetrative acts. Inappropriate messages were discovered on the victim's phone, leading to his arrest by Essex Police in September 2022. He refused to answer questions during initial quizzing but was charged after a detailed investigation. His manipulative and predatory behaviour prevented the victim from telling her mother about the abuse.

Admitted four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, including two counts of penetrative sexual activity. Given an indefinite restraining order and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.

21 Nov 2025

Marc Cheeney

Rape *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

Marc Cheeney committed rape and coercive and controlling behaviour against the victim, with the crimes reported to Essex Police in August 2022. He was arrested in November 2022 and charged 12 months later following a thorough investigation. The offences occurred months before reporting, in the area of Great Yeldham near Sudbury.

Found guilty by jury after denying rape; admitted to one charge of coercive and controlling behaviour; given a 10-year restraining order and placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

13 Nov 2025

August 2025 6 cases

George Bloxham

Actual Bodily Harm *

Sentence

3 years and 10 months imprisonment

George Bloxham, 31, assaulted a woman at an address in Harlow in April 2022, causing injuries to her face. He was arrested, admitted the charges, and the victim received support from Essex Police and related organisations.

Admitted three counts of Actual Bodily Harm. The victim thanked Essex Police and encouraged others to report abuse. Detective Constable Swarv Safin noted the investigation was complex but thorough.

15 Aug 2025

Matthew Edwards

Sexual assault of a child *

Sentence

12 years imprisonment

Matthew Edwards sexually assaulted a child under 13 and possessed dozens of indecent images of children. He used internet platforms to send explicit messages and ask young girls for sexualised images. Devices seized from his home contained indecent images dating back to 2019. He was arrested in October 2022 in the Uttlesford area and denied the charges initially.

Admitted to three counts of taking and making indecent images and one count of outraging public decency; found guilty on 16 other counts after a nine-day trial. Will be on the sex offenders register for life and subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

13 Aug 2025

Mitchell Quartermaine

Being concerned in the supply of cocaine *

Sentence

22 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years

Mitchell Quartermaine was arrested in December 2020 after police pulled over his car and found more than £1,000 in cash and a mobile phone with messages indicating involvement in drug sales.

Admitted to being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

8 Aug 2025

Rokibur Rahman

Being concerned in the supply of cocaine *

Sentence

4 years and 2 months imprisonment

Rokibur Rahman was stopped by police on separate occasions in April and September 2020, where cash and drug wraps were found in his vehicle and on his person. In October 2020, police discovered a large amount of white powder and scales at an address he was associated with, leading to his arrest for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Pleaded not guilty but was convicted of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and two counts of possession with intent to supply cocaine.

8 Aug 2025

Christopher Radley

Being concerned in the supply of cocaine *

Sentence

2 years and 4 months imprisonment

Christopher Radley was stopped by police in September 2020 while driving at speed, with cash and drugs found in his vehicle. He was later seen entering an address linked to drug activity, leading to his arrest.

Admitted to two counts of being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession with intent to supply cocaine, and possession of a Class B drug.

8 Aug 2025

Graeme Hicks

Sexual Assault *

Sentence

5 years and 7 months imprisonment

Graeme Hicks, 33, of Old Chapel Drive, Stanway, indecently assaulted a 17-year-old girl and a woman on a double-decker bus in Braintree on December 27, 2024. He exposed himself, urinated on the top deck, launched kicks and punches at another passenger, and resisted arrest by spitting at officers. Additionally, he was sentenced for offences from a separate raid on his home in May 2023, which included supplying cocaine and cannabis and possessing an air pistol. The offences had a profound effect on the female victims, who are now fearful of using buses.

Admitted to two counts of sexual assault, exposure, actual bodily harm, criminal damage, supplying cocaine and cannabis, and possessing an air pistol. Detective Constable Katie George described his actions as deplorable and sexually motivated, noting the profound effect on victims and the unacceptable behaviour towards officers.

