St Albans Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 213 verdicts at St Albans Crown Court (St Albans). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

June 2026 1 case

Tapiwanashe Sibanda

Rape, robbery and breach of sexual risk order *

Sentence

9 years 10 months imprisonment

In August 2020, Tapiwanashe Sibanda invited a female sex worker to a street away from his home in Hatfield. After dark, he took her to a secluded area of Ellenbrook Park, where he violently and repeatedly raped her, threatened her with a concealed weapon, and robbed her of her mobile phone. The victim fled and was assisted by a passerby who alerted police. Sibanda was traced and arrested, claiming the sex was consensual. Hertfordshire Constabulary's Sexual Offences Investigation Team gathered evidence and secured a Sexual Risk Order against him. He was found guilty at trial and sentenced for rape, robbery, and breaches of the risk order.

Found guilty at trial. Judge Andrew Johnson said impact immense, risk of serious harm to women. Also given sexual harm prevention order and placed on sex offenders register for life.

5 Jun 2026

May 2026 6 cases

Rayshon Keena

Money laundering *

Sentence

two-year community order with 150 days unpaid work and £500 compensation

Rayshon Keena was involved in money laundering offences connected to the July 3, 2025, kidnapping and robbery of a City worker in Hertfordshire, where over £10,000 was stolen from the victim's bank and cryptocurrency accounts.

Also received a deprivation order in relation to his phone. Found guilty of money laundering offences.

18 May 2026

Royan Campbell

Conspiracy to rob and kidnap *

Sentence

three years and six months imprisonment

On July 3, 2025, Royan Campbell and three others befriended a 36-year-old City worker on a night out in Shoreditch. They forced him to his home in Hertfordshire, knocked him out with a wrench, and used facial verification to drain over £10,000 from his bank and cryptocurrency accounts, also stealing personal items. The victim was left bleeding overnight and found by his partner the next day with serious facial injuries.

Found guilty by jury of conspiracy to rob and kidnap and false imprisonment.

18 May 2026

Brandon Stephenson

Conspiracy to rob and kidnap *

Sentence

five and a half years imprisonment

On July 3, 2025, Brandon Stephenson and three others befriended a 36-year-old City worker on a night out in Shoreditch. They forced him to his home in Hertfordshire, knocked him out with a wrench, and used facial verification to drain over £10,000 from his bank and cryptocurrency accounts, also stealing personal items. The victim was left bleeding overnight and found by his partner the next day with serious facial injuries.

Must also pay £300 to the victim under a deprivation order. Found guilty by jury of conspiracy to rob and kidnap and false imprisonment.

18 May 2026

Jason Kareem

Conspiracy to rob and kidnap *

Sentence

six years and six months imprisonment

On July 3, 2025, Jason Kareem and three others befriended a 36-year-old City worker on a night out in Shoreditch. They forced him to his home in Hertfordshire, knocked him out with a wrench, and used facial verification to drain over £10,000 from his bank and cryptocurrency accounts, also stealing personal items. The victim was left bleeding overnight and found by his partner the next day with serious facial injuries.

Serving five years for the wrench attack and a consecutive 18-month sentence for breaching other suspended sentences. Must pay £300 to the victim under a deprivation order. Found guilty by jury of conspiracy to rob and kidnap and false imprisonment.

18 May 2026

Jerome Denton

Conspiracy to rob and kidnap *

Sentence

six years imprisonment

On July 3, 2025, Jerome Denton and three others befriended a 36-year-old City worker on a night out in Shoreditch. They forced him to his home in Hertfordshire, knocked him out with a wrench, and used facial verification to drain over £10,000 from his bank and cryptocurrency accounts, also stealing personal items. The victim was left bleeding overnight and found by his partner the next day with serious facial injuries.

Found guilty by jury of conspiracy to rob and kidnap and false imprisonment.

18 May 2026

Eric Lutchman

Robbery *

Sentence

32 months imprisonment

On April 7, 2026, Eric Lutchman entered the Bishop’s Park Tesco superstore in Bishop’s Stortford. After monitoring CCTV screens, he placed multiple bottles of Jack Daniel’s whiskey in a carrier bag. When confronted by security and staff while attempting to leave, he produced a knife and threatened to stab a member of staff. He was tackled by members of the public and arrested. Lutchman’s address was given as Albert Road, London.

Pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.

7 May 2026

April 2026 5 cases

Clauvin Lokula

Violent disorder and possession of an imitation firearm *

Sentence

five and a half years in prison

Police responded to reports of gunshots in Champions Way around 10:30 pm on 27th September 2025, and found ammunition cartridges at the scene. CCTV footage identified a suspect wearing a Trapstar bag, later found in Lokula’s bedroom along with clothing used in the offence. Lokula was arrested on 7th October and charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, violent disorder, and three counts of drug supply involvement.

