Maidstone Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 327 verdicts at Maidstone Crown Court (Maidstone). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

November 2023 2 cases

Ayoub Omer

Wounding with intent *

Sentence

Five years imprisonment

Ayoub Omer and Aiman Aziz assaulted three victims in Rochester on January 22 after being removed from a nightclub near Blue Boar Lane. They lay in wait and attacked the victims with a baseball bat. One victim was headbutted, and the others were beaten, resulting in injuries such as a fractured skull and a bleed to the brain.

Found guilty following a trial. The attack was brutal and unprovoked, with DC Vicki Hartland highlighting the severe injuries and psychological impact on the victims.

6 Nov 2023

Aiman Aziz

Wounding with intent *

Sentence

Four years and eight months imprisonment

Aiman Aziz and Ayoub Omer were involved in a violent assault on three victims in Rochester on January 22. After being ejected from a nightclub near Blue Boar Lane for Aziz headbutting a man, they lay in wait and attacked the victims. Aziz headbutted one victim again and used a baseball bat to beat the others, breaking the bat in half. The victims sustained facial and head injuries, including a fractured skull and a bleed to the brain.

Pleaded guilty to the charges. The attack was described as brutal and unprovoked, with DC Vicki Hartland noting the grave injuries inflicted and the potential for fatal consequences.

6 Nov 2023

October 2023 1 case

Kye Hughes

Fraud by false representation *

Sentence

Three years and four months imprisonment and ordered to pay back £32,144

Kye Hughes, from Rochester, met a woman on a dating app and deceived her by claiming he invested in luxury watches for extra income. He convinced her to invest her savings, promising to double her money, but the scheme was fraudulent. She transferred thousands of pounds to him between an unspecified date before 2019 and his arrest in 2019, leaving her in financial strain and debt.

Arrested in 2019; convicted of fraud by false representation and money laundering; ordered to pay back the amount by December 24 or face an additional 12 months in prison. Comments from Kent Police and CPS highlighted the emotional and financial impact on the victim.

1 Oct 2023

July 2023 2 cases

Jorge Garay

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years

Jorge Garay strangled his 37-year-old partner, Karla Godoy, while on holiday in Peru on or around September 23, 2022. He wrapped her body in a tarpaulin and buried it in a makeshift grave on family-owned land in Lima. After the killing, Garay returned to the UK alone on October 4, 2022, emptied their shared flat in Dartford, and was later arrested in London on October 14, 2022, following a confession.

Convicted after a trial; claimed self-defence but was found guilty. This is believed to be the first use of powers under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 for a murder case committed abroad.

28 Jul 2023

Holly Willoughby

Careless driving *

Sentence

£2,444 fine and 6 penalty points

Former This Morning host, 44, broke scooter rider's neck in London car crash in Barnes.

Admitted careless driving.

17 Jul 2023

June 2023 4 cases

Batare Evwierhoma

Possession of heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply *

Sentence

Not stated

Batare Evwierhoma convinced a vulnerable resident in Medway to allow him to use their flat for dealing drugs.

Admitted to possession of heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply and acquiring criminal property.

29 Jun 2023

Lance Colston

Manslaughter *

Sentence

Not stated

Lance Colston admitted to killing managing director Jason Orwin outside his own home in a violent assault in Maidstone. Orwin ran a local Rochester company and was trying to protect his partner before the assault.

Pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter after fatally wounding Jason Orwin, 55.

29 Jun 2023

Reece Cano

Attempted sexual communication with a child *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Reece Cano, from Snodland, attempted to solicit images of a sexual nature from a child, who turned out to be the police.

Dangerous sex offender who planned to meet and abuse a 'girl, 12'.

29 Jun 2023

Paul Gregory

Sexual assault *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Paul Gregory, from Swanley, molested a woman in a hot tub at a New Year's Eve party.

Will be on the sex offenders register for ten years.

29 Jun 2023

May 2023 1 case

Paul Clark

Making and distributing indecent images of children *

Sentence

28 months imprisonment

Paul Clark, a former Labour MP who represented Gillingham in Kent from 1997 to 2010, was caught with 1,446 indecent images of children on five electronic devices, including imagery of children as young as three. He distributed indecent images to others and engaged in conversations about his sexual desires via social media between April 2013 and May 2021. He was arrested at his home by the National Crime Agency, initially made no comment, but later admitted his actions and pleaded guilty.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children and six counts of distributing indecent images of children. Issued with a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and must sign the sex offenders register. No evidence of offending while in office.