7 Aug 2025

June 2025 10 cases

Dennis Da Silva Costa

Conspiring to supply crack cocaine and heroin *

Sentence

Eight years two months imprisonment

Dennis Da Silva Costa, 32, of Priory Road, Clacton, was involved in delivering fresh stocks of drugs as part of the 'Nutz' county line gang, which supplied crack cocaine and heroin from South London to Harwich in Essex, involving violence, exploitation, and threats.

Trusted lieutenant responsible for delivering drugs for the gang.

20 Jun 2025

Deveire Young

Conspiring to supply crack cocaine and heroin *

Sentence

15 years six months imprisonment

Deveire Young, 31, of Mortham Street, Newham, attempted to flee from police and was caught trying to flush cannabis and crack cocaine down a toilet. He had keys to a van containing two handguns, ammunition, and valuables worth £127,000, as part of the gang's county lines operation supplying crack cocaine and heroin from South London to Essex.

Operated as the right-hand man to the gang leader, involved in conspiring to supply drugs and possession of firearms and ammunition.

20 Jun 2025

Alfie Sanchez

Conspiring to supply crack cocaine and heroin *

Sentence

Three years three months imprisonment

Alfie Sanchez, 21, of Riley Avenue, Jaywick, was arrested with drugs and knives on separate occasions in May and June 2023 while involved in the 'Nutz' county line gang, which funnelled crack cocaine and heroin from South London to Harwich in Essex, involving violence and exploitation.

Served as a drug line phone holder and runner for the gang.

20 Jun 2025

Jason Anderson

Conspiring to supply crack cocaine and heroin *

Sentence

Six years nine months imprisonment

Jason Anderson, 50, of Stour Close, Dovercourt, was arrested with drugs and knives on separate occasions while working for the Croydon drug gang that operated the 'Nutz' county line, supplying crack cocaine and heroin from South London to Essex.

Acted as a drug line phone holder and runner for the gang.

20 Jun 2025

Jordan James

Supplying crack cocaine and heroin *

Sentence

Nine years two months imprisonment

Jordan James, 33, of HMP Pentonville, was the leader of a drug gang that funnelled crack cocaine and heroin from South London to Harwich in Essex. The gang was involved in county lines drug supply, including violence and exploitation.

Leader of the Croydon drug gang involved in the 'Nutz' county line operation.

20 Jun 2025

Kelvin Morgan

Unwanted sexual touching *

Sentence

12-year Criminal Behaviour Order and 3 months imprisonment

Kelvin Morgan was found guilty of unwanted sexual touching of a female over 18 inside an address on January 17, 2024. This was part of a case that led to an interim Criminal Behaviour Order on May 12, 2025, which was made full on the date of sentencing.

The order was granted as part of a larger sentence for unwanted sexual touching, with the prison term already served.

14 Jun 2025

Annette Lawrence

Supply of crack cocaine and heroin *

Sentence

Two years suspended for two years, with 50 hours of unpaid work and a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement

Annette Lawrence, known by her stage name Lisa Mercedez, was involved in a drug dealing operation supplying crack cocaine and heroin in the Chigwell area. She collaborated with Sheldon Johnson, who posed as a music promoter. Police arrested her in June 2024 after finding a burner phone at her home in Nazeing, Waltham Abbey. She had a background as a Jamaican dancehall artist with appearances on the BBC and collaborations with artists like Nicki Minaj.

Narrowly avoided prison; involved in a drug dealing scheme with Sheldon Johnson; denied charges of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

13 Jun 2025

Sheldon Johnson

Supply of crack cocaine and heroin *

Sentence

10 years imprisonment

Sheldon Johnson ran a crack cocaine and heroin business in the Chigwell area while pretending to be a high-flying music promoter. In June 2024, he was approached in a shop in Woodford, East London, where he attempted to escape and was arrested. Police found wraps of heroin and crack cocaine where he had been, along with £25,000 in cash, £250,000 worth of designer clothes, shoes, a watch, sunglasses, and evidence of music events at his home in Chigwell Road, Woodford Bridge.

