Worcester Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 71 verdicts at Worcester Crown Court (Worcester). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Mohamed Samak

Murder

October 31, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum term of 19 years and 247 days

On 1 July 2024, Mohamed Samak, an ex-international hockey player and coach for the Egyptian national side, stabbed his wife Joanne Samak, 49, to death at their home in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire. He inflicted six stab wounds, then waited over an hour before calling 999, falsely claiming she had stabbed herself. During the delay, he hid his bloodstained clothes in the attic. The couple faced financial and marital problems, slept in separate beds, and Samak had been messaging another woman. After a retrial in September 2025 following a hung jury earlier in the year, he was convicted of murder on 29 October 2025.

Pleaded not guilty but was convicted by unanimous jury verdict. Judge James Burbidge KC described the defendant's lies as a 'wicked story' and stated he could not accept remorse due to denial of accountability. Dressed in all-black tracksuit during hearing, shook head and muttered; required assistance from security to stand and exit.

Sources: bbc.co.uk

Twana Azize

Rape

October 17, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Twana Azize, 29, of College Road, Hereford, met his victim in a nightclub in the city centre in the early hours of a Sunday morning in May 2025. He targeted her, planning to rape her while in the club by isolating her from friends and preventing her from getting a taxi home. He led her away from the taxi rank and raped her in a secluded street away from members of the public. The victim managed to get a taxi home and reported the incident. Azize was arrested following a CCTV trawl and police searches. Forensic examination of his clothes supported the evidence, and his version of events was not believed by the jury.

Found guilty by jury after denying the offence. Ordered to register as a sex offender for life due to ongoing threat to women.

Sources: gloucestershirelive.co.uk

Alfie Booth

Supply of class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin)

October 2, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Alfie Booth, 19, of Stubbington End, Evesham, operated a 'Macca/Makka' county lines drug dealing network that flooded Evesham and surrounding areas with crack cocaine and heroin between September 2024 and July 2025. He exploited young people to sell drugs to vulnerable community members. In January 2025, a warrant at his home uncovered 290 wraps of class A drugs, mobile phones, and drug dealing paraphernalia. He was initially arrested in July 2025 on an unrelated offence, during which his phone was seized, leading to the drug supply investigation.

Convicted of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin). Exploited young people to peddle drugs, noted as an aggravating factor by the judge. Sentences for each offence to run concurrently.

Sources: gloucestershirelive.co.uk

Ashley Jones

Supply of cocaine and cannabis

September 19, 2025

Sentence: 6 years and 8 months imprisonment

Ashley Jones, 26, of Stoney Street, Hereford, was the head of a sophisticated drug supply operation in Hereford and surrounding areas. He supplied cocaine and cannabis, and produced cannabis edibles. He was arrested on April 3 by West Mercia Police and was found in possession of an air rifle, despite being prohibited due to a previous conviction, and was involved in an affray incident in Ledbury. Police seized cocaine with a street value of over £30,000, cannabis worth £30,000, edibles valued at over £5,000, and a substantial amount of cash.

Found guilty of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug (cocaine), being concerned in the supply of a class B drug (cannabis), affray, and acquiring/using/possessing criminal property. The charge of possessing an air weapon when prohibited was ordered to lie on file.

Sources: gloucestershirelive.co.uk

Matthew Jonathan

Murder

September 12, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 32 years

Matthew Jonathan, 39, of no fixed abode, tortured and killed Jamie Gawler, 54, in his home in Hereford after being offered a place to stay. The victim suffered blunt force trauma to the head, neck, and chest over several days starting around January 12, 2025. Jonathan filmed the assault, directed homophobic abuse at Gawler, stole and used his bank cards to buy alcohol, and left him to die before fleeing to Porth, where he was arrested.

Pleaded guilty to murder in April 2025. The attack involved prolonged violence and homophobic abuse, as described by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Tori Muddyman

Conspiracy to convey prohibited articles into prison

July 25, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

Tori Muddyman, a 31-year-old prison officer, plotted with an inmate to smuggle illegal drugs, mobile phones, SIM cards, chargers, alcohol, tobacco, and steroids into HMP Onley in Northamptonshire. She was tipped off to police in 2019, leading to a search of her garage where the prohibited items were found. She confessed to accepting £2,500 from a prisoner to bring these items into the prison, though she claimed not to have followed through. Evidence, including bank records linking payments from the prisoner's associates and items found in the inmate's cell, confirmed her involvement in the conspiracy.