12 May 2023

March 2023 1 case

Pc Amanda Aston

Perverting the course of justice and fraud by false representation *

Sentence

21 months suspended for 2 years

PC Amanda Aston, aged 44, falsely reported her ex-partner Sgt Matthew Taylor for controlling and coercive behaviour following the end of their eight-month relationship that began in February 2017. She made false allegations in a 57-page witness statement and video interview, leading to his arrest, two months in custody, and dismissal from the police. She also encouraged him to breach bail conditions and reported him, resulting in further imprisonment. Evidence later showed she withheld key information. Additionally, in June 2018, she fraudulently applied for a £5,000 grant from the Police Welfare Fund by falsely claiming financial hardship due to moving homes from alleged abuse.

Ordered to carry out 100 hours unpaid work. Pleaded not guilty but found guilty. Behaviour found to be gross misconduct leading to dismissal without notice.

23 Mar 2023

June 2022 2 cases

Wayne Sherlock

Conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Wayne Sherlock was part of an organised crime group that conspired to smuggle 10 Vietnamese migrants, eight of whom were believed to be children, hidden inside stacked tyres in the back of a lorry. The migrants were to be picked up and illegally trafficked from France, via Belgium, into the UK. The plan failed on 5 March 2020, when the lorry was stopped by Belgian authorities and the migrants were discovered.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration.

21 Jun 2022

Aurel Birlan

Rape *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with a minimum of 8 years and 3 months

Aurel Birlan repeatedly assaulted and raped his victim while she was unconscious in a public place during the early hours of one morning in December 2021. The assaults lasted almost two hours until a passer-by intervened, noticing the victim was in a state of undress, not moving, and appeared injured. CCTV footage captured the victim's repeated pleas for him to stop and showed she was unconscious for more than an hour.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault. Added to the sex offenders' register for life and subject to a restraining order.

15 Jun 2022

January 2022 4 cases

Connor Mcmaster

Supplying class A drugs *

Sentence

three years and four months imprisonment

Connor McMaster was arrested at his home in Luton Road, Chatham, on October 8, 2021. Upon seeing police, he threw a mobile phone into his neighbour’s garden, which was later identified as one used to supply drugs. He was involved in a drugs operation that used dedicated phones, dubbed the ‘Aaron line’, to take orders for crack and heroin in Kent as part of a south east London county lines gang.

Part of a south east London county lines gang supplying crack and heroin. He attempted to dispose of a mobile phone used in the drug operation.

26 Jan 2022

Syrus Ramsey

Supplying class A drugs *

Sentence

three years and six months imprisonment

Syrus Ramsey was stopped in his car on the A21 near Bromley on October 8, 2021, where police found 34 deals of crack cocaine, 26 deals of heroin, and a mobile phone. A search of his home in Parkfield Way, Bromley, uncovered £850 in cash and evidence of 12 further deals of crack and heroin. He was a key figure in a south east London county lines gang that used dedicated phones, dubbed the ‘Aaron line’, to supply drugs in Kent.

Part of a county lines gang supplying crack and heroin. Included six months for breaching a suspended sentence.

26 Jan 2022

George Knights

Murder *

Sentence

23 years imprisonment

George Knights murdered 38-year-old Stephen Chapman by stabbing him in the head after they met to discuss the sale of cocaine in October 2020. Following the murder, Knights tried to dissolve the victim's body in sulphuric acid inside a wheelie bin at his home. Police discovered the body during a search, along with evidence such as a video on Knights' phone showing him with cocaine and bragging about the killing, and a tattoo on his neck resembling the murder weapon.

Showed no remorse or empathy; attempted to dispose of the victim's body by dissolving it in acid; Detective Superintendent Gavin Moss described him as a callous killer and a danger to the public.

8 Jan 2022

Patrick Mugford

Rape and indecent assault *

Sentence

7.5 years imprisonment

Patrick Mugford raped a Canterbury schoolgirl as she slept next to her newborn baby. It took 20 years for the victim to get justice after her mother refused to believe her at the time. Mugford, originally from Cornwall, was convicted for this historic offense.

Prior conviction in 2012 for 5 years imprisonment after admitting five charges of indecent assault and a sixth charge of indecency with a child.

