Swindon Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 70 verdicts at Swindon Crown Court (Swindon). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Brett Conway

Theft

August 15, 2025

Sentence: 6 years and 8 months imprisonment

Brett Conway, 66, stole almost £52,000 from his elderly parents by transferring funds from their joint account between December 2017 and June 2018, exploiting his father's severe dementia and his mother's vulnerability. He falsely claimed the money was for mortgage payments and building work on the property he owned, but used it to cover his substantial credit card debt exceeding £75,000 and to fund multiple foreign holidays. After being challenged, he refused to reimburse them and engaged in a campaign of bullying and intimidation against his parents and former partner to prevent the case from proceeding. This behaviour caused significant emotional trauma, leading his mother to enter a care home.

Convicted following two trials by jury. Attempted to bully his parents and former partner into dropping allegations. Charged with two counts of theft and one count of perverting the course of justice.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Billy Gladdish

Conspiracy to steal

August 14, 2025

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years, plus 200 hours of unpaid work

On March 16, 2025, Billy Gladdish and five other men, wearing masks, entered an O2 store in Borough Parade, Chippenham, Wiltshire, in an attempt to commit theft as part of an organised crime group. They were intercepted by store staff and pursued by undercover police officers who tackled and arrested them. The incident involved a chase and caused fear and anxiety among staff and customers.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal. Sentenced along with five others involved in the attempted robbery.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Jaheim Thompson

Conspiracy to steal

August 14, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

On March 16, 2025, Jaheim Thompson and five other men, wearing masks, entered an O2 store in Borough Parade, Chippenham, Wiltshire, in an attempt to commit theft as part of an organised crime group. They were intercepted by store staff and pursued by undercover police officers who tackled and arrested them. The incident involved a chase and caused fear and anxiety among staff and customers.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal. Sentenced along with five others involved in the attempted robbery.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Jason Hunte

Conspiracy to steal

August 14, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 2 months imprisonment

On March 16, 2025, Jason Hunte and five other men, wearing masks, entered an O2 store in Borough Parade, Chippenham, Wiltshire, in an attempt to commit theft as part of an organised crime group. They were intercepted by store staff and pursued by undercover police officers who tackled and arrested them. The incident involved a chase and caused fear and anxiety among staff and customers.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal. Sentenced along with five others involved in the attempted robbery.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Jesse Madika

Conspiracy to steal

August 14, 2025

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years, plus 150 hours of unpaid work

On March 16, 2025, Jesse Madika and five other men, wearing masks, entered an O2 store in Borough Parade, Chippenham, Wiltshire, in an attempt to commit theft as part of an organised crime group. They were intercepted by store staff and pursued by undercover police officers who tackled and arrested them. The incident involved a chase and caused fear and anxiety among staff and customers.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal. Sentenced along with five others involved in the attempted robbery.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Nusret Arslan

Conspiracy to steal

August 14, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

On March 16, 2025, Nusret Arslan and five other men, wearing masks, entered an O2 store in Borough Parade, Chippenham, Wiltshire, in an attempt to commit theft as part of an organised crime group. They were intercepted by store staff and pursued by undercover police officers who tackled and arrested them. The incident involved a chase and caused fear and anxiety among staff and customers.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal. Sentenced along with five others involved in the attempted robbery.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Tyrike Rasgado

Conspiracy to steal

August 14, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, plus 150 hours of unpaid work

On March 16, 2025, Tyrike Rasgado and five other men, wearing masks, entered an O2 store in Borough Parade, Chippenham, Wiltshire, in an attempt to commit theft as part of an organised crime group. They were intercepted by store staff and pursued by undercover police officers who tackled and arrested them. The incident involved a chase and caused fear and anxiety among staff and customers.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal. Sentenced along with five others involved in the attempted robbery.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Agron Seferi

Arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered

August 8, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 8 months imprisonment

Agron Seferi, 59, of Norfolk Close, Walcot, deliberately started three separate fires in his family home on March 10, following a heated domestic argument while intoxicated. He collected fuel containers from the garden, brought them inside, set the fires, and left a fuel container in the hallway before driving away. This caused approximately £30,000 in damage to the property, with firefighters extinguishing the blaze and preventing it from spreading to the neighbouring house. No casualties occurred, and a fire service investigation confirmed the fires were started intentionally.

