Reading Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 54 verdicts at Reading Crown Court (Reading). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Callum Borthwick

Supply of Class A Drugs

June 26, 2025

Sentence: three years and eight months in prison

On March 10, 2025, Callum Borthwick was detained as a passenger on a moped with false plates on Basingstoke Road. Police found 82 wraps of crack cocaine and 39 wraps of heroin worth more than £500, a Nokia mobile phone containing bulk text messages advertising the sale of crack cocaine and heroin, and £1,000 in cash. A search of an address linked to him also uncovered an extendable baton.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug, two counts of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug, one count of possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, and one count of acquiring criminal property.

Sources: readingchronicle.co.uk

Abdi Ali

Fraud by false representation

March 21, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Abdi Ali, 26, defrauded an elderly Berkshire couple out of £4,000 by pretending to be from the Home Office; the incident involved a phone call to a woman in her eighties on September 11, 2023.

Khalid Karim

Burglary

March 18, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Khalid Karim, 40, carried out several burglaries over a ten-day period, including crashing a stolen car into another vehicle and being found on a victim's sofa; the crimes involved writing off two vehicles.

Banned from driving for five years; convicted for burglary and related crimes including crashing a stolen car.

Sources: readingchronicle.co.uk

Oltian Kica

Possession of cocaine

March 10, 2025

Sentence: 1 year and 6 months imprisonment

Oltian Kica was pulled over on Eton Road, Datchet, on January 26, 2025, where police discovered cocaine in the vehicle he was driving.

Dwayne Toussaint

Grievous bodily harm

March 7, 2025

Sentence: 6 years and 8 months imprisonment

Dwayne Toussaint, 19, of Ewing Way, Newbury, was involved in an attack on a young man using a baseball bat, leading to grievous bodily harm, alongside Jake Blandford and Jake Bozarth.

Jake Blandford

Grievous bodily harm

March 7, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Jake Blandford, 20, of Westbrook Road, Croydon, was involved in an attack on a young man using a baseball bat, resulting in grievous bodily harm, alongside Jake Bozarth and Dwayne Toussaint.

Jake Bozarth

Grievous bodily harm

March 7, 2025

Sentence: 6 years and 4 months imprisonment

Jake Bozarth, 19, of Clarks Row, Oxford, participated in an attack on a young man with a baseball bat, causing grievous bodily harm, alongside Jake Blandford and Dwayne Toussaint.

Lee Brooks

Conspiracy to supply class A drugs

March 1, 2025

Sentence: 15 years and 6 months imprisonment

Lee Brooks, 56, of Mendip Close, Slough, conspired to supply class A drugs (cocaine and heroin), class B drugs (cannabis), conveyed drugs into prison, and attempted to pervert the course of justice by helping his son after a stabbing incident.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply controlled drugs and perverting the course of justice, including trying to help his son evade justice for stabbing.

Sources: readingchronicle.co.uk

Callum Brown

Supplying class A drugs

February 28, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 4 months imprisonment

Callum Brown, 23, of Maida’s Way, Aldermaston, was sentenced for supplying class A drugs and possession of criminal property in Newbury, with the criminal property valued at over £40,000.

Pleaded guilty to supplying class A drugs and possession of criminal property, amounting to over £40,000.

Sources: readingchronicle.co.uk

Adam Jones

Misconduct in public office

December 16, 2024

Sentence: 2 years and 6 months imprisonment

Adam Jones, a former police officer aged 40 and based at Milton Keynes police station, contacted three different women between January 2013 and August 2021 without any policing purpose, seeking to pursue sexual or improper emotional relationships. He was found guilty after a six-day trial and sentenced for his actions.

Found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict on one count and a majority verdict on three further counts of misconduct in public office. He resigned from Thames Valley Police on September 14, 2022. Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs commented on the unacceptable behaviour and the force's commitment to integrity.

Sources: miltonkeynes.co.uk

Mark Weedon

Multiple child sex offences

November 25, 2024

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Between January and February 2024, Mark Weedon used online chat platforms to communicate with a 13-year-old boy, disguising his identity with usernames such as 'Jez_Light' and 'JLightUK'. He arranged to meet the boy in Windsor on February 1, 2024, but was arrested by police. A search of his car revealed condoms, lubricants, syringes, and heavy-duty tape, while a nearby hotel room he booked contained adult toys, lubricant, and rope. Examination of his devices uncovered a large number of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of making an indecent photograph/pseudo photograph of a child and one count each of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, arranging/facilitating the commission of sexual activity with a child – penetration, and possessing an extreme pornographic image of an animal. Detective Constable Petar Stoyanov commented that Weedon is a nasty individual who planned to commit sexual offences against a child and has been brought to justice.

