Maidstone Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 153 verdicts at Maidstone Crown Court (Maidstone). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

David Francois

Aiding and abetting causing death by dangerous driving

December 18, 2025

Sentence: 14.5 years imprisonment

David Francois, intoxicated after consuming alcohol at a family party, initially drove the Ford Transit van dangerously on the wrong side of the road, swerving and nearly crashing, before allowing his unlicensed and intoxicated cousin Tyron Francois to take over despite knowing he could not drive. He encouraged and coached Tyron during the dangerous driving, laughing and joking as captured on dashcam, leading to the fatal collision with pedestrian Jason Bale on Luton Road, Chatham, Kent, on November 27, 2021. David remained at the scene but lied to police about driving and his alcohol consumption, and assaulted four officers. The jury convicted him of sharing responsibility for Mr Bale's death.

Found guilty by jury of aiding and abetting causing death by dangerous driving, plus 18 months consecutive for unrelated offences including assault on emergency workers, intentional strangulation, battery, criminal damage, careless driving, failing to provide a specimen, and possession of a bladed article. Admitted dangerous driving. 12 previous convictions for 25 offences including drink-driving. More than one-and-a-half times the drink-drive limit (128mg blood alcohol). 17-year driving disqualification with extended test requirement. Must serve two-thirds of 13-year term plus half of 18-month term before release.

Sources: lincsonline.co.uk

Tyron Francois

Causing death by dangerous driving

December 18, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Tyron Francois was driving a Ford Transit van without a licence or insurance, under the influence of cocaine, when he struck and killed pedestrian Jason Bale on Luton Road, Chatham, Kent, on November 27, 2021. The crash occurred shortly after swapping seats with his cousin David Francois, following a family party where both were intoxicated. Dashcam footage showed dangerous driving including swerving, clipping kerbs, jumping a red light, and the impact that threw Mr Bale into a front garden, rupturing a gas main. He fled the scene and was arrested hours later, testing positive for cocaine.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. Four previous convictions for five offences, none related to dangerous driving. Must serve two-thirds before release. No driving ban imposed but subject to extended driving test requirement.

Sources: lincsonline.co.uk

Thomas Ripley

Robbery

December 17, 2025

Sentence: 7 years and 9 months imprisonment

Thomas Ripley, 29, from Star Lane, Orpington, along with Lewis Turner and Billy Scamp, orchestrated two violent car robberies in Dartford on September 4 and 8, 2024. In the first incident, masked men smashed the window of a red Seat Ibiza on Dartford Heath, punched the driver, dragged him out, and stole the car. In the second, they approached a driver in a layby pretending to ask for food, dragged him from his Audi TT, punched him, struck him with a metal bar, stole the car and a bank card used in Orpington. Ripley was arrested on September 13, 2024, with evidence on his phone including messages arranging the crimes and videos of the stolen cars.

Admitted to two counts of robbery. Incriminating messages and videos found on his phone.

Sources: kentlive.news

Lewis Turner

Fraud by false representation

December 17, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment with 4 years on licence

Lewis Turner, 34, from Longbury Drive, Orpington, along with Thomas Ripley and Billy Scamp, orchestrated two violent car robberies in Dartford on September 4 and 8, 2024. In the first incident, masked men smashed the window of a red Seat Ibiza on Dartford Heath, punched the driver, dragged him out, and stole the car. In the second, they approached a driver in a layby pretending to ask for food, dragged him from his Audi TT, punched him, struck him with a metal bar, stole the car and a bank card which Turner used less than an hour later at a shop in Orpington to top up his phone. Cell site data and CCTV placed him at the scenes.

Admitted to fraud by false representation. Used stolen bank card to top up mobile phone.

Sources: kentlive.news

Ernestas Juska

Murder

November 28, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment

Ernestas Juska stabbed a woman to death while she slept, an act described as senseless that has devastated a family and taken away a much-loved daughter and sister. He told a member of the public he had killed someone.

