Six criminals from the Watford area will have to go to prison for years in 2024

Although prison overcrowding is currently a problem nationwide, British courts have found it justified to impose prison sentences of between two and 27.5 years for these crimes.

The crimes ranged from conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, weapons and heroin to intentional bodily harm.

See the list below:

Daniel Harlley – seven years and six months

DanielHarley. (Image: Herts Police)

Daniel Harlley, 29, was one of three men convicted following a police investigation into a drug gang known as the Chris Line, which was suspected of being involved in the trafficking of synthetic opioids disguised as heroin.

According to Herts Police, the drugs may have played a role in “several medical incidents” in Watford.

Harlley, of Vicarage Road, Watford, was convicted of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs at St Albans Crown Court on August 29 along with two men from London.

Mohammed Waqas Khan – 27.5 years

Mohammed Waqas Khan. (Image: ERSOU)

Mohammed Waqas Khan, 35, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term at Luton Crown Court on April 26 after previously being found guilty of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, heroin and ketamine, possession of firearms with intent to cause fear of violence and possession of ammunition.

Khan, of Princes Avenue, Watford, ran an organised crime gang based in Watford and Luton, responsible for the nationwide wholesale supply of cocaine and heroin.

Charles Vance – two years and four months

Charles Vance. (Image: Herts Police)

Charles Vance, of Stag Lane in Chorleywood, was the “mastermind behind the conspiracy” in which three work colleagues were used as fictional characters to terrorise his ex-partner between January and April 2022.

The victim was stalked with hundreds of text messages and phone calls, including death threats and threats to impregnate her child. A lighter was thrown through her mailbox, her car windows were smashed, and horror movie sounds were played over the phone.

The 43-year-old was convicted of conspiracy to stalk while in fear of violence at St. Albans Crown Court on May 10.

Sabaratnam Arulsikamani – seven and a half years

Sabaratnam Arulsikamani. (Image: Herts Police)

On 8 March, Sabaratnam Arulsikamani, of Water Lane, Watford, was convicted of three counts of sexual abuse of a child following a trial at St Albans Crown Court. The allegations concerned a young teenage girl and dated back to 2011.

In addition, the 60-year-old will be on the sex offenders register for life.

Thomas McDonagh – two years, two months and 29 days

Thomas McDonagh. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Thomas McDonagh, aged 36 at the time of the offence, from Hemel Hempstead, was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on 26 January after admitting one count of assault without intent.

On the day of the incident, May 4, 2023, Herts Police said a man was reportedly hit by a vehicle and subsequently stabbed before being taken to hospital for treatment.

A vehicle crashed into a house, causing structural damage that required an evacuation. A police manhunt was launched using a helicopter while emergency services flooded the area around Little Oxhey Lane.

Another man was also sentenced to prison (12 months) for rioting in connection with the incident.

16-year-old offender – four years and three months

A 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested at his home address in Watford after stabbing another teenager multiple times in Gillingham High Street on March 9 last year.

Along with an 18-year-old man from Gillingham, who also stabbed the victim, he pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to wounding with intent and possession of a knife in a public place.

Both received the same sentence on March 1, 2024.

All ages are at the time of sentencing unless otherwise stated.