Pleaded guilty to arson. Judge Jason Taylor KC considered his good character, genuine remorse, mental health concerns, and the fact that no one was harmed. He will be eligible for release on licence after 1 year and 4 months.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Alistair Eccleston

Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order

July 17, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Alistair Eccleston drove 120 miles from his home in Wiltshire to Stoke-on-Trent in February 2021 to meet a 15-year-old boy at Festival Park, where he engaged in sexual acts, including kissing, touching, and performing a sex act. He was made subject to a SHPO following this incident. He later breached the SHPO multiple times by being in the company of and communicating with persons under 16.

Pleaded guilty to five breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). Ten further breaches were taken into consideration. Previously handed a suspended sentence. Sergeant Scott Young described him as a 'clear danger to the public'.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Hayden O'brien

Causing grievous bodily harm with intent

July 7, 2025

Sentence: 18-month youth rehabilitation order, including a supervision requirement, 20 extended activity requirement days, and 150 hours of unpaid work

Hayden O'Brien was involved in a premeditated revenge attack on a 14-year-old boy outside St Joseph's Catholic College in Swindon on an afternoon as pupils were leaving school. The group, including O'Brien, wore balaclavas and used weapons, such as a hammer and a bicycle seat, to punch, kick, and strike the victim, causing a laceration to the back of his head and a broken finger. The assault was planned via messages on Snapchat and WhatsApp, which included violent threats and racial slurs, and was motivated by a prior assault on one of the defendants.

Pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Mitigating factors included his youth at the time of the offence (aged 16), absence of previous convictions, genuine remorse, and efforts to rehabilitate.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Faysal Geedi

Possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine

July 4, 2025

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

Faysal Geedi was found to have Class A drugs, heroin and crack cocaine, in his possession on March 7 in Swindon with the intent to supply them to another person.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine. Pleaded not guilty to possession of criminal property, which remains on file. Must pay a surcharge of £228, and the drugs will be destroyed.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Mark Cartner

Possession of a prohibited image of a child and making indecent photographs of children

July 4, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment suspended for 24 months

Mark Cartner, aged 59 and of Sprats Barn Crescent in Royal Wootton Bassett, was involved in possessing a prohibited image of a child and making indecent photographs of children.

Charged with possession of a prohibited image of a child and making indecent photographs of children. Will be on the sex offender's register for 10 years.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Matthew Mckechnie

Inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent

July 2, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment suspended for 24 months, with up to 35 rehabilitation activity days

Matthew McKechnie, aged 39 and of no fixed abode, attacked a man in his 60s in the town centre on January 29, leaving him with serious injuries to his leg and ankle.

Charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent. Must pay a surcharge of £187.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Michael Pretto

Wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent

July 1, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work

Michael Pretto, aged 53, wounded or inflicted grievous bodily harm without intent against another man on June 20, 2021.

Pleaded guilty to wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent. Must pay a victim surcharge of £114 and prosecution costs of £300.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Ben Starr

Manslaughter

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Ben Starr, 35, of Woodside Avenue, Ripley, killed his brother Lee, 38, during a physical altercation at the Foxhill motorcross event on August 22, 2024. The brothers fought, were separated by onlookers, but Ben threw a final punch that caused fatal injuries. The incident was witnessed by both men's children and several others, leading to profound grief for Lee's family.

Admitted manslaughter. The fight occurred at a motorcross event and was witnessed by their children. DCI Phil Walker described it as a tragic case where a single punch led to a fatality.