Admitted to conspiracy to convey list A articles (drugs) and conspiracy to convey list B articles (phones) into a prison. Detective Inspector Richard Cornell noted that her actions undermined prison security and contributed to potential harm.

Sources: nottinghampost.com

David Carr

Fraud by abuse of position of trust

July 25, 2025

Sentence: four years and seven months in prison

David Carr, an IT firm director, abused his position at ATG IT in Bromsgrove by using company credit cards to fund personal luxury holidays to Disney World in Florida and cruises, as well as purchasing high-value items such as computers, high-tech gadgets, and designer exercise bikes. This fraudulent activity occurred between April 2014 and August 2022, resulting in him benefiting approximately £300,000 and supporting a lifestyle beyond his means, which ultimately led to the company's administration.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by abuse of position of trust. Investigation by West Mercia Police highlighted the impact on the company, leading to its administration and job losses for employees.

Sources: redditchadvertiser.co.uk

Chris Hemming

Murder

July 21, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 15 years and 117 days

Chris Hemming, 47, of Other Road, Redditch, brutally killed his ex-partner Cheryl McKenna, 44, in a knife attack at their shared home on the morning of 11 November 2024. The attack was motivated by his discovery that she was in a new relationship, despite the pair having separated at the start of 2024. After the incident, Hemming called a friend using Ms McKenna's phone and admitted to the killing, then contacted emergency services stating, 'I've killed my ex-partner.'

Changed his not guilty plea five days into the trial. Police described the crime as 'purely evil' and motivated by jealousy over the victim's new relationship.

Sources: bbc.co.uk

Amy Deacon

Supply of Class A drugs

July 11, 2025

Sentence: Two years suspended sentence

Amy Deacon, from Worcester, was involved in a county lines drug gang that inundated the area with over 6kg of cocaine, crack, and heroin, worth more than £600,000, through 24 trips from Luton. The gang bragged about their lifestyles on social media and used a system to track drug orders.

Hashim Malik

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

July 11, 2025

Sentence: Nine years and two months imprisonment

Hashim Malik, from Luton, led a county lines drug gang that transported over 6kg of cocaine, crack, and heroin from Luton to Worcester across 24 trips, with the drugs valued at more than £600,000. The gang used a cloud-based system to manage orders and debts, and members bragged about their extravagant lifestyles, including displaying cash and designer items on social media.

Ringleader of the 'Nico' line drug gang; involved in organising drug transport and flaunting wealth on social media.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Hussain Akhtar

Supply of Class A drugs

July 11, 2025

Sentence: Two years and seven months imprisonment

Hussain Akhtar, from Worcester, was involved in a county lines drug gang that transported and supplied over 6kg of cocaine, crack, and heroin from Luton to Worcester, with the drugs worth more than £600,000 across 24 trips. The gang used social media to boast about their wealth.

Karim Moustati

Supply of Class A drugs

July 11, 2025

Sentence: Four years imprisonment

Karim Moustati, from Worcester, was part of a county lines drug gang that inundated Worcester with over 6kg of cocaine, crack, and heroin, valued at more than £600,000, through 24 trips from Luton. Members flaunted their extravagant lifestyles on social media.

Right-hand man to the ringleader; participated in the 'Nico' line as part of the drug gang's operations.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Talor Benford

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and firearms offences

July 11, 2025

Sentence: One year and three months imprisonment

Talor Benford, from Luton, was associated with a county lines drug gang that flooded Worcester with over 6kg of cocaine, crack, and heroin valued at more than £600,000 through 24 trips. He attempted to supply a firearm to gang members during their illegal activities.

Attempted to sell a gun to gang members; linked to the 'Nico' line drug operations.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Saood Ali

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

July 11, 2025

Sentence: Four years and two months imprisonment

Saood Ali, from Worcester, was involved in a county lines drug gang that transported over 6kg of cocaine, crack, and heroin from Luton to Worcester across 24 trips, with the drugs worth more than £600,000. The gang used social media to display wealth and a cloud-based system for drug management.

