St Albans Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 171 verdicts at St Albans Crown Court (St Albans). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

April 2026 2 cases

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 2 cases

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 1 case

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

October 2025 1 case

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

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 2 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

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 2 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

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 1 case

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

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

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

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

September 2024 1 case

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 9 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

Hamza Ali

Fraud by false representation *

Sentence

Three years imprisonment

Hamza Ali, 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

Ismail Sarwar

Fraud by false representation *

Sentence

Three years imprisonment and a Serious Crime Prevention Order

Ismail Sarwar, 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

Mohammed Sohail Khan

Conspiracy to supply class A drugs *

Sentence

4 years and 2 months imprisonment

Mohammed Sohail Khan, 22, of Hallwicks Road, Luton, was part of a gang supplying crack cocaine and heroin from Luton into the Welwyn Hatfield area. He stored drugs, cash, and weapons on behalf of the group and was involved in drug exchanges. During an operation in 2022, mobile handsets, bladed weapons, class A drugs, and £7,700 in cash were seized from his address.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin) and possession of criminal property related to £7,700 in cash seized from his address.

26 Aug 2024

Muhammed Tawhid

Conspiracy to supply class A drugs *

Sentence

2 years and 10 months imprisonment

Muhammed Tawhid, 22, of Morgan Close, Luton, was part of a gang supplying crack cocaine and heroin from Luton into the Welwyn Hatfield area. He was involved in drug deliveries as directed by a gang leader, with the operation leading to the seizure of mobile handsets, bladed weapons, class A drugs, and £7,700 in cash during arrests in 2022.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin). Was directed by another gang member to deliver drugs to customers.

26 Aug 2024

Hamza Aftab

Conspiracy to supply class A drugs *

Sentence

7 years and 7 months imprisonment

Hamza Aftab, 25, of Fountains Road, Luton, was part of a gang supplying crack cocaine and heroin from Luton into the Welwyn Hatfield area. He took control of a drug line following the jailing of other members, using a dedicated phone to receive orders and direct associates to exchange drugs for cash. During an operation in 2022, mobile handsets, bladed weapons, class A drugs, and £7,700 in cash were seized.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin). Took control of the 'Q' line after other gang members were jailed and used a dedicated telephone number to advertise and facilitate drug sales, directing others to deliver drugs.

26 Aug 2024

Adeeb Mohammed

Conspiracy to supply class A drugs *

Sentence

5 years and 4 months imprisonment

Adeeb Mohammed, 34, of St Winifred’s Avenue, Luton, was involved in a gang supplying crack cocaine and heroin from Luton into the Welwyn Hatfield area. The gang's activities included storing and distributing drugs, with arrests in 2022 leading to the seizure of mobile handsets, bladed weapons, class A drugs, and £7,700 in cash.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin).

26 Aug 2024

Casey Porter

Fraud by abuse of position *

Sentence

22 months in prison

Casey Porter, a 25-year-old care worker from Barleycroft, Stevenage, exploited his position while working for a care agency to scam a vulnerable victim with learning difficulties. He withdrew cash from ATMs in Baldock without the victim's consent on 40 separate occasions between April and September 2024, stealing more than £10,000 for his own gain.

Pleaded guilty to 40 counts of fraud by abuse of position. Detective Sergeant Helen Wise described the offending as cold, cruel, and calculated, noting the abuse of a position of trust.

18 Aug 2024

July 2024 8 cases

Zephon Allen

Rape *

Sentence

19 years imprisonment

Zephon Allen committed multiple sexual offences against three women between 2021 and 2022 in Bishop’s Stortford, Hemel Hempstead, and Watford. He built relationships with his victims and carried out the assaults when they were asleep or semi-conscious, as detailed in the court proceedings.

Convicted of three counts of rape and one count of digital penetration. Described as a dangerous predator who targeted victims by building relationships with them before committing offences when they were asleep or semi-conscious. Victims showed exceptional courage in giving evidence.

