Chelmsford Crown Court Sentencing Results

David Schadek

Sexual assault of a child *

Sentence

four and a half years' imprisonment

Former gymnastics teacher from Fenno Close, Colchester, Essex, who sexually assaulted two children between 2004 and 2017. The offences came to light when one incident was reported to police in January 2018, leading to investigation by the Child Abuse Investigation Team which identified other incidents. He groomed children and betrayed their trust.

Convicted of four counts of sexual assault, one count of sexual assault of a child, and one count of perverting the course of justice.

1 Jan 0001

Gary Wells-Burr

Child sex offences *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Gary Wells-Burr, a former Hertfordshire Constabulary police officer, committed child sex offences against two young girls between 2010 and 2014 while still serving as a police constable. The offences included causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, and sexual assault. One victim was abused from age 12 to 16, the other at age 15, with abuse occurring on a weekly basis. Wells-Burr was arrested on duty in January 2015 after a report was made. He was dismissed from the force in February 2016 for gross misconduct following a separate conviction for being drunk and disorderly. At Chelmsford Crown Court on 23 March 2018, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years in prison. The judge highlighted the lasting damaging impact on the victims, calling the acts 'wickedness'.

Pleaded guilty. Judge described acts as 'wickedness' and noted lasting damage to victims. Placed on sex offenders register indefinitely. Other charges ordered to lie on file.

1 Jan 0001

Harris Proctor

Inciting child sexual activity *

Sentence

10 years' imprisonment, 6 years custodial with 4 years on licence

Harris Proctor, of Townfield Street, Chelmsford, Essex, a registered sex offender, contacted an 11-year-old girl and engaged her in sexual conversation including about performing sexual acts. Arrested in November 2019, police found indecent images on his laptop. This followed a previous conviction for engaging in sexual conversations with two underage girls online and possession of indecent images of children. He breached a Sexual Harm Prevention Order by contacting young girls post-conviction.

Pleaded guilty to inciting child sexual activity, two counts of making indecent images of a child, 10 counts of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and failing to comply with notification requirements of the Sex Offenders Register. Registered sex offender with prior convictions for child sexual offences.

1 Jan 0001

Glenn Briggs

Downloading indecent images of children *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 240 hours unpaid work, and 10 years on the sex offenders register

Between 2013 and 2015, Glenn Briggs, a former police officer from Halstead, Essex, downloaded over 1,000 indecent images of children, including 1,000 category A images (the most serious), an illegal cartoon, and extreme pornography depicting child abuse. The images were discovered on his computer by police. He was convicted by a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Found guilty by a jury after denying the charges. Judge Emma Peters stated that viewing such images fuels the abuse of children. She acknowledged his previous good character as a police officer and IT consultant but noted he would lose his job and face financial ruin. A 12-month supervision order and a sexual harm prevention order were also imposed.

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

Garry Wells-Burr

Child sex offences *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Former police officer Garry Wells-Burr sexually abused two young girls over a four-year period between January 2010 and July 2014. He served as a constable with Hertfordshire Police at the time, targeting one victim aged 12 to 16 and another aged 15. The offences came to light after an allegation in January 2015, leading to his immediate arrest while on duty. He admitted causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, and sexual assault. Three further counts of sexual assault were ordered to lie on file. The judge highlighted the repeated and sustained abuse, the breach of trust, and the shattering effect on the victims.

Pleaded guilty to causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, and sexual assault. Made subject to a sexual harm prevention order and sex offender registration for life. Judge David Turner QC described the abuse as a profound betrayal of trust with a lasting damaging impact on the victims.

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

Anthony Taylor

Rape of a child under 13 *

Sentence

16 years imprisonment

Anthony Taylor, a 49-year-old boat builder from Clacton-on-Sea, committed sexual offences against a young girl under 13. Investigated by the NCA after being identified through his cloud account storing indecent images, some self-created. Arrested on 7 December 2021, officers seized 21 devices; forensic examination uncovered 40 indecent images on a computer hard drive showing Taylor raping and sexually assaulting the child. Re-arrested on 3 February 2022 for breaching bail by possessing an undeclared device. He pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court, sparing the victim from giving evidence.