Right-hand man to the ringleader; attempted to purchase a gun and was involved in the 'Nico' line operations.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Max Didcote

Supply of Class A drugs

July 11, 2025

Sentence: Four years and ten months imprisonment

Max Didcote, from Worcester, was part of a county lines drug gang that flooded the area with over 6kg of cocaine, crack, and heroin, valued at more than £600,000, through 24 trips from Luton. The gang bragged about their lifestyles on social media and used a system to manage illegal drug trade.

Muhiz Jamshed

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

July 11, 2025

Sentence: Five years and two months imprisonment

Muhiz Jamshed, from Luton, participated in a county lines drug gang that transported over 6kg of cocaine, crack, and heroin from Luton to Worcester across 24 trips, with the drugs valued at more than £600,000. The gang used social media to flaunt wealth and a cloud-based system to track drug orders and debts.

Right-hand man to the ringleader; involved in the 'Nico' line as a courier overseeing operations.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Myles Price

Supply of Class A drugs

July 11, 2025

Sentence: Two years suspended sentence

Myles Price, from Worcester, was part of a county lines drug gang that transported over 6kg of cocaine, crack, and heroin from Luton to Worcester across 24 trips, with the drugs valued at more than £600,000. The gang used social media to flaunt wealth and managed operations via a cloud-based system.

Lukasz Szwagulinski

Rape

July 9, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Lukasz Szwagulinski, 36, of Whitecross Road in Hereford, attacked a woman multiple times in a predatory manner, committing rape and other sexual assaults. The offences involved repeated violations against the victim.

Found guilty of four sexual offences including two counts of rape, one count of sexual assault by penetration, and one of sexual assault. A restraining order was issued against his victim. His predatory behaviour fully warrants the custodial sentence.

Sources: gloucestershirelive.co.uk

Kenneth Stuchbery

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

May 23, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 6 months imprisonment

Kenneth Stuchbery, as the ringleader, managed a drug-supply enterprise involving the collection and sale of cocaine for financial gain. He orchestrated operations, including directing others to handle drugs destined for Leominster. The investigation stemmed from a vehicle stop on September 23, 2024, on the A449 Kidderminster, where cocaine and cannabis were found, leading to warrants executed on November 26, 2024.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine; played a significant role in the drug-dealing enterprise; ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £187.

Sources: gloucestershirelive.co.uk

Shane Butler

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

May 23, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment, suspended

Shane Butler was part of a drug gang supplying cocaine in Leominster under the management of Kenneth Stuchbery. The operation involved a vehicle carrying drugs stopped on September 23, 2024, on the A449 Kidderminster, with evidence gathered leading to warrants on November 26, 2024.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine; had a role in the drug-dealing ring within Leominster; ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £187.

Sources: gloucestershirelive.co.uk

Philip Oldaker

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

May 23, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment, suspended

Philip Oldaker drove a vehicle from Birmingham stopped on September 23, 2024, on the A449 Kidderminster, which contained cocaine and cannabis for supply in Leominster. He operated under the direction of Kenneth Stuchbery as part of the drug-dealing ring, leading to his arrest following warrants on November 26, 2024.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine; was driving the suspect vehicle; ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £187 and costs of £80.

Sources: gloucestershirelive.co.uk

Jade Field

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

May 23, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Jade Field was involved in a drug gang's conspiracy to supply cocaine in Leominster, operating under Kenneth Stuchbery's direction. The case arose from a vehicle stop on September 23, 2024, on the A449 Kidderminster, where drugs were found, followed by warrants on November 26, 2024.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine; had a role in the drug-dealing ring within Leominster; ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £187.