Sources: miltonkeynes.co.uk

Matthew Wootten

Dangerous Driving

October 30, 2024

Sentence: 32 months imprisonment and 40 months driving disqualification

Matthew Wootten intentionally drove a car at speed into the gates of Chequers, the Prime Minister's country residence, on June 25, 2024, while under the influence of alcohol. He was almost three times over the drink drive limit, causing serious injury to himself and more than £38,000 worth of damage to the 80-year-old gates. Several cans of alcohol were found in the vehicle, and he was apprehended by armed police.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, damaging property being reckless as to whether life is endangered, and driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level above limit. He was almost three times the drink drive limit with 221 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Michael Fenwick

Robbery

October 24, 2024

Sentence: 2 years and 9 months imprisonment

Michael Fenwick approached a 74-year-old woman in the car park of Tesco in Brunel Way, Slough, on June 28, 2024. He dragged her to the ground, stole her handbag, and later used her bank cards twice before being arrested.

Admitted to robbery and fraud offences. Investigating officer, detective sergeant Joshua Webb, stated that the crime was committed in broad daylight against a 74-year-old woman and that such offences are taken seriously.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Stephen Cox

Indecent Assault

October 7, 2024

Sentence: 22 years imprisonment

Stephen Cox, a 65-year-old GP from Stockton Mill in Welshpool, Shropshire, indecently assaulted seven female patients between 1988 and 1997 at his surgery in Bracknell, Berkshire. He conducted routine medical examinations as a pretext to touch their breasts, press his body against them, and perform unnecessary internal examinations without gloves or medical justification. He targeted vulnerable women, including those who were pregnant or had experienced abusive relationships, exploiting his role as a trusted doctor. The offences were not reported at the time and were uncovered through a police investigation involving handwritten GP notes.

Found guilty of 12 counts of indecent assault after a retrial. Judge Sarah Campbell described him as the worst kind of sexual predator who abused his position as a trusted GP to satisfy his sexual desires. He denied the allegations, claiming misunderstandings or falsehoods.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Christopher Hamilton

Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs

July 24, 2024

Sentence: 2 years and 8 months imprisonment

Christopher Hamilton, 54, of Teesdale Road, Slough, was stopped by police on April 13 after being seen riding an illegally modified e-bike at speed near the entrance to Oaken Grove Park in Maidenhead. Officers discovered a significant quantity of Class A drugs on him during a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. He was arrested on the same day, charged the next day, and pleaded guilty at court on May 13. The incident involved drug supply offences, and he was sentenced on July 24.

Pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled Class B drug (Cannabis) and two counts of possession with intent to supply a controlled Class A drug (Cocaine and Heroin). Ordered to forfeit the e-bike, cash, and drugs paraphernalia.

Sources: sloughobserver.co.uk

Tombewani Tombe

Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent

July 10, 2024

Sentence: 13 years extended sentence, with 8 years in custody and 5 years on licence

On April 8, 2023, Tombewani Tombe argued with a victim at the Red Cow pub in Caversham, then waited for him to leave and attacked him by punching him twice in the face, causing him to fall and lose consciousness, before kicking him on the ground. Members of the public intervened, and Tombe fled. On October 23, 2024, Tombe was involved in an altercation on Nire Road in Caversham, where he attacked another victim with a Stanley knife, inflicting serious injuries to the victim's face and back.

Pleaded guilty to section 20 grievous bodily harm and found guilty of section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent. Deemed a dangerous offender, with conditions to stay away from the area of the offences upon release.

Sources: readingchronicle.co.uk

William Stokes Junior

Conspiracy to steal

July 3, 2024

Sentence: a year and eight months in prison, suspended for two years, and 240 hours of unpaid work

William Stokes Junior assisted in transporting and selling stolen items, including towing a horsebox on the A34. This was part of a series of thefts in areas including Radnage, Westbury, and Terweston, with items stolen between September 3, 2021, and November 25, 2021.

Pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to steal and five counts of possessing criminal property.

Sources: bucksfreepress.co.uk

William Stokes Senior

Conspiracy to steal

July 3, 2024

Sentence: three-and-a-half years in prison

William Stokes Senior received stolen horseboxes at his home in Wokingham, where they were prepped for sale and advertised online, leading to their recovery by police. This was part of a series of thefts in areas including Radnage, Westbury, and Terweston, with items stolen between September 3, 2021, and November 25, 2021.