Denied charges of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, as well as possessing criminal property; known as 'Lucky British' and posed as a music promoter.

13 Jun 2025

Nyasha Best

Supply of crack cocaine and heroin *

Sentence

7 years imprisonment

Nyasha Best was involved in a drug dealing scheme supplying crack cocaine and heroin in the Chigwell area, working alongside Sheldon Johnson. He was arrested in June 2024, and police discovered expensive clothes at his home in Tiverton Road, Queens Park.

Business associate of Sheldon Johnson; denied charges of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

13 Jun 2025

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas

Fraudulent evasion of the prohibition on the importation of cannabis *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, a former professional footballer, recruited his girlfriend and her friend to smuggle approximately 60kg of cannabis from Thailand to the UK via Stansted Airport. The drugs, valued at £600,000, were seized by Border Force officers. He played a key role in the operation, arranging travel and acting in an operational management function, motivated by financial hardships after being out of contract. The incident occurred between July 1, 2024, and September 2, 2024.

Pleaded guilty to fraudulent evasion of the prohibition on the importation of cannabis due to financial difficulties. Judge Alexander Mills commented that he had 'thrown away' his football career.

5 Jun 2025

May 2025 5 cases

Fatlind Imeraj

Cultivation of cannabis *

Sentence

Six months imprisonment

Fatlind Imeraj was caught fleeing from a property in Halstead where police found approximately 500 cannabis plants following a public report of suspicious activity on April 15, 2025. He was living at the property, and his involvement was confirmed by fingerprints. He was arrested nearby and later admitted the crime in court.

Admitted to cultivation of cannabis. Fingerprints were found at the premises, and it was clear he was living there. An order was made for the forfeit and destruction of the cannabis plants and items.

28 May 2025

Fisnik Hoxha

Cultivation of cannabis *

Sentence

Six months imprisonment

Fisnik Hoxha was caught fleeing from a property in Halstead where police found approximately 500 cannabis plants following a public report of suspicious activity on April 15, 2025. He was living at the property, and his involvement was confirmed by fingerprints. He was arrested nearby and later admitted the crime in court.

Admitted to cultivation of cannabis. Fingerprints were found at the premises, and it was clear he was living there. An order was made for the forfeit and destruction of the cannabis plants and items.

28 May 2025

Chace Wiseman

Rape of a child under 13 *

Sentence

16.5 years imprisonment at a young offenders’ facility

Chace Wiseman, from Witham, committed a series of sexual offences against vulnerable young victims. These included raping and sexually assaulting children under 13, as well as creating and possessing indecent photographs and extreme pornographic images of toddlers and young children, some of which were AI-altered. The offences were uncovered following an investigation by Essex Police, who arrested him at his home in January 2025 and seized seven devices containing hundreds of images and videos. The crimes had a profound impact on the victims and their families, with one victim's father reporting severe emotional distress, including difficulty sleeping and anxiety about leaving his daughter alone.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, one count of possession of extreme pornographic footage, one count of possessing a prohibited image of a child, and six counts of making an indecent photograph of a child. Mitigating factors included his age (17 at the time), mild learning difficulties, autism spectrum disorder, and history of bullying. The judge described the offences as 'disturbing' and 'quite shocking'. He was also placed on the sex offender register, issued a restraining order, and made subject to a sexual harm prevention order.

27 May 2025

James Gibbs

Gross Indecency *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

James Gibbs committed sexual offences over 40 years ago, including two counts of gross indecency against a victim. The victim reported the crimes in 2021, but sadly died before the trial. An investigation by Essex Police led to his conviction, with detectives ensuring the victim knew justice would be pursued.

Pleaded not guilty to the offences. The judge paid tribute to the victim who had died before the case concluded. Gibbs refused to admit his crimes during the investigation and court process.