Pleaded guilty to multiple counts including two counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and three counts of making indecent images of children. NCA operations manager Graham Ellis commented: 'Anthony Taylor has admitted to inflicting the most horrific crimes on a defenceless young child.'

1 Jan 0001

Albino Chaves

Conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation *

Sentence

2 years and 4 months imprisonment

Albino Chaves, 24, acted as a courier in a scam targeting elderly victims between March and April 2020. Scammers cold-called victims pretending to be from their bank and told them a courier would come to swap their bank card for a new one, sometimes offering gift vouchers. Chaves collected old cards from victims' homes. He was caught on CCTV and linked to the crimes through forensic evidence. He was arrested on 14 April 2020 and again on 23 April when police stopped a black Mercedes he was in and found incriminating messages on his phone. Victims lost between £300 and £4,000 each.

Pleaded guilty to nine counts of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and three counts of conspiracy to defraud. Targeted elderly victims aged 70 to 90 across North Essex, Epping, and Sudbury. Acted as courier in bank card scam.

1 Jan 0001

Aaron Whitman

Harassment and Breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order *

Sentence

1 year 2 weeks imprisonment suspended for 2 years, with 240 hours unpaid work, rehabilitation activities, and programme requirements

Aaron Whitman, a 34-year-old convicted sex offender from West Bergholt, Essex, harassed a woman relentlessly for nearly two months after she rejected his advances. They met in Colchester city centre on 23 February, and Whitman introduced himself under a false name on WhatsApp. Despite her explicit requests to stop, he called her up to 100 times a day, often in the early hours using no caller ID, causing significant distress. He was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order since September 2020, which prohibited him from using dating platforms like Secret Benefits, where the introduction occurred through an intermediary. The harassment lasted until April. Whitman has four prior convictions for six offences.

Admitted charges of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and harassment. Mitigation argued structured intervention would be more beneficial than custody given previous failed prison sentences. A five-year restraining order also imposed.

1 Jan 0001

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

Alan Norman

Indecent assault *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Alan Norman, 78, befriended a young boy in St Osyth and repeatedly sexually abused him between 2002 and 2004. The abuse was reported by the victim in January 2016. Norman was arrested on 10 April 2016 and charged on 6 October with four counts of indecent assault against a boy under 14. He was convicted and appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on 28 July where he was sentenced to six years in prison.

Befriended a boy in St Osyth and sexually abused him over three years from 2002 to 2004. The victim spoke out in January 2016 leading to Norman's arrest and charges of four counts of indecent assault. Detective praised the victim's courage.

1 Jan 0001

Albert Kirk

Child sex offences *

Sentence

24 years imprisonment with 1 year extended licence

Albert Kirk, 68, from Witham, Essex, carried out historical sexual abuse against three children in Chelmsford and Witham between the 1980s and 2010s. He was convicted of 26 child sex offences including rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, indecent assault, assault by penetration, and indecency with a child. Following a trial that concluded on 5 October 2021 at Chelmsford Crown Court, he was found guilty on every count. One victim reported severe lasting mental and physical health impacts and damage to family relationships.

Denied all charges but found guilty on all 26 counts. Offences spanned the 1980s to 2010s against three children. Extended licence period of 1 year imposed.

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

Bradley Challis

Sexual assault of a child under 13 *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

Bradley Challis, 24, from Lodge Road in Braintree, Essex, sexually assaulted a child under 13 by entering the child's bedroom, placing his finger in the boy's mouth, and capturing indecent images while the victim slept. He also made and distributed indecent images of children. The offences occurred in a domestic setting and represented a calculated breach of trust.

Pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a child under 13 and making and distributing indecent images of children. The victim was a child under 13. Essex Police investigation uncovered the creation and sharing of abuse material.