1 Jan 2022

December 2021 2 cases

Paul Marsh

Manslaughter *

Sentence

11 years imprisonment

Paul Marsh, while caring for three-year-old Jessica Dalgleish, inflicted catastrophic head injuries on her at her home in Sandgate, near Folkestone, on 21 December 2019, after becoming frustrated that she had not finished her lunch. Bruising on her face and head indicated previous assaults. He called emergency services at 3.10pm claiming she had fallen, but medical experts determined the injuries were likely caused by an impact, such as being thrown against the headboard or side of her bed. Jessica was flown to a hospital in London but died on 24 December 2019.

Convicted of manslaughter and child cruelty following a trial. Had previous unreported assaults on the victim. Police highlighted his reluctance to seek medical attention and attempts to evade justice by lying about the incident.

20 Dec 2021

David Fuller

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment

David Fuller, a 67-year-old hospital electrician, murdered Wendy Knell, 25, and Caroline Pierce, 20, in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, in 1987, by beating and strangling them before sexually assaulting their bodies. He was arrested in 2020 following a DNA breakthrough. Additionally, between 2008 and November 2020, he sexually abused the bodies of at least 102 women and girls aged nine to 100 in hospital mortuaries, recording the acts on video. These abuses occurred at the Kent and Sussex Hospital and Tunbridge Wells Hospital, where he worked in electrical maintenance since 1989.

Pled guilty to two murders and 51 other offences, including sexual abuse of corpses and taking indecent images of children. Previously admitted manslaughter by diminished responsibility but changed plea. Victim impact statements were read in court.

15 Dec 2021

November 2021 1 case

Anthony Collins

Bomb Hoax *

Sentence

27 months imprisonment

Anthony Collins sent a suspicious package to the Wockhardt vaccine factory in Wrexham on January 27, 2021, which contained non-explosive items including a calculator, a garden glove, batteries, a biohazard bar, a service wipe, and papers, but was intended to induce belief it was explosive, causing a bomb scare that halted production of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine and required evacuation of 120 people and intervention by the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit. He also sent similar packages to 10 Downing Street, a laboratory in Wuhan, China, an AstraZeneca site, a US Air Force base in Gloucestershire, and what appeared to be North Korea's leader, amid his obsessive interest in Covid-19.

Found guilty after trial; has a diagnosed personality disorder and a long-standing obsession with sending packages; judge described his actions as deliberately sending a bomb hoax, calling his explanations childish and perverse.

24 Nov 2021

June 2021 5 cases

Christian Algar

Conspiring to cause serious harm *

Sentence

4 years and six months imprisonment

Christian Algar, 37, of the Avenue, Hersden, was beaten severely by brothers Luke and Ivan Campbell in April 2019 at his home in Hersden near Canterbury after a dispute over a woman, resulting in life-changing injuries including removal of his spleen and an induced coma. From his hospital bed at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, he plotted revenge by conspiring to cause serious harm to the brothers using a gun, tracking them to a Canterbury gym and making threats before collapsing. He facilitated contact between Ling and Jameson for the firearm.

Admitted conspiring to cause serious harm to the Campbell brothers, directing friends from his hospital bed. Suffered life-changing injuries including loss of spleen in April 2019 attack, requiring lifelong antibiotics. Acted as middle man to arrange firearm supply.

22 Jun 2021

Charlie Anderson

Conspiring to cause serious harm *

Sentence

5 years and four months imprisonment

Charlie Anderson, 26, of East Street, Canterbury, conspired with Christian Algar and Robin Ling to attack brothers Luke and Ivan Campbell with a firearm as revenge for their assault on Algar in April 2019. While Algar was in hospital, the plot was organized. Anderson was arrested with Ling after a loaded semi-automatic pistol was thrown from their Fiat Doblo near Upstreet during police surveillance.

Admitted conspiring to cause serious harm to the Campbell brothers. Denied planning to shoot them, claiming the weapon was to scare them.

22 Jun 2021

Eli Smith

Converting blank firing guns into lethal weapons *

Sentence

10 years and eight months imprisonment

Eli Smith, 26, of Valley Road, Canterbury, operated as a black market weapons dealer, converting blank-firing guns into lethal firearms. He purchased a weapon in July 2017 from a boot fair in Ashford for £30-£40. One converted gun was linked to the unsolved murder of Folkestone pub landlord Joseph Daniels, who was found shot dead near the Red Cow Public House in 2019. Smith was not part of the revenge plot against the Campbell brothers but was sentenced in the same proceedings following a police investigation into the murder.

