South Essex courts: Top cases in front of judges

Killer jailed over fatal attack outside bar

A one punch killer has been jailed for seven years for his fatal attack on a dad-of-two in a booze and drug fuelled rage.

Dennie Griffiths, 28, of Hermitage Drive, Laindon, was sentenced yesterday for the killing of Matthew Bion outside Reids in Billericay.

The dad, from Wickford, died of a fatal brain injury on August 27, 2019, following the incident outside Reids bar, in Billericay on August 18.

• READ MORE >> The face of the jailed killer who's punch left dad with fatal injury

Griffiths’ girlfriend Jade Chambers, also of Hermitage Drive, Laindon, was handed a one year suspended sentence for assisting Griffiths.

Chambers told Griffiths by telling him to hide over text messages in the aftermath of the incident.

Dennie Griffiths, 28, will be spending the next seven years behind bars for killing Matthew Bion

She sat crying in the dock, wiping her nose and eyes as the sentence was announced, before the pair hugged as Griffiths was sent to the cells by the judge.Sentencing the pair, Judge Ian Graham said: “We all heard the extremely personal and at times very moving testimonies from his family.

“His life came to an end and nothing I or this court can do will alter that, all I can do is try and give justice.

“Dennie Griffiths it’s clear you went to punch Mr Bion in one forceful upwards motion.

“You made no attempt to assist him and were more concerned for your own safety.

“You ran off leaving a man who you had seriously injured to save your own skin.

“Crucial evidence was found on the phone of Jade Chambers with messages of her telling him to go and hide.”

Chambers was told she also must complete 25 days of rehabilitation activity requirement.

'Southend sex offender strangled vulnerable girl', court hears

A “VULNERABLE” girl told police a man accused of having sex with her strangled her and pulled her hair, a court heard.

The teenager also told officers she had developed feelings for her alleged attacker, during an interview last April.

Michael Tonge, 35, of Leamington Road, Southend, allegedly took part in a series of sexual acts with the child, the jury at Basildon Crown Court was told.

• READ MORE >> ‘Man had sex with vulnerable teenage girl after explicit online chats’

He is standing trial after denying charges of sexual activity with a child, engaging in sexual communication with a child and making indecent photographs of a child.

Men jailed for using explosives to steal cash machines and almost £50K

TWO men have been jailed for almost 30 years after using gas, fuel, and in one case resorted to throwing a petrol bomb, to steal cash machines and almost £50,000.

Between 27 November 2019 and 14 January 2020, Anthony Crowley and James Whitlock targeted eight cash machines.

They used gas, fuel, and in one case resorted to throwing a petrol bomb, to steal ATMs from locations in Brentwood, Wickford, Clacton, and West Hanningfield in Essex and Plaistow, Woodford Green, Cold Harbour, and Brixton in London.

In total they stole nearly £50,000 and caused around £15,000 in damage.

• READ MORE >> Men jailed for using explosives to steal cash machines and almost £50K

Crowley, 37, of no fixed address, was later charged with conspiracy to commit burglary, possession of a Class A drug, and handling stolen goods.

Whitlock, 36, of Alfred Terrace, Walton-on-the-Naze, was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary, handling stolen goods, and failing to comply with a serious crime prevention order.

They admitted the charges and at Basildon Crown Court on Monday 17 January Crowley was jailed for 14 and-a-half years and Whitlock was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Mother murdered boyfriend at drug and drink fuelled party

This is the face of the mum of two who murdered her own boyfriend at a New Years Eve Party.

• READ MORE >> Mother is found guilty of murdering boyfriend at drug and drink fuelled party

Hannah Sindrey, 23, of Worcester Drive, Rayleigh, was found guilty by jury at Basildon Crown Court on Thursday

Sindrey was screaming and swearing about the man as she was taken down.

His family have now spoken about about the "deeply loved" father following the conviction at the court. 

Her co-defendant 25-year-old Kelly Blackwell of Retort Close, Southend was found not guilty of murder.

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