Described as a 'senseless' killer who murdered a family friend while she slept, devastating a family.

Sources: kentlive.news

Unnamed Man

Grievous Bodily Harm

November 28, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment

The man tortured his partner using a hammer and clothes steamer in a series of brutal attacks, leaving her close to death before she contacted authorities.

Described as a 'vicious bully' who tortured his partner with a hammer and clothes steamer; victim was close to death when she made the call.

Sources: kentlive.news

Unnamed Men

Theft

November 28, 2025

Sentence: imprisonment

The men operated as distraction thieves in Kent, squirting mustard at victims to distract them while stealing thousands of pounds from trusting individuals.

Distraction thieves who squirted mustard at victims and stole thousands of pounds; targeted trusting people.

Sources: kentlive.news

Unnamed Three Men

Drugs Supply

November 28, 2025

Sentence: imprisonment for drugs supply

The three men, including a Kent dad and son, were involved in the wholesale supply of vast quantities of cocaine across Kent.

Involved in 'wholesale' supply of vast quantities of cocaine along with a Kent dad and son.

Sources: kentlive.news

Kian O’Conner

Burglary

November 24, 2025

Sentence: 18 months at a young offender institution

Kian O’Conner, 20, of Romford Road, Aveley, South Ockendon, was involved in the burglary at a house near Goldsel Road, Swanley, on February 12, 2025, at 12.55am, where jewellery, a wallet, a high-value watch, and car keys to an Audi and Mazda were stolen. He handed himself into a police station the following day.

Admitted burglary and two counts of vehicle theft; handed himself in the day after the burglary.

Sources: kentlive.news

Liam Madgwick

Burglary

November 24, 2025

Sentence: 16 months at a young offender institution

Liam Madgwick, 18, of Valence Circus, Dagenham, drove the stolen Mazda towards the Dartford Crossing after the burglary at a house near Goldsel Road, Swanley, on February 12, 2025, at 12.55am. He drove at speeds up to 85mph in a 30mph zone and through a red light, leading to his arrest in Purfleet, Essex, at 1.09am.

Pleaded guilty to burglary, theft offences, dangerous driving, and having no licence or insurance.

Sources: kentlive.news

Michael Allison

Burglary

November 24, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 4 months imprisonment

Michael Allison, 21, of Kingswood Road, Ilford, was involved in a burglary at a house near Goldsel Road, Swanley, on February 12, 2025, at 12.55am. Jewellery, a wallet, a high-value watch, and car keys to an Audi and Mazda were stolen. He was arrested in Barking after a police pursuit of the Vauxhall he was travelling in.

Timothy Boorman

Arranging the commission of the rape of a child

November 14, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Timothy Boorman, 60, of Ffordd Taliesin, Killay, near Swansea, had been speaking to the victim online before travelling from Wales to meet them in the north of Kent on August 13, 2025, with the intention of having sex with a child. On arrival, he was immediately arrested and taken into custody. He was subsequently charged with offences including arranging the commission of the rape of a child.

Pleaded guilty to arranging the commission of the rape of a child. An indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order has also been imposed. Described as a danger to children by investigating officer PC Aimee Edwards.

Sources: kentlive.news

Ionut Bejan

Causing death by dangerous driving

November 12, 2025

Sentence: 9 years and 9 months imprisonment, disqualified from driving for 13 years and 6 months

On February 14, 2025, at around 10.10pm, Ionut Bejan was driving an Iveco box van overloaded with more than 5,000 kilograms (exceeding the 3,500kg limit) coast-bound on the M20 motorway between junctions eight and nine near Charing. Between 10.06pm and 10.17pm, he sent and edited nine messages on WhatsApp, including one edited message that cannot be done hands-free, and updated a group chat picture. Meanwhile, a family in a blue Kia Carens pulled onto the hard shoulder due to a suspected mechanical defect. The 71-year-old pedestrian Zdzislaw Tarbaj exited the vehicle and was struck at speed by Bejan's van, resulting in his death at the scene.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. Overloaded van and mobile phone use while driving. Required to pass an extended driving test.

