Maidstone Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 131 verdicts at Maidstone Crown Court (Maidstone). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bradley Kite

Sexual activity with a child

August 6, 2025

Sentence: 12 years and 9 months imprisonment

Bradley Kite, from Lydbrook Close, Sittingbourne, groomed young teenage girls by sending sexualised messages, giving them money, jewellery, and expensive presents, and then sexually assaulted them. The offences were reported in June 2024, leading to his arrest on June 27, 2024, and the identification of multiple victims.

Pleaded guilty to multiple offences including sexual activity with a child and sexual assaults. Found guilty of an additional sexual assault by a jury. Made subject to a 25-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Sources: kentlive.news

Gary Duke

Rape

July 25, 2025

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

Gary Duke, 59, from Tonbridge, encouraged his victim to drink champagne and smoke cannabis, rendering her unconscious, before raping her at a property in Maidstone on November 13, 2022. He fled the scene before she regained consciousness and was later arrested and charged.

Pleaded not guilty but was convicted following a trial. Showed no remorse and made fictitious claims that he had sex with the victim in his sleep.

Sources: kentlive.news

Abiola Adenmosun

Sexual activity with a child

July 18, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 3 months imprisonment

Abiola Adenmosun, 35, of King George Road, Chatham, targeted a child in Rochester in 2012, befriending her, providing alcohol and cannabis, and committing sexual offences over several months. He persisted in contacting her despite her attempts to end it, leading to a police report in 2017.

Found guilty after a trial of sexual activity with a child. He is subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, lifelong restraining order, and must sign the Sex Offenders Register.

Sources: kentlive.news

Aaron Charlery

Robbery

July 11, 2025

Sentence: Four years imprisonment

On October 3, 2024, Aaron Charlery and Darren Porter agreed to target sex workers at private addresses. They drove to a location near Broadway in Maidstone, where Porter phoned the first victim. Charlery entered the property after Porter used an imitation handgun, and they stole rings, a mobile phone, and £230 in cash. They then drove to London Road in Sittingbourne, forced entry into another victim's home, stole £100 in cash and several bank cards, and fled the scene.

Pleaded guilty to two robberies. He admitted throwing stolen phones into the river and shaving his beard after his accomplice's arrest.

Sources: kentlive.news

Benjamin Edgell

Sexual assault of a child

July 11, 2025

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment

Benjamin Edgell repeatedly sexually assaulted a vulnerable young child in Tunbridge Wells between 2018 and 2020. He was arrested on June 30, 2020, after which forensic analysis of his mobile phone revealed illegal images and a video of the victim. He was charged with four counts of sexual assault of a child and three counts of making indecent images of a child, leading to his conviction.

Pleaded not guilty and was convicted after a trial. The investigating officer described the acts as 'vile and heinous'. He must serve at least two thirds of the sentence before consideration for parole and will serve a four-year extended licence upon release, along with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Sources: kentlive.news

David Johnson

Possession of child images

July 10, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

David Johnson, a known sex offender, was back behind bars following police discovery of child images on his phone, leading to his sentencing.

Sentenced after his phone alerted police to child images; he was a sex offender who breached conditions.

Sources: kentlive.news

Aaron Carr

Possession with intent to supply cocaine

July 2, 2025

Sentence: Five years and four months imprisonment

Aaron Carr was stopped and searched by police in Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, on January 20, where officers seized 3.5 grams of cocaine, approximately £2,800 in cash, and a phone from his vehicle. A subsequent search of his home revealed 2kg of cocaine in a wardrobe, an additional half a kilo of cocaine, nearly £33,000 in cash, two phones, a laptop, and a machete hidden in one of his other vehicles. This activity was linked to the supply of class A drugs.

Pleaded guilty to the charges. Detective Sergeant Jon Saxby noted that Carr put his desire for a lavish wedding above the impact on vulnerable drug users and failed to consider the detrimental effects on the community.

Sources: kentlive.news

Adam Green

Transfer of a prohibited weapon

July 1, 2025

Sentence: four years imprisonment

Officers seized a loaded sawn-off shotgun hidden in a garage in Tangmere Close, Gillingham on March 7, 2024, during investigations into stolen motorbikes. Forensic examination revealed Adam Green's DNA on the firearm. He was arrested on March 14, 2024, after being stopped on a motorcycle in Chatham, and the weapon was connected to him.

Pleaded guilty to transfer of a prohibited weapon. Other charges of handling stolen property and possessing a firearm and ammunition whilst prohibited were ordered to lie on file. Detective Constable Perry Wraight commented that it is an absolute offence to possess a sawn-off shotgun and that Medway is a safer place now he is behind bars.

Sources: kentlive.news

Haiden Tomlin

Wounding with Intent

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 9 months imprisonment

Haiden Tomlin attacked his neighbour in a block of flats in Maidstone during a disturbance on September 1, 2024. The altercation escalated into a fight inside another person's flat, resulting in the victim being stabbed more than 50 times, sustaining injuries including a punctured lung and a broken rib. Tomlin fled the scene but was arrested shortly after, with a lock knife and multi-tool recovered nearby. The victim survived the assault.