Found guilty of violent disorder and possession of an imitation firearm. Pleaded guilty to being involved in drug supply at a prior hearing.

29 Apr 2026

Peter Norman Paul Parker

Stalking and sexual communication with children *

Sentence

four years in prison

Peter Norman Paul Parker stalked a woman more than 20 years his junior for nearly three years, sending thousands of threatening calls and texts, frequently impersonating others, detailing her location and clothing, and loitering outside her home at 1am. He breached a Stalking Protection Order by using a hidden phone found in his loft in March 2026. Separately, between June 2023 and May 2024, he engaged in sexual communication with two 12-year-old girls after leaving his number in a public toilet.

Pleaded guilty to stalking and sexual communication with children offences. Breached Stalking Protection Order. Police described him as a dangerous man taken off the streets.

24 Apr 2026

Paul Parker

Stalking and sexual communication with a child *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Paul Parker stalked a woman for three years with thousands of calls and texts, pretending to be someone else, and was caught loitering outside her home. He breached a Stalking Protection Order by hiding a phone. Separately, he sexually communicated with two 12-year-old girls he contacted via a number left in a public toilet between June 2023 and May 2024.

Pleaded guilty to stalking causing serious alarm or distress (32 months), breach of Stalking Protection Order (7 months), two counts of sexual communication with a child (9 months concurrent).

24 Apr 2026

Derek Feast

Indecent assault *

Sentence

12 years in prison

Derek Feast, a former scout leader and police officer, sexually assaulted four teenage boys over three decades. He targeted three victims while volunteering with the Scouts in Hertfordshire during the 1970s and early 1980s, assaulting one aged 12 or 13 on Scout trips, meetings, and at his home in Stevenage, another aged 14, and a third aged 15 on a trip with abuse continuing for years. The fourth victim, aged 14, was assaulted at a Norfolk newsagents in July 1991 where Feast worked.

Convicted on 17 counts of indecent assault and gross indecency after denying the charges. Placed on the sex offenders' register for life.

22 Apr 2026

Conor Mcgrath

Making indecent images of children *

Sentence

eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years

Conor McGrath, 29, from Stevenage, had more than 500 indecent images of children on his phone and iPad, seized when arrested on an unrelated matter between June 2024 and March 2025. He disclosed the content to a colleague, leading to police examination. Charged with making 77 category A images (most serious child sexual abuse material), 109 category B images, and 329 category C images.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children. Subject to a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years.

17 Apr 2026

March 2026 2 cases

Henri Nikolli

Firearms importation and possession *

Sentence

6 years and 3 months imprisonment

19-year-old Henri Nikolli from Hertfordshire attempted to import a 9mm Forward Venting Blank Firing handgun and firearms kit from an American company in March 2025, disguised as a ‘Canine Training Kit’. The package was intercepted by US authorities. Arrested on 10 April 2025 outside a family property in Potters Bar, where searches uncovered three modified antique firearms, tools for manufacturing/adapting firearms and ammunition, live and spent ammunition, a cannabis grow setup, herbal cannabis, cannabis seeds, dealer equipment, knives, phones, SIM cards, and a notebook detailing firearm modification items. Videos from his device showed firearms test-fired in public spaces.

Pleaded guilty to multiple charges including firearms importation and drug offences. Described as a sophisticated criminal involved in drugs trade with arsenal of weapons.

30 Mar 2026

Zara Lancashire

Making and distributing indecent child images *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Zara Lancashire, a 20-year-old former worker at Flower Pots Day Nursery in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, was involved in a network facilitating the sharing of indecent child images. She admitted to making and distributing category A images, the most serious category, including one featuring a child under two being sexually abused. She distributed such images four times and possessed over 150 images, 113 of category A. Her offences were uncovered after a contact was arrested in September. In messages, she claimed to have abused children in her care, but no charges were brought for that and investigations found no truth to the claims. She had received safeguarding training.

Admitted 11 offences including making and distributing indecent child images and publishing obscene articles. Judge Lana Wood imposed a 30-year sexual harm prevention order. Described as dangerous with significant risk of further offences. No contact offences or abuse of children in her care.

5 Mar 2026

February 2026 3 cases

Daniel Pickavance

Drug trafficking and possession of a firearm *

Sentence

5 years and 4 months imprisonment plus 8 months for breaching suspended sentence

On 29 October 2025, Daniel Pickavance, 27, of Otley Way, Watford, was stopped by National Crime Agency officers while driving a VW Golf along Watford Road, Radlett, in Watford. He confessed to having £30,000 cash and a handgun, directing officers to the loaded Top-Venting Blank-Firing pistol (TVBF) with five 8mm bullets and the cash in the driver's side back seat. Searches of associated properties revealed 3.3 kilos of cannabis, over £5,900 cash, and a cash counting machine. The TVBF pistol is illegal under the Firearms Act.

Admitted multiple charges. Breached a suspended sentence for assault occasioning actual bodily harm from October 2025.