22 May 2025

Marshall Bartram

Possession with intent to supply cocaine *

Sentence

Three years and ten months imprisonment

Marshall Bartram was arrested during a police search on February 11, 2025, after being spotted in a potential drug deal. He confessed to carrying cocaine and was found with over 160g of cocaine and approximately £10,000 in cash. A search of a linked address in Harlow revealed additional cash and a large brick of cocaine.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property.

1 May 2025

April 2025 1 case

Christopher Allen

Causing death by dangerous driving *

Sentence

14 years imprisonment

Christopher Allen, 61, collided with Adeline Stuart-Watt, 33, as she was crossing Epping New Road in Loughton on foot after dismounting her bicycle. He had consumed alcohol and was driving at double the speed limit, which led to her death at the scene on April 16, 2023. Allen was from Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey.

Denied causing death by dangerous driving but was found guilty following a trial. Had drunk at least two pints of an alcoholic drink and was travelling at double the speed limit for the road.

3 Apr 2025

March 2025 4 cases

Mohammed Uddin

Fraud by false representation *

Sentence

28 months imprisonment

Mohammed Uddin, 37, of Dunmow, Essex, fraudulently applied for five bounce-back loans totalling £250,000 between May 2020 and November 2022 for four businesses he directed. Despite the companies having little to no trading activity, he inflated turnover figures to obtain the maximum £50,000 per company, including two applications for one business in violation of rules. The loans, intended to support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, were spent on paying off debts, home improvements, separate investments, luxury watches, and cars. He was arrested on 11 February 2022, and digital evidence linked him to the fraud. Accounts were frozen, and £66,574.20 recovered.

Pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud by false representation. Disqualified from acting as a company director for five years. Sentences to run concurrently.

14 Mar 2025

Connor Jones

Conspiring to commit burglary and motor vehicle theft *

Sentence

Four years and eleven months imprisonment

Connor Jones led an organised crime gang that stole more than 70 family motors using a sophisticated 'relay' system to hack keyless cars. The gang targeted properties in London and the South East, including areas like Edmonton, Essex, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire. They were arrested during a police raid on a lock-up garage in Waltham Abbey, where stolen vehicles, including a Fiesta, were being stripped for parts. One victim reported feeling scared and unsafe after her Ford Kuga was stolen from her driveway in Brentwood.

Admitted conspiring to commit burglary and motor vehicle theft.

7 Mar 2025

Jack Reid

Conspiring to commit burglary and motor vehicle theft *

Sentence

Three years and nine months imprisonment

Jack Reid was part of an organised crime gang that stole more than 70 family motors using a sophisticated 'relay' system to hack keyless cars. The gang targeted properties in London and the South East, including areas like Edmonton, Essex, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire. They were arrested during a police raid on a lock-up garage in Waltham Abbey, where stolen vehicles were being stripped for parts. One victim reported feeling scared and unsafe after her Ford Kuga was stolen from her driveway in Brentwood.

Admitted conspiring to commit burglary and motor vehicle theft.

7 Mar 2025

Nichole Pratt

Sexual assault of a child under 13 *

Sentence

seven-and-a-half years in custody

Nichole Pratt subjected two children to sexual abuse between 23 October 2023 and 1 August 2024, creating videos of the offences. The offences were discovered following an anonymous tip to police. Upon arrest, her phone and USB stick were seized, containing category A videos of her sexually abusing the children. She abused the trust of the vulnerable young children for her own gratification.

Pleaded guilty to causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13. Also handed a sexual harm prevention order. Initially denied involvement but changed plea due to overwhelming evidence.

4 Mar 2025

February 2025 1 case

Calogero Ricotta

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 34 years

Calogero Ricotta stabbed to death his 54-year-old wife, Maria Nugara, and her 29-year-old son, Giuseppe Morreale, at their family home in the village of Ugley in Essex on May 28, 2024. The murders were motivated by Ricotta's refusal to agree to a divorce, as his wife was taking steps to leave the marriage. He had been controlling and coercive towards her, and her son tried to protect her but was killed in the process. Ricotta also assaulted a youth who was present.

