Four found guilty over shocking kidnap bid at Essex Coroner’s Court
A gang who tried to snatch HM Coroner Lincoln Brookes from Essex’s Coroner’s Court have been slammed guilty of multiple serious crimes.
Masked Mob Storm Court Demanding Coroner
Sean Harper, Shiza Harper, Matthew Dean Martin, and Mark Kishon Christopher faced Chelmsford Crown Court after a nail-biting two-week trial. They were found guilty of conspiring to kidnap and falsely imprison.
The terrifying attack unfolded on April 20, 2023, when the group barged into Seax House, Chelmsford, decked out in hi-vis jackets and body cams, armed with handcuffs.
They demanded to know where Lincoln Brookes was, falsely claiming the court was shut. With the coroner absent, panic set in as the gang threatened staff inside – boasting they knew where their targets lived.
Police Confront Chaos – Arrests Follow
Essex Police swiftly arrived, only to be greeted by Christopher, who boldly declared, “We have shut this court system down.” He told officers, “You are not here to question me, you are here to aid me.”
Martin was nabbed at the scene for assault and criminal damage. The others fled but were caught near Southend County Court hours later. Searches uncovered chilling plans to harm Mr Brookes.
Dark Ideology Behind the Plot
The four belong to a shadowy OPCA group that rejects UK law and courts. They fancied themselves a “court of the people” with powers to make arrests and even dish out corporal punishment.
Lincoln Brookes had received a string of threatening communications from them, including a chilling letter promising “corporal punishment on the spot.”
Verdict and Aftermath
Sean Harper, 38, and Shiza Harper, 45, both from Benfleet, were found guilty by an 11-1 verdict. Martin, 47, and Christopher, 58, both Londoners, were also convicted. Christopher additionally faced unanimous conviction for sending threatening emails.
Christopher was remanded in custody, while the others await sentencing on bail.
Police Praise and Closing Words
“Their twisted beliefs were dangerous – they thought they could rewrite the law,” said Detective Chief Inspector Nathan Hutchinson. “No one should live in fear for simply doing their job.”
He lauded court staff for their calm under pressure and hailed Essex Police for their relentless work to secure justice.
The Essex Coroner’s Court kidnap attempt has shaken the legal community but justice has slammed the door firmly shut on this rogue band.