Found guilty by a jury of one count of conspiracy to steal and four counts of possessing criminal property following a two-week trial.

Sources: bucksfreepress.co.uk

Ameet Saroay

Conspiracy to steal

July 3, 2024

Sentence: a one-year community order and 100 hours of unpaid work

Ameet Saroay helped transport stolen horseboxes to the Stokes’ home address in Wokingham. This was part of a series of thefts in areas including Radnage, Westbury, and Terweston, with items stolen between September 3, 2021, and November 25, 2021.

James Maughan

Conspiracy to steal

July 3, 2024

Sentence: two years and two months in prison

James Maughan stole several horseboxes from rural locations in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, as well as one in Warwickshire, between September 3, 2021, and November 25, 2021. He transported them to the Stokes’ home address in Wokingham with the help of Saroay and Nafa on different occasions, after which they were prepped for sale and advertised online, leading to their identification by the owners.

David Cameron

Rape

May 28, 2024

Sentence: 20 years imprisonment and 6 years on licence

David Cameron subjected his victim to a pattern of abuse spanning eight years, which included multiple instances of rape, physical violence such as actual bodily harm, strangulation, and suffocation, sexual assault by penetration, criminal damage, threats to kill, coercive control, perverting the course of justice, and witness intimidation. The abuse was reported leading to his arrest on December 2, 2023, and he was found guilty following a trial.

Found guilty after a trial of four counts of rape, one count of perverting the course of justice, one count of witness intimidation, one count of actual bodily harm, one count of sexual assault by penetration, one count of criminal damage, one count of strangulation, one count of suffocation, one count of threats to kill, and one count of coercive control. Cleared of three counts of rape, one count of intentional strangulation, one count of battery, and three counts of actual bodily harm. Investigating officer highlighted the violent nature of the acts and encouraged victims to come forward.

Sources: readingchronicle.co.uk

Khayre Abdulkadir Abdala

Fraud by False Representation

May 16, 2024

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, 300 hours of unpaid work, 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days, and a 3-month curfew from 8pm to 6am

Khayre Abdulkadir Abdala, a 45-year-old business director of Akhayson Air Services Ltd from Bath Road, Slough, fraudulently applied for eight Covid-19 business support grants from Slough Council between August 2020 and January 2022. He submitted false applications, including a fake tenancy agreement and invoices, resulting in the council losing £11,334 from the first two successful claims. Further applications were refused, but they could have caused an additional loss of £13,096. He was convicted after a trial of fraud by false representation and possessing articles for use in fraud.

Judge Campbell noted the offending demonstrated significant planning over a sustained period during the Covid-19 pandemic. Ordered to pay £1,200 in compensation at £100 per month due to limited financial means.

Sources: sloughobserver.co.uk

Robert Francis

Rape

May 6, 2024

Sentence: 16 years in prison

In 2023, Robert Francis befriended a vulnerable woman, plied her with alcohol, and raped her on two occasions overnight on June 9. He was arrested but released on bail. On June 6, 2024, he befriended another vulnerable woman and raped her while she slept. The woman escaped, leading to his arrest that day.

Found guilty after a ten-day trial of three counts of rape. Made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, must sign the sex offenders register for life, and an extended licence period of five years.

Sources: sloughobserver.co.uk

Sabir Alawi

Supply of crack cocaine and heroin

April 24, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment, suspended for 1 year and 6 months

Sabir Alawi, 19, of Joyce Avenue, Enfield, was involved in a county drugs line operating from London to Wycombe, supplying crack cocaine and heroin in June 2023. He was part of the gang and was arrested on July 12, 2023, as part of a joint investigation.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. He was 17 at the time of the offending.

Sources: bucksfreepress.co.uk

Mukhtar Muridi

Supply of crack cocaine and heroin

April 24, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment, suspended for 1 year and 6 months

Mukhtar Muridi, 19, of Cocker Road, Enfield, participated in a county drugs line that supplied crack cocaine and heroin from London to Wycombe in June 2023. He was arrested on July 12, 2023, following a joint investigation by police.

Found guilty by unanimous verdict of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. He was 17 at the time of the offending.