Used controlling and coercive behaviour to control his wife; found guilty after denying charges; judge noted his vanity, pride, and ego prevented him from agreeing to a divorce; also found guilty of actual bodily harm against a youth.

18 Feb 2025

January 2025 3 cases

Deividas Fiodorovas

Conspiracy to burgle *

Sentence

6 years and 8 months imprisonment

Deividas Fiodorovas was involved in multiple burglaries and thefts as part of a crime spree. On April 7, 2024, he participated in stealing a pick-up truck and a JCB telescopic forklift from Clacton Road, Little Horsley, which were used to rip a cash machine from a Home Bargains shop in Harwich, Essex. The spree included burglaries at a house on Oakley Road, Harwich, on April 1, 2024, where cash and tools were taken; a house in Nancy Blackett Avenue, Walton, on April 23, 2024, where jewellery worth more than £20,000 was stolen; and a home in Royston, Hertfordshire, on April 24, 2024, where a victim was held in the bathroom while valuables worth over £120,000 were taken by suspects armed with a crowbar.

Pleaded guilty to all three counts, including the home burglaries, conspiracy to steal the cash machine, and the burglary of the JCB.

2 Jan 2025

Marvin Usher

Conspiracy to steal *

Sentence

2 years and 5 months imprisonment

Marvin Usher participated in a series of burglaries and thefts, including the theft of a pick-up truck and a JCB telescopic forklift from properties on Clacton Road, Little Horsley, on April 7, 2024. These vehicles were used in a ram raid to remove a cash machine from a Home Bargains shop in Harwich, Essex, which was later dumped at a nearby golf club with £55,000 inside. The crimes also encompassed burglaries at homes in Essex and Hertfordshire.

Admitted involvement in the conspiracy to steal the cash machine and the burglaries to take the vehicles used, but denied involvement in the home burglaries.

2 Jan 2025

Shane Hadderton

Conspiracy to burgle *

Sentence

3 years and 9 months imprisonment

Shane Hadderton was involved in a crime spree that included the burglary of homes and the theft of vehicles. On April 7, 2024, a pick-up truck and a JCB telescopic forklift were stolen from properties on Clacton Road, Little Horsley, and used in a ram raid to rip a cash machine from a Home Bargains shop in Harwich, Essex. The spree also involved burglaries at a house on Oakley Road, Harwich, on April 1, 2024, where cash and tools were taken, and at a house in Nancy Blackett Avenue, Walton, on April 23, 2024, where jewellery worth more than £20,000 was stolen. Additionally, he was linked to a burglary in Royston, Hertfordshire, on April 24, 2024.

Admitted one count of conspiracy to burgle, including driving vehicles to and from the burglaries in Walton and Royston, but denied entering any properties.

2 Jan 2025

November 2024 1 case

David Pickthall

Child sex offences *

Sentence

12 years imprisonment with a four-year extended licence period and a sexual harm prevention order

David Pickthall, a former teacher and choirmaster who worked on TV and film projects including Wallace and Gromit, abused children over more than four decades. The offences involved 19 victims and were committed between 1980 and 2021 in Brentwood, Essex, and Upminster, east London. He was made an MBE in 2015 for services to education and charity.

Pleaded guilty to 29 child sex offences concerning 19 victims. Judge Mary Loram KC described him as a predatory and manipulative paedophile who would have continued offending if not arrested. He glared at the judge during sentencing.

11 Nov 2024

October 2024 11 cases

Mark Christopher

Conspiracy to kidnap and false imprisonment *

Sentence

7 years imprisonment

Mark Christopher, as the leader of a self-proclaimed group called the Federal Postal Court, conspired to kidnap and falsely imprison Lincoln Brookes, the senior coroner for Essex. On April 20, 2023, he and three others entered Chelmsford Crown Court with handcuffs, demanding Mr Brookes' location and attempting to shut down the court. He had previously sent bizarre and threatening letters and emails to Mr Brookes, accusing him of offenses like 'detrimental necromancy' and threatening corporal punishment.

