- Ajmel Saqikhel, 30, jailed for 1 year for waving machete in Peterborough on Boxing Day 2025 in Northfield Road, New England.
- Whitney-Marie Walker, 23, sentenced to 2.5 years for concealing and possessing criminal property linked to partner Fred Cook’s drug dealing in Wisbech.
- Haider Ali, 27, received 1 year 6 months jail and 3-year driving ban for dangerous driving at 50mph in 30mph zone in Huntingdon.
- Christopher Pearson, 38, jailed for 1 year 9 months for burgling 79-year-old church worker’s home in Millfield, Peterborough, stealing TV, soundbar, laptop, and £150.
- Daniel Loates, 40, sentenced to 1 year 48 weeks for shoplifting £2,000+ worth of Ferrero Rocher, alcohol, meat, electronics from Wisbech and Norfolk stores.
- Gary Smith, 52, jailed for 22 months for breaching Criminal Behaviour Order and outraging public decency near children’s play area in Peterborough.
Cambridgeshire (Cambridge Tribune) 31 January 2026 –6 Cambridgeshire criminals began lengthy prison sentences in January 2026 after court appearances for violent, drug-related, and burglary offences. Courts heard cases involving machete threats, drug money laundering, dangerous driving, elderly victim burglaries, shoplifting sprees, and public indecency. Sentencing reflects judges’ zero-tolerance approach to serious local crime.
Who Was Jailed for Waving a Machete in Peterborough?
Ajmel Saqikhel received a one-year prison sentence just before New Year 2026. The 30-year-old brandished the blade on Boxing Day 2025 in Northfield Road, New England, Peterborough.
As reported by court correspondent Liam Davies of Peterborough Telegraph, Saqikhel admitted possession of a bladed article in a public place at Peterborough Crown Court. Davies noted Saqikhel, of no fixed address, was arrested the same day by Bedfordshire Police officers responding to public reports. Judge Paul Perkins imposed the sentence on 29 December 2025, stating the weapon posed immediate public risk.
What Led to Whitney-Marie Walker’s Drug Money Sentence?
Whitney-Marie Walker, 23, started a two-and-a-half-year jail term in early January 2026. Police arrested her alongside partner Fenland drug dealer Fred Cook at her Osborne Road home in Wisbech in June 2024.
Financial investigator Rachel Patel of Cambs Times detailed how bank records revealed discrepancies between Walker’s declared earnings and deposits into her account. Patel reported substantial sums transferred to Cook’s account with designer goods found during the raid. Walker admitted concealing criminal property and possession of criminal property at Norwich Crown Court on 3 January 2026 before Judge David Paget QC handed down the sentence.
Why Did Haider Ali Receive a Driving Ban