Sources: gloucestershirelive.co.uk

Ethan Pound

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

May 23, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 9 months imprisonment

Ethan Pound was involved in supplying cocaine as part of a gang led by Kenneth Stuchbery. He was found in a vehicle stopped on September 23, 2024, on the A449 Kidderminster, which contained significant quantities of cocaine and cannabis intended for onward sale in Leominster. This led to warrants and arrests on November 26, 2024.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine; was located in the suspect vehicle with drugs; ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

Sources: gloucestershirelive.co.uk

Craig Nunn

Causing death by dangerous driving

May 16, 2025

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment

In the early hours of Saturday 26 October 2024, Craig Nunn was driving on the A451 between Stourport and Kidderminster at over 90mph and under the influence of amphetamines when he went through a red light and collided with a car carrying three-week-old Harley Wilkinson, Imogen Bradley, and Jake Wilkinson. Harley tragically died at the scene, and his father suffered serious injuries including spinal fractures. During the investigation, an imitation firearm, an axe, and a knife were discovered in Nunn's car.

Pled guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, drug driving, possession of an imitation firearm, and two counts of possession of a knife or bladed article. The additional sentences of two months for the possession offences are to be served concurrently.

Sources: worcesternews.co.uk

Sanaa Shahzad

Dangerous Driving

May 16, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment for driving offences and 3 months for RIPA offence, to run concurrently; banned from driving for 3 years and 6 months; ordered to take an extended retest

Sanaa Shahzad allowed her brother, Khizer Ali, to drive her VW Golf on April 23, 2024, knowing he was a learner driver without insurance. Earlier that day, she drove the car dangerously and at excess speed around Redditch, as captured on dashcam. She also refused to provide the password to her mobile phone, hindering the police investigation into a crash where Ali drove at 59mph in a 40mph zone on the A441 Alvechurch Highway, resulting in the death of Valerie Ayres and life-changing injuries to David Ayres.

Pled guilty to causing or permitting the use of a vehicle without valid insurance or a licence and to refusing to give police the password to her mobile phone. Detective Constable Rose Hughes commented that she bears responsibility for the tragedy and obstructed the investigation.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Mohammed Mutasir

Engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child

November 1, 2024

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment

Mohammed Mutasir groomed a 15-year-old girl from Redditch via social media in April 2022. He supplied her with cocaine and sexually abused her in a car park in Birmingham on multiple occasions, repeating the pattern of supplying drugs before assaulting her.

Found guilty of four counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child and two counts of supplying class A drugs. The trial lasted 7 days.

Sources: redditchadvertiser.co.uk

Richard Randall

Possession with intent to supply class A drug

September 19, 2024

Sentence: 3 years and 9 months imprisonment

Richard Randall, 31, from Stoney Street, Hereford, assisted Ashley Jones in a sophisticated drug supply operation by storing cocaine and cannabis at his home and helping with distribution in Hereford and surrounding areas. The operation involved threats of violence to maintain control.

Found guilty of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class A (cocaine), and being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug of class B (cannabis). Assisted Ashley Jones in storing and supplying drugs.

Sources: gloucestershirelive.co.uk

David Eric Higgins

Breach of Public Spaces Protection Order and Depositing Litter

August 19, 2024

Sentence: Fined £220 for each of three offences and ordered to pay £446.93 in costs

David Eric Higgins failed to comply with a public spaces protection order by not clearing up dog fouling in Bromyard on March 23 and June 4, and deposited dog faeces in York Road on March 23.

David Wright

Speeding

August 15, 2024

Sentence: 28 days driving disqualification and £65 fine, plus £85 costs and £26 surcharge

David Wright, a 59-year-old driver from Brushfield Way, Knaphill, Woking, was caught by speed cameras breaking the temporary 50mph speed limit on the M5 southbound near Worcester on November 25.

The offence occurred on November 25 on the M5 southbound between junctions 4a and 6, with a temporary 50mph speed restriction in force.

Sources: worcesternews.co.uk

Yazmin Virgo

Assault

August 11, 2024

Sentence: Fined £180 and ordered to pay £325 in prosecution costs and £72 victim surcharge

Yazmin Virgo beat another woman in Worcester on November 24, 2023.

