Chelmsford Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 144 verdicts at Chelmsford Crown Court (Chelmsford). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

January 2024 1 case

David Richards

Attempted murder *

Sentence

27 years imprisonment

David Richards lay in wait for hours with an axe, dry suit, and cable ties to ambush Alex Alam when she stepped outside her home in Stock, Essex, with her dogs on April 3, 2022. He attacked her in the darkness while children were inside the house, causing a fractured skull and cuts to her face and scalp in a bloodbath. He tied her up and dragged her by the hair. Richards had planned the attack in advance, buying boots, gloves, and a hatchet, and had stalked and monitored her home. When he stepped out to find her phone, she freed herself, locked the doors, and called for help.

Found guilty of attempted murder. Described as obsessive with a jealous mindset. Sobbed at sentencing hearing. Judge noted the attack as the hideous culmination of the breakdown of family relationships 18 months earlier, leaving him depressed, isolated, and angry.

1 Jan 2024

December 2023 2 cases

Jo Jobson

Robbery *

Sentence

15 years imprisonment

Jo Jobson, 28, of no fixed address, participated in a knifepoint robbery at the home of Olympic cyclist Sir Mark Cavendish and his wife Peta in Ongar, Essex, on November 27, 2021, at about 2.30am. Balaclava-wearing intruders broke into the property while the couple slept upstairs, stealing two Richard Mille watches valued at £400,000 and £350,000, mobile phones, a Louis Vuitton suitcase, and a safe. The watches remain missing.

Found guilty in a separate trial of two counts of robbery. Was on the run at the time of the first trial but handed himself in. Ordered to pay £754,525 within three months or face additional six years in prison. Unspecified amount seized from NatWest account.

31 Dec 2023

Michael Johnson

Murder *

Sentence

25 years imprisonment

Michael Johnson stabbed his best friend multiple times during an argument in Colchester on August 10th, 2023, resulting in the victim's death; evidence included witness testimonies and forensic analysis.

Convicted for the brutal murder of his best friend, with the judge noting the premeditated nature of the crime.

5 Dec 2023

November 2023 8 cases

Romario Henry

Robbery *

Sentence

15 years imprisonment

Balaclava-wearing intruders broke into Mark Cavendish’s home in Ongar, Essex, at around 2.30am on November 27, 2021, while he slept upstairs with his pregnant wife Peta and their three-year-old child. The robbers, armed with Rambo-style knives, held a knife to Cavendish's throat, punched him, and demanded the watches. They stole two Richard Mille watches valued at £400,000 and £300,000, along with phones and a safe from Cavendish and a watch, phone, and suitcase from his wife. Cavendish had recently been released from hospital after a cycling crash with three broken ribs and a torn lung. The patio door was smashed, and Cavendish cut his feet on the glass. Sesay’s DNA was found on Mrs Cavendish’s phone, which was discarded outside the property.

Denied two counts of robbery but found guilty after trial. Previous convictions for supplying drugs in 2012 and perverting the course of justice in 2013. Brother murdered three and a half months before the robbery, affecting his psychological state.

28 Nov 2023

Ali Sesay

Robbery *

Sentence

12 years imprisonment for robbery, plus 8 years consecutive for firearms offences, total 20 years

Admitted two counts of robbery. Previous convictions including supply of cocaine and heroin in 2017, and six unrelated firearms offences. Expressed remorse for his role in the robbery. Claimed the guns were not his but admitted throwing them from a window.

28 Nov 2023

David Brown

Sexual abuse of children *

Sentence

14 years imprisonment

David Brown, a former shop worker in a village, exploited his position by offering sweets and cigarettes to children in exchange for sexual favours, with the abuse occurring over several months in 2023.

The defendant was found guilty of sexually abusing children and attempting to shift blame onto the victims.