Sources: kentlive.news

Davey Brown

Robbery

November 6, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 1 month imprisonment

Davey Brown, 19, of Winch’s Garth in Staplehurst, drove a car that struck a stationary vehicle in Four Elms Road, Edenbridge, on the evening of June 3, 2025. When the victim got out, Brown drove at her before speeding from the scene through a red light. He arrived at Sainsbury’s in Station Road, Staplehurst, a short while later and pretended to be a wheelchair user, assisted by an accomplice. He hid two crates of beer beneath a jacket on his lap and attempted to leave without paying. A security guard challenged him, and Brown responded by punching the man and throwing beer bottles, cans, and other items at him, injuring the guard and another shop employee. Brown fled but was arrested by patrols within 30 minutes. During arrest, he made threats and abusive comments to officers.

Lenard Coates

Aggravated burglary

October 29, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

On March 21, 2025, at around 9am, Lenard Coates posed as a delivery driver wearing a high-vis jacket and carrying a parcel to gain access to a block of flats in Square Hill Road, Maidstone. He pushed his way into one of the properties, pulled out a machete, threatened a family, and launched an unprovoked attack on a man in front of his partner and child, severing the man's thumb and causing serious hand injuries requiring specialist reconstructive surgery. He stole £2,500 in savings and a watch. Kent Police located his van within two hours, and forensic enquiries and CCTV review led to his arrest. The 23-year-old, of no fixed address, was charged.

Pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, causing grievous bodily harm, and possession of a knife in a public place. Extended licence period of 2 years upon release and subject to a restraining order for 15 years.

Sources: kentlive.news

Shaun Packer

Wounding

October 28, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 3 months imprisonment

On March 4, 2025, Shaun Packer, of Victoria Street, Sheerness, invited a friend to his house where they were drinking. Being on licence requiring regular drug tests and fearing failure, Packer asked the friend to provide a urine sample to falsify the test. Upon refusal, a fight ensued, and Packer smashed a bottle of vodka over the friend's head, then attempted to stab him with the broken bottle neck. The victim fled to a neighbour's house, received treatment from ambulance crew, and was hospitalized with a deep cut on his head. Packer was arrested and charged with wounding with intent. He initially pleaded not guilty at Maidstone Crown Court on April 4, 2025, but later pleaded guilty to wounding.

Pleaded guilty to wounding. Handed a seven-year restraining order and ordered to pay costs of £1,630. Further two years on licence.

Sources: kentlive.news

Jay Harris

Possession with intent to supply cocaine

October 21, 2025

Sentence: 10 years and 3 months imprisonment

On December 7, 2024, Kent Police raided Jay Harris' home in Knockholt, finding a plastic bag full of cash and a key to a safe containing cocaine and a firearm. In total, 5 kilograms of cocaine and £30,000 in cash were discovered. Harris, aged 29, escaped through the back door in shorts and a hoodie, fleeing 200 miles to Devon. He was apprehended 36 hours later at a petrol station with £2,000 in cash, clothes, toiletries, multiple mobile phones, and SIM cards.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate, and possession of criminal property. Initially denied involvement but evidence proved he was a key player in a drugs ring supplying class A drugs to Kent and London.

Sources: devonlive.com

Danny Gibson

Causing death by careless driving while over the drug-drive limit

October 17, 2025

Sentence: 12 years and 6 months imprisonment, driving ban for 20 years

Danny Gibson, 38, from Oast Court, Sittingbourne, spent the afternoon drinking in Sheerness before taking his mother’s car without permission on October 18, 2022. He drove through Wormshill and surrounding areas before colliding with a cyclist near his home on The Street, Wormshill, at about 5pm. Gibson abandoned the vehicle in a nearby field and fled the scene on foot. He failed to report the incident or seek help for the victim. The victim was discovered later that evening by a friend and pronounced deceased at 8.45pm. Gibson was arrested following a domestic incident report, identified by a witness, and forensically linked via broken glass in his hair. He initially denied the offences but later admitted them.

