Reading Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 83 verdicts at Reading Crown Court (Reading). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

January 2024 1 case

Steven Hicks

Sexual assault *

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.

25 Jan 2024

August 2023 3 cases

Anthony Beard

Conspiracy to pervert the course of justice *

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.

25 Aug 2023

Christopher Zietek

Conspiracy to pervert the course of justice *

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.

25 Aug 2023

Laura Horton

Supply of a controlled drug *

Sentence

2 years and 2 months imprisonment

Laura Horton, a former health care assistant at Broadmoor Psychiatric Hospital, smuggled drugs into prisons across the country by sending fake legal letters laced with Spice, a Class B drug, to inmates on at least 20 occasions between 2018 and 2022. She used multiple aliases, visited prisons frequently, and the scheme was uncovered when letters were intercepted, leading to a search of her home where evidence was found.

Pled guilty in May to being involved in the supply of a controlled drug on 20 occasions, conveying a List A article into a prison, and concealing criminal property. Her offending was linked to an inappropriate relationship with a patient at Broadmoor Psychiatric Hospital, and she laundered approximately £28,000.

15 Aug 2023

July 2023 1 case

Andrew Francis

Murder *

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.

28 Jul 2023

June 2023 1 case

Daniel Black

Dwelling Burglary *

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.

3 Jun 2023

April 2023 4 cases

Patrick Blenman

Assault *

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'.

21 Apr 2023

Miguel Parian John

Assisting an offender *

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.

4 Apr 2023

Riaz Miah

Murder *

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.

3 Apr 2023

Hassan Al-Kubanji

Murder *

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.

3 Apr 2023

March 2023 1 case

Kirkpatrick Virgo

Murder *

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.

31 Mar 2023

February 2023 1 case

Jordan Musa

Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent *

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.

17 Feb 2023

October 2022 1 case

Hakeem Kigundu

Murder *

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.

7 Oct 2022

May 2022 1 case

Donald Robertson

Murder *

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.

19 May 2022

April 2022 3 cases

Oliver Perry-Smith

Misconduct in Public Office *

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.

29 Apr 2022

Sam Edwards

Burglary *

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.

Pleaded guilty to 11 counts of burglary and one count of attempted burglary.

7 Apr 2022

Daniel Gale

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

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.

4 Apr 2022

September 2021 6 cases

Girl

Manslaughter *

Sentence

3 years and 2 months detention

The 14-year-old girl coaxed Olly Stephens, a 13-year-old boy with autism, to Bugs Bottom field in Emmer Green, Reading, on January 3, 2021, under false pretenses, allowing two boys to ambush and stab him to death. She had revealed to friends that she was setting him up, expressed indifference to his potential death in messages, and asked friends to pray for her. After the incident, she deleted messages and apps from her phone to cover her tracks. The attack arose from online grievances.

Admitted manslaughter and convicted of perverting the course of justice. Lured Olly to the scene, knowing the boys planned to attack him. Expressed lack of care about his death in messages and showed no fear while heading to the scene. Deeply remorseful, suffering nightmares, and visibly distressed in court.

24 Sep 2021

Unnamed Girl

Manslaughter *

Sentence

3 years and 2 months detention

The 14-year-old girl lured 13-year-old Olly Stephens, who had autism, to Bugs Bottom field in Emmer Green, Reading, on January 3, 2021, setting him up for an ambush by two boys amid grievances from social media disputes. She made repeated revelations to friends about setting Olly up, showed no care if he died, and was 'vibing' on the way to the scene. She admitted manslaughter and did not stand trial. The boys stabbed Olly to death during the attack.

Admitted manslaughter; also convicted of perverting the course of justice by deleting messages and apps from her phone; expressed deep remorse and has been suffering nightmares; visibly distressed in court.