20 Nov 2023

Arturas Jusas

Conspiring to assist unlawful immigration *

Sentence

9 years and 9 months imprisonment

Arturas Jusas was involved in organising the smuggling of 69 Albanian migrants, including two pregnant women, into the UK using a converted Latvian fishing trawler, the Svanic, sourced cheaply and left rotting in dry dock. The boat was intercepted by UK Border Force in the North Sea on November 17, 2022, while sailing from Ostend, Belgium, towards Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, and escorted to Harwich, Essex. Conditions on board were squalid and dangerous, with only 20 lifejackets for 72 people. The operation was a commercial enterprise aimed at profit exceeding £1 million per trip, with plans for weekly voyages of 50 people each. The vessel had previously run aground off Sweden, drawing attention from authorities.

Admitted the offence of conspiring to assist unlawful immigration. Described as a UK-based organiser.

18 Nov 2023

Igor Kosyi

Conspiring to assist unlawful immigration *

Sentence

7 years imprisonment

Igor Kosyi acted as crew in smuggling 69 Albanian migrants, including two pregnant women, into the UK using a converted Latvian fishing trawler, the Svanic, sourced cheaply and left rotting in dry dock. The boat was intercepted by UK Border Force in the North Sea on November 17, 2022, while sailing from Ostend, Belgium, towards Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, and escorted to Harwich, Essex. Conditions on board were squalid and dangerous, with only 20 lifejackets for 72 people. The operation was a commercial enterprise aimed at profit exceeding £1 million per trip, with plans for weekly voyages of 50 people each. The vessel had previously run aground off Sweden, drawing attention from authorities.

Found guilty after trial of conspiring to assist unlawful immigration. Described as a crew member. Ukrainian national arrested when the boat reached land.

18 Nov 2023

Sergejs Kuliss

Conspiring to assist unlawful immigration *

Sentence

9 years imprisonment

Sergejs Kuliss was involved in organising the smuggling of 69 Albanian migrants, including two pregnant women, into the UK using a converted Latvian fishing trawler, the Svanic, sourced cheaply and left rotting in dry dock. The boat was intercepted by UK Border Force in the North Sea on November 17, 2022, while sailing from Ostend, Belgium, towards Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, and escorted to Harwich, Essex. Conditions on board were squalid and dangerous, with only 20 lifejackets for 72 people. The operation was a commercial enterprise aimed at profit exceeding £1 million per trip, with plans for weekly voyages of 50 people each. The vessel had previously run aground off Sweden, drawing attention from authorities.

Found guilty after trial of conspiring to assist unlawful immigration. Described as a UK-based organiser. Defence claimed the vessel was fundamentally seaworthy but mishaps were due to clumsy crew.

18 Nov 2023

Kfir Ivgi

Conspiring to assist unlawful immigration *

Sentence

10 years imprisonment

Kfir Ivgi was involved in organising the smuggling of 69 Albanian migrants, including two pregnant women, into the UK using a converted Latvian fishing trawler, the Svanic, sourced cheaply and left rotting in dry dock. The boat was intercepted by UK Border Force in the North Sea on November 17, 2022, while sailing from Ostend, Belgium, towards Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, and escorted to Harwich, Essex. Conditions on board were squalid and dangerous, with only 20 lifejackets for 72 people. The operation was a commercial enterprise aimed at profit exceeding £1 million per trip, with plans for weekly voyages of 50 people each. The vessel had previously run aground off Sweden, drawing attention from authorities.

Found guilty after trial of conspiring to assist unlawful immigration. Described as a UK-based organiser. Defence noted the vessel's navigation issues leading to it running aground.

18 Nov 2023

Junead Ahmed

Fraud *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Junead Ahmed was imprisoned for property fraud offences, where he used several doctor and GP aliases in attempts to rent or buy multi-million-pound properties. He escaped from HMP Chelmsford in June 2023 by sending forged High Court letters to prison authorities, but was later recaptured and sentenced for the original fraud offences.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to escape prison and was sentenced for prior fraud-related offences. Judge Mary Loram KC described the escape scheme as meticulously planned.

1 Nov 2023

October 2023 3 cases

Robbie Williams

Voyeurism *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment

Robbie Williams, a resident of Colchester, was caught filming a child in a private setting, leading to his arrest and subsequent conviction for voyeurism and possession of indecent images.

Judge described the defendant as a 'devious' pervert for filming a child washing herself.