Admitted to the offences at a hearing in April 2025. A charge of aggravated vehicle taking was ordered to lie on file. Required to pass an extended re-test.

Sources: kentlive.news

Andrew Cullis

Possession of Child Indecent Images

October 17, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 4 months imprisonment

Andrew Cullis, 43, of Lynden Way in Swanley, was found in possession of a USB containing explicit images of children during a routine sex offender management check in February 2025.

Kevin Scarnell

Arranging sexual activity with a child

October 16, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 8 months imprisonment

Between March 28 and April 24, 2025, Kevin Scarnell, aged 59 from Fellows Road in Camden, London, repeatedly messaged a young teenage boy on a dating app, bombarding him daily with sexually explicit messages, details of his sexual preferences, obscene images, and videos. He asked to meet in a car park on the outskirts of Maidstone and, once a date and time were agreed, expressed excitement and got a haircut the day before. On April 25, 2025, he travelled to the agreed location near West Park Road in Maidstone in his blue Ford Fiesta. He was spotted suspiciously circling the car park by proactive patrols, arrested unable to explain his presence, and his mobile phone was seized.

Pleaded guilty to arranging sexual activity with a child, engaging in sexual communication with a child, and causing a child to watch sexual activity. Made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Sources: kentlive.news

Karl Kaynar

Robbery

October 15, 2025

Sentence: 9 years and 4 months imprisonment

On March 13, 2024, Karl Kaynar entered Domino’s Pizza on Swanley High Street at around 9.40pm, pointed an air gun at staff, demanded money, climbed the counter, stole around £400 from the cash drawer, and shouted threats including 'do you want to die?'. The following day at around 6.30am, he entered an Asda petrol station in London Road, threatened employees with a knife and a broken paving slab, warned he would throw acid into a victim's face, and fled with thousands of pounds in stolen cash. He was arrested later that day. A handgun identified as an air weapon, a bag used in the Asda robbery, and a knife were recovered. He also committed a further armed robbery on March 22 investigated by the Metropolitan Police.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery, possession of an imitation firearm, possession of a knife in a public place, additional theft and drug offences, and a further armed robbery. Already spent 18 months on remand. Additional 86 days for breaching suspended sentence. 4-year licence period upon release.

Sources: kentlive.news

Roy Humphreys

Child Sexual Abuse

October 15, 2025

Sentence: 22 years imprisonment

Roy Humphreys, 82, of Broadway in Gillingham, abused two boys in the 1970s and another in the 2000s.

Lee Balchin

Rape

October 13, 2025

Sentence: 15 years' imprisonment

Lee Balchin, 55, of Carnation Close, East Malling, subjected a young child to a four-year campaign of horrific abuse including multiple rapes and indecent assaults. He forced the victim to consume cannabis, suspected ecstasy tablets, alcohol, and injected her with amphetamine, sometimes rendering her almost unconscious. The abuse occurred in several locations, including remote hideouts. Offences reported to Kent Police in 2018, leading to arrest and investigation. Balchin denied charges but was found guilty at trial in August 2025.

Found guilty after trial of two charges of rape and two counts of indecent assault. Must serve at least two thirds before parole. Demonstrated levels of callous depravity, took victim to isolated areas and made threats to kill.

Sources: kentlive.news

Mitchell Hickey

Sexual assault

September 22, 2025

Sentence: Three years and four months imprisonment

Mitchell Hickey, a horse-riding instructor from Tunbridge Wells, sexually abused two young victims between 2017 and 2019, including hitting one with a whip, and coerced a third victim into sending explicit photos. He bombarded the girls with indecent videos via Snapchat and was reported after concerns were raised in January 2022.