27 Feb 2026

Solomon Tweneboah

Fraud by false representation *

Sentence

30 months imprisonment

Solomon Tweneboah, 47, from London, was arrested at the Driving Theory Test Centre in Stag House, Hertford, on 19 January after staff noticed the photo on his driving licence did not match his appearance. An investigation by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) uncovered further incidents of fraud by false representation across London, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Northamptonshire and Suffolk.

Pleaded guilty to 14 counts of fraud by false representation.

13 Feb 2026

Ahmadreza Khalafi

Sexual touching *

Sentence

four-and-a-half years’ imprisonment with three years extended licence

Ahmadreza Khalafi, a 29-year-old Iranian refugee of no fixed address, assaulted a 19-year-old woman in Devoils Lane, Bishop’s Stortford town centre, on May 3, 2025, at around 2.50am. The victim was hiding in a bush while playing hide and seek with friends after a night out when Khalafi forcefully and aggressively assaulted her for 10-12 minutes. The assault was captured on CCTV, and security personnel alerted police, leading to his immediate detention and arrest. He was initially charged with rape, five counts of sexual assault, and one count of sexual assault by penetration, but pleaded guilty to four charges of sexual touching on December 2, 2025. The rape charge was withdrawn, and the assault by penetration charge lies on file. The victim suffered severe, long-lasting effects, including loss of her job, constant flashbacks, fear of the dark, and feeling unsafe in daily activities.

Pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual touching. Described by judge as a 'predator' and high risk of causing sexual harm to women. Also given a 10-year restraining order.

5 Feb 2026

January 2026 4 cases

Arthur Draper

Fraud *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

Arthur Draper, 41, of no fixed address, targeted elderly and vulnerable homeowners in Hertfordshire (including areas such as Rickmansworth) and Nottinghamshire between November 2022 and January 2023, using cold-calling and high-pressure tactics to obtain payments for unnecessary, incomplete or substandard roof repairs, attempting to defraud a total of £141,900 and obtaining £90,200 via cheques and bank transfers.

HHJ Mann said: "You make money by stealing from old and vulnerable people. It is what you do." The sentence runs consecutively to a prior 6 years and 4 months custodial sentence at Leicester Crown Court, bringing total time in prison to more than nine years.

23 Jan 2026

Calin Rus

Attempting to arrange sexual activity with a child under 13 *

Sentence

4 years 8 months imprisonment

Calin Rus, 47, from Hatfield, Hertfordshire, used Snapchat to upload child sexual abuse material and arranged to watch a live-streamed sexual abuse of a child he believed to be 10 years old, but was actually an adult decoy. He engaged in graphic discussions and attempted to minimise his behaviour as fantasy. Intelligence from the National Crime Agency led Hertfordshire Constabulary to arrest him on 14 August 2025 at a commercial premises in Hatfield.

Pleaded guilty on 16 September 2025 to attempting to arrange or facilitate sexual activity with a child under 13, possessing and distributing an indecent image of a child, and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. HHJ Johnson imposed concurrent custodial sentences. Upon release, subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

23 Jan 2026

John Alford

Sexual assault *

Sentence

8.5 years imprisonment

John Alford, real name John Shannon, sexually assaulted two teenage girls during a party at a friend's home in April 2022. He bought £250 worth of food, alcohol, and cigarettes, including vodka, which the victims drank. He had sex with the 14-year-old girl in the garden and later in a downstairs toilet, and inappropriately touched the 15-year-old girl while she was half asleep on the living room sofa. The assaults occurred after a night out at the pub when the girls were drunk. Police were informed two days later by the 15-year-old's mother. The victims reported severe emotional impact, with one feeling 'absolutely sick' and having a mental breakdown, and the other stating it affected her and her family in every way and destroyed her mental wellbeing. Alford denied the allegations, claiming they were a set-up and that the girls intended to extort him, citing his mental health issues.

Pleaded not guilty but was convicted. No similar prior offences mentioned for these crimes, though has previous drug conviction. Sentencing remarks noted significant impact on victims and offender's self-focus. Also received restraining order and sexual harm prevention order. To serve up to two thirds in custody, remainder on licence.

14 Jan 2026

John Shannon

Sexual assault *

Sentence

8.5 years imprisonment

John Shannon, known professionally as John Alford, sexually assaulted two teenage girls at a property in Hertfordshire on April 9, 2022, following a night out at the pub where the girls were drunk. The offences occurred at the home of a third girl whose father was friends with Shannon. He bought £250 worth of food, alcohol, and cigarettes, including a bottle of vodka which the victims drank. He had sexual intercourse with the 14-year-old girl in the garden and later in a downstairs toilet, and inappropriately touched the 15-year-old girl as she lay half asleep on the living room sofa. Police were notified by the 15-year-old's mother two days later, leading to his arrest.