15 Oct 2023

Jack Bryan

Assault and Criminal Damage *

Sentence

2 year community order and ordered to pay £1,200 in costs

Jack Bryan, 28, from Braintree, turned up at his ex-partner's house in Great Bentley on August 3, 2023, while drunk. He entered the property, punched her television, threw a remote control at her head causing swelling, assaulted three police officers during arrest, resisted custody, and threatened to kill the officers' families. It took five officers to restrain him, and the incident terrified his ex-partner and their children.

Pleaded guilty to criminal damage, assault causing actual bodily harm, and three counts of assaulting emergency workers. Judge described his conduct as completely and utterly disgraceful. He has sought help for mental health and alcohol issues.

13 Oct 2023

Jordan Reid

Making and distributing indecent images of children *

Sentence

14 years imprisonment

Jordan Reid, 30, from Colchester, used the online platform Discord to pose as a 14-year-old girl or boy and engaged in sexually charged conversations with 95 children. He tricked them into sending indecent images and videos of themselves engaging in sexual acts, which he then distributed to other children. Some content involved children as young as seven years old being raped. Police discovered hundreds of indecent images and videos on devices seized from his former home in Witham.

Pleaded guilty to multiple offences; Judge Recorder William Clegg KC described the catalogue of offending as 'truly staggering' and noted the psychological harm caused to the victims; Mitigating counsel stated the defendant wanted to apologise unreservedly.

11 Oct 2023

September 2023 7 cases

Liam O’Brien

Dangerous driving *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

Liam O’Brien, 33, attended Coggeshall Beer Festival with his girlfriend on September 3, 2022. He then took her car and drove it at speeds between 60mph and 67mph in a residential area of London Road, Kelvedon, before crashing into another vehicle. The incident was captured on CCTV, showing the car rolling several times. He attempted to conceal the event by contacting his girlfriend, who informed the police.

Took his girlfriend’s car without a driving licence after a beer festival and crashed it while speeding; conspired to cover up the incident.

16 Sep 2023

Lea Talbot

Drug smuggling *

Sentence

23 years imprisonment

Lea Talbot, 55, of Chadwell St Mary, worked with Lee McClenaghan using encrypted EncroChat devices to plan the 600kg cocaine smuggling on a yacht. He met Venezuelan cartel bosses and later assisted in two cannabis importation plots from Canada and South Africa, totalling 676kg, including shipments discovered in 2022 and 2023.

Assisted in planning the cocaine smuggling and was involved in cannabis importation plots.

10 Sep 2023

Lee Mcclenaghan

Cocaine smuggling *

Sentence

30 years imprisonment

Lee McClenaghan, 57, from Chelmsford, led a group that planned to smuggle 600kg of cocaine from South America to Europe using a yacht disguised in a sailing race from St Lucia to Lagos, Portugal. The plan, which took years to develop, was thwarted by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. He communicated via encrypted EncroChat devices and sent an associate to meet Venezuelan cartel bosses.

Led the organised crime group and used encrypted devices to plan the smuggling operation.

10 Sep 2023

Kane Ward

Cannabis smuggling *

Sentence

6 years and 6 months imprisonment

Kane Ward, 60, of Upminster, was involved in the organised crime group's cannabis importation plots from South Africa and Canada, totalling 676kg, including a shipment of 408kg discovered in March 2022.

Played a role in the cannabis importation plots.

10 Sep 2023

John Campbell

Drug smuggling *

Sentence

10 years imprisonment

John Campbell, 69, of NW6, was involved in creating false payments and companies for the organised crime group, which was smuggling cocaine and cannabis, including shipments from South Africa and Canada.

Created false payments and companies to support the gang's activities.

10 Sep 2023

Ian Magee

Cocaine smuggling *

Sentence

20 years imprisonment

Ian Magee, 68, of Chelmsford, was enlisted to sail a yacht named Ocean Magic in a 2019 race, believed to be a dummy run for the planned 600kg cocaine smuggling operation from South America to Europe.

Enlisted to sail a yacht as a dummy run for the smuggling operation.