Sources: bucksfreepress.co.uk

Jermaine Tyrer

Child sex offences

April 17, 2024

Sentence: six years imprisonment

Jermaine Tyrer committed two counts of child sex offences between 1998 and 2000, including unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 years and inciting a girl under fourteen years to commit an act of gross indecency. He was found guilty following a trial, and the victim demonstrated immense courage by reporting the crimes. Thames Valley Police highlighted the importance of holding perpetrators accountable regardless of the time elapsed.

Found guilty after a two-week trial ending on February 24. Acquitted of one count of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 years. Currently serving a custodial sentence for separate offences after breaching licence conditions.

Sources: readingchronicle.co.uk

Jason Perry

Attempted Burglary

April 4, 2024

Sentence: 1 year imprisonment

Jason Perry, aged 35 and of no fixed address, attempted to open the car doors of three vehicles on Chauntry Road and Oldfield Road in Maidenhead on December 29, 2023. He succeeded in entering one vehicle, then climbed a gate to a residential property and attempted to access the building through the back door. He was arrested on January 15, 2024, following a police investigation into multiple theft-related offences.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of vehicle interference, attempted burglary, theft from a motor vehicle, and attempted theft from a motor vehicle. Investigating officer PC Lily Ellis commented on the successful investigation and the importance of reporting offences.

Sources: sloughobserver.co.uk

Sean Ashrafie

Possession with Intent to Supply Class A Drugs

March 17, 2024

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Sean Ashrafie was involved in drug and weapon crimes in 2023. On May 25, 2023, police discovered class A drugs in an alleyway in Reading and found 29 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin worth £580, along with £339 in cash on him during a search. A metal knuckleduster was later recovered from his home address. On October 24, 2023, he failed to stop for police while driving on Baker Street, leading to a pursuit where he discarded a knife, 25 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin worth £250, a burner phone, and £30 in cash, as captured on CCTV.

Found guilty by a majority verdict. Ordered to forfeit the drugs, weapons, and cash. Police investigations targeted his criminal activities in 2023.

Sources: readingchronicle.co.uk

Steven Hicks

Sexual assault

January 25, 2024

Sentence: four and a half years imprisonment

Steven Hicks, a 60-year-old former nurse from Woodley, Reading, attended the home of an 85-year-old woman on January 5, 2022, while she was receiving home visits for fractures from a fall. Posing as staff from the Royal Berkshire orthopaedic unit and wearing medical clothing, he entered her bedroom under the guise of checking her mobility, where he sexually assaulted her by pressing his face against her. The victim, who lived alone, immediately questioned his actions, pushed him away, and reported the incident to relatives and police. Evidence included matching DNA on the victim and her clothing, phone data placing him at the scene, and records showing he accessed her medical files without reason, including on the day of the assault.

Denied the charges but was found guilty. Used his position as a nurse to gain access to the victim.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Anthony Beard

Conspiracy to pervert the course of justice

August 25, 2023

Sentence: 10 years and two months imprisonment

Anthony Beard, 61, of Sydenham, south east London, was involved in supplying falsified passports to fugitive criminals, allowing them to evade arrest and identification by law enforcement in the UK and internationally. Investigators believe he was responsible for at least 108 fraudulently obtained genuine passports being issued, which enabled serious organised crime networks to operate.

Admitted to conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and conspiracy to make a false instrument with intent. Sentence increased by appeal judges after being deemed unduly lenient by Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Christopher Zietek

Conspiracy to pervert the course of justice

August 25, 2023

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment

Christopher Zietek, 67, with homes in Sydenham, Ireland, and Spain, was involved in the supply of falsified passports to fugitive criminals, enabling them to evade arrest and start new lives abroad. This operation assisted organised crime networks in avoiding identification by law enforcement.

Found guilty by jurors of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, conspiracy to make a false instrument with intent, and converting criminal property. Sentence increased by appeal judges after being deemed unduly lenient.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Andrew Francis

Murder

July 28, 2023

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years

Andrew Francis broke into the home of 91-year-old John Brackin in Cedar Terrace, High Wycombe, on 19 November 2022, to steal money for drugs. He assaulted Mr. Brackin, leaving him unconscious and unable to call for help, and stole an unknown amount of money and jewellery. Mr. Brackin died a week later in hospital as a result of his injuries. Francis was arrested on 24 November 2022 and assaulted a police officer while in custody.

Denied murder but pleaded guilty to burglary, criminal damage, and assault on an emergency worker. The investigating officer described the crime as horrendous and noted that Francis chose not to leave the property despite knowing the victim was inside.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Daniel Black

Dwelling Burglary

June 3, 2023

Sentence: 2 years and 4 months imprisonment

Daniel Black, 47, formerly of Westfield Road, Thatcham, broke into a house in the Donnington area of Newbury on May 18, 2023, by smashing a window and stealing over £5000 in cash, debit cards, watches, and jewellery. His DNA was found on a knife at the property, leading to his arrest in August 2023.

