Four members of an anti-establishment group have been sentenced to prison after attempting to kidnap a coroner and disrupt court proceedings in Essex. Mark Christopher, 59, led the group, which stormed Essex Coroner’s Court in Chelmsford in April 2023, accusing senior coroner Lincoln Brookes of “interfering with the dead.” The group, calling themselves the Federal Postal Court, claimed they had the authority to override the UK judicial system.
Christopher, along with accomplices Matthew Martin, 47, Sean Harper, 38, and Shiza Harper, 45, was convicted at Chelmsford Crown Court of conspiracy to kidnap and false imprisonment. Christopher received a seven-year sentence, while the Harpers and Martin were each sentenced to 30 months in prison.
A Cult-Like Structure and Delusional Beliefs
The group claimed to possess “legal powers” based on the supposed “true meanings” of words, asserting themselves as a “court of the people.” Christopher, who styled himself as the group’s “chief judge,” was known to charge followers substantial fees for online courses, including a “mortgage elimination” scheme, which reportedly cost the Harpers over £30,000. His persuasive methods drew in followers, particularly those facing financial difficulties, according to Mr. Justice Goss.
In court, Mr. Justice Goss described Christopher as “intelligent, manipulative, and dishonest,” accusing him of preying on vulnerable individuals for financial gain. Essex Police Detective Chief Inspector Nathan Hutchinson referred to Christopher as a “radicaliser” who exploited those with personal struggles, leading them into serious criminal activities.
Impact on Coroner and Court Staff
Mr. Brookes, the target of the attempted kidnapping, revealed in a statement that he was “haunted” by the incident, which has since left him in trauma therapy. He was not present at the time of the group’s arrival in court, narrowly avoiding confrontation. The court heard that he had received multiple threatening letters from Christopher, who accused him of necromancy and threatened corporal punishment.
Michelle Brown, an area coroner who witnessed the group enter the courtroom, described the experience as life-altering, saying, “I was extremely scared and feared for my safety.”
The sentencing concludes an unusual case that underscores the risks posed by groups employing “pseudo-legal” arguments and manipulative tactics.