10 Sep 2023

Daniel Braithwaite

Drug smuggling *

Sentence

22 years imprisonment

Daniel Braithwaite, 61, from Westcliff, arranged drug prices and payments for the group. He assisted in two cannabis importation plots from Canada and South Africa, totalling 676kg, including 408kg of cannabis hidden in a machine lathe from South Africa in March 2022 and 268kg concealed in toolboxes from Vancouver in July 2023.

Helped arrange drug prices, payments, and assisted in cannabis importation plots.

10 Sep 2023

August 2023 3 cases

David Quick

Voyeurism *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment

David Quick, from Walton, covertly filmed a child while she was bathing by hiding his mobile phone in a washbag, with the camera pointing towards the victim. The incident was discovered in January 2019 when the victim spotted the phone and found a naked picture of herself on it. Police examination of his phone revealed 55 category B indecent images of children and at least 40 category C indecent images, including at least 14 images and one video of the victim. The content had been moved to apps and removed from the camera roll in an attempt to hide it.

Admitted to two offences of voyeurism, taking indecent images of a child, and possessing category B and C indecent images. Made subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years. The victim's mother described the crimes as precise, calculated, and devious, and the victim reported anxiety, nightmares, and fear of encountering the defendant.

8 Aug 2023

Kelly Nelson

Affray *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment, suspended, and 140 hours of unpaid work

Kelly Nelson went to the Brewers Arms in Brightlingsea on January 3, 2019, to confront her ex-partner Brodie Groome. The situation escalated into a violent brawl where she hit Groome repeatedly, leading to injuries for seven people, including a barmaid covered in beer.

Admitted affray and causing actual bodily harm. She was involved in the disturbance and received a suspended sentence.

2 Aug 2023

Nicola Brownsdon

Common assault *

Sentence

3 months imprisonment, suspended for 1 year

Nicola Brownsdon, already barred from the Brewers Arms in Brightlingsea, followed her friend Kelly Nelson to the pub on January 3, 2019, to settle a score. She became involved in a violent brawl, kicking, punching, and biting people who tried to intervene, and used her mobile phone as a weapon, resulting in injuries to seven people.

Pleaded guilty to four offences of common assault. Judge described her as a 'mug' for being led astray, behaving like a wild teenager, and engaging in appalling conduct. She has not drunk alcohol for ten months and is remorseful.

2 Aug 2023

July 2023 2 cases

Wanderson Teixeira

Sexual offences *

Sentence

six years imprisonment with four years on licence

Wanderson Teixeira, a delivery driver from Brazil living in the UK, sexually abused a young woman over a period of two-and-a-half years. He sent her explicit pictures and videos, indecently exposed himself, and coerced her into performing sex acts, escalating his behaviour as he realised she was too afraid to report it. The abuse occurred in Colchester, and he was arrested after the victim confided in a friend.

Pleaded guilty to multiple sexual offences days before trial. Mitigating factors included alcohol and drug use. Made to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely and subject to an indefinite restraining order.

21 Jul 2023

Wayne Osborn

Assault causing grievous bodily harm *

Sentence

Suspended 2 years imprisonment

On June 24, 2021, during a gathering at a female friend's house in Harlow, Wayne Osborn became intoxicated and confronted the homeowner's son. He grabbed his girlfriend by the throat for about 30 seconds, followed her outside where he attacked her and pushed her friend, causing the friend's wrist to snap. He then took his partner back inside, pushed her onto a bed, pinned her down, and grabbed her around the throat again. Police were called, and he was arrested at the scene.

Pleaded guilty to assault causing grievous bodily harm and assault causing actual bodily harm. Breached bail conditions. Suffers from PTSD and alcohol dependency, as noted by his defence lawyer. A five-year restraining order was imposed banning contact with the two female victims.

13 Jul 2023

June 2023 1 case

Gary Ellis

Assault causing actual bodily harm *

Sentence

28 months imprisonment

Gary Ellis punched his wife in the face at their home in Weeley on September 8, 2022, causing serious physical harm including a wound that drew a large amount of blood and led her to believe her nose was broken. She covertly contacted a friend for help and received medical treatment, which confirmed no break but a nasty injury. Ellis warned her to lie about the cause, claiming she fell down the stairs, and he was convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm and common assault.