Sources: somersetlive.co.uk

Simon Huckvale

Possession with Intent to Supply Drugs

June 9, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Simon Huckvale was responsible for over £120,000 worth of drugs found at a property in Toothill, Swindon, which was believed to be a victim of cuckooing, where a vulnerable person's address is taken over for drug-related activities. On December 29, 2024, police recovered more than 230g of cocaine, 529g of crack cocaine, 397g of heroin, and 1.1kg of cannabis during a search. Huckvale attempted to flee when officers arrived, leading to his arrest.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, cocaine and cannabis, being concerned in the supply of heroin, and possessing criminal property. Police highlighted the impact on the community and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals through cuckooing.

Sources: somersetlive.co.uk

Caetano Mauricio Vas

Rape of a child under 13

June 5, 2025

Sentence: 25 years imprisonment

Caetano Mauricio Vas sexually abused his victim starting when she was eight years old, including four counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, one count of inciting a girl under 13 into sexual activity, and one count of sexual assault. The offences occurred between 2014 and 2016. He threatened to release inappropriate photographs if she disclosed the abuse, which left her feeling suicidal and impacted her life significantly. The victim reported the abuse in 2021, leading to his conviction after a trial.

Denied the offences and was found guilty by a jury on March 17. The victim provided a statement describing the lifelong impact, and Detective Constable Chloe Smith commended the victim's courage.

Sources: somersetlive.co.uk

John Butters

Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order

June 4, 2025

Sentence: 9 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

John Butters, a 77-year-old from St Albans Close in Rodbourne, Swindon, breached his sexual harm prevention order by using a prohibited TLC mobile phone from August 2024 to February 2025, employing banned apps such as Clean Up and DuckDuckGo, and failing to notify police of his new passport. Additionally, on February 6, 2025, he assaulted a detective constable from Wiltshire Police. This incident follows his prior convictions, including a 20-month jail sentence in October 2020 for attempting sexual communication with a child, making indecent images, and assaulting a police detective.

Pleaded guilty to five charges including breach of sexual harm prevention order, using prohibited devices, failing to notify police, and assaulting a detective constable. Must complete several rehabilitation activity days and his phone has been seized.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Rooney Gardi

Rape

June 4, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 6 months imprisonment

In the early hours of Sunday, June 30, 2024, Rooney Gardi raped an 18-year-old teenager in a car park on Dammas Lane in Old Town, Swindon, leaving her unconscious with injuries to her face and body, and missing her underwear. She had no memory of the events. Gardi was later charged, found guilty at trial, and sentenced almost a year later. Members of the public and community wardens discovered the victim and preserved the scene, aiding the investigation.

Found guilty of rape after a trial where he denied the charge. Also received a lifelong restraining order, must notify police of his whereabouts after release, and pay a £228 government surcharge. The victim expressed feelings of disgust, shame, and self-blame in her statement, while police described him as a sexual predator who took advantage of a vulnerable young woman.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Jon Iacomino

Attempted child sexual abuse

May 1, 2025

Sentence: 8 years and 10 months imprisonment with 3 years extended licence

Jon Iacomino travelled from Honiton to Wiltshire intending to sexually abuse a young girl after making plans online. He was arrested upon arrival and has been remanded in custody since.

Rhys Cutler

Engaging in sexual activity with a child

February 19, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 6 months imprisonment and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order

Rhys Cutler engaged in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl on three occasions between May 4 and 8, 2024. He breached a 10-year sexual risk order that was imposed on May 1, 2024, by contacting another 13-year-old girl on June 13, 2024.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl and breaching a sexual risk order. The prosecution amended the indictment to avoid trial.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Peter Melville

Breaching a sexual harm prevention order

February 14, 2025

Sentence: 47 months imprisonment

On September 3, Peter Melville, 60, approached two girls aged 10 and 11 who were playing in a driveway in Covingham. He told one girl she was beautiful, gave her a two-pound coin, and attempted to expose himself by unzipping his trousers. The girls fled in fear, as captured on Ring doorbell footage and nearby CCTV. Melville, who was on police bail and working as a vehicle courier, fled the scene in his van and was arrested later that day by armed police near the M4. The incident caused significant trauma to the victims, affecting their sense of safety and daily activities.