Found guilty of four counts of sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl and charges of sexual assault and assault by penetration relating to a 15-year-old girl. Prior conviction for supplying illicit drugs in 1999. Restraining order and sexual harm prevention order imposed. Will serve up to two thirds in custody and the remainder on licence.

14 Jan 2026

December 2025 3 cases

Nehemiah Mcivor-Murray

Manslaughter *

Sentence

8 years imprisonment

Nehemiah McIvor-Murray, aged 17, killed 27-year-old Daniel Ceidi in a knife fight near The Galleria shopping centre and at an old bus station in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, on 23 March 2025. Both individuals were armed with knives; Ceidi had picked up a kitchen knife out of fear of McIvor-Murray, who held a grudge against him. McIvor-Murray, who was 16 at the time, stabbed Ceidi during the altercation. He disposed of his knife, changed his shoes, and sought treatment for a hand injury at a hospital out of the area. McIvor-Murray had been released from youth detention shortly before the incident and had a history of carrying large knives.

Found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. Acted in self-defence according to his statement. Previous convictions for possessing a machete and causing serious harm with a machete. Judge described him as a very dangerous young man. Anonymity order lifted at sentencing.

18 Dec 2025

Jason Young

Manufacturing a firearm and possession of a firearm *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

Jason Young, 45, of Selbourne Close, Kent, converted a staple gun into a viable firearm equipped with a barrel to fire ammunition. He took a selfie posing with the weapon and filmed himself test firing it in a field. The weapon was discovered in March 2024 after an off-duty police officer saw him taking crack cocaine on a train and alerted British Transport Police. He was removed from the train at St Albans City station, searched, and the firearm was found in his suitcase along with two phones and a small amount of crack cocaine. Evidence from his phones confirmed his involvement in creating and testing the gun. During interview, he claimed he was unaware the firearm was in his suitcase.

Pleaded guilty to manufacturing a firearm and possession of a firearm.

9 Dec 2025

Jamie Young

Manufacturing and possessing a firearm *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

Jamie Young, 45, of Selbourne Close in Kent, transformed a staple gun into a functioning firearm and tested it in an open field, as evidenced by footage and a photograph on his mobile phones. On the evening of 1 March 2024, an off-duty Metropolitan Police Service officer noticed him taking drugs on a train in Hertfordshire and alerted authorities. He was removed from the train at St Albans City station, where a search uncovered the converted staple gun in his suitcase, along with two mobile phones and a small quantity of crack cocaine. Specialist examination confirmed the device was a viable firearm fitted with a barrel capable of firing ammunition.

Pleaded guilty to manufacturing the firearm and possessing it.

8 Dec 2025

November 2025 2 cases

Kieran Logan

Rape of a child *

Sentence

16 years custody with extended licence of 6 years

Kieran Logan committed a string of sex crimes against children dating back to 2003, including two rapes of a child, four counts of sexual assault by penetration, one count of sexual assault of a child, one count of sexual activity with a child, and three counts of making indecent images of children (categories A, B and C). One victim came forward, leading to his arrest in May 2024. Police seized his devices and discovered two further victims and thousands of indecent images, resulting in further arrest and remand in August 2025. He used his position as an older man to hold power over young girls.

Pleaded guilty in September. Subject to sexual harm prevention order and sex offenders register for life. Restraining orders in place to protect victims. Described as a dangerous predator who preyed on young girls.

27 Nov 2025

Michael Mitchell

Making indecent images of children *

Sentence

1 year and 8 months imprisonment

Michael Mitchell, a 24-year-old man from Shepreth in South Cambridgeshire, was found in possession of over 270 indecent images and videos of children and babies, including category A material. He also engaged in sexual communications with a teenager, threatening to share her intimate photos unless she performed sex acts. On 5 March 2024, police raided his home and discovered the illegal material on his devices, including extreme pornography involving animals. A teenager confided in school staff after Mitchell threatened to disclose private photos to her friends and family, leading to his arrest. He pleaded guilty to eight offences, including engaging in sexual communication with a child, causing or inciting a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity, and making indecent images of children. On 27 November 2025, he was sentenced to one year and eight months in prison, placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years, and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Pleaded guilty to multiple sexual offences. Placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.

27 Nov 2025

October 2025 2 cases

Gerald Cera

Conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Between September 2022 and August 2024, Gerald Cera, originally from Albania, falsely claimed to be the father of eight Albanian infants in UK passport applications to obtain citizenship for them. He provided his UK passport and naturalisation certificate, with payments linked to his bank cards and contact details in his name. The scam involved high degree of planning, including staged photographs with the babies and mothers. Cera was arrested at Luton Airport on 16 February 2025 and refused to provide device passcodes. The court demonstrated he was aware of the false claims and not the actual father, discrediting his testimony despite lack of DNA for seven babies. All involved children's passports were revoked, and Home Office is considering depriving Cera of UK citizenship.