Denied the charges and was convicted by a jury after a trial. Incidents occurred while intoxicated; has been in custody since October 2022. A restraining order was made banning contact with his estranged wife. Judge David Turner KC noted it was an ugly punch resulting in nasty injuries.

23 Jun 2023

May 2023 1 case

Jack Jacovou

Possession with Intent to Supply Cocaine and Cannabis *

Sentence

six and a half years imprisonment

Jack Jacovou, a 41-year-old car dealer, became involved in a drug operation after his business suffered during the pandemic. Police raids in December 2020 uncovered cocaine with a street value of £180,600 to £206,400 at a property in Colchester and £28,000 worth of cocaine and cannabis at his home in Kirby Cross. He was arrested on December 24, 2020, and admitted to the charges, with evidence including packaging, scales, and messages on his mobile phone indicating debts and threats.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis, and being concerned in the supply of cocaine. Judge Timothy Godfrey noted his significant role in the operation, involvement for financial benefit, and mitigating factors including business losses during the pandemic and threats from co-conspirators.

3 May 2023

March 2023 1 case

Stephen Bear

Voyeurism and disclosing private sexual photographs and films *

Sentence

21 months imprisonment

In January 2021, Bear was arrested at Heathrow Airport. He had filmed a sexual encounter with his former partner, Georgia Harrison, on CCTV at his home in Loughton, Essex, without her knowledge or consent, and shared it online, leading to it appearing on porn sites. The judge noted that Bear knew the footage was worth more due to Harrison's fame and decided to exploit it.

Found guilty of voyeurism by majority verdict and two counts of disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress by unanimous verdict. Served 11 months in prison.

1 Mar 2023

February 2022 1 case

Patrick Gomes

Racially aggravated harassment *

Sentence

42 months imprisonment

Patrick Gomes, aged 70, sent three hate-filled letters containing anti-Semitic abuse and threats to Lord Alan Sugar's business premises in Loughton, Essex, starting in October 2018. The letters, signed as 'Stan the Jew Hater', referenced Lord Sugar's comments on anti-Semitism in the Labour Party, used offensive slurs, expressed desires to put Jews in detention camps, and threatened violence including shoving his head in a hot oven. The letters were opened by Lord Sugar's assistant, causing him serious distress and fear for his family's safety. Gomes' DNA and palm print were found on the correspondence, leading to his identification and arrest.

Convicted of racially aggravated harassment after trial. Judge noted entrenched anti-Semitic views and intent to cause fear and distress. Apologised to court but not to victim. Restraining order imposed banning contact with Lord Sugar.

16 Feb 2022

January 2021 1 case

Stevie White

Burglary *

Sentence

seven and a half years imprisonment

Stevie White carried out a string of burglaries in Bedfordshire, though specific details of the crimes, including when they occurred and circumstances, are not provided in the text.

Admitted to carrying out a string of burglaries in Bedfordshire. He is currently on remand awaiting sentence for new offences.

1 Jan 2021

April 2018 1 case

Richard Wakeling

Drug Importation *

Sentence

11 years imprisonment

Richard Wakeling organised the importation of £8 million worth of liquid amphetamine into the UK in April 2016. He arranged for a truck carrying furniture from Italy to stop in Ternat, Belgium, to collect the drugs from suppliers in the Netherlands. The shipment was intercepted by Border Force at the Channel Tunnel, leading to his conviction. His crime group had organised at least six other importations prior to this seizure.

Sentenced in his absence after fleeing the country. He was placed on the National Crime Agency's most wanted list and was later arrested in Thailand.

9 Apr 2018

September 2017 1 case

John Chapman

Murder *

Sentence

life imprisonment

John Chapman, aged 71 at the time, launched a powerful, sustained and determined attack on his 81-year-old wife Jean Chapman as she slept in their bed at their home in Vista Road, Clacton, Essex, on June 12, 2017, around 4am, just six days after her birthday. He bludgeoned her with a wooden vase and then strangled her. At 6.11am, he calmly called 999, stating 'I've just killed my wife' and describing the attack in measured tones, mentioning prior problems and an unsuccessful suicide attempt. Police found Jean's body wedged between the double bed and a wardrobe. Chapman was arrested at the scene and charged the following day.