Pleaded guilty to breaching a sexual harm prevention order. Judge Jason Taylor KC described him as 'undoubtedly dangerous' with a 'worrying pattern of sexual offending'. He has 11 prior convictions for 39 offences, including possession of indecent images and assaulting a child under 13.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Robert Kemp

VAT Fraud

November 26, 2024

Sentence: Two years and two months imprisonment for VAT fraud, plus two months for going on the run, and 12 months for affray

Robert Kemp and his son Marcus acted as directors of a firm with offices in Tetbury and Royal Wootton Bassett that claimed to supply windows for new-build homes. They submitted false invoices and fraudulently reclaimed £251,499 between May and November 2015. Kemp evaded authorities for nearly three years, hiding in a bedsit in Rhyl, Wales, until he was caught after ordering a £18 kebab, which led to his arrest.

Admitted VAT fraud but failed to attend court hearings. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Anthony Dugard

Child sex abuse

November 22, 2024

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Anthony Dugard, a 60-year-old man, was arrested on July 4, 2024, in Swindon after travelling to meet who he believed was a child with the intention of abusing them, but he was met by police. Further investigation revealed he had coerced and exploited a real 15-year-old child over several months. The victim provided evidence of the abuse, and her mother highlighted the emotional impact in a personal statement.

Pleaded guilty to nine child sex abuse offences. Judge JN Townsend paid tribute to the victim for her engagement in the criminal justice process. Additionally, he will be on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 15 years.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Bethan Guy

Blackmail

October 15, 2024

Sentence: 2-year suspended sentence, 225 hours of unpaid work, 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 12 sessions of mental health treatment, and £450 in compensation

Bethan Guy, 26, from King John Street, met her victim on Snapchat where she sold adult photos of herself. She threatened to inform his partner about the purchases unless he paid her money, leading to unwarranted demands for financial gain between July 20, 2022, and August 3, 2022, which caused the victim significant distress and financial strain.

Pleaded guilty to making unwarranted demands for money. Victim felt trapped and helpless due to threats.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Kurtis Knee

Possession with intent to supply Cannabis

October 14, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

On July 31, 2024, officers executed a warrant at a property on Keswick Road, Park South, where they discovered just under 10kg of Cannabis, other suspected controlled drugs, more than £4,500 in cash, and criminal property including clothing and trainers valued at £5,689. The Cannabis had a potential street value of up to £100,000 if sold individually.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Cannabis and possessing criminal property. Police noted he had prior convictions and continued to supply drugs in the community.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Joseph Marriott

Causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity

September 4, 2024

Sentence: 4 years and 6 months in prison, followed by 5 years and 6 months on licence

Joseph Marriott, employed at a Salisbury retail store, sexually assaulted a girl under 13 in the back room of the store while her parents were shopping. The offences involved two counts of causing or inciting the girl to engage in sexual activity.

Previously admitted breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, must register with the police indefinitely, and ordered to pay a £228 surcharge. Detective Constable Billy Baker praised the victim and her family for their courage.

Sources: salisburyjournal.co.uk

Natalie Hughes

Supply of Class A and Class B Drugs and Possession of Criminal Property

August 26, 2024

Sentence: 34 months imprisonment

Natalie Hughes, 34, of Marlowe Avenue, was involved in supplying cannabis between March 3 and June 17, and in supplying Class A drugs, crack cocaine and heroin, between May 13 and June 16 in Swindon. She was also found in possession of criminal property, including £1,180 in cash and six pairs of high-value trainers, on June 16.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis, crack cocaine and heroin and possession of criminal property. Also ordered to pay a surcharge of £228, with cash, drugs and trainers to be destroyed.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Mark Dennis

Breach of Non-Molestation Order

August 22, 2024

Sentence: 24 weeks imprisonment

Mark Dennis, 34, of Culpepper Close, Park South, breached a non-molestation order that was made on June 25 and served on July 3 following complaints of domestic abuse and harassment by his former partner. The breaches occurred on July 9, when the pair were in The Merlin pub and she asked staff to call police after he took her phone, and on July 18, when he was hidden from police at his address after an appeal for information was issued. These offences were committed while he was subject to a previous suspended sentence.