21 Jul 2024

Neelen Balarajah

Money laundering and conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs *

Sentence

13 years and six months imprisonment

Neelen Balarajah, 34, was part of a London organised crime group that laundered millions in drugs cash using scrap metal dealers. In January 2022, he was caught by National Crime Agency surveillance taking possession of a Gucci embossed box containing over £20,000 from associate Hitesh Vadolia. He also distributed cannabis and attempted to fraudulently acquire £1.5 million in government grants. During arrest, he tried to escape by driving at officers. A search of his home on Grove Road, Pinner, Middlesex, revealed substantial cash, herbal cannabis, cocaine, and empty wrappings testing positive for cocaine traces, with phone images showing they had contained kilo blocks of cocaine. The group also used cash to pay for stolen metal and sought grants to divert funds to criminal ventures.

Pleaded guilty on the first day of trial to money laundering and conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs. Attempted to escape by driving his car at arresting officers.

15 Jul 2024

Rickinder Hare

Money laundering *

Sentence

12 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years and 400 hours community service

Rickinder Hare, 36, of William Street, Knightsbridge, organised the exchange of over £20,000 in cash as part of a London organised crime group laundering millions for cocaine barons using scrap metal dealers. He was arrested on July 20, 2022, following a two-year National Crime Agency investigation. The group also attempted to secure government grants for waste removal from a site they controlled, lacking capacity to legally dispose of the waste, likely to divert funds to criminal activities. Surveillance showed cash couriers visiting scrap premises, suspected of paying for stolen metal.

Found guilty after a week-long trial in February.

15 Jul 2024

Matthew Narroway

GBH with Intent *

Sentence

3.5 years imprisonment

Matthew Narroway stabbed a staff member and a member of the public with a kitchen knife after being refused entry to the smoking area at the Hoo House pub in Harpenden High Street around 1am on November 10, 2024. He was located and arrested in Kirkwick Avenue shortly after the incident.

Pleaded guilty to GBH with intent, GBH, and possession of an offensive weapon.

10 Jul 2024

Paul Hayward

Burglary *

Sentence

Two and a half years imprisonment

Paul Hayward, 46, of Stanley Gardens, Borehamwood, committed a series of offences including aggravated vehicle taking of a BMW in Dales Road, Borehamwood on March 18, 2025, theft of a BMW and PlayStation console from the same address on March 18, 2025, burglary at Co-op in Delta Gain, Carpenders Park on March 16, 2025 where a large quantity of cigarettes were stolen, burglary at Co-op in Watford Road, Rickmansworth on March 17, 2025 where a large quantity of cigarettes were stolen, battery against a member of staff at Boots chemist on Roaring Meg Retail Park, Stevenage on February 20, 2025, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving otherwise in accordance with a licence, and possession of cannabis in Edgware on April 17, 2024.

Disqualified from driving for 39 months. Previous charges for attempted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon were ordered to lie on file.

9 Jul 2024

Liam Lincoln

Burglary *

Sentence

Eight months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Liam Lincoln, 22, of Hartforde Road, Borehamwood, participated in a crime spree as a co-defendant, pleading guilty to burglary at Co-op in Delta Gain, Carpenders Park on March 16, 2025, burglary at Co-op in Watford Road, Rickmansworth on March 17, 2025, and theft on Dales Road, Borehamwood on March 18, 2025.

Required to complete 40 days of rehabilitation and 150 hours of unpaid work. Pleaded guilty to the offences.

9 Jul 2024

Ryan Lee

Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs *

Sentence

five years and four months in prison

Ryan Lee, 24, of Wildwood Lane, Stevenage, was involved in a county lines drug dealing operation supplying class A drugs like cocaine and class B drugs like cannabis. He was arrested following an investigation by Herts police's County Lines Investigation Unit, during which class A and class B drugs with a street value of more than £5,000, along with a large amount of cash, were seized.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs, namely cocaine, class B drug cannabis and possession of criminal property. He was on bail for possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of an offensive weapon.