Pleaded guilty to seven offences. Abused his position of power to take advantage of young and vulnerable girls. Made subject of a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Sources: kentlive.news

Ryan Kiely

Burglary

September 22, 2025

Sentence: three years and nine months imprisonment

Ryan Kiely participated in burglaries, including breaking into a dwelling in Fleetwood Close on February 27, 2025, to steal personal items such as jewellery, watches, and cash. He also targeted another property, where he broke in, threatened an occupant, and stole designer handbags and a mobile phone.

Pleaded guilty to multiple counts of burglary and going equipped to burgle. Described as an aggressive offender who had a significant impact on victims.

Sources: kentlive.news

David Hansen

Burglary

September 22, 2025

Sentence: four years and nine months imprisonment

David Hansen broke into a property in Southsea Avenue, Minster on Sea, on February 20, 2025, stealing jewellery, documents, car keys, and a van parked outside. He also participated in burglaries at a dwelling in Fleetwood Close on February 27, 2025, where a window was broken to steal personal items including jewellery, watches, and cash. Additionally, he targeted another property, breaking in and threatening an occupant to steal designer handbags and a mobile phone.

Pleaded guilty to multiple counts of burglary and admitted to theft and false imprisonment. Described as an aggressive offender who showed no regard for victims.

Sources: kentlive.news

Glenn Swanson

Child Sexual Abuse

September 22, 2025

Sentence: 18 years imprisonment

Glenn Swanson, 63, formerly of Gravesend, committed child sex offences; another victim came forward while he was already serving a jail term.

Asllan Cani

Supply of cocaine

September 19, 2025

Sentence: Two and a half years imprisonment

Asllan Cani was arrested at his flat on Union Street, Maidstone, where police found £1,050 in cash, multiple deal bags of cocaine, and two vacuum-packed blocks of cocaine weighing 204g, valued at up to £35,000. Text messages on seized phones indicated his involvement in local drug dealing as part of a County Lines operation.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of criminal property.

Sources: kentlive.news

Klevis Arifi

Supply of cocaine

September 19, 2025

Sentence: Two and a half years imprisonment

Klevis Arifi was arrested on March 15, 2025, after police stopped a car on Boxley Road, Maidstone, and found eight bags of cocaine inside. A search of his flat on Union Street, Maidstone, uncovered £1,050 in cash, multiple deal bags of cocaine, and two vacuum-packed blocks of cocaine weighing 204g, valued at up to £35,000. Text messages on seized phones indicated his involvement in local drug dealing as part of a County Lines operation.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of criminal property. Also admitted to driving with no insurance.

Sources: kentlive.news

Jamie Herbert

Kidnap

September 17, 2025

Sentence: 10 years and nine months imprisonment

Jamie Herbert escaped from HMP Standford Hill on the Isle of Sheppey. He accosted a woman in the prison car park, threatened her with a knife, forced her to drive to Willington Street and then to withdraw money from the Post Office in Maidstone. He attempted to rob another man in the Morrison’s car park in Sutton Road. The incidents occurred on January 28, 2024, and he was arrested shortly after in Lansdowne Avenue with the knife in his possession.

Pleaded guilty to all offences. Must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for parole and will be subject to a five-year extended licence upon release.

Sources: kentlive.news

George Payne-Woodham

Child Rape

September 12, 2025

Sentence: 16 years imprisonment

George Payne-Woodham sexually abused his child victim for several years. The abuse was discovered in September 2024 when the victim disclosed it to a school staff member. Kent Police launched an investigation, leading to his arrest on the same day. He was charged and later convicted after a trial.

Pleaded not guilty and was convicted of multiple offences. Must serve at least two-thirds of the sentence before parole eligibility, followed by four years on licence. Subject to indefinite sex offender notification requirements and a 25-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Sources: kentlive.news

Stuart Wenham

Breaches of Sexual Harm Prevention Order

September 12, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Stuart Wenham, previously convicted in 2023 for making indecent images of children and released from prison in March 2025, breached his Sexual Harm Prevention Order by using an unregistered secret phone and a laptop. The phone contained 600 ‘pseudo-cartoon’ images linked to the sexual abuse of children, including an infant under a year old. He illegally used a VPN, failed to declare the devices, and deleted internet history. He was arrested on 6 June 2025 after police suspected he was using two phones but had only notified them of one.