Admitted converting blank firing guns into lethal weapons, one of which was used in the killing of landlord Joseph Daniels. Bought blank-firing guns from boot fairs and sold them on; interest in adapting weapons snowballed due to naivety and stupidity. Forensically linked to guns in unsolved murder but not charged.

22 Jun 2021

Robin Ling

Conspiring to cause serious harm and possessing firearm with intent to cause fear of violence *

Sentence

10 years and four months imprisonment

Robin Ling, 27, of Beach Road, Westgate on Sea, conspired with others to cause serious harm to brothers Luke and Ivan Campbell using a firearm as revenge for their attack on Christian Algar in April 2019. While Algar was hospitalized, Ling sought firearms, messaging about 'getting boys together to go crack em' and 'going Rambo'. He was arrested after a loaded semi-automatic pistol was thrown from a car near Upstreet. Ling was also involved in supplying drugs and possessing illegal ammunition.

Admitted possessing weapons including a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, illegally having ammunition and drug supplying. Forensically linked to guns in unsolved murder but not charged.

22 Jun 2021

Samuel Jameson

Transferring handgun and possessing cocaine with intent to supply *

Sentence

7 years and four months imprisonment

Samuel Jameson, 26, of St Albans Road, Hersden, supplied a handgun to Robin Ling and Charlie Anderson as part of the conspiracy organized by Christian Algar from his hospital bed to revenge attack the Campbell brothers for assaulting Algar in April 2019. Jameson also possessed two tasers and cocaine with intent to supply. The plot involved using the firearm to cause serious harm or instill fear.

Pleaded guilty to transferring the handgun, possessing two tasers and cocaine with intent to supply.

22 Jun 2021

January 2019 1 case

Trevor Brazier

Murder *

Sentence

Not stated

Trevor Brazier strangled his homeless friend Kevin Trigdell to death at his home in Northdown Avenue, Cliftonville, in the early hours of June 2, 2018, following a binge of strong alcohol. Brazier had invited Trigdell to his flat but later ordered him to leave and called emergency services three times to remove him. Police and paramedics found Trigdell sleeping and no threat, advising Brazier to let him sleep it off. Later, Trigdell was found unconscious on a bed due to strangulation injuries and died the following day in hospital. Brazier was recorded telling police it was his first time killing someone. Three weeks prior, he had made murderous threats against Trigdell, recorded by a passerby.

Convicted of murder despite claiming self-defence. Made murderous threats against the victim three weeks prior to the killing.

1 Jan 2019

September 2018 1 case

Sukhvender Singh Deo

Supplying Class A drugs *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment suspended for 2 years with 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement

Sukhvender Singh Deo, a 48-year-old paranoid schizophrenic from Leicester Road, Chatham, known as 'Billy the Quid' for aggressively begging on Chatham High Street, was caught supplying Class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin wraps) to undercover police officers at various locations in Medway in July 2017. He was arrested on March 22, 2018, and claimed he thought he was doing a favour for drug users rather than part of a larger operation.

Judge Adele Williams gave him a chance to put his life in order. Includes seeking assistance from Turning Point for drugs and mental health. Regular reviews to be held. Pleaded guilty to four offences of supplying drugs. Has 33 previous court appearances for 71 offences, including 120 days jail in September 2015 for breaching ASBO on begging.

1 Sep 2018

June 2018 6 cases

Shezakia Daley

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 16 years

Shezakia Daley was part of the five-member gang that murdered Kyle Yule on October 6, 2017, in Gillingham. The attack stemmed from gang rivalries and a stolen bike, with the hooded and masked group ambushing Kyle in a car, smashing windows, and then chasing and stabbing him multiple times in a front garden. Daley used a knife in the joint assault, contributing to the savage beating that severed an artery. He also admitted to threatening two men with a machete outside the Fleur de Lis pub the day before.

Known as S or Shez. Admitted making threats with a machete in a separate pub incident on October 1, 2017. Gave evidence at trial blaming others. No remorse shown.

14 Jun 2018

Tyler Ralph

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 16 years

Tyler Ralph joined the gang in the fatal attack on Kyle Yule on October 6, 2017, in East Street, Gillingham. The group, armed with knives and wearing masks, targeted Kyle in a revenge attack over a stolen bike. They smashed car windows, chased him to a front garden, and assaulted him with punches, kicks, stamps, and stabs. Ralph was fascinated with knives and thought carrying them was glamorous. He participated in the cold, calculated killing without showing mercy.