1 Jan 0001

Bryn Terrance Jones

Threatening with a bladed article *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Bryn Terrance Jones threatened a man in his 20s with a knife after stealing alcohol from the Co-Op store on Canada Way in Lower Wick on July 31, 2016. He also stole alcohol from the same store on July 30, 2016, and robbed cash from an 18-year-old man in Worcester on May 31, 2016. Pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and cannabis at a hearing in August 2016.

Pleaded not guilty to threatening with a bladed article but found guilty by jury. Pleaded guilty to two thefts of alcohol, robbery, and possession of cocaine and cannabis. Drugs forfeited and destroyed. Offending driven by drug addiction.

1 Jan 0001

Barry Gooderham

Attempting to cause a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Barry Gooderham, formerly of Hawks Hill, Essex, was sentenced after admitting three charges of attempting to cause a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity. Police raided his home on 1 December 2015, uncovering chat logs from January 2014 where he coerced purported teenage girls into performing sex acts and sending indecent photographs. Among the material was a video and stills of a 13-year-old that Gooderham had filmed and distributed to three other men.

Admitted three charges of attempting to cause a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity. Judge Emma Peters described chat logs as 'utterly disgusting, repugnant, vile things to read'.

1 Jan 0001

Jon Gordon

Child sex offences *

Sentence

8 years imprisonment

Jon Gordon was arrested in December 2018 at his address in Gershwin Boulevard, Witham, Essex, following information that he had engaged in sexual communications with someone he believed was a 13-year-old child. Officers seized 33 items containing more than 1,200 indecent images and videos of child abuse, and evidence of 6,500 Skype conversations with 900 contacts of young people under the age of 18.

Admitted 45 child sexual offence charges including sexual communications with a child, inciting a child to perform sexual acts, and indecent images of children offences.

1 Jan 0001

John Andow

Sexual activity with a child *

Sentence

30 months imprisonment and a ten-year sexual harm prevention order

John Andow sexually assaulted two teenage girls by massaging them under their clothing, progressively moving up from massages lasting 10-20 minutes. He told one victim to use a stop word 'chocolate' if uncomfortable. Offences occurred in connection with his address at Normandie Way, Bures, Suffolk.

Convicted after trial of two counts of sexual activity with a child, acquitted of five counts and one count of causing a child to watch a sexual act. Judge noted he knew exactly what he was doing. Mitigating counsel described offences as short-lived temptation.

1 Jan 0001

Jessica Fry

Assault by penetration and distribution of indecent images of children *

Sentence

10 years imprisonment

Jessica Fry participated in the sexual abuse of young children alongside Mark Gable, filming many of the vile acts and also abusing a child herself. The offences took place between 2017 and 2019. She pleaded guilty to similar charges including distribution of indecent images.

Pleaded guilty. Placed on sex offenders register for life.

1 Jan 0001

Lee Arthurs

Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order and child sex offences *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

In March, while staying in Colchester, Lee Arthurs used online chat platforms in breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and attempted to engage in inappropriate communication with children. Following his arrest, police examined his electronic devices and found additional concerning messages and illegal images. Arthurs, from Silk Street in Ipswich, admitted a series of offences including breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order and related online crime charges. He was recalled to prison and later sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court in June.

Pleaded guilty. Previously convicted sex offender. Recalled to prison before sentencing.

1 Jan 0001

Jack Mitchell

Conspiracy to commit commercial burglaries *

Sentence

seven years custodial

Part of organised crime group responsible for cash machine (ATM) thefts, commercial and dwelling burglaries, car thefts across eastern region including Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Cambridgeshire, Thames Valley and London between 24 March 2018 and 5 March 2019. Nine ATM offences admitted in locations such as Broxbourne, Corringham, West Kingsdown, South Ockendon, Rainham, Gravesend, Epsom, Hutton, Loughton, Pilgrims Hatch and Redbourn.

Pleaded guilty. Aged 20, of Kingsmoor Road, Harlow.

1 Jan 0001

Jay Emmanuel Thomas

Importing cannabis *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Jay Emmanuel Thomas recruited his girlfriend Yasmin Piotrowska and her friend Rosie Rowland to travel to Thailand to collect and smuggle 60kg of cannabis (worth £600,000) into the UK. On September 2, 2024, the women were stopped by Border Force at Stansted Airport with 15kg in each of their four suitcases. The women believed they were transporting gold and charges against them were dropped. Thomas acted as intermediary between Thai suppliers and UK drug pushers.