Pleaded guilty to murder. No reason given for the attack despite admitting to killing his wife of more than 30 years.

8 Sep 2017

September 2015 1 case

Ali Raza Shah

Conspiracy to supply heroin *

Sentence

10 years imprisonment

Ali Raza Shah, 36, from Malmesbury Road, Small Heath, Birmingham, was involved in a conspiracy to supply 7.3kg of heroin, shipped from Pakistan concealed in carpets arriving at Heathrow Airport on August 2, 2013. The consignment was destined for Telford but redirected to a storage facility in Birmingham. He was arrested on August 21, 2013, after phone arrangements for collection.

Found guilty of conspiracy to supply heroin.

17 Sep 2015

June 2014 1 case

David Doubtfire

Voyeurism *

Sentence

Conditionally discharged for 12 months, ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for a year, and fined £15 victim surcharge

David Doubtfire observed a woman in a state of undress after slipping over in the changing rooms of Evesham Leisure Centre. He attended the centre to use the swimming pool and jacuzzi and fell over while changing. After falling, he lay on the ground with his head slightly under the neighbouring cubicle and deliberately looked under the partition until the woman noticed him. The incident caused distress to the victim.

Pleaded guilty to voyeurism. The professional conduct panel ruled he brought the teaching profession into disrepute.

1 Jun 2014

Date Not Specified 9 cases

Ainars Jozans

Wounding with intent *

Sentence

5 years and 3 months imprisonment for wounding with intent, and 12 months imprisonment for possession of a knife, concurrent

Ainars Jozans, 29, knifed his landlord in the chest shortly after paying him the rent that he owed. The landlord was giving Jozans a lift to The Water Gardens shops in Harlow, West Essex, when the tenant produced the blade, hidden up his sleeve, before the attack. The victim suffered a small puncture wound but bravely fought off his attacker and drove himself to hospital.

Pleaded guilty. Of Pyenest Road, Harlow.

1 Jan 0001

Anthony Ayres

Murder *

Sentence

whole-life sentence

On 19 November 2015, Anthony Ayres murdered 36-year-old mother-of-one Kelly Pearce at a friend's flat in Canvey, Essex, by stabbing her 40 times and then beating her to death.

Had a previous murder conviction dating back to 1994 for murdering his then-girlfriend Dawn Wisdom. Released on licence in May 2012.

1 Jan 0001

Chad Pulisciano

Conspiracy to commit robbery *

Sentence

5.5 years imprisonment

Chad Pulisciano was one of the robbers in a Birmingham gang that stole more than £70,000 from a cash van outside the Co-Op on Upper Hoswell Road in Malvern at about 10.45am on April 20, 2015. Two masked thieves wielding a pickaxe handle threatened three security staff while filling a cash machine. He was identified from CCTV driving an LDV van at a Tewkesbury caravan park where weapons matching those used were found. Phone records placed him in the area at the time.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery. Recognised from CCTV at a campsite driving the LDV van used in the robbery. Arrested with Thomas Sidwell on Stratford Road in Shirley on April 29, 2015.

1 Jan 0001

Edward Redman

Murder *

Sentence

life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years

Edward Redman was involved in a confrontation at a house party in Colchester in 2012, where tensions rose after a disagreement with Jay Whiston, a 17-year-old who tried to defuse the situation. The incident escalated, leading to Jay being taken to hospital where he passed away. Redman left the party, prompting a police investigation.

Chose not to testify during the trial. Jury returned guilty verdict after several hours of deliberation. Judge described the case as extremely serious with lasting impact on Jay Whiston’s family and friends.

1 Jan 0001

Peter Norman Rawand Abdulrahman

Arson reckless as to whether life was endangered *

Sentence

eight years imprisonment

Deliberately set fire to the Phoenix Hotel on 28 March 2023, causing severe damage to an entire wing requiring rebuild with repair costs in hundreds of thousands of pounds, and a second fire a week later at the Bell Hotel causing £40,000 damage after setting two mattresses alight in a shared room. Acts put residents and staff at risk. Motive was frustration as rejected asylum seeker seeking relocation from accommodation.