Pleaded guilty to dwelling burglary. Investigating officer Detective Constable Daniel Pullen commented on the serious impact of burglary on communities and the commitment to public safety and reducing crime.

Sources: readingchronicle.co.uk

Patrick Blenman

Assault

April 21, 2023

Sentence: 2 years and 6 months imprisonment

On August 10, 2021, Patrick Blenman assaulted a woman in Sandhurst, padlocked her inside a house, and set a fire by the front door, leaving her no choice but to escape by jumping from a third-floor window. He was arrested on the same day.

Found guilty of assault, arson, and false imprisonment after a five-day trial. The judge described the attack as 'horrendous'.

Sources: getreading.co.uk

Miguel Parian John

Assisting an offender

April 4, 2023

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment

Miguel Parian John assisted in relation to the murder of Rafaqit Kayani and was found in possession of a bladed article in a public place, connected to the events of August 30, 2022, in Keel Drive, Slough.

Found guilty of assisting an offender and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Sources: getreading.co.uk

Riaz Miah

Murder

April 3, 2023

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 24 years

On August 30, 2022, Riaz Miah was involved in the murder of Rafaqit Kayani, 24, from Slough, by stabbing him in the chest in Keel Drive. Kayani was taken to hospital but later died. Miah was also involved in drug supply activities.

Found guilty of murder and other offences, including being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and possession of a bladed article. These additional sentences run concurrently.

Sources: getreading.co.uk

Hassan Al-Kubanji

Murder

April 3, 2023

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 23 years

On August 30, 2022, Hassan Al-Kubanji and others murdered Rafaqit Kayani, 24, from Slough, by stabbing him in the chest in Keel Drive. Kayani was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries.

Found guilty of murder following a trial. Additional details include being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, though this was not part of the sentence.

Sources: getreading.co.uk

Kirkpatrick Virgo

Murder

March 31, 2023

Sentence: 21 years and 123 days imprisonment

Kirkpatrick Virgo, 42, killed Thomas Parker, 24, by striking him once on the back of the head with a horseshoe after an argument over loud music from a boombox on an Elizabeth line train. The incident occurred at Reading Station on July 30, following a football match between Arsenal and Sevilla. Virgo boarded the train at Slough with friends, playing loud music, which led to a verbal disagreement. He followed the victim off the train and attacked him as he walked away, then was chased and tackled by the victim's brother before being separated by security.

Found guilty by jurors after deliberation. He had five previous convictions for crimes such as drink-driving and possession of crack cocaine and heroin.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Jordan Musa

Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent

February 17, 2023

Sentence: 6.5 years imprisonment

Jordan Musa, aged 27, stabbed a man in his 40s in the chest and thigh during an incident on Avon Place in Reading, narrowly missing his lungs and leaving the victim needing stitches. He also punched several people during a separate incident at Reading Magistrates' Court.

Found guilty of Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon after a four-day trial. Pleaded guilty to one count of affray.

Sources: getreading.co.uk

Hakeem Kigundu

Murder

October 7, 2022

Sentence: whole life order

Hakeem Kigundu, a resident of Rowe Court in Reading, Berkshire, set fire to the building on December 15 as an act of revenge after losing his job and facing eviction the next day. He conspired to kill his neighbours, resulting in the deaths of Richard Burgess and Neil Morris, and injuries to Joel Richards, who suffered third-degree burns, and Laura Wiggins, who sustained a punctured lung and multiple fractures.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of murder, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm, and one count of arson with intent to endanger life.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Donald Robertson

Murder

May 19, 2022

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 30 years

Donald Robertson murdered Shani Warren, a 26-year-old woman from Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, in April 1987. He assaulted, strangled, and threw her into Taplow Lake, where her body was found bound and gagged. The crime was linked to him through new DNA evidence from a cold case investigation. Additionally, he was convicted of kidnapping and raping a 16-year-old girl in July 1981, and had a history of similar offences, including raping a 14-year-old girl shortly after his release from police custody in 1981.