Following a National Crime Agency investigation. Recruited two women to smuggle cannabis from Thailand. Arrested on September 18, 2024.

1 Jan 0001

James Krengel

Possessing and distributing indecent images of children *

Sentence

28 months imprisonment

James Krengel was arrested at his home in Nipsells Chase, Mayland, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 on December 30, 2021, after detectives received information that he had uploaded an indecent image of a child. Officers discovered he had breached a sexual offences notification requirement by failing to register at a police station yearly. He was charged in December 2021.

Pleaded guilty to sex offences including possessing and distributing indecent images of children and a breach of his notification requirement order.

1 Jan 0001

Jake Tierney-Campbell

Murder *

Sentence

life imprisonment with a minimum of 15 years

On June 14, 2015, in Grays, Essex, Jake Tierney-Campbell approached Daniel Bodimeade outside his home on Brooke Road asking for a cigarette, then launched an unprovoked assault by kicking and punching him repeatedly before smashing his head against a wall. Mr Bodimeade suffered a brain haemorrhage and was left in a permanent vegetative state, requiring 24-hour care. He died on February 23, 2019, from complications linked to the attack. Tierney-Campbell was convicted of murder on October 2, 2020.

Found guilty after two-week trial. Originally sentenced to 14 years in 2015 for the assault. Senior Investigating Officer DCI Stephen Jennings commented on the case.

1 Jan 0001

Jakub Jan Konkel

Drug smuggling *

Sentence

13 years in prison

Jakub Jan Konkel, 40, was driving a truck carrying 28 pallets of Skims clothing from the Netherlands when stopped by border officials at a port in Essex in September. He had collected 90 kilograms of cocaine, hidden in a compartment of the truck's back doors. The shipment of clothing was legitimate. He agreed to transport the drugs for 4,500 euros.

Agreed to transport the drugs for a payment of 4,500 euros. The truck was specially adapted to hide the drugs.

1 Jan 0001

James Atkins

Illegal waste dumping *

Sentence

16 months imprisonment

In February 2017, under Operation Bayleaf, Environment Agency officers identified via CCTV an articulated lorry depositing mixed waste including brick rubble, soils and plastic at night at Swan Industrial Estate, Dartford, Kent. The vehicle was seized a week later in Purfleet, Essex. James Atkins of Chigwell, Essex, was the registered owner and interviewed under caution, answering no comment. His activities allowed avoidance of lawful disposal fees and taxes, undermining competitors and interfering with industrial estate users.

Sentenced for waste deposit offences (14 months), failure to surrender (1 month), and committing offence while on suspended sentence (1 month). Ordered to pay £6,000 costs. Found guilty in absence on 7 October 2022. Her Honour Judge Loram KC described it as planned, cynical and sophisticated dumping.

1 Jan 0001

Levi Mitchell

Conspiracy to commit commercial burglaries *

Sentence

seven years custodial

Part of organised crime group responsible for cash machine (ATM) thefts, commercial and dwelling burglaries, car thefts across eastern region including Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Cambridgeshire, Thames Valley and London between 24 March 2018 and 5 March 2019. Nine ATM offences admitted in locations such as Broxbourne, Corringham, West Kingsdown, South Ockendon, Rainham, Gravesend, Epsom, Hutton, Loughton, Pilgrims Hatch and Redbourn.

Pleaded guilty. Aged 35, of Fern Hill Lane, Harlow.

1 Jan 0001

Lloyd Prior

Child sex offences *

Sentence

12 years imprisonment

Lloyd Prior, aged 36, from East Bergholt, Suffolk, was convicted at Chelmsford Crown Court of ten counts of child sex offences against two girls under the age of 13. The offences spanned from 2005 to 2013 and included sexual activity in the presence of a child, inciting sexual activity, sexual assault, and assault by penetration. The victims, now adults, gave evidence during the trial. Prior pleaded not guilty but was found guilty by a jury. He was sentenced on 23 April 2024 to 12 years imprisonment.