Pleaded guilty to multiple breaches of a sexual harm prevention order, failing to comply with notification requirements, and possessing a prohibited image of a child. Described by the judge as 'a dangerous man' with a long record of similar offences.

Sources: kentlive.news

Haydon Sheard

Possessing indecent images of children

September 9, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 4 months imprisonment

Haydon Sheard, a registered sex offender from Medway, was found with 355 illegal images of children on his mobile phone during an unannounced police visit to his home on April 25. He had previously been convicted in 2018 for possessing and distributing indecent images of children, and was required to notify police of internet-enabled devices. Officers discovered undeclared devices and images, leading to his arrest and subsequent guilty plea.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent images of children, five counts of breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and one count of breaching his sex offender notification requirements. His SHPO was extended for 10 years.

Sources: kentlive.news

Eoin Nolan

Conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration

September 4, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Eoin Nolan, residing in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, conspired to facilitate the illegal entry of ten Vietnamese nationals, including eight children, into the UK. The plan involved hiding them in a lorry loaded with used tyres, transporting them from France through Belgium, and charging each migrant £15,000. The operation was intercepted by authorities in March 2020.

Convicted of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration after a five-week trial at Maidstone Crown Court. He was part of a group that planned to smuggle Vietnamese migrants into the UK for profit.

Sources: kentlive.news

Daniel Loughran

Conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration

September 4, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 6 months imprisonment

Daniel Loughran, based in Armagh, Northern Ireland, was involved in plotting to smuggle ten Vietnamese nationals, including eight children, into the UK by hiding them in a lorry with used tyres. The group planned the route from France through Belgium, charging each migrant £15,000, and communicated about hiding instructions and potential risks. The attempt was foiled by authorities.

Convicted of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration after a five-week trial at Maidstone Crown Court. He worked closely with others, including arranging logistics for the smuggling operation from Northern Ireland.

Sources: kentlive.news

Lee Drury

Voyeurism

September 4, 2025

Sentence: four years and six months imprisonment

Lee Drury, 35, of Borough Green Road, Wrotham, placed his iPhone in a dislodged ceiling tile to spy on a woman showering at Snap Fitness gym in Tonbridge on June 9, 2023. He was found in possession of an illegal image of a child in the most serious category. Further investigation revealed additional indecent images on another phone. In August 2024, he initiated contact with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old child, making explicit requests and sending pornographic content.

Pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child, attempting to cause a child to watch others engaging in sexual activity, and attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity. He was a registered sex offender and was made subject to a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Sources: kentlive.news

Michael Millson

Making Indecent Images

September 4, 2025

Sentence: three years imprisonment

Michael Millson, 39, from Chatham, was released from prison on licence but breached his Sexual Harm Prevention Order by possessing an undeclared mobile phone with banned apps and software that allowed file sharing and anonymised browsing. Officers found several indecent images on the device. He was arrested on June 26, 2024, and faced 18 charges related to these breaches and the creation of indecent images.

Pleaded guilty to eight breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, six counts of making indecent images, three breaches of sex offender notification requirements, and possession of an indecent image. He was previously subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order following a conviction for possession of indecent images of children.

Sources: kentlive.news

Paul Churchman

Benefit Fraud

August 30, 2025

Sentence: Three years imprisonment

Paul Churchman, a 49-year-old delivery driver, earned £403,000 as a self-employed courier over 11 years while fraudulently claiming benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and local council. He lied about his disabilities to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP), stating he needed help with daily tasks like preparing meals, bathing, and walking due to a bad back, which was untrue. The fraud involved claims for Housing Benefit (£105,786), Income Support (£45,411), PIP (£38,404), Universal Credit (£24,562), Jobseeker's Allowance (£9,589), Employment and Support Allowance (£8,081), and Council Tax Reduction (£3,340). The couple only repaid £3,500, with a repayment plan of £250 per month.