Self-appointed leader of the Federal Postal Court group, also convicted of sending threatening letters to the coroner with intent to cause distress or anxiety. Jailed for seven years, ordered to pay a £228 surcharge, and subjected to a restraining order.

28 Oct 2024

Sean Harper

Conspiracy to kidnap and false imprisonment *

Sentence

30 months imprisonment

Sean Harper, along with his wife, conspired to kidnap and falsely imprison Lincoln Brookes, the senior coroner for Essex. On April 20, 2023, he entered Chelmsford Crown Court as part of the group, demanding the coroner's location and attempting to shut down the court, acting under the group's self-proclaimed authority.

Served as a sheriff in the Federal Postal Court group and was influenced by Mark Christopher. Jailed for 30 months, ordered to pay a £228 surcharge, and subjected to a restraining order. Described as having been indoctrinated and at the start of an 'awakening'.

28 Oct 2024

Shiza Harper

Conspiracy to kidnap and false imprisonment *

Sentence

30 months imprisonment

Shiza Harper, along with her husband, conspired to kidnap and falsely imprison Lincoln Brookes, the senior coroner for Essex. On April 20, 2023, she entered Chelmsford Crown Court with the group, demanding the coroner's whereabouts and attempting to interfere with court proceedings as part of the group's self-conferred powers.

Served as a postal inspector in the Federal Postal Court group and was influenced by Mark Christopher. Jailed for 30 months, ordered to pay a £228 surcharge, and subjected to a restraining order. Described as having been indoctrinated and at the start of an 'awakening'.

28 Oct 2024

Matthew Martin

Conspiracy to kidnap and false imprisonment *

Sentence

30 months imprisonment

Matthew Martin was part of a group that conspired to kidnap and falsely imprison Lincoln Brookes, the senior coroner for Essex. On April 20, 2023, he entered Chelmsford Crown Court with others, demanding the coroner's whereabouts and attempting to interfere with court proceedings as part of the group's self-conferred powers.

Served as a sheriff and coroner in the Federal Postal Court group, acting under the direction of Mark Christopher. Jailed for 30 months, ordered to pay a £228 surcharge, and subjected to a restraining order.

28 Oct 2024

Aaron Elles

Violent disorder *

Sentence

1 year and 8 months imprisonment

Aaron Elles, 28, of Harlow, attended a protest outside The Bell Hotel in Epping on July 17, 2024, wearing motorbike clothing including a crash helmet to conceal his identity. He acted in an intimidating way, encouraging others to face off against police officers, and kicked an officer, leading to further pushing, shoving, and striking of officers. Officers arrested him at his home on July 23, 2024, and found a small amount of cannabis in his motorbike jacket.

Pleaded guilty to violent disorder at an earlier hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court. Also admitted possession of a Class B drug (cannabis).

17 Oct 2024

Albest Deda

Production of cannabis *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

Albest Deda, 27, from Lymington Road, Dagenham, was involved in growing £100,000 worth of cannabis at two large units on the Globe Industrial Estate, Rectory Road, Grays. Essex Police discovered 230 plants weighing 46kg on 3 June 2024.

Admitted being concerned in the production of cannabis.

11 Oct 2024

Besjan Mustafaj

Production of cannabis *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Besjan Mustafaj, 32, from Booth Road, North Woolwich, was involved in growing £100,000 worth of cannabis at two large units on the Globe Industrial Estate, Rectory Road, Grays. Essex Police discovered 230 plants weighing 46kg on 3 June 2024.

Admitted being concerned in the production of cannabis.

11 Oct 2024

Ervin Sadikaj

Production of cannabis *

Sentence

4 years and 8 months imprisonment

Ervin Sadikaj, 34, from Langley Crescent, Dagenham, was involved in growing £100,000 worth of cannabis at two large units on the Globe Industrial Estate, Rectory Road, Grays. Essex Police discovered 230 plants weighing 46kg on 3 June 2024.