Had prior conviction for slashing a man with a knife at a McDonald's in Penge six months earlier. Videos from his phone showed him brandishing knives and machetes. No remorse shown.

14 Jun 2018

Victor Maibvisira

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 24 years

Victor Maibvisira, known as Vee, led a gang attack on October 6, 2017, in East Street, Gillingham, as revenge for a stolen bike and prior confrontations between C4 and G10 gangs. The group smashed the windscreen of a Renault Clio where Kyle Yule was sitting, then chased and attacked him in a narrow front garden. Maibvisira stabbed Kyle four times, including a fatal wound severing an artery in the right armpit. Kyle begged him to stop, shouting 'Stop, that’s enough Vee, I get the point. I am sorry.' Maibvisira's DNA was on the knife sheath found at the scene, and a witness saw him stab Kyle. He had previously threatened to kill Kyle and brandished a Ninja-type sword.

Gang leader who inflicted the fatal stab wound. Studied pharmaceutical science. Father a psychiatric nurse, mother a carer. No remorse shown.

14 Jun 2018

Jordan Dania

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 16 years

Jordan Dania participated in the gang murder of Kyle Yule on October 6, 2017, in East Street, Gillingham. As part of the G10 group, he joined the revenge attack triggered by a bike theft and prior violent clashes. The teenagers, armed with knives, smashed the victim's car and pursued him to a narrow garden where they punched, kicked, stamped, and stabbed him four times, ignoring his pleas for mercy. The assault was silent, ruthless, and calculated.

No additional details on background or plea beyond denial and conviction. No remorse shown.

14 Jun 2018

Ephrain Akinwunmi-Streets

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 16 years

Ephrain Akinwunmi-Streets participated in the group attack on Kyle Yule on October 6, 2017, in Gillingham, involving stabbing, punching, kicking, and stamping. The attack was a revenge assault by the G10 gang following a bike theft and prior clashes. He was part of the silent, calculated mob that trapped and killed the defenceless victim without mercy. Additionally convicted of an affray on October 1, 2017.

Known as Velz. Also convicted of affray six days before the murder. Wore masks to scare people. No remorse shown.

14 Jun 2018

John Aldridge

Rape *

Sentence

11 years imprisonment

In the late 1970s, John Aldridge, then a maths teacher at Bedgebury Park girls’ boarding school near Cranbrook, Kent, raped a teenage pupil during a visit to his flat. He groomed her by leading her to believe they were in a relationship, making her feel safe and in his thrall. She returned regularly despite the abuse, where he undressed her, touched her, and forced himself on her, taking her virginity. Rumours led to confrontation by the headteacher; Aldridge initially claimed tutoring but confessed to sex and was sacked. The victim reported him years later after seeing his name on a list of convicted paedophiles, following her parents' death. The school closed in 2006.

Convicted by a jury after denying the charge. Judge David Griffith-Jones QC noted the abuse had significantly affected the victim's life. Previous convictions for indecent assaults and breaches of sex offender orders taken into account. Last jailed for 18 months in May 2014 for breaching a sexual offences prevention order.

8 Jun 2018

January 2018 3 cases

Charlie White

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 16 years

On the evening of May 6, 2017, Charlie White, Alex Macdonald, and Jimmy Buckley went out intending to steal a lawnmower. They came across Razvan Sirbu sleeping rough in a tent in the Loose Valley Conservation Area in Tovil, Maidstone. White and Macdonald carried out a joint attack on the 21-year-old homeless Romanian man using a meat cleaver and a heavy piece of wood, inflicting blunt force trauma to his head and body. His body was discovered the next morning, May 7, 2017, by a dog walker. The attack resulted in multiple skull fractures, facial bone fractures, broken ribs, and other injuries, leading to his death approximately 30 minutes after the assault.

Convicted of murder. Attacked the victim with a meat cleaver. Judge described the attack as vicious and senseless.

16 Jan 2018

Alex Macdonald

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 18 years

On the evening of May 6, 2017, Alex Macdonald, Charlie White, and Jimmy Buckley went out intending to steal a lawnmower. They came across Razvan Sirbu sleeping rough in a tent in the Loose Valley Conservation Area in Tovil, Maidstone. Macdonald and White carried out a joint attack on the 21-year-old homeless Romanian man using a heavy piece of wood and a meat cleaver, inflicting blunt force trauma to his head and body. His body was discovered the next morning, May 7, 2017, by a dog walker. The attack resulted in multiple skull fractures, facial bone fractures, broken ribs, and other injuries, leading to his death approximately 30 minutes after the assault.