Breached a non-molestation order while under a suspended sentence. Has 33 convictions, including eight for offences against the person. Showed low compliance with unpaid work and rehabilitation activity days but completed an alcohol abstinence programme successfully. Judge warned him that he must obey the order despite his former partner's actions.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Adam Cockram

Sexual activity with a child

August 14, 2024

Sentence: 15 years imprisonment

Adam Cockram abused a teenage girl in Calne over a three-year period from July 27, 2019, to December 30, 2022, beginning when the child was 13 years old and continuing until she was 17. He was convicted of eight counts of sexual activity with a child, taking an indecent photograph of a child, and possession of a prohibited image of a child.

Denied all charges but was found guilty by jury. Judge Townsend imposed the sentence. He will be on the sex offenders' register indefinitely and subject to a sexual harm prevention order for 20 years, which bans him from using the internet to contact any child known or believed to be under 16, having unsupervised contact with any female child, living in the same household as any female child under 16 without written approval, and allowing any unaccompanied child to enter or remain at his address unless their parents are aware of his previous convictions.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Eisvinas Zukauskas

Dangerous Driving

August 13, 2024

Sentence: 9 months imprisonment for dangerous driving, 6 months concurrently for handling stolen goods, and disqualified from driving for 16 months

Eisvinas Zukauskas was caught driving a stolen BMW M2 worth nearly £30,000 during a police chase on Highworth Road in Swindon on April 5, 2024. He drove at 70mph in a 50mph zone, without headlights, in rainy conditions, and failed to stop for police, running multiple red lights. He was found with a screwdriver, torch, black gloves, and numberplates for his own car. Zukauskas claimed he needed the money to fund his engineering course in Lithuania and was on an extended holiday in the UK.

Pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods, dangerous driving, and driving without insurance. Judge James Watson KC noted that he accepted a proposal to steal a car and drove at speeds exceeding the safe limit in wet conditions with no lights on. He has no previous convictions and is under 25.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Kydon Davis

Supplying heroin and crack cocaine

August 13, 2024

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment and 7 months concurrent for possession of crack cocaine

Kydon Davis, 19, of Wheatcroft Way, Swindon, was involved in selling and buying large amounts of crack cocaine and heroin. He operated a drug line from December 2023 to February 2024, using a vulnerable person's home as a base for criminal activity, known as 'cuckooing'. On February 22, 2024, police raided a house in Raleigh Avenue, Swindon, where they found nearly five grams of cocaine, white powder in the toilet bowl, £2,115 in cash, a wrap of cocaine, and a mobile phone linked to drug sales. Davis admitted responsibility for the phone messages and dealing, earning around £200 a week to pay debts and fund his cannabis addiction. He had a history of being exploited, including being attacked with machetes and having his home set on fire, and became a father at a young age.

Pleaded guilty to supplying heroin and crack cocaine, intent to supply crack, and possession of criminal property. Had ten prior convictions for 17 offences, including possession of knives and cannabis. Committed in breach of a community order. Judge noted his significant role in drug distribution and his background of exploitation and trauma.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Oskar Krzeszewski

Supplying crack cocaine and heroin

August 8, 2024

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

Oskar Krzeszewski was involved in supplying Class A drugs, including crack cocaine and heroin. On June 24, police executed a warrant at an address in May Close, Swindon, where they found a SIM card linked to a drug line, £5,500 in cash, individual wraps of crack cocaine and heroin, bulk bags of suspected drugs, scales, and plastic wrapping. Earlier, on April 25, he was stopped in his vehicle and found with an iPhone, two kitchen knives, two razor blades, around 50 wraps of Class A drugs, designer clothes, and roughly £300 in cash. Despite his arrest, he set up a new drug line the next day, which was identified by police on May 17.