Did not attend the trial; judge noted no remorse and described him as a self-centred man who cares nothing for others' suffering. Previously pleaded guilty to raping a 14-year-old girl in 1981.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Oliver Perry-Smith

Misconduct in Public Office

April 29, 2022

Sentence: Three years and six months in prison

Oliver Perry-Smith, a former Thames Valley Police officer based at Newbury police station, abused his position of power by pursuing women for sex whom he met during his duties between September 2014 and November 2019. These women were in vulnerable positions, such as victims, witnesses, or acting as appropriate adults. He had sexual contact with three women and attempted to with others. Additionally, he unauthorisedly accessed police computer systems to look up personal details of women, including using a car registration to identify and visit one woman at her home, making personal comments while she was alone with a young child. His actions came to light in late 2019 when a woman reported him after he sent an indecent image.

Pleaded guilty to three charges of misconduct in public office and two charges of unauthorised access to computer material. Described as a sexual predator who abused his position, causing significant distress to victims. Gross misconduct was found, and he would have been dismissed from the force.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Sam Edwards

Burglary

April 7, 2022

Sentence: Three years and five months imprisonment

Sam Edwards conducted a seven-month crime spree between September 2021 and March 2022, breaking into homes across Berkshire, Surrey, and Buckinghamshire, stealing high-value jewellery and items of sentimental value from locations including Maidenhead, Wargrave, Esher, West Horsley, Ripley, Bookham, and Taplow.

Daniel Gale

Possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence

April 4, 2022

Sentence: Four years and seven months imprisonment

Daniel Gale attempted to shoplift from Morrisons on Basingstoke Road in Reading, and when confronted, he threatened a victim with an imitation firearm in a terrifying incident, causing the victim to fear for their safety.

Pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm whilst committing a schedule one offence and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, with part of the sentence due to the activation of a suspended sentence for a previous robbery offence.

Sources: getreading.co.uk

Denise Neal

Fraud by false representation

June 1, 2021

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

Denise Neal was involved in falsely claiming that a will in the name of James 'Anthony' Sootheran was genuine, contributing to a fraud scheme orchestrated by the Rickards to misappropriate funds from the Sootheran estate.

Found guilty of fraud by falsely claiming a will in the name of James 'Anthony' Sootheran was genuine.

Sources: standard.co.uk

June Alsford

Fraud by false representation

June 1, 2021

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment, suspended for 2 years

June Alsford was involved in a fraud and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice by participating in the scam to falsely claim wills related to the Sootheran estate were genuine.

Pleaded guilty to one count of fraud and one count of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice related to the scam involving the Sootheran wills.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Lynda Rickard

Murder

June 1, 2021

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 28 years

Lynda Rickard forged the wills of James 'Anthony' Sootheran and his mother Mary Sootheran, then deliberately starved Anthony Sootheran to death at High Havens Farm in South Newington, Oxfordshire, in March 2014, to inherit part of his £3.5 million fortune. She had been paid £47,000 a year to care for Mary Sootheran until her death in 2012 and misused tens of thousands of pounds for her family's lifestyle, including private school fees.

Pleaded guilty to four fraud charges, two counts of forgery, two counts of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, possession of articles for use in fraud, and obtaining benefits by deception. Judge commented on her greed and systematic exploitation.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Michael Dunkley

Fraud by false representation

June 1, 2021

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Michael Dunkley participated in a fraud scheme by falsely claiming that a will in the name of James 'Anthony' Sootheran was genuine, as part of a larger conspiracy involving the Rickards to inherit from the Sootheran estate.

Found guilty of fraud by falsely claiming a will in the name of James 'Anthony' Sootheran was genuine.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Shanda Robinson

Fraud by false representation

June 1, 2021

Sentence: 32 months imprisonment

Shanda Robinson conspired to pervert the course of justice and committed fraud by falsely claiming that a will in the name of Mary Sootheran was genuine, as part of a scheme to defraud the Sootheran estate.

Found guilty of fraud by false representation and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice for falsely claiming a will in the name of Mary Sootheran was genuine.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Wayne Rickard

Causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable adult

June 1, 2021

Sentence: 10.5 years imprisonment

Wayne Rickard, along with his wife Lynda, was involved in forging wills and misusing funds from the Sootheran family. He allowed James 'Anthony' Sootheran to die from malnutrition at High Havens Farm in South Newington, Oxfordshire, in March 2014, while benefiting from the fraud, including the purchase of a £33,000 Mitsubishi Shogun with Mrs Sootheran's money in 2010.

Acquitted of murder but found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable adult, fraud by false representation, and perverting the course of justice. Judge stated he failed to help the victim due to hopes of financial gain.

Sources: standard.co.uk

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