CPS News Brief

Man sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for terrorism and hate crime offences

Sean Creighton has today been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to a string of terrorism and hate crime offences at Kingston Crown Court. 

Creighton used his social media account to stir up racial, religious and homophobic hatred, including one post which called on his followers to kill Muslims. Creighton also pleaded guilty to one count of possession of terrorist material, after the White Resistance Manual was found on his computer. 

Sue Hemming of the CPS said:

“Sean Creighton’s crimes are indicative of a man who thought that his online anonymity meant that he could get away with stirring up hatred of all kinds. 

“Tackling hate crime is a CPS priority and in 2015/16 we prosecuted more hate crimes than ever before. Those who seek to stir up hatred between communities, particularly where that hatred is combined with dangerous terrorist ideologies, should understand they will be prosecuted.” 

Notes to Editors

Details of conviction:

One count of Possession of a document likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, contrary to s58 Terrorism Act 2000.

Six counts of Publishing or distributing written material, contrary to s19 Public Order Act 1986.

Ian Stewart convicted of Helen Bailey murder

A 56-year-old man who drugged and suffocated his fiancée before hiding her body in a cesspit has been convicted of her murder today (22 February).

Ian Stewart was convicted of killing children’s author Helen Bailey following a six-week trial at St Albans Crown Court.

The court heard how Stewart drugged Helen using sleeping tablets and then, after killing her and hiding her body, sent her text messages and emails in a bid to cover his tracks.

Helen’s body was discovered under the home she shared with Stewart in Royston, Hertfordshire, on 15 July 2016 – three months after her death.

Charles White, from the CPS, said:

“Ian Stewart murdered Helen Bailey and then conducted a cynical, deceitful and calculated charade as he watched the police conduct a futile missing person investigation.

“The prosecution presented a case to the jury which clearly showed how Stewart was linked to Helen’s disappearance through mobile phone, computer and CCTV evidence.

“Our thoughts are with Helen’s family and friends, who have been devastated by her death. I hope today’s conviction reassures them that justice has been done.”

He will be sentenced in due course.

Ends

Notes to Editors

·         Charles White is a Senior Crown Prosecutor with CPS Thames and Chiltern.

·         Ian Stewart was convicted of murder, preventing a lawful burial, fraud and three counts of perverting the course of justice