Pleaded guilty to supplying crack cocaine and heroin, two counts of possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin, two counts of possessing a bladed article in a public place, and one count of possessing criminal property. Investigating officer noted his significant role in drug supply and his brazen continuation of activities after initial arrest.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Felipe Alvarenga

Actual Bodily Harm

August 8, 2024

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

On August 2, 2024, Felipe Alvarenga and Amanda Lopes drove with their child in the back seat to confront suspected thieves of a friend's motorbike. Alvarenga exited the vehicle, pushed the male victim, causing a bike to fall, and struck the man approximately 17 times on the head, face, and arm with a wheel brace, resulting in stitches, a visible facial scar, and bruising. The attack was witnessed and captured on CCTV, and the presence of their child in the vehicle aggravated the offence.

No previous convictions; lived with Amanda Lopes and worked to support three children; acknowledged taking the law into their own hands; sentences for possessing an offensive weapon and assault by beating to run concurrently.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Amanda Lopes

Common Assault

August 8, 2024

Sentence: 12-month community order with 80 hours of unpaid work

On August 2, 2024, Amanda Lopes accompanied Felipe Alvarenga in their vehicle, with their child in the back seat, to confront suspected thieves of a friend's motorbike. During the incident, Lopes picked up the wheel brace after Alvarenga dropped it and approached the female victim with it raised, threatening her, though she did not strike her. The event was part of a broader assault that left a man with injuries.

No previous convictions; lived with Felipe Alvarenga and worked to support three children; acknowledged taking the law into their own hands; ordered to pay costs due to delayed guilty plea.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Carl Davies

Fraud by false representation

August 4, 2024

Sentence: 7 years and 8 months imprisonment

Between March 2020 and May 2022, Carl Davies defrauded individuals and jewellers by agreeing to pay for highly valuable items such as jewellery and watches via bank transfer, but the payments were never made. His largest scam involved taking £68,000 worth of diamonds, bracelets, necklaces, and a gold cross from a jeweller in December 2020. He absconded during his trial and was later brought back into custody.

Found guilty of thirteen counts of fraud by false representation and one count of theft after a trial. Absconded from court and pleaded guilty to failure to surrender, which added two months to his sentence.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Emily Canete

Theft by an employee

July 29, 2024

Sentence: 18 month community order with 250 hours of unpaid work and up to 25 rehabilitation activity days

Emily Canete worked as a live-in nanny and housekeeper for three families between July 2017 and August 2022, including properties in East Horsley and Marlborough. She stole items worth around £1,800 from Leah Cronin, including clothing, a trinket box, and an engraved watch. From Mrs Wade, she took items worth £500, such as Ray Ban sunglasses, Ugg slippers, and clothing. From Bianca Austin, she stole items worth £2,500, including clothing, training shoes, flip flops, cosmetics, a drawstring bag, a hot water bottle, and a condiment set, while deceiving the family by falsely claiming her father had died. She was arrested at Heathrow Airport on June 7, 2023, and items belonging to all victims were found in her possession. One additional charge of theft remains on file.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of theft by an employee. Judge Townsend noted that she breached the trust of her employers, causing significant distress, and highlighted the impact on victims' ability to trust others. Defence argued she could be rehabilitated in the community, as she had no prior convictions and adhered to bail conditions.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Harry Garrett

Burglary and Grievous Bodily Harm

July 29, 2024

Sentence: 2 years in a young offender's institution, suspended for 2 years

Harry Garrett, along with two others, forced his way into a vulnerable man's flat in Chippenham on July 24, 2023, around 10pm, while the victim was in bed. The group threatened him, demanding cannabis and money, rifled through his belongings, and stole £615 in cash, though they threw £120 back. The victim, who is autistic, suffered significant anxiety and had to live with his father for two weeks. In a separate incident on May 6, 2024, Garrett stole a crowbar from a B&M store and used it to assault a man in a graveyard, striking him on the head and causing an injury that required nine stitches and exposed cartilage.

Pleaded guilty to burglary dwelling with intent to steal, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, theft from a shop, and possession of an offensive weapon. Has three prior convictions for seven offences. Judge acknowledged his troubled background, including adoption issues and prior attacks, and gave him a chance to turn his life around.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Dean Baker

Grievous bodily harm with intent

July 28, 2024

Sentence: Extended sentence of six and a half years, comprising four and a half years in prison and two years on licence

Dean Baker, 24, of Bunce Road, Stratton St Margaret, assaulted the victim on June 18, 2023, by grabbing him around the throat, hitting him, causing him to fall, and stabbing him in the left buttock with a flick knife after the victim tried to stop him from stealing his PlayStation. The incident stemmed from a dispute over cannabis.