Pleaded not guilty to attempted murder but was convicted of wounding with intent. Argued self-defence, though the attack was described as brutal and ferocious by Detective Constable Nell Shortis.

Sources: kentlive.news

Stephen Castle

Murder

June 26, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years

Stephen Castle confronted Wayne Woodgate in Tunbridge Wells on October 17, 2024, due to a long-standing grudge, threatened him, and forced him into a van. He then drove Woodgate to a remote location in East Sussex, strangled him to death, and concealed his body in woodland off the A268 in Peasmarsh. Castle attempted to cover up the crime by claiming it was a drug exchange and went to a pub afterwards.

Pleaded guilty to manslaughter but was found guilty of murder after a trial. The judge noted he must serve a minimum of 25 years minus time spent on remand before applying for parole.

Sources: kentlive.news

Mateus Parente

Possession of cocaine with intent to supply

June 24, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 2 months imprisonment

Mateus Parente was driving a grey Mazda rental vehicle suspected of being linked to cocaine supply in Tunbridge Wells. On March 27, 2025, police stopped the vehicle, and he attempted to conceal drugs by leaning towards the front console. A search revealed £200 in cash and a vial of cocaine in the car. A strip search in custody found 42 vials of cocaine in his underwear. His phone contained evidence of drug dealing, including user postcodes and photos of vials.

Pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply and driving without insurance.

Sources: kentlive.news

Mohamed Mahmoud

Burglary

June 18, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 2 months imprisonment

Mohamed Mahmoud participated in a burglary in Maidstone on September 2, 2024, by breaking into a home with accomplices, threatening the occupants, and stealing around £400 in cash.

Paul Crabtree

Conspiracy to burgle

June 18, 2025

Sentence: 6 years and 11 months imprisonment

Paul Crabtree plotted a burglary in Maidstone on September 2, 2024, by providing instructions and messages to accomplices who broke into a home, threatened the occupants, and stole cash.

Found guilty after trial of conspiracy to burgle, possession with intent to supply cocaine, and possession of a bladed article; pleaded guilty to burglary.

Sources: kentlive.news

Aramis Sullivan

Burglary

June 18, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 6 months imprisonment

Aramis Sullivan, along with others, broke into a Maidstone home on September 2, 2024, threatened to shoot the occupants, and stole around £400 in cash while trying to force entry into a barricaded room.

Alex Buckwell

Controlling and coercive behaviour

June 17, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 5 months imprisonment

Alex Buckwell subjected his partner to a lengthy campaign of physical and emotional abuse between February and November 2024. This included restricting her phone use, dictating her clothing, preventing her from going out alone, punching, kicking, strangling her in the presence of a child, driving towards oncoming traffic, dragging her by her hair, damaging property, and continuing harassment after separation through repeated calls.

Pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Detective Constable Frazer Meeks described him as a cowardly bully who used fear and violence to control the victim.

Sources: kentlive.news

George Ivers

Dangerous driving

June 16, 2025

Sentence: 1 year and 3 months imprisonment

George Ivers engaged in dangerous driving, including making 'doughnut' manoeuvres near the Sheppey Crossing and speeding through Sheerness, as captured in footage from late 2021 and early 2022. He was also involved in perverting the course of justice related to a fatal collision.

Ozgur Suyolcu

Causing Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent

June 15, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 13 years, less 424 days served on remand

Ozgur Suyolcu subjected his partner to a year of bullying and random attacks, including being attacked with a hammer, a heavy-duty bike lock, and burnt with a clothes steamer. The victim suffered severe injuries such as collapsed lungs, bruises, bite marks, fractures to her jaw, shoulders, breastbone, ribs, vertebrae, and internal bleeding. She was unable to speak or walk and was close to death when she called the police on April 13, 2024. Officers found her in a flat near Tunbridge Wells, while Suyolcu attempted to mislead them about the incident.

Pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and controlling and coercive behaviour. An attempted murder charge was ordered to be left on file. Detective Constable Emily Hill described the actions as truly horrifying and noted the victim was forbidden from contacting her family.

Sources: kentlive.news

Jimmy Lovelock

Controlling and coercive behaviour

June 13, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment

Jimmy Lovelock, who had been in a relationship with the victim for almost 20 years, concealed a secret listening device in her flat and hid GPS trackers in her car as part of a campaign of abuse. He assaulted her, made threats to harm or kill her, including threats to burn down her flat, and exerted control over her use of phones and social media, isolating her from friends and family. The abuse occurred over several years, with incidents including smashing her car windscreen and slashing her tyres. He was arrested in May 2024 following the discovery of the devices.

Pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour from May 2022 to May 2024, causing actual bodily harm, possessing a taser device, and cannabis. A 10-year restraining order was imposed. Two further charges, including witness intimidation, were ordered to lie on file.

Sources: kentlive.news

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