Admitted being concerned in the production of cannabis.

11 Oct 2024

Pashk Gjonaj

Production of cannabis *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

Pashk Gjonaj, 32, of no fixed address, was involved in growing £100,000 worth of cannabis at two large units on the Globe Industrial Estate, Rectory Road, Grays. Essex Police discovered 230 plants weighing 46kg on 3 June 2024.

Admitted being concerned in the production of cannabis.

11 Oct 2024

Virginia Mccullough

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 36 years

Virginia McCullough poisoned her father, John McCullough, aged 70, with crushed prescription medication in his drinks in June 2019, then beat and fatally stabbed her mother, Lois McCullough, aged 71, the following day. She hid their bodies in makeshift tombs within their family home in Great Baddow, Essex, and lived alongside them for four years while spending approximately £150,000 of their money, accruing debts in their names, and lying to family, doctors, and authorities about their whereabouts.

Pleaded guilty to murdering her parents. Described as an intelligent manipulator who concealed the bodies, spent her parents' money, and engaged in fraud and deceit.

11 Oct 2024

Cole Macdonald

Criminal damage *

Sentence

6 weeks imprisonment suspended for 8 months, 20 rehabilitation activity days

On June 20, 2023, at Stansted Airport in Essex, Jennifer Kowalski and Cole Macdonald breached the perimeter fence using an angle grinder and sprayed orange paint from fire extinguishers on two private jets belonging to an insurance firm and an investment group, targeting Taylor Swift's jet but switching after being spotted. They filmed the act. The direct cleaning cost was £12,576, with additional £24,000 for consultation and inspection, and £19,234 for fence repairs. The protest aimed to highlight the climate crisis with minimal public impact.

Autism diagnosis. Excluded from Stansted Airport unless with valid ticket. 11 days in custody and curfew had salutary effect.

7 Oct 2024

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

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

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3-5 New St, Chelmsford CM1 1NT, Chelmsford, CM1 1NT, United Kingdom

+441245603000

www.gov.uk

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Monday - Sunday: 09:00 - 17:00

Get Directions

About Chelmsford Crown Court

Chelmsford Crown Court, located in Chelmsford, is a Crown Court that handles serious criminal cases including murder, rape, robbery, and other indictable offences. With 104 sentencing records in our database, it is one of the Crown Courts serving the Chelmsford 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 3-5 New St, Chelmsford CM1 1NT, CM1 1NT.

Accessibility provisions at this court include wheelchair accessible entrance.

For enquiries about cases heard at this court, you can contact the court by telephone on +441245603000 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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Chelmsford Crown Court Sentencing Results

Michelle Moore

Katie Coles

Preston Stanley

Collins Mufuta

Melissa Murphy

Declan Diedrick

Charles Benson-Clark

Marc Cheeney

George Bloxham

Matthew Edwards

Mitchell Quartermaine

Rokibur Rahman

Christopher Radley

Graeme Hicks

Dennis Da Silva Costa

Deveire Young

Alfie Sanchez

Jason Anderson

Jordan James

Kelvin Morgan

Annette Lawrence

Sheldon Johnson

Nyasha Best

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas

Fatlind Imeraj

Fisnik Hoxha

Chace Wiseman

James Gibbs

Marshall Bartram

Christopher Allen

Mohammed Uddin

Connor Jones

Jack Reid

Nichole Pratt

Calogero Ricotta

Deividas Fiodorovas

Marvin Usher

Shane Hadderton

David Pickthall

Mark Christopher

Sean Harper

Shiza Harper

Matthew Martin

Aaron Elles

Albest Deda

Besjan Mustafaj

Ervin Sadikaj

Pashk Gjonaj

Virginia Mccullough

Cole Macdonald

About Chelmsford Crown Court

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Chelmsford Magistrates Court

Basildon Crown Court

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Romford Magistrates Court

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