Dean Baker pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent, assault, theft from another person, and failing to surrender to custody on March 13 after being released on bail. Prosecutor Mr Goodman presented the case details.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Prasanya Sritharan

Assault by holding in a chokehold

July 26, 2024

Sentence: 1 year imprisonment suspended for 2 years, up to 15 rehabilitation activity days, and 100 hours of unpaid work within 12 months

Prasanya Sritharan, 21, of North Hyde Lane, Southall, held a man in a chokehold twice, causing him to lose consciousness for a few seconds before letting go. The incident occurred at an unspecified time and location.

Prasanya Sritharan must also pay a surcharge of £187. No specific defending lawyer comments were mentioned.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Robert Chester

Making indecent images of children

July 26, 2024

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years

Robert Chester, 65, of Lynmouth Road, Rodbourne, made over 3,000 indecent images of children, some as young as 10 to 12 months old, between December 30, 2021, and February 16, 2023. He also possessed five extreme pornographic images portraying intercourse with a dog between January 2, 2022, and February 1, 2023.

Robert Chester admitted to the offences. Judge James Townsend imposed the sentence along with requirements for up to 25 rehabilitation activity days and a surcharge of £156. He will be on the sex offenders register for 10 years and subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Sean Pendlebury

Supplying crack cocaine and heroin

July 25, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 150 hours of unpaid work, 35 rehabilitation activity days, and an additional 3 months imprisonment suspended for having a lock knife

Sean Pendlebury, 27, of Mayfield Gardens in Ealing, was involved in supplying crack cocaine and heroin to users in Swindon as part of the T line to pay off drug debts under pressure. Additionally, he was found with a lock knife on June 12, 2024.

Defending lawyer Rachel Pain noted that Pendlebury had taken positive steps to change his lifestyle. Judge James Townsend initially planned to jail him but changed his mind after hearing mitigation. The lock knife offence occurred on June 12, 2024.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Kelvin Morris

Supplying crack cocaine and heroin

July 25, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 200 hours of unpaid work, and 25 rehabilitation activity days

Kelvin Morris, 26, of Downside Walk in Ealing, was involved in supplying crack cocaine and heroin to users in Swindon as part of the T line to pay off drug debts under pressure. This occurred as part of ongoing drug-related activities.

Defending lawyer John Lamb stated that Morris had a stable family, employment at Amazon, and was training as a barber. He had addressed his drug addiction, which was the root of the problem. Judge James Townsend initially planned to jail him but changed his mind after hearing mitigation.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

David Russell

Fraud by false representation

July 24, 2024

Sentence: 1 year and 6 months imprisonment

David Russell posed as a landlord on Facebook Marketplace to scam prospective tenants out of nearly £7,000 between April 1, 2023, and June 18, 2024. He falsely represented himself as the owner of properties in Swindon, including 172 Paramount Buildings and 3 Seacole Crescent, demanding deposits and rent payments for properties he did not own or manage. Specific incidents include scamming one victim out of £800 for a deposit in April-May 2023, another out of £600 deposit and £1,200 rent in May-June 2023, and additional scams including £1,685 deposits and rent for a flat in Kensington, as well as £875 from another victim in February-March 2024.