Found guilty by jury of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration following trial in August. Also convicted of failing to comply with a notice by refusing to provide phone and laptop passcodes. Part of conspiracy involving Petrit Musa who pleaded guilty to similar fraud.

28 Oct 2025

Graham Tomlinson

Unauthorised money lending and money laundering *

Sentence

24 months imprisonment for money laundering concurrent with 18 months for unauthorised money lending

Graham Tomlinson operated an illegal money lending business for around 30 years after cancelling his Financial Conduct Authority licence in July 2020 due to 'too much hassle'. He lent to 358 vulnerable borrowers, issuing 4,331 loans totalling over £1 million with repayments exceeding £1.5 million, profiting around £120,000 per year and £424,000 net. Borrowers included unemployed single parents and those facing job loss, charged around 50% interest, with some receiving abusive or inappropriate texts. He used automated systems and online banking, funding expensive holidays like cruises. Arrested in October 2023 at his home in Grosvenor Road, Baldock.

Admitted offences. Judge Francis Sheridan described him as a ‘bully’ and a ‘menace’ taking advantage of the poorest in society. Ordered to pay £549,500 under Proceeds of Crime Act.

24 Oct 2025

September 2025 1 case

Jake Cummings

Rape *

Sentence

16 years imprisonment with a two-year extension

Jake Cummings, a former Metropolitan Police officer from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, engaged in a prolonged campaign of abuse against three women from July 2019 to February 2024. This included raping two women, using apps like Life360 and Team Viewer to track their locations, creating multiple social media accounts to harass them, sending excessive messages, isolating them from friends and family, and committing acts of voyeurism and stalking. He exploited his position as a police officer to intimidate victims, such as claiming he could evade consequences, and the abuse caused severe psychological harm, including fear of going out alone and loss of autonomy.

Found guilty of three counts of coercive controlling behaviour, two counts of voyeurism, two counts of rape, and three counts of stalking. He was a serving police officer during the offences and showed a pattern of abuse.

23 Sep 2025

July 2025 3 cases

Edmond Lleshe

Burglary *

Sentence

Five years imprisonment

Edmond Lleshe stole high-value jewellery and watches from properties in Kings Langley, Watford and Hemel Hempstead during a two-week spree in January and February of this year. He was found guilty and sentenced accordingly.

Found guilty of three counts of burglary and theft as well as one count of going equipped to steal. The crimes were committed in a two-week spree in January and February of this year.

25 Jul 2025

David Vincent

Fraud by false representation *

Sentence

28 months imprisonment

David Vincent, as the sole director of Admiral Roofing and Building Contractors Ltd, cold-called a recently widowed 80-year-old man in Stevenage in early 2024. He and another man falsely identified roof issues, displaced tiles to exaggerate the problem, and pressured the victim into agreeing to a £30,000 roof replacement quote, which was grossly overcharged. They began work to a poor standard, took £5,000 payment, and failed to provide information on the victim's right to cancel, leading to an investigation by Hertfordshire County Council's Trading Standards service.

Pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by false representation contrary to The Fraud Act 2006 and four counts of engaging in unfair commercial practices contrary to The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Ordered to pay £5,000 compensation to the victim, disqualified from acting as a director of a company for 10 years, and a deprivation order issued for a trade vehicle used in the offending.

11 Jul 2025

Prashant Ladva

Sexual assault by touching *

Sentence

2-year community order with 200 hours unpaid work and 25 days rehabilitation activity

On 14 August 2021, Prashant Ladva, a 37-year-old from Stanmore, entered Pryzm nightclub on Watford High Street. He danced and drank alone before loitering in the foyer near the cloakroom. A teenage female was waiting alone for a friend. Ladva approached her, complimenting her appearance, then sexually assaulted her by touching her inappropriately. The victim escaped, told friends, and police were called. Hertfordshire Constabulary's Sexual Offences Investigation Team investigated. At an earlier hearing in May 2025, Ladva was convicted of sexual assault by touching. On 7 July 2025, at St Albans Crown Court, he received a two-year community order.

Convicted at earlier hearing in May 2025. Also ordered to pay a surcharge, costs, and compensation. Placed on Sex Offender Register for five years.

7 Jul 2025

June 2025 1 case

Claudiu Marcu

Theft and fraud *

Sentence

2 years and 4 months imprisonment

Claudiu Marcu, 51, from London, conducted a string of distraction thefts in supermarkets across Surrey and other areas between November 2024 and February 2025. He targeted elderly people, stealing wallets, purses, and bags while distracting them, and used the stolen bank cards to withdraw thousands of pounds, totaling over £40,000.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal, multiple theft offences, and two offences of fraud by false representation. The offences spanned several counties and involved preying on elderly victims.