Pleaded not guilty. Convicted of ten counts of child sex offences including sexual assault, assault by penetration, and inciting sexual activity against two girls under 13. Offences took place between 2005 and 2013.

1 Jan 0001

Lorenc Lata

Being concerned in the supply of cocaine *

Sentence

3 years in a young offender institution

Lorenc Lata, 19, was arrested after a police raid at an address in Benton Close, Witham on January 27. Officers recovered 1.8 kg of cocaine with an estimated value of up to £147,000, along with cannabis, thousands of pounds in cash, drug paraphernalia, and mobile phones. Lata had been living at the property for a few months and was found to be a trusted member of a drugs line flooding an Essex town with cocaine. He played a significant role in the supply operation.

Admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine. A second charge of being concerned in the supply of cannabis was ordered to remain on file after he denied the offence. Drugs, four phones, and £3,700 cash forfeited. £228 surcharge imposed.

1 Jan 0001

Mark Gable

Assault by penetration and making indecent images of children *

Sentence

11-and-a-half years imprisonment

Mark Gable and his girlfriend Jessica Fry sexually abused young children, including a baby, between 2017 and 2019. Police found a video of Gable assaulting a baby during a search of his home in Colchester. Further indecent images and videos were uncovered, with Fry filming many of the acts and also abusing a child herself. Gable admitted multiple counts including assault by penetration and making indecent images of children.

Pleaded guilty. Also given eight years on licence. Labelled a dangerous offender and must serve two-thirds of his sentence before possible release. Placed on sex offenders register for life.

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

Macauley Alexander-Rose

Sexual assault *

Sentence

9 years imprisonment, extended licence period of 6 months

Macauley Alexander-Rose, 24, subjected a woman to a campaign of abuse over several months in 2023. He hacked her social media to share a private sexual photograph without consent. He sexually assaulted her by groping her genitals while pressing a hammer to her temple and threatening to rape her. He choked her, covered her mouth, punched and kicked her, causing her to lose consciousness, and threatened to scrape a tattoo off her back with a knife. The victim's identity is protected. Alexander-Rose had previous convictions for violence against women.

Pleaded guilty to controlling or coercive behaviour and sexual assault at Worcester Crown Court, and earlier convicted of disseminating a private sexual photograph at South Worcestershire Magistrates' Court. Prior convictions for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and battery against women. Judge imposed sentence with extension due to dangerousness; sexual harm prevention order also imposed.

1 Jan 0001

Michael Nelson

Burglary *

Sentence

four years in prison for the burglary and six months for a previous attempted burglary

Michael Nelson, 24, of no fixed abode, was found guilty of a burglary in Fernhill Heath, Worcester in July 2016. This was a brazen, targeted burglary in the middle of the day but the offenders were arrested within half an hour thanks to the swift actions of a neighbour.

Found guilty after a five-day trial.

1 Jan 0001

Michael Taylor

Sexual assault *

Sentence

36-month community order

Michael Taylor, who ran Mistley Place Park animal sanctuary in Essex since 1989, sexually assaulted two teenage girls aged 15 and 17 between July and October 2013. He groomed them, kissed and groped them, touched the 15-year-old's bottom and breasts over her clothes, forcefully kissed the 17-year-old on the lips, offered £100 for a kiss and cuddle, and sent them text messages calling them beautiful and urging them to delete the messages.

Admitted sexual assault. Ordered to take part in a community sex offender programme, sign the sex offenders register, pay £1,000 in costs, and banned from unsupervised contact with girls under 18 for five years. Judge Patricia Lynch QC apologised as sentencing guidelines prevented imprisonment.

