Gang members jailed for perverting course of justice following murder

Drugs runner Reece McHutcherson left 31-year-old Murdoch Brown to die in the street after stabbing him five times in Buffet Way in the early hours of May 7, 2019.

The 20-year-old, of Pillow Way, Buckingham, was jailed for life, to serve a minimum of 20 years, at Chelmsford Crown Court last week.

Three of his associates were sentenced on Monday at the court.

Reece McHutcherson has been sentenced for life after fatally stabbing Murdoch Brown five times. (Image: Essex Police)

Jay Dice, 23, of Mayville Road, Leytonstone, was jailed for six years and 19 weeks for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

Kayley Hodgkinson, 32, of Cedars Road, Colchester, was jailed for three years for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Toyn Williams, 29, of Winchester Road, Hale End in east London, was jailed for seven years and six months for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard how Mr Brown's brother Robert had been in debt to a drugs line and planned to speak to someone from the gang to explain how he would pay it back.

He was contacted by Williams and was told to meet McHutcherson and Dice in Buffett Way.

Murdoch Brown died after being stabbed (Image: Essex Police)

As Mr Brown and his brother explained how they would pay off the debt, they were attacked.

Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Jennings, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "Murdoch Brown had done nothing that could even remotely justify the appalling acts of violence inflicted upon him.

"He had no opportunity to defend himself against Reece McHutcherson, who felt a man’s life was worth the price for a £300 unpaid debt.

"His death has devastated his family and robbed his children of their father, and my thoughts remain with Murdoch’s loved ones, who have lost him in the most horrendous of circumstances.

"This case highlights the ruthlessness of drugs gangs, who are prepared to use violence and intimidation to keep drug users, rivals and even their own members in check."