19 Jun 2025

May 2025 3 cases

Ded Makaj

production of a class B drug *

Sentence

three years' imprisonment

Ded Makaj, 34, from Haringey Park in north London, was one of two men arrested after police discovered a cannabis factory estimated to be worth more than £500,000 at a house in Mimram Road, Hertford, on Wednesday April 9, 2025. The building had been converted into a cannabis factory with dangerously tampered power supply. The men tried to escape through the roof but were arrested shortly after.

Pleaded guilty to production of a class B drug. Will be deported upon release.

20 May 2025

Bylbyl Nezaj

production of a class B drug *

Sentence

three years' imprisonment

Bylbyl Nezaj, 36, of The Meadows, Thorley Park, Bishop’s Stortford, was one of two men arrested after police discovered a cannabis factory estimated to be worth more than £500,000 at a house in Mimram Road, Hertford, on Wednesday April 9, 2025. The building had been converted into a cannabis factory with dangerously tampered power supply. The men tried to escape through the roof but were arrested shortly after.

Pleaded guilty to production of a class B drug. Will be deported upon release.

20 May 2025

James Sands

Arranging or facilitating a child sex offence involving a child under 13 *

Sentence

5 years and 3 months imprisonment

James Sands, a 47-year-old man from Hertford, was employed at St Christopher School in Letchworth from 2018 to 2023. In January 2025, he was charged with publishing an obscene article and arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence involving a child under 13, the latter relating to an incident in June 2023. Following his arrest, the school suspended him and ensured no further contact with pupils. On 9 May 2025, at St Albans Crown Court, he was sentenced to five years and three months' imprisonment for the child sex offence, while the obscene article charge was ordered to lie on file. He was also given a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order, placed on the Sex Offenders' Register indefinitely, and banned from working with children for life.

Convicted of arranging or facilitating a child sex offence involving a child under 13. Additional charge of publishing an obscene article ordered to lie on file. Made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life, placed on the Sex Offenders' Register indefinitely, and barred from working with children for life.

9 May 2025

March 2025 2 cases

Not Stated

Possession with Intent to Supply Class A Drugs *

Sentence

24-month suspended sentence with 220 hours unpaid work, 6 months DRR and 10 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirements

Police arrested the client for breach of court bail and searched him and his vehicle, finding 18 wraps of cocaine on his person, drug paraphernalia, and knives in his car. The client, a crack cocaine user for over 5 years with severe addiction at the time of arrest (using three bags a day), bought drugs in bulk for personal use but shared and sold them with friends who were also users. The knives were tools for his job as a gardener and handyman.

Pleaded guilty to PWITS charge. Mitigation focused on addiction issues and engagement with Drug Rehabilitation Requirements. Charge relating to bladed article left to lie on file. Represented by Barrister Drea Becker.

24 Mar 2025

Alan Young

Harassment with fear of violence *

Sentence

54 months' imprisonment

From the start of 2021, Alan Young, living on a canal boat on the River Stort in Sawbridgeworth, terrorised a nearby couple for three-and-a-half years with verbal abuse, threats to kill them, and gesturing with an axe. The campaign culminated in early July 2024 when he threw a bucket of human faeces and urine at one victim. On July 7, 2024, when police arrived to arrest him, he shot at them with an air rifle, injuring no one.

Pleaded guilty to harassment with fear of violence, administering a poison or noxious thing with intent, and possession of an air rifle with intent to cause fear of violence. Sentences of 28 months and 27 weeks run concurrently. No early release. 10-year restraining order. £228 victim surcharge.

20 Mar 2025

February 2025 1 case

Ahmadreza Khalifi

Sexual touching *

Sentence

four-and-a-half years’ imprisonment with three years' extended licence

On May 3, 2023, Iranian refugee Ahmadreza Khalifi, aged 29, sexually assaulted 19-year-old Abbie Johnson near the Black Lion pub in Bishop's Stortford while she was playing hide and seek with friends during a night out. The attack lasted over 10 minutes. Security staff witnessed the incident and alerted police, leading to his immediate arrest. He was initially charged with rape, five counts of sexual assault, and one count of sexual assault by penetration, but the rape charge was withdrawn and the penetration charge left on file. The victim reported severe ongoing psychological effects including depression, suicidal thoughts, flashbacks, and fear.

Pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual touching. Judge commented that he acted as a predator and took advantage of a vulnerable victim. Also given a 10-year restraining order.

5 Feb 2025

January 2025 2 cases

Kamarley Jones-Ebanks

Supplying Class A drugs *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

Kamarley Jones-Ebanks, 23, ran a ruthless county lines crack cocaine ring in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. The operation involved supplying crack cocaine and posed a serious threat to communities. In July 2025, Hertfordshire police’s County Lines Investigation Unit raided a drug hub in Hitchin linked to Jones-Ebanks and his crew, arresting him on the spot and halting his violent drug empire.

Admitted supplying Class A drugs. Described as a key figure in a violent organised crime group running a county lines crack cocaine ring.