Convicted of murder. Attacked the victim with a heavy piece of wood. Became aggressive and attacked dock officers during sentencing; one officer was knocked to the ground but not seriously hurt. Judge described the attack as vicious and senseless.

16 Jan 2018

Tony Smith

Child cruelty *

Sentence

10 years imprisonment

Tony Smith and Jody Simpson physically abused their 41-day-old son, Tony Hudgell, causing such severe injuries that he required leg amputations. The abuse occurred prior to 2018, leading to their conviction for child cruelty.

Sentenced with Jody Simpson for the abuse of their infant son, Tony Hudgell. Released after serving eight years.

1 Jan 2018

October 2017 2 cases

Lee Grace

Fraud *

Sentence

20 months imprisonment

Lee Grace, 42, stole at least £45,000 from at least 44 tenants and landlords over a 15-month period while employed by Kings Hill Properties in Kings Hill near West Malling in Kent to collect rents and deposits. Instead of depositing the money, he spent it on online gambling and betting shops. In one case, a tenant paid £13,438 with no evidence of deposit. He hid the fraud by juggling payments but was uncovered in February 2016 when a landlord raised concerns about not receiving funds.

Pleaded guilty to fraud and transferring criminal property under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Stole to fund gambling habit. Employed by Kings Hill Properties.

8 Oct 2017

John Dickson

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 18 years

John Dickson, 27, assaulted 20-year-old Carl Gregory in a shopping centre car park in Broadstairs, Kent, on October 2016, following a dispute over a Facebook post insulting Dickson's ex-girlfriend Chloe Lemare. The attack was organised by Christopher Pollard after receiving threatening messages. Dickson restrained Gregory in a chokehold and repeatedly kicked his head, leading to Gregory's death from asphyxiation. Gregory, who had Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD, was discovered by workers and pronounced dead at the scene.

Found guilty of murder. Previous conviction for causing grievous bodily harm with intent in 2010 taken into account. Lack of remorse noted by prosecutor.

1 Oct 2017

January 2017 2 cases

Michael Bowditch

Manslaughter *

Sentence

5.5 years imprisonment

Michael Bowditch was with 17-year-old Becky Morgan when she fell into the sea at the Port of Ramsgate, Kent, on May 1, 2016. Despite being present, he failed to assist her, call for help, or contact emergency services, leaving her to drown. He later reported the incident to the police several hours afterwards, and his actions were deemed grossly negligent.

Admitted manslaughter by gross negligence. Judge Jeremy Carey described his inaction as repugnant and noted his severe intoxication from alcohol, cocaine, and cannabinoids as a contributing factor.

26 Jan 2017

Harvey Spencer Stephens

Actual Bodily Harm *

Sentence

12 months imprisonment suspended for two years for ABH, and 2 months imprisonment suspended for two years for criminal damage

On August 21, 2016, Harvey Spencer Stephens confronted two cyclists, Mark Richardson and Alex Manley, on Toys Hill near Westerham, Kent, after a road rage incident. He honked his horn aggressively, overtook them, and punched Mr Richardson, knocking him unconscious. He then punched Mr Manley multiple times, causing dental injuries and damaging his helmet. The attack was described as disproportionate and left victims with physical injuries including swelling, a broken tooth root, and ongoing effects.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of ABH and one count of criminal damage. No previous convictions; described as being in a complete rage during the incident. Judge Martin Joy noted it was a serious case of road rage with ongoing effects on victims.

13 Jan 2017

December 2016 3 cases

Reginald Esqulant

Blackmail *

Sentence

3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Reginald Esqulant, 74, entered a Santander bank branch on High Street in Sevenoaks with a package containing a fake bomb made from a paving slab. He left instructions demanding cash and threatening to detonate the device if his demands were not met, which included not informing the police and keeping customers in place. This sparked a major police operation, including a lockdown of the town centre and a controlled explosion by bomb disposal experts. Esqulant was arrested at his home in West Kingsdown the following day after evidence, such as a VW Golf he used, plastic gloves, matching handwriting, and a broken paving slab, linked him to the crime. The incident caused anxiety and loss of trade for local businesses.