Found guilty of two counts of arson reckless as to whether life was endangered, cleared of arson with intent to endanger life. Will serve with a further three years on licence and must serve two-thirds before parole consideration. Deportation ordered upon completion.

1 Jan 0001

Rawand Abdulrahman

Arson reckless as to whether life is endangered *

Sentence

eight-and-a-half years imprisonment with three years on licence

Rawand Abdulrahman, an Iraqi sheep farmer, set fire to Room 9 at the Phoenix Hotel in North Weald, Essex, on 28 March 2025, causing damage worth several hundreds of thousands of pounds and rendering an entire wing unsafe and uninhabitable. The hotel was housing families with young children. He was moved to the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, where on 5 April 2025 he partially set fire to two mattresses in a shared room, causing damage to bed materials, headboard, and bedside cabinets estimated at £40,000.

Convicted after trial of two counts of arson reckless as to whether life is endangered. No previous convictions. Judge Alexander Mills noted the defendant deliberately set the fires to be moved from the hotels, describing it as taking matters into his own hands. Defence cited extreme uncertainty, frustration, fear, desperation, and hopelessness due to asylum situation.

1 Jan 0001

Sherrie Walters

Possessing a firearm and ammunition without a certificate *

Sentence

30 months imprisonment

Sherrie Walters, 42, had been at a party in north London and was seen with a firearm in her bag. Officers were called to her home in Orchard Croft, Harlow on 27 December 2021. A search found a revolver and two bullets. She was arrested and charged following an investigation by Harlow CID.

Found guilty by jurors after denying possession of the firearm and ammunition. Refused to tell police who gave her the gun to look after.

1 Jan 0001

Luke Berry

Sexual communication with a child and sexual activity with a girl *

Sentence

17 months' imprisonment

Luke Berry, a physics teacher at Joyce Frankland Academy, engaged in sexual communication with a child by sending an inappropriate photo and sexual activity with a girl aged 13-17. Essex Police investigated after a report in 2021, reviewing dozens of messages between Berry and two victims under 18. He was arrested in October 2021 and January 2022.

Pleaded guilty to sexual communication with a child and sexual activity with a girl. Placed on the child sex offender register and issued with a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years.

1 Jan 0001

Luke O’Brien

Conspiracy to commit robbery *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Luke O’Brien was part of a Birmingham gang that targeted a cash van outside the Co-Op on Upper Hoswell Road in Malvern at about 10.45am on April 20, 2015. Two masked thieves wielding a pickaxe handle threatened three security staff while filling a cash machine, stealing more than £70,000. O’Brien was arrested a few hours later near Junction 3A of the M42 with brothers Lewis O’Brien, Ryan Weir and Ryan Griffin; a rucksack containing £74,460 was found in the car.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery. Part of a gang that stole £70,000 from a cash van.

1 Jan 0001

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

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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 144 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

David Richards

Jo Jobson

Michael Johnson

Romario Henry

Ali Sesay

David Brown

Arturas Jusas

Igor Kosyi

Sergejs Kuliss

Kfir Ivgi

Junead Ahmed

Robbie Williams

Jack Bryan

Jordan Reid

Liam O’Brien

Lea Talbot

Lee Mcclenaghan

Kane Ward

John Campbell

Ian Magee

Daniel Braithwaite

David Quick

Kelly Nelson

Nicola Brownsdon

Wanderson Teixeira

Wayne Osborn

Gary Ellis

Jack Jacovou

Stephen Bear

Patrick Gomes

Stevie White

Richard Wakeling

John Chapman

Ali Raza Shah

David Doubtfire

Ainars Jozans

Anthony Ayres

Chad Pulisciano

Edward Redman

Peter Norman Rawand Abdulrahman

Rawand Abdulrahman

Sherrie Walters

Luke Berry

Luke O’Brien

About Chelmsford Crown Court

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