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

Mehdi Zare

Child sexual exploitation *

Sentence

12 years imprisonment

Mehdi Zare was given a 12-year sentence in January 2017 for sexually exploiting a young girl, arranging encounters with other men in exchange for drugs or money, following her initial grooming by Mohammad Rostami. The abuse occurred in Chelmsford, Essex, within a community network. Prosecuted alongside Rostami and Amin Kaveh at Chelmsford Crown Court, Zare's role in the ongoing exploitation was central. Judge Patricia Lynch highlighted the severity of the criminality involved in such grooming and trafficking. Essex Police dismantled the operation, rescuing the victim and convicting the perpetrators, addressing organised sexual exploitation of minors.

Exploited a young girl for sex in exchange for drugs or money after she was groomed by Mohammad Rostami. Judge Patricia Lynch highlighted the severity of the criminality involved in the grooming and trafficking.

1 Jan 0001

Morgan Kiely

Manslaughter *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment suspended for 2 years

Morgan Kiely, then 19, and her friend Stevie Steel had been drinking rosé wine at Clacton beach in July 2022. They planned to drop Kiely's son Harry at her mother's home before going to a pub. A friend offered to drive them but they declined, and instead Kiely and Steel travelled with Harry in the back seat of Steel's car. Minutes later, Steel lost concentration on Cherry Tree Avenue, hit a parked car, and the vehicle rolled onto its roof. Harry was thrown from the window and died from unsurvivable injuries. Kiely was convicted of manslaughter by gross negligence.

Convicted of manslaughter by gross negligence. Judge described case as 'undoubtedly a tragic case'.

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

Raeqa Liaqat

Causing death by careless driving *

Sentence

9 months imprisonment and 3 years driving ban

Raeqa Liaqat, driving a red Seat, lost control and crossed the central embankment on the A4023 Coventry Highway in Redditch, colliding head-on with Ollie Sellers' black Audi on May 27, 2017, causing his death. Evidence suggested she was using her phone while driving.

Pleaded not guilty during a five-day trial. Jury returned verdict of death by careless driving despite evidence of phone use. Family noted lack of remorse.

1 Jan 0001

Peter Lillistone

Causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity *

Sentence

4 years and 6 months imprisonment

Peter Lillistone, a 91-year-old pensioner from Salisbury Road in Clacton, Essex, was convicted of two counts of causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity. The offences occurred between May 2013 and 2015, during which Lillistone exposed himself to the victim on multiple occasions. He denied the charges but was found guilty by a jury. He was sentenced to four years and six months' imprisonment and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

Denied charges but found guilty by jury. Ordered to pay victim surcharge of £228.

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

Roland James Ford

Attempted sexual activity with a child *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

Roland James Ford, 51, from Wedgewood Drive in Harlow, Essex, attempted to meet a 15-year-old boy for sexual activity after initiating contact via the gay dating app Grindr. On July 20, 2017, he contacted a fake profile set up by an investigator specialising in protecting children from sexual exploitation. Despite being told the profile was of a 15-year-old, he arranged to meet near The Stow shopping centre in Harlow, where he was arrested by undercover officers.

Attempted to meet a 15-year-old boy for sexual activity. Arrested in a police sting operation. Judge Patricia Lynch QC noted risk of serious harm to young boys. Sentence comprised three years' imprisonment extended by two years on licence.

1 Jan 0001

Ronnie Bromley

Possession of a knife *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment

In the early hours of 24 November 2018, Ronnie Bromley and Tevin Christy were involved in a violent altercation in Market Square, Harlow. CCTV footage showed them clashing with a group of teenagers in a narrow alley, during which Bromley and Christy passed a knife between them. Bromley sustained a stab wound to his buttock and later presented at hospital. He was arrested that day.

Claimed self-defence but found guilty. Described by police as one of the aggressors in the fight.

1 Jan 0001

Ross Whitford

Conspiracy to commit commercial burglaries *

Sentence

four years custodial

Part of organised crime group responsible for cash machine (ATM) thefts, commercial and dwelling burglaries, car thefts across eastern region including Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Cambridgeshire, Thames Valley and London between 24 March 2018 and 5 March 2019. Nine ATM offences admitted in locations such as Broxbourne, Corringham, West Kingsdown, South Ockendon, Rainham, Gravesend, Epsom, Hutton, Loughton, Pilgrims Hatch and Redbourn.