Pleaded not guilty to blackmail but admitted to causing a bomb hoax. Jurors found him guilty of blackmail, taking a motor vehicle without consent, and driving while disqualified. Detective Sergeant Jon Faulkner noted that Esqulant's actions caused significant fear and disruption to the community.

16 Dec 2016

Richard Donovan

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 30 years

Richard Donovan, while drunk, followed 59-year-old homeless man Philip Fox to his tent on wasteland in Canterbury, gave him a beer, talked to him, and then shot him dead with a sawn-off shotgun on or around August 4, 2015, after becoming paranoid. He fled the scene, threatened a woman who he told about the crime, and later sold the gun. The victim's remains were undiscovered for 10 months.

Convicted of murder while under the influence of alcohol; described as a dangerous individual who shot an unarmed homeless man.

8 Dec 2016

Tony Hindmarsh

Possessing prohibited ammunition *

Sentence

1 year imprisonment

Tony Hindmarsh, aged 36, of Romney Sands Holiday Park, The Parade, Greatstone, supplied a sawn-off shotgun to Richard Donovan, who used it to commit murder. Hindmarsh admitted possessing three rounds of expanding prohibited ammunition at his home, which he had kept despite surrendering his firearms licence three years earlier and selling his guns. The judge found he had not forgotten about the ammunition and had considerable expertise in firearms.

Admitted possessing prohibited ammunition but denied selling or transferring the shotgun to Donovan and was acquitted on that charge. Judge Adele Williams noted his extensive knowledge of firearms, previous convictions and cautions as aggravating factors, and rejected mitigation that he had done nothing with the ammunition.

7 Dec 2016

November 2016 3 cases

Sheneqwa Delpratt

Kidnap *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

Sheneqwa Delpratt drove the car used in the kidnapping of a woman in Chatham, Kent, on the night of the incident. She transported the victim over 30 miles to south London, where the woman was beaten with a metal bat, knuckleduster, and dog chain. Delpratt was involved throughout, including after the victim was assaulted and dumped near Nunhead railway station, leaving her for dead.

Assisted in the kidnap by acting as the driver during the attack.

18 Nov 2016

Kaswayne Williams

Kidnap *

Sentence

16 years imprisonment, with four years on licence

Kaswayne Williams, along with accomplices, kidnapped a woman in Chatham, Kent, on the night of the incident. They forced her into a car, bound her hands with duct tape, stuffed a sock in her mouth, and drove her over 30 miles to south London. There, he dragged her out by her hair, beat her with a metal baseball bat, punched her with a knuckleduster, and threatened her with an imitation firearm. He demanded £2,000, threatening her family's lives, before dumping her near Nunhead railway station, leaving her for dead. The victim sustained serious injuries and was found by a passer-by.

Convicted of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. Also guilty of blackmail, robbery, and possessing offensive weapons.

18 Nov 2016

George Emmett

Kidnap *

Sentence

8 years imprisonment

George Emmett arranged to meet the victim in Chatham, Kent, on the night of the incident to discuss money owed to her. Instead, he assisted in forcing her into a car with accomplices. During the journey, he punched her in the face and beat her with her dog's lead before fleeing. The group demanded £2,000 from her, threatening her family's lives, and left her severely injured near Nunhead railway station after the attack.

Found guilty of assault, blackmail, robbery, and possessing offensive weapons.

18 Nov 2016

July 2016 1 case

Daniel Kelly

Conspiracy to project an article into prison *

Sentence

14 months imprisonment

Daniel Kelly used a drone to smuggle contraband, including the psychoactive drug Spice and other items, into HMP Elmley, HMP Swaleside in Kent, and HMP The Mount in Hertfordshire during April. He was caught after a police patrol observed suspicious activity involving a car near HMP Swaleside on April 25, where a man was seen running and entering the vehicle. The car was later traced to a holiday park, leading to Kelly's arrest. The drone, which had been spray-painted black and had its lights taped over, was found in the car's boot. Analysis showed it had conducted four flights to the prisons over five days.

Admitted conspiracy to project an article into prison. Police officers highlighted the seriousness of the offence, noting its impact on prison safety and the potential for further crimes within prisons.