Joe-Lewis Tyler

Causing death by dangerous driving

August 1, 2024

Sentence: 18 years imprisonment

Joe-Lewis Tyler, after consuming approximately five pints of lager and four rounds of Sambuca and Jagermeister shots, drove a stolen BMW while under the influence of alcohol (up to 215 milligrams per 100ml of blood, exceeding the legal limit of 80ml) and drugs (high levels of cocaine and cannabis). He drove at high speed without a seatbelt, nearly colliding with other vehicles, and crashed into a taxi in February 2024, killing six-year-old Leo, taxi driver Courtney Hemming, 26, and Claire Adkins, 39, who was escorting the child.

Admitted three counts of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while uninsured. Judge James Burbidge stated that his actions had a devastating effect on the victims.

Sources: mirror.co.uk

Jose Martin Holden

Rape

August 1, 2024

Sentence: 20 years imprisonment

Jose Martin Holden, aged 32, of George Street, Kidderminster, was found guilty of two counts of rape, assault by penetration, and sexual assault following a trial at Worcester Crown Court from June 9 to June 13. The offenses involved multiple victims who provided impact statements describing the profound and lasting effects on their lives, including delays in the case that felt like serving their own sentences. He was also found not guilty of one count of attempting to assault by penetration.

Found guilty after trial. Deemed a dangerous offender with no insight into his behaviour. Must serve at least two-thirds of the sentence before parole eligibility. Indefinite restraining order issued to prevent contact with victims.

Sources: kidderminstershuttle.co.uk

Christopher Jones

Assault by beating

July 29, 2024

Sentence: Fined £186 (for two charges), costs of £85, and surcharge of £74

Christopher Jones assaulted two people in Bewdley on January 5, 2024. He admitted the charges when he appeared at court.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by beating. Guilty pleas were taken into account when the sentence was imposed.

Sources: kidderminstershuttle.co.uk

Elisha Ross

Speeding

July 9, 2024

Sentence: 6 months driving disqualification and £220 fine

Elisha Ross was caught driving a Mazda on the M5 between junction 6 (Worcester/Pershore) and junction 4a (M42) at a speed exceeding 50 miles per hour on July 13, 2024.

Kathleen Leo

Threatening words or behaviour

July 4, 2024

Sentence: £80 fine and £85 costs

Kathleen Leo, a 42-year-old from Tallow Hill, Worcester, used threatening words or behaviour likely to cause distress in Worcester on June 16. She admitted the offence during her court appearance.

Michael Morris

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

June 9, 2024

Sentence: 22 years and 8 months imprisonment

Michael Morris was involved in a conspiracy to supply cocaine from the West Midlands into areas including Kidderminster, Wychbold, and Ilfracombe, Devon. He flooded Worcestershire with cocaine and took multiple steps to evade prosecution, such as causing court delays, parting with several barristers, and absconding for over a year before being recaptured. The conspiracy involved a large county lines operation, and Morris was identified as a key supplier.

Attempted to blame his son for the crimes, manipulated the court system to delay proceedings, represented himself during the trial, and evaded capture for 15 months. Judge Jonathan Salmon noted that Morris was at the top of the conspiracy, acting as the wholesale supplier of cocaine and profiting fully from the supply.

Sources: worcesternews.co.uk

Zach Pearson

Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of an illegal firearm

June 5, 2024

Sentence: Eight years in prison

Zach Pearson, aged 19 and formerly of Washington Street, Kidderminster, was involved in a county line drug operation known as the EMZ line, later MJ line, advertising and selling Class A drugs including crack cocaine and heroin. He kept a viable handgun wrapped in a plastic bag in a kitchen at an address in Cranham Drive, Warndon, Worcester, which was forensically linked to him and contained live ammunition. Police arrested him on September 12, 2024, after reports of drug supply from the property. Further incidents included an attempted escape while wearing a balaclava from an address on Crickley Drive, where officers seized £1,470 in cash and a burner phone with messages offering drugs for sale. On October 3, 2024, he was found at an address on Brookthorpe Close potentially disposing of drugs, with crack cocaine and heroin worth approximately £6,800 seized from a bag he was carrying.

Found guilty of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and illegal firearm possession. Additionally sentenced to 12 months for acquisition or use of criminal property, to run concurrently. Investigating officer noted the termination of a county line drug network and removal of a viable firearm from the streets.