29 Jan 2025

Sovamsing David Muivah

Sexual assault by touching *

Sentence

2 years 6 months imprisonment

Sovamsing David Muivah, a 26-year-old masseur at the Sopwell House Hotel in St Albans, Hertfordshire, was convicted of four counts of sexual assault by touching. Between February and October 2024, he exploited his position of trust to repeatedly touch female clients in their intimate areas without consent during massages. The offences came to light in October 2024 when one victim reported the assault to the hotel and Hertfordshire Police, leading to the identification of three further victims aged in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, who were previously unknown to each other. Muivah denied the charges, forcing the victims to endure cross-examination at trial.

Denied the charges, convicted after trial. Judge remarked: 'I have no doubt this was sexual. One word – violated – comes to mind. It has had a psychological consequence for each of them.' Hertfordshire Police praised for professional investigation. Muivah will be deported to India following release.

13 Jan 2025

October 2024 5 cases

Irakli Rustemi

Possession of firearms, ammunition and Class A drugs *

Sentence

11 years imprisonment

Irakli Rustemi, 33, an Albanian national from Hertfordshire, was stopped by armed Cambridgeshire Police officers in a white Citroen DS3 on the A10 at Buntingford. Intelligence indicated access to a firearm. A key seized from the vehicle led to a search of a chalet-style apartment in Penton Drive, Cheshunt in October 2023, where a 9mm Makarov self-loading pistol with six rounds of ammunition and 13 kilos of cocaine (street value £700,000) were found hidden in a wardrobe, wrapped in a towel.

Pleaded guilty to firearms, ammunition and drugs possession offences. No leave to remain in the UK and was an absconder from Immigration Enforcement.

30 Oct 2024

Elliot Wright

Sexual exploitation of a child *

Sentence

42 months' imprisonment

Elliot Wright, a former Bedfordshire police officer, groomed and sexually exploited two teenage girls online. In March 2024, he contacted a vulnerable 17-year-old girl via social media for several weeks, exchanging hundreds of messages, visiting her road four times, requesting indecent pictures, and offering gifts including alcohol, cigarettes, and clothes to lure her to his house. She was reported missing after entering his car. In 2023, he solicited indecent images from a 16-year-old girl in exchange for money and offered to pay her to work on OnlyFans. A search of his address revealed numerous sexual images of girls appearing under 18, and his search history included queries on sexual offences against children by police officers and defences to indecent image offences.

Pleaded guilty to inciting the sexual exploitation of a child, arranging the sexual exploitation of a child, doing an act tending or intended to pervert the course of justice, three counts of causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child, and paying for sexual services of a child. Former Bedfordshire police officer.

16 Oct 2024

Dominic D'sa

Fraudulent trading *

Sentence

4.5 years imprisonment

Dominic D'Sa participated in a fraudulent wine investment scheme run by Imperial Wine & Spirits Merchant Ltd, convincing 41 victims across the UK to invest £6m in worthless wine. The operation involved persistent cold calls to elderly and vulnerable people, misrepresentations about profits, and high mark-ups. Investors lost pensions, homes, and in one case, a marriage. The scheme operated from 2008 to 2018, with a raid revealing deceptive practices. D'Sa was convicted of fraudulent trading after a jury trial in August.

Pleaded not guilty. Previously served a prison term for fraud. Mitigation noted he realized issues but did not walk away.

11 Oct 2024

Benjamin Cazaly

Fraudulent trading *

Sentence

6.5 years imprisonment

Benjamin Cazaly founded Imperial Wine & Spirits Merchant Ltd in 2008, operating a fraudulent wine investment scheme from a call centre in Groveland Court, London. The company targeted vulnerable pensioners with cold calls, using scripts, fake names, and glossy brochures with unauthorized logos. Victims were misled about wine values with mark-ups up to 400%, losing at least £6m from 41 investors. A raid in November 2018 uncovered the mantra 'no means yes' on the wall. Over £37m passed through accounts in 10 years. Cazaly was convicted of fraudulent trading after a trial in August.

Described as the 'captain of the ship'. Pleaded not guilty. Prior role as founder of the company.

11 Oct 2024

Gregory Assemakis

Fraudulent trading *

Sentence

3.5 years imprisonment

Gregory Assemakis was involved in the fraudulent trading activities of Imperial Wine & Spirits Merchant Ltd, a scheme that defrauded 41 UK victims of £6m through fake wine investments. The company, founded in 2008, used call centre tactics to target pensioners, employing lies, repeated calls, and false reassurances. Wine was sold at unreasonable mark-ups, often worthless on the secondary market. A November 2018 raid exposed the operation's mantra 'no means yes'. Assemakis was found guilty by jury in August after trial.

Pleaded not guilty. Played a significant but not leading role in the fraud.