Pleaded guilty to multiple offences and took full responsibility for the benefit fraud. Has 11 previous convictions. Judge rejected claims that his ADHD influenced the long-term offending, noting he involved his wife and failed to correct his actions.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Gemma Churchman

Benefit Fraud

August 30, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment suspended for two years, 25 rehabilitation activity requirements, and £1,000 in prosecution costs

Gemma Churchman, aged 42, claimed Income Support, Universal Credit, and Council Tax Reduction from the DWP and Sevenoaks District Council by falsely declaring that her husband was unemployed, despite his substantial earnings. This was part of an 11-year benefit fraud scheme that involved the couple dishonestly obtaining benefits they were not entitled to, driven by mounting debts and the risk of losing their home.

Admitted to offences and expressed deep remorse, stating the fraud stemmed from financial desperation and debt. Had no previous convictions and was persuaded by her husband to participate.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Michael Link

Child Rape

August 28, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum of 15 years

Michael Link, 72, from Tonbridge, repeatedly sexually abused multiple young victims over more than 40 years, including committing 19 offences such as multiple rapes, indecent assaults, voyeurism, and sexual activity with children. He targeted and exploited victims, with abuse occurring over extended periods, and continued offending until just before his arrest. Victims came forward, leading to a police investigation that uncovered the full extent of his crimes.

Denied wrongdoing and claimed victims made false allegations; maintained innocence during trial; assessed as dangerous by the judge; will be subject to an indefinite licence and remain on the sex offenders register for life. Detective Constable Tania Muller highlighted the devastating impact on victims.

Sources: kentlive.news

Kelly Aghedo

Supply of class A drugs

August 18, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

On February 26, 2025, plain-clothed officers from the British Transport Police's county lines taskforce were patrolling Gillingham station when they observed Kelly Aghedo warning one of them, mistaking the officer for a drug user. Aghedo was seen disposing of an item from his pocket, leading to his detention. Two mobile phones were recovered, one linked to the supply of class A drugs. A search of his address uncovered a machete, a burner phone, sim cards, and drugs paraphernalia.

Pleaded guilty to the charges. Officers noted his involvement in drug dealing and the enticement of young people into county lines gangs.

Sources: kentlive.news

Indre Bruziene

Blackmail

August 14, 2025

Sentence: three years and three months imprisonment

In September 2020, Indre Bruziene and Vasile Radacanu invited the victim to their home where they consumed alcoholic drinks. Bruziene filmed Radacanu raping the intoxicated and unconscious victim. Later, in March 2021, Bruziene contacted the victim, sent footage of the rape, and demanded £5,000, threatening to send it to the victim's husband if not paid.

Pleaded not guilty and was convicted after a trial. She was involved in filming the victim's ordeal and blackmailing her.

Sources: kentlive.news

Vasile Radacanu

Rape

August 14, 2025

Sentence: 12 years and six months imprisonment

In September 2020, Vasile Radacanu and Indre Bruziene invited the victim to their home where they consumed alcoholic drinks. The victim became intoxicated and unconscious, during which Radacanu raped her while aware that Bruziene was filming the abuse through a window and from inside the house. He gestured to the camera several times during the incident.

Pleaded not guilty and was convicted after a trial. Detective described the actions as 'unspeakably vile' as they took advantage of a vulnerable victim.

Sources: kentlive.news

Victor Pereria Da Luz

Possessing cocaine with intent to supply

August 11, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 7 months imprisonment

Victor Pereria Da Luz was driving a moped erratically in Tunbridge Wells on June 4. Police followed him to Crawford Close, where he appeared nervous and attempted to lock his mobile phone. A search revealed 12 vials of cocaine hidden in a black sock inside the moped, along with almost £900 in cash. He was supplying drugs in the area.

Pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply and possessing criminal property. Also admitted driving without a licence or insurance. Sergeant Ed Kavanagh of the Tunbridge Wells Neighbourhood Task Force commented on drug dealers' use of vehicles to conceal substances.

Sources: kentlive.news

Danny Phipps

Fraud

August 8, 2025

Sentence: 23 months imprisonment, suspended for 24 months

Danny Phipps staged the theft of high-value classic cars, including two 1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworths and a 1976 Mk2 Ford Escort RS2000, which he insured and described as in immaculate condition. Between February 2019 and March 2020, he reported the vehicles stolen shortly after insuring them, submitting falsified documents such as forged bank statements to support fraudulent insurance claims against Aviva and RSA, including a £15,000 claim for one vehicle.

Pleaded no comment in interviews. Must repay the money obtained through the scam under a confiscation timetable set by the court.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Jhon Ruiz

Conspiracy to steal

August 7, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 7 months imprisonment

Jhon Ruiz was involved in a gang that targeted older people in Kent, specifically in Chatham, Dartford, Gravesend, and Sevenoaks, between October 2024 and February 2025. The gang used distraction techniques, such as squirting mustard or other sauces on victims' clothes after they withdrew large amounts of money from banks, and placing nails or pins on the floor to encourage victims to stop their vehicles. They followed victims to their cars and stole cash, resulting in £20,720 stolen and attempts to steal a further £10,085. The gang also operated in Berkshire and Essex.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal. Part of an organised gang that targeted older victims.

Sources: kentlive.news

Miguel Perez

Conspiracy to steal

August 7, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 9 months imprisonment

Miguel Perez was a member of a criminal gang that operated in Kent, targeting older people in Chatham, Dartford, Gravesend, and Sevenoaks from October 2024 to February 2025. The gang distracted victims by squirting mustard or sauces on them after they collected money from banks and by creating road hazards like nails to stop vehicles. They successfully stole £20,720 and tried to steal another £10,085, extending their activities to Berkshire and Essex.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal. Part of a group that preyed on trusting older individuals using distraction tactics.

Sources: kentlive.news

Matias Vega

Conspiracy to steal

August 7, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 7 months imprisonment

Matias Vega was involved in a gang that focused on older victims in Kent, including areas like Chatham, Dartford, Gravesend, and Sevenoaks, between October 2024 and February 2025. The group used distractions such as squirting mustard on clothing and placing pins on the ground to enable thefts from victims who had just left banks. In total, they stole £20,720 and attempted to steal £10,085, with operations also in Berkshire and Essex.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal. Formed part of an organised effort to deceive and rob vulnerable victims.

Sources: kentlive.news

Maria Carmen

Conspiracy to steal

August 7, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Maria Carmen was part of a gang that targeted older individuals in Kent, including Chatham, Dartford, Gravesend, and Sevenoaks, from October 2024 to February 2025. The group distracted victims by squirting mustard or sauces on their clothes after bank withdrawals and by placing nails on the road to make victims stop. They stole £20,720 in total and attempted to steal an additional £10,085, with operations extending to Berkshire and Essex.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal. Described as part of a 'heartless' gang that exploited trusting older victims.

Sources: kentlive.news

Solomon Rondon

Conspiracy to steal

August 7, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 7 months imprisonment

Solomon Rondon participated in a gang's scheme to target elderly victims in Kent locations such as Chatham, Dartford, Gravesend, and Sevenoaks, between October 2024 and February 2025. The gang employed methods like squirting mustard on victims' clothing to distract them after leaving banks and placing hazards like nails on the floor. This led to the theft of £20,720 and attempted thefts of £10,085, with similar activities in Berkshire and Essex.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal. Involved in an organised criminal group that used deception against vulnerable people.

Sources: kentlive.news

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