Sources: kidderminstershuttle.co.uk

James Haden

Rape

June 4, 2024

Sentence: 13 years and 6 months imprisonment

James Haden, aged 44, from the Foley Park and Hoobrook area of Kidderminster, was sentenced for 11 counts of sexual offences that occurred on various dates, with the earliest between April 24, 2020, and April 23, 2021. The offences included sexual assault, four counts of assault by penetration, sexual activity with a child, attempting to rape, and four counts of rape, involving victims over different periods.

Pleaded guilty initially at a plea and trial preparation hearing on October 7, 2024, but attempted to change plea; application was not granted. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £190 and issued a restraining order and SHPO for life.

Sources: kidderminstershuttle.co.uk

Robert Hampton

Rape of a boy under 13

May 20, 2024

Sentence: 18 years in prison and one year on licence

Robert Hampton, aged 77, from Somers Court in Upper Howsell Road, Malvern, sexually abused and raped a boy over a period from January 2007 to December 2018. He was convicted of one count of rape of a boy under 13, two counts of causing or inciting a boy under 13 to engage in sexual activity involving penetration, one count of attempted rape of a child under 13, and three counts of assaulting a boy under 13 by penetration with a part of his body or a thing.

Found guilty of seven counts. Detective Constable Hannah Croft commended the victim's bravery and described Hampton as a dangerous individual. Crimes committed between January 2007 and December 2018.

Sources: worcesternews.co.uk

Hazrat Usman

Supply of Class A drugs

May 3, 2024

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

Hazrat Usman, aged 21 and from Rose Avenue, Tolladine, Worcester, was one of three people arrested at the Commandery Service Station in Bath Road, Worcester, on March 26, 2024, on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs. A member of the public reported the suspicious activity, leading to his arrest. He was subsequently jailed for his involvement in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

Arrested with two others at a petrol station; pictured grinning in police custody photo; sentenced after a member of the public reported suspicious activity.

Sources: worcesternews.co.uk

Colin Nimmo

Sexual Assault

April 25, 2024

Sentence: 12-month community order and 120 hours unpaid work

Colin Nimmo, aged 71, from Birmingham, was charged with two counts of sexual assault on two women and common assault in Pershore on August 20, 2023. He appeared at court and was sentenced for the offences, with the incidents involving unwanted physical contact as part of the assaults.

Sentenced for one count of sexual assault and common assault, with sentences running concurrently. A not-guilty verdict was entered for the second count of sexual assault as the prosecution offered no evidence.

Sources: worcesternews.co.uk

Fiona Parsons

Fraud by abuse of position

April 24, 2024

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

Fiona Parsons, a former solicitor aged 54 from Henver Road, Newquay, Cornwall, defrauded a Hereford law firm by directing over 300 clients to pay money into her personal bank account instead of the firm's, accumulating to £160,000. The fraudulent activities began in September 2020, with an initial instance involving two house buyers paying £400 for property searches, and continued until March 2023 when she was arrested following an investigation by Hereford CID and West Mercia’s Economic Crime Unit.

Pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position. Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings are ongoing. Her actions involved abusing her position as a solicitor and trust, as noted by Detective Constable Cathryn Blake.

Sources: herefordtimes.com

Mustafa Ogur

Rape

April 7, 2024

Sentence: 16 years imprisonment

Mustafa Ogur, 24, raped a woman near Three Crosses Road and Springfield Road in Ross-on-Wye on July 21, 2024. He was seen on CCTV preying on potential victims and used Google Translate on his phone to say 'I want to make love to you'. He was arrested on July 25, 2024, after attempting to change his appearance by shaving his hair. The victim showed incredible strength throughout the investigation and trial.

Described by police as having committed an 'evil crime'. He was found guilty at trial, and officers noted his attempt to evade recognition by shaving his hair.

Sources: herefordtimes.com

Bryan Robson

Attempted Murder

April 4, 2024

Sentence: 21 years and 9 months imprisonment

Bryan Robson, 50, of Moorfield Street, Hereford, attempted to murder his housemate on October 9, 2023, after becoming angry over noise. He retrieved a nine-inch knife from his room and attacked the victim in the communal kitchen, stabbing him multiple times in a frenzied and silent assault. A struggle ensued, leaving the victim with eight stab wounds to his arms, legs, and abdomen, requiring emergency surgery and a four-week hospital stay for a perforated bowel. The two housemates had a history of arguments, and the victim had previously reported assaults to their landlord.