11 Oct 2024

September 2024 2 cases

Alan Parsons

Taking indecent images of a child *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment suspended for 2 years, with 30 days rehabilitation activity requirement

Alan Parsons, a 45-year-old man from Watford, met a 16-year-old girl at a bar in December 2023, where both misrepresented their ages. On 19 January 2024, he picked her up from her home, supplied her with Class A drugs, and took her to his home where he engaged in sexual intercourse and recorded images and videos of the act on his phone. The images spanned all three levels of severity for indecent images of children. The victim's friends contacted police, who located the pair in his car in Watford. The phone was seized and forfeited. Parsons pleaded guilty to three counts of taking indecent images of a child.

Pleaded guilty at earliest opportunity to three counts of taking indecent images of a child. Judge Andrew Johnson described the case as 'very difficult', noting the sentence was based solely on the admitted charges. Indefinite restraining order granted.

13 Sep 2024

Dorriano Dos Santos Ferreira Farias

Robbery *

Sentence

9 years imprisonment

Dorriano Dos Santos Ferreira Farias committed a series of robberies and attempted robberies in Dacorum and St Albans in February 2024. He stole cards and cash from an elderly man and a lone woman after they used cash machines and demanded cash at knifepoint in an underpass. He was also involved in dangerous driving, leading to a police pursuit on March 3, 2024, where he was tracked and arrested.

Found guilty of three counts of robbery, three counts of possession of a bladed article, attempted robbery, theft, and dangerous driving. Also disqualified from driving for seven years and must take an extended retest.

5 Sep 2024

August 2024 2 cases

Chavez Johnson

Stalking *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment with an additional 4 years on licence

Between May and November 2024, Chavez Johnson used several aliases to contact lone and isolated female therapists and psychotherapists across the country, pretending to seek help. Instead, he subjected them to repeated unwanted sexual behaviours and harassment, including exposing himself and making calls during the early hours, which caused significant distress and fear. He was arrested in December 2024 following an investigation, and after initially denying the offences, he pleaded guilty during his trial.

Pleaded guilty to stalking, two counts of exposure, and causing a person to engage in sexual activity. Judge considered him dangerous due to the offences occurring over a seven-month period with patterns of escalation. He must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole. A lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and restraining orders were issued.

29 Aug 2024

Ahsan Naseer

Fraud by false representation *

Sentence

Three years imprisonment

Ahsan Naseer, along with accomplices, orchestrated a cold calling campaign pretending to be detectives investigating fraudulent bank activity. Between April and July, they targeted elderly and vulnerable victims in Essex, Hertfordshire, and Kent, coercing them into withdrawing cash, purchasing foreign currency or high-value jewellery, and handing it over as part of a fake undercover operation. This resulted in around £51,000 taken from seven victims, with attempts for a further £30,000.

Pled guilty to fraud by false representation. Judge described the offenders as 'cruel and despicable'.

28 Aug 2024

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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6 Bricket Rd, St Albans AL1 3JU, St Albans, AL1 3JU, United Kingdom

+441727753220

Wheelchair accessible parking, Wheelchair accessible entrance

Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 17:00

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About St Albans Crown Court

St Albans Crown Court, located in St Albans, is a Crown Court that handles serious criminal cases including murder, rape, robbery, and other indictable offences. With 213 sentencing records in our database, it is one of the Crown Courts serving the St Albans 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 6 Bricket Rd, St Albans AL1 3JU, AL1 3JU.

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 +441727753220.

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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St Albans Crown Court Sentencing Results

Tapiwanashe Sibanda

Rayshon Keena

Royan Campbell

Brandon Stephenson

Jason Kareem

Jerome Denton

Eric Lutchman

Clauvin Lokula

Peter Norman Paul Parker

Paul Parker

Derek Feast

Conor Mcgrath

Henri Nikolli

Zara Lancashire

Daniel Pickavance

Solomon Tweneboah

Ahmadreza Khalafi

Arthur Draper

Calin Rus

John Alford

John Shannon

Nehemiah Mcivor-Murray

Jason Young

Jamie Young

Kieran Logan

Michael Mitchell

Gerald Cera

Graham Tomlinson

Jake Cummings

Edmond Lleshe

David Vincent

Prashant Ladva

Claudiu Marcu

Ded Makaj

Bylbyl Nezaj

James Sands

Not Stated

Alan Young

Ahmadreza Khalifi

Kamarley Jones-Ebanks

Sovamsing David Muivah

Irakli Rustemi

Elliot Wright

Dominic D'sa

Benjamin Cazaly

Gregory Assemakis

Alan Parsons

Dorriano Dos Santos Ferreira Farias

Chavez Johnson

Ahsan Naseer

About St Albans Crown Court

Nearby Courts

St Albans Magistrates Court

Hatfield Magistrates Court

Luton Crown Court

Luton & South Bedfordshire Magistrates Court

Stevenage Magistrates Court

Wood Green Crown Court

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