20 Jul 2016

March 2016 1 case

Paul Godden

Robbery *

Sentence

16 years and four months imprisonment

Paul Godden, 35, attempted to rob a Martin McColl shop in Luton High Street, Chatham, on August 11 by wearing a Batman mask, placing a knife and a bag on the counter, and demanding cash and cigarettes, but was refused and fled empty-handed. Later that day, he robbed a Co-Op in Wayfield Road, Chatham, of £2,540 cash and 60 packets of cigarettes while hiding his face with a scarf. He was arrested three days later in Gillingham.

Pleaded guilty to robbery and attempted robbery during the trial. Detective Constable James Chichester praised the victims for their bravery.

16 Mar 2016

July 2014 2 cases

Linas Zidonis

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 20 years

Linas Zidonis, along with Aleksandras Zuravliovas and Saulius Tamoliunas, forced their way into the bedsit of Joele Leotta and Alex Galbiati above Vesuvius restaurant in Lower Stone Street, Maidstone, on the evening of October 20, 2013, mistakenly believing the victims had complained about noise. Fuelled by alcohol, the trio conducted a savage two-part attack using fists, feet, wood, a broom handle, and metal bars, inflicting 100 injuries on Mr Leotta, who died from his wounds, and seriously injuring Mr Galbiati. The attack was unprovoked and showed no mercy, destroying the bedroom and adjacent bathroom.

Concurrent 12 years for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Of previous good character. No remorse shown. 258 days on remand counted towards sentence.

8 Jul 2014

Aleksandras Zuravliovas

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 21 years

Aleksandras Zuravliovas, along with Saulius Tamoliunas and Linas Zidonis, forced their way into the bedsit of Joele Leotta and Alex Galbiati above Vesuvius restaurant in Lower Stone Street, Maidstone, on the evening of October 20, 2013, mistakenly believing the victims had complained about noise. Fuelled by alcohol, the trio conducted a savage two-part attack using fists, feet, wood, a broom handle, and metal bars, inflicting 100 injuries on Mr Leotta, who died from his wounds, and seriously injuring Mr Galbiati. The attack was unprovoked and showed no mercy, destroying the bedroom and adjacent bathroom.

Concurrent 12 years for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. No remorse shown. Prior convictions in Lithuania and a caution in the UK for assault while drunk. 258 days on remand counted towards sentence.

8 Jul 2014

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Crown Court

Barker Road, Maidstone, Maidstone, ME16 8EQ, United Kingdom

+441622202000

www.find-court-tribunal.service.gov.uk

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About Maidstone Crown Court

Maidstone Crown Court, located in Maidstone, is a Crown Court that handles serious criminal cases including murder, rape, robbery, and other indictable offences. With 327 sentencing records in our database, it is one of the Crown Courts serving the Maidstone area. Crown Courts sit with a judge and jury, and have the power to impose the full range of sentences available under UK law.

The court can be found at Barker Road, Maidstone, ME16 8EQ.

For enquiries about cases heard at this court, you can contact the court by telephone on +441622202000 or visit the official court website for further information.

All sentencing information published on this page has been sourced from publicly-available records and verified by our editorial team. If you believe any information is inaccurate or should be removed, you can submit a removal request directly from the relevant listing above.

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Maidstone Crown Court Sentencing Results

Ayoub Omer

Aiman Aziz

Kye Hughes

Jorge Garay

Holly Willoughby

Batare Evwierhoma

Lance Colston

Reece Cano

Paul Gregory

Paul Clark

Pc Amanda Aston

Wayne Sherlock

Aurel Birlan

Connor Mcmaster

Syrus Ramsey

George Knights

Patrick Mugford

Paul Marsh

David Fuller

Anthony Collins

Christian Algar

Charlie Anderson

Eli Smith

Robin Ling

Samuel Jameson

Trevor Brazier

Sukhvender Singh Deo

Shezakia Daley

Tyler Ralph

Victor Maibvisira

Jordan Dania

Ephrain Akinwunmi-Streets

John Aldridge

Charlie White

Alex Macdonald

Tony Smith

Lee Grace

John Dickson

Michael Bowditch

Harvey Spencer Stephens

Reginald Esqulant

Richard Donovan

Tony Hindmarsh

Sheneqwa Delpratt

Kaswayne Williams

George Emmett

Daniel Kelly

Paul Godden

Linas Zidonis

Aleksandras Zuravliovas

About Maidstone Crown Court

Nearby Courts

Maidstone Magistrates Court

Medway (Chatham) Magistrates Court

Sevenoaks Magistrates Court

Bexley Magistrates Court

Southend Magistrates Court

Basildon Magistrates Court

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