Pleaded guilty to attempted murder. Judge described it as an attack launched in silence. In mitigation, the defendant had been drinking, breaking 10 years of sobriety, and the court noted that time already spent in custody would count towards the sentence.

Sources: herefordtimes.com

Edward Riley

Indecent Assault

March 14, 2024

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Edward Riley committed a string of sexual offences against children in Kidderminster between 1982 and 1986, including six counts of indecent assault against a girl under 14, two counts of indecent assault against a boy under 14, and two counts of inciting a boy under 14 to commit an act of gross indecency.

Convicted in February and sentenced after appearing at court. Placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Sources: redditchadvertiser.co.uk

Craig Carnell

Attempted sexual communication with a child

March 12, 2024

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment, Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years, and sex offender registration for 10 years

Craig Carnell engaged in online communications with an undercover police officer posing as a 14-year-old boy on a website for adults. He was aware of the boy's claimed age, responding dismissively to it, and arranged to meet for sexual activity. He travelled to the meeting location in his car, where police found evidence of planning for mutual oral sex. The offences occurred in late 2023, leading to his arrest and conviction.

Pleaded not guilty in the Magistrates’ Court; judge noted evidence of planning, including items found in his car indicating intent for sexual activity.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Mark Biddle

Intentional strangulation

January 22, 2024

Sentence: 24 months imprisonment for intentional strangulation, with concurrent sentences of 14 months for child cruelty, 3 months for assault, and 4 months for assault causing actual bodily harm; plus a £187 victim surcharge and a ten-year restraining order

Mark Biddle, aged 25, of Shrawley Avenue, Kidderminster, subjected a woman and her young child to a terrifying campaign of domestic violence and abuse between January 2023 and June 2023, which included intentional strangulation, child cruelty, and assaults causing injuries. He was arrested in June 2023 after a report of the assaults.

Pled guilty to all charges. Currently serving a prison sentence for other offences. Detective Inspector Marie Green described him as a dangerous individual with a propensity for domestic violence and commended the victim's courage.

Sources: kidderminstershuttle.co.uk

Neil Mansfield

Assault

January 18, 2024

Sentence: 3 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Neil Mansfield, along with Damien Cowton and Aaron Lamb, participated in an unprovoked attack outside Tesco Express on Foregate Street, Worcester. Mansfield hit the victim during the assault, which involved the gang attacking someone they knew, though the victim did not support the prosecution. The incident was captured on footage shown in court.

Mansfield arrived at court drunk on January 17 and was sent away, returning the next day for sentencing. Judge Gilmore described the incident as a vicious, unprovoked assault targeting a vulnerable victim in a public place.

Sources: worcesternews.co.uk

Keil Mansfield

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

January 18, 2024

Sentence: 3 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Keil Mansfield, along with Aaron Lamb and Damien Cowton, participated in an unprovoked attack on a vulnerable victim outside Tesco Express in Foregate Street on August 13, 2023. Mansfield hit the victim during the assault, which involved the victim being kicked and glassed, resulting in a small cut to the left eye and cuts to the head. The victim, who was sleeping rough and known to the defendants, refused medical attention and did not support the prosecution.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Turned up drunk to court, leading to a delayed sentencing. Required to complete nine months of alcohol treatment. Judge described the attack as vicious and unprovoked.

Sources: worcesternews.co.uk

Damien Cowton

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

January 17, 2024

Sentence: 4 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Damien Cowton, along with Aaron Lamb and Keil Mansfield, attacked a vulnerable victim outside Tesco Express in Foregate Street on August 13, 2023. Cowton kicked the victim five times while the victim was sitting down, contributing to injuries including a small cut to the left eye and cuts to the head. The victim, who was sleeping rough and known to the defendants, refused medical attention and did not support the prosecution.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Had six previous convictions, including battery, harassment, and robbery. Ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work, nine months of alcohol treatment, and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. Defence noted it was a sporadic and impulsive incident.

Sources: worcesternews.co.uk

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