Pleaded guilty to all charges. The judge noted that the defendant is an intelligent man who frequently offends and referenced his previous crime in 2022 for similar scams.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Ryan Hammond

Concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin

July 18, 2024

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Ryan Hammond, 27, of Penhill Drive, Swindon, was involved in supplying crack cocaine and heroin. He used mobile phones to advertise the drugs to users in Swindon between May 5 and June 17, sending bulk messages and linking the operation to his address. Police arrested him at a Travelodge hotel, where they found two crack pipes, quantities of crack cocaine and heroin, and £373.70 in cash. He has 24 prior convictions, including four for drug offences, and was on licence after a previous sentence. His actions were driven by his own drug addiction.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. Offence was aggravated by previous convictions for drug offences and committing the crime while on licence. Judge acknowledged his drug addiction and determination to address it.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Tyrrell Gresty

Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm

July 3, 2024

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, with 20 rehabilitation activity days and 200 hours of unpaid work

Tyrrell Gresty participated in an attack on April 7, 2024, outside the Sir Daniel Arms pub in Swindon, where he punched the victim in the face during an altercation, knocking him unconscious, and then kicked his upper torso while he was on the ground. Gresty returned to the scene shortly after to check on the victim, showing immediate guilt, and was arrested soon thereafter, protesting his innocence at the time.

Admitted to the assault; initially claimed self-defence and portrayed himself as a good Samaritan; has a previous conviction for assault occasioning actual bodily harm; was subject to a community order; defence noted a momentary lapse of judgement triggered by past trauma, and he has since gained employment and sought help for mental health, drug, and alcohol issues.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Terry Bayes

Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent

July 3, 2024

Sentence: 3 years and 8 months imprisonment

Terry Bayes was involved in a brutal attack on April 7, 2024, outside the Sir Daniel Arms pub in Swindon, where he punched the victim twice in the face during a verbal dispute and then kicked him in the face while he was unconscious, causing multiple fractures, swelling, and a dislocated shoulder. The victim was unconscious for around two minutes, and Bayes' punch also inadvertently injured the victim's mother as collateral damage. Bayes was arrested after bragging about the incident and initially denied responsibility when shown CCTV footage.

Pleaded guilty; has a previous conviction for assault occasioning actual bodily harm; was subject to a community order at the time; defence highlighted impulsive behaviour due to childhood trauma and that he had given up on his life awaiting sentencing.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Isaac Follows

Fraud

May 20, 2024

Sentence: 12-month community order, 300 hours of unpaid work, and £2,500 compensation

Isaac Follows and Arthur Dolan pressured an elderly homeowner in Westbury between February 14 and March 2, 2023, to pay over £12,000 for substandard roofing work. They inflated prices, performed exceptionally poor workmanship, abandoned the job after receiving payment, and left the victim with defective property requiring £3,650 in repairs. Follows quoted prices without experience and acted as a driver and caller.

Pleaded guilty later. Was 22 at the time of the offence. Previously of good character. Low risk of serious harm to the public.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Arthur Dolan

Fraud

May 20, 2024

Sentence: 12-month community order, 250 hours of unpaid work, and £2,500 compensation

Arthur Dolan and Isaac Follows pressured an elderly homeowner in Westbury between February 14 and March 2, 2023, to pay over £12,000 for substandard roofing work. They inflated prices, performed exceptionally poor workmanship, abandoned the job after receiving payment, and left the victim with defective property requiring £3,650 in repairs. Dolan admitted to being unskilled and acting as a casual employee.

Pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. Previously of good character except for an old shoplifting offence. Low risk of re-offending. Was dragged to Crown Court due to co-defendant's decision.

Sources: swindonadvertiser.co.uk

Emily Macarthur

Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs

May 16, 2024

Sentence: 13 years and 11 months imprisonment

Emily MacArthur conspired to supply drugs into prisons and imported cocaine from Jamaica. In January 2020, UK Border Force intercepted parcels containing cocaine worth over £130,000 addressed to her in Frome and Bristol. She exchanged messages about drug supply profits and was involved in producing and sending spice into prisons using fake legal letters. In February 2020, authorities seized spice, soaked paper, and other materials at her address in Trowbridge. She continued her activities post-release, leading to further arrests in April 2020 and later that year, involving cash, drugs, and exploitation of vulnerable individuals. She evaded capture using aliases and was arrested in Belfast in June 2024.

Pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply drugs and importing cocaine, as well as three counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin), possession of criminal property, and failure to attend court. Her co-conspirator was previously sentenced.

Sources: somersetcountygazette.co.uk

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