24 Sep 2021

Unnamed Older Boy

Murder *

Sentence

life imprisonment with minimum term of 12 years

The older boy, aged 14 at the time, fought with 13-year-old Olly Stephens during an ambush at Bugs Bottom field in Emmer Green, Reading, on January 3, 2021, which led to Olly being fatally stabbed by his co-defendant. The attack stemmed from grievances and hostile messages on Snapchat about Olly, whom they had met online. Olly, who had autism, was lured to the field by a girl. The boy denied murder but was convicted at trial. He expressed hatred for Olly in messages.

Convicted of murder after trial; also convicted of perverting the course of justice by disposing of bloodied clothing; showed no sign of regret.

24 Sep 2021

Unnamed Younger Boy

Murder *

Sentence

life imprisonment with minimum term of 13 years

The younger boy, aged 14 at the time, fatally stabbed 13-year-old Olly Stephens with a knife during a carefully calculated ambush at Bugs Bottom field in Emmer Green, Reading, on January 3, 2021. The attack followed grievances and hostile messages on Snapchat about Olly, whom he had met online. Olly, who had autism, was lured to the field by a girl, allowing the two boys to ambush him. The boy denied murder but was convicted at trial. He told a friend it was the biggest mistake of his life.

Convicted of murder after trial; also convicted of perverting the course of justice by disposing of bloodied clothing; acted out of pure anger.

24 Sep 2021

Older Boy

Murder *

Sentence

life imprisonment with a minimum term of 12 years

The older boy, aged 14 at the time, harboured grievances with Olly Stephens, whom he had met online. On January 3, 2021, at Bugs Bottom field in Emmer Green, Reading, he ambushed the 13-year-old victim and fought with him during the attack, which ended with Olly being fatally stabbed. The incident stemmed from a social media dispute. He disposed of bloodied clothing after the incident.

Convicted of murder and perverting the course of justice. Fought with the victim during the attack. No sign of regret shown. Expressed hatred towards Olly in messages, stating he would kill him if he saw him.

24 Sep 2021

Younger Boy

Murder *

Sentence

life imprisonment with a minimum term of 13 years

The younger boy, aged 14 at the time, harboured grievances with Olly Stephens, whom he had met online. On January 3, 2021, at Bugs Bottom field in Emmer Green, Reading, he ambushed and fatally stabbed the 13-year-old victim with a knife during a fight, following a dispute on social media. The attack was a carefully calculated ambush designed to catch Olly off guard. He disposed of bloodied clothing after the incident.

Convicted of murder and perverting the course of justice. Fatally stabbed Olly Stephens. Expressed regret to a friend, stating it was the biggest mistake of his life and carried out the attack out of pure anger.

24 Sep 2021

June 2021 6 cases

Wayne Rickard

Causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable adult *

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.

1 Jun 2021

Shanda Robinson

Fraud by false representation *

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.

1 Jun 2021

Lynda Rickard

Murder *

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.

1 Jun 2021

Michael Dunkley

Fraud by false representation *

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.

1 Jun 2021

June Alsford

Fraud by false representation *

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.

1 Jun 2021

Denise Neal

Fraud by false representation *

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.

1 Jun 2021

October 2016 1 case

Tomasz Kroker

Causing death by dangerous driving *

Sentence

10 years imprisonment

Tomasz Kroker was driving a lorry and scrolling through music on his mobile phone, which distracted him for almost a kilometre, leading him to crash into a stationary vehicle at 50mph on the A34 dual carriageway north of Newbury in Berkshire on August 10, 2016. The vehicle carried Tracey Houghton, 45, her sons Ethan Houghton, 13, and Josh Houghton, 11, and her stepdaughter Aimee Goldsmith, 11, resulting in their immediate deaths as their car was crushed underneath a heavy goods vehicle. A man was seriously injured, and four other people were hurt in the incident.

Pleaded guilty to four counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Judge Maura McGowan noted that his attention was so poor he might as well have had his eyes closed, and he had signed a declaration not to use his phone at the wheel.