Pleaded guilty. Aged 24, of Rock Lane, Hastings.

1 Jan 0001

Sanjoy Rajput

Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment

Sanjoy Rajput, a 53-year-old registered sex offender from Harebell Drive, Witham, Essex, was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that strictly restricted his use of internet-enabled devices. On 23 September 2020, officers from the Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders team visited his home and discovered an unauthorised mobile phone, breaching the order. He had also obtained a new credit card without informing authorities. He was charged with five counts of failing to comply with notification requirements, including using an alias to groom young females online. Rajput pleaded guilty to all offences on 22 October 2020 and was sentenced on 27 November 2020 at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court on 22 October 2020. Subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order following prior convictions.

1 Jan 0001

Shane Boutwell

Operating waste management facilities without a permit *

Sentence

14 months imprisonment

Shane Boutwell persistently imported and burnt large quantities of waste, including waste electricals, household waste, and demolition waste, at two sites in Essex: Bradwell Wick Leisure Plots, Maldon Road, Bradwell-on-Sea (fires reported from June 2020) and Lower Barn Farm, Lower Burnham Road, Latchingdon (burning waste found in September 2020 with flames up to two metres high and a gas cylinder). He operated at a commercial advantage, undermining legitimate businesses, despite repeated instructions from Environment Agency officers to stop and clear the sites.

Pleaded guilty earlier in the year to operating two waste management facilities without a permit, disposing of controlled waste in a manner likely to cause pollution or harm to human health at both sites, and failing to remove waste from one site. Ignored repeated Environment Agency warnings.

1 Jan 0001

Shane Stanley

Conspiracy to commit commercial burglaries and conspiracy to handle stolen goods *

Sentence

nine years custodial

Part of organised crime group responsible for cash machine (ATM) thefts, commercial and dwelling burglaries, car thefts across eastern region including Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Cambridgeshire, Thames Valley and London between 24 March 2018 and 5 March 2019. Nine ATM offences admitted in locations such as Broxbourne, Corringham, West Kingsdown, South Ockendon, Rainham, Gravesend, Epsom, Hutton, Loughton, Pilgrims Hatch and Redbourn.

Pleaded guilty. Aged 37, of Fern Hill Lane, Harlow.

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

Sid Clark

Conspiracy to commit commercial burglaries *

Sentence

four years custodial

Part of organised crime group responsible for cash machine (ATM) thefts, commercial and dwelling burglaries, car thefts across eastern region including Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Cambridgeshire, Thames Valley and London between 24 March 2018 and 5 March 2019. Nine ATM offences admitted in locations such as Broxbourne, Corringham, West Kingsdown, South Ockendon, Rainham, Gravesend, Epsom, Hutton, Loughton, Pilgrims Hatch and Redbourn.

Pleaded guilty. Aged 32, of Broadfield, Harlow.

1 Jan 0001

David Schadek

Gary Wells-Burr

Harris Proctor

Glenn Briggs

Edward Redman

Garry Wells-Burr

Anthony Ayres

Anthony Taylor

Albino Chaves

Aaron Whitman

Ainars Jozans

Alan Norman

Albert Kirk

Chad Pulisciano

Bradley Challis

Bryn Terrance Jones

Barry Gooderham

Jon Gordon

John Andow

Jessica Fry

Lee Arthurs

Jack Mitchell

Jay Emmanuel Thomas

James Krengel

Jake Tierney-Campbell

Jakub Jan Konkel

James Atkins

Levi Mitchell

Lloyd Prior

Lorenc Lata

Mark Gable

Luke O’Brien

Macauley Alexander-Rose

Michael Nelson

Michael Taylor

Luke Berry

Mehdi Zare

Morgan Kiely

Rawand Abdulrahman

Raeqa Liaqat

Peter Lillistone

Peter Norman Rawand Abdulrahman

Roland James Ford

Ronnie Bromley

Ross Whitford

Sanjoy Rajput

Shane Boutwell

Shane Stanley

Sherrie Walters

Sid Clark

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