2 Jul 2024

Sedric Smith

Possession of class A drugs *

Sentence

five years and seven months imprisonment

Sedric Smith, 46, of Connaught Road in Harrow, London, operated a county line known as the 'Dee' or 'D' line in St Albans, selling heroin and cocaine over a four-month period from June to October 2024. He used the address of a vulnerable woman without her consent as a base for his drug dealing activities. During a police warrant in Dellfield in October 2023, he was found with 50 wraps of crack cocaine with a street value of about £1,000, along with cash, multiple phones, and scales. He attempted to flush the drugs down the toilet when officers arrived.

Found guilty after a trial. Had a significant role in running the Dee drugs line and used a vulnerable woman's address as a base of operations.

2 Jul 2024

June 2024 3 cases

Frances Noble

Fraud *

Sentence

four years and nine months in prison

Frances Noble faked a neurological condition and falsely claimed to be bedbound, deceiving Hertfordshire County Council into providing her with payments for round-the-clock care between January 15, 2007, and November 26, 2018. She received a total of £702,905, which was intended for her care but was misused for personal purposes. She employed her daughter and son-in-law in the scheme and was placed under surveillance, where neighbours observed her walking and performing activities without assistance.

Pleaded guilty to one count of fraud and transferring criminal property in the sum of £130,649.46. Judge Richard Foster described it as one of the largest frauds of its type, noting that she spun a web of lies and deceit to deceive the council.

24 Jun 2024

Barancan Nurcin

Causing death by dangerous driving *

Sentence

18 years imprisonment

Barancan Nurcin, aged 22, drove a stolen Citroen Dispatch van the wrong way along the M25 near St Albans in the early hours of 4 February 2024, causing a head-on collision that killed his passenger Fahad Dek and Zoe Hawes, aged 39, and seriously injured four others including Zoe's husband Wayne Hawes. Prior to the crash, police pursued Nurcin after he was alerted to the stolen vehicle; pursuits on the M1 and M25 were abandoned due to dangerous driving, including speeds up to 80mph in urban areas and driving against traffic. Nurcin fled the scene but was apprehended shortly afterwards on a bridge above the motorway.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, four counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, two counts of causing death whilst unlicensed, two counts of causing death whilst uninsured, breach of a suspended sentence order for causing Grievous Bodily Harm, and causing fear or provocation of violence. Also disqualified from driving for 20 years.

21 Jun 2024

Daniel French

Grievous Bodily Harm *

Sentence

28 months imprisonment

On the evening of May 12, Daniel French pushed a man in his 60s to the ground and punched him in the face outside a Wendy's restaurant on Watford High Street, causing a cut to his head. Court documents stated that he unlawfully and maliciously inflicted grievous bodily harm upon the victim.

Pleaded guilty to wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent. Also given a restraining order against the victim and ordered to pay a £228 surcharge. Remanded in custody due to the seriousness of the case, his previous record, and likelihood of reoffending.

18 Jun 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.

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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 171 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

Derek Feast

Conor Mcgrath

Henri Nikolli

Zara Lancashire

Daniel Pickavance

Solomon Tweneboah

Ahmadreza Khalafi

John Alford

John Shannon

Nehemiah Mcivor-Murray

Jason Young

Jamie Young

Kieran Logan

Gerald Cera

Jake Cummings

Edmond Lleshe

David Vincent

Claudiu Marcu

Ded Makaj

Bylbyl Nezaj

Not Stated

Alan Young

Ahmadreza Khalifi

Kamarley Jones-Ebanks

Irakli Rustemi

Elliot Wright

Gregory Assemakis

Dominic D'sa

Benjamin Cazaly

Dorriano Dos Santos Ferreira Farias

Chavez Johnson

Ahsan Naseer

Hamza Ali

Ismail Sarwar

Mohammed Sohail Khan

Muhammed Tawhid

Hamza Aftab

Adeeb Mohammed

Casey Porter

Zephon Allen

Neelen Balarajah

Rickinder Hare

Matthew Narroway

Paul Hayward

Liam Lincoln

Ryan Lee

Sedric Smith

Frances Noble

Barancan Nurcin

Daniel French

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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