31 Oct 2016

May 2016 1 case

Harjeevan Randhawa

Dangerous Driving *

Sentence

8 months imprisonment, disqualified from driving for 5 years and 4 months, and 2 months for driving over the alcohol limit (concurrent)

Harjeevan Randhawa was driving an Audi on the M4 motorway when he rear-ended a Renault Clio in the middle lane between junctions 10 and 11 on the westbound carriageway around 4pm on December 24, 2015. This caused the Clio to cross the carriageway, smash through bushes, and overturn in a ditch on the hard shoulder. The couple in the Clio sustained cuts, bruises, and arm pain. Randhawa fled the scene and was later arrested at his home address in Reading, where his car was found with substantial front damage. He was over the prescribed alcohol limit at the time.

Pleaded guilty to causing the collision. Ordered to take an extended retest and licence endorsed for failing to stop after a road traffic collision.

3 May 2016

May 2011 1 case

Robert Brown

Manslaughter *

Sentence

24 years imprisonment for manslaughter and 2 years for obstructing a coroner

Robert Brown, a British Airways captain, bludgeoned his 46-year-old wife Joanna to death with a claw hammer in their family home in October 2010 as their two young children cowered in a playroom. He dumped her body in a makeshift coffin in Windsor Great Park and was involved in obstructing a coroner in the execution of his duty.

Admitted manslaughter on the ground of diminished responsibility. Was acquitted of murder and had previously believed he was 'stitched up' by a prenuptial agreement.

1 May 2011

September 2010 1 case

Mark Alexander

Murder *

Sentence

life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years

Mark Alexander, then aged 22 and a law student, killed his 70-year-old father Samuel Alexander in September 2010 in a bid to escape his controlling influence. He buried the body in concrete in the garden of their family home in Drayton Parslow, Buckinghamshire, and was subsequently convicted.

Insists on innocence and claims a miscarriage of justice; has gained two law degrees in prison and is challenging the Ministry of Justice over refusal to allow a phone interview for a podcast.

1 Sep 2010

Disclaimer: The information on this page is compiled from publicly available court records and published media reports. It is provided strictly for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as a definitive record of any individual's criminal history or legal status.

Offence names marked with an asterisk (*) reflect descriptions used in media reporting and may not correspond to the formal legal charge or indictment. Sentencing details are as reported and may be subject to subsequent appeal, variation, or correction by the courts.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The presence of a name on this page does not imply guilt, and some listed individuals may have had convictions overturned, sentences reduced, or charges withdrawn after the date of publication.

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Old Shire Hall, The Forbury, Reading RG1 3EH, Reading, RG1 3EH, United Kingdom

+441189674400

Wheelchair accessible parking, Wheelchair accessible entrance

Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 17:00

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About Reading Crown Court

Reading Crown Court, located in Reading, is a Crown Court that handles serious criminal cases including murder, rape, robbery, and other indictable offences. With 83 sentencing records in our database, it is one of the Crown Courts serving the Reading 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 Old Shire Hall, The Forbury, Reading RG1 3EH, RG1 3EH.

Accessibility provisions at this court include wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible parking.

For enquiries about cases heard at this court, you can contact the court by telephone on +441189674400.

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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Reading Crown Court Sentencing Results

Steven Hicks

Anthony Beard

Christopher Zietek

Laura Horton

Andrew Francis

Daniel Black

Patrick Blenman

Miguel Parian John

Riaz Miah

Hassan Al-Kubanji

Kirkpatrick Virgo

Jordan Musa

Hakeem Kigundu

Donald Robertson

Oliver Perry-Smith

Sam Edwards

Daniel Gale

Girl

Unnamed Girl

Unnamed Older Boy

Unnamed Younger Boy

Older Boy

Younger Boy

Wayne Rickard

Shanda Robinson

Lynda Rickard

Michael Dunkley

June Alsford

Denise Neal

Tomasz Kroker

Harjeevan Randhawa

Robert Brown

Mark Alexander

About Reading Crown Court

Nearby Courts

Reading Magistrates Court

Basingstoke Magistrates Court

High Wycombe Magistrates Court

East Berkshire (Slough) Magistrates Court

Aldershot Magistrates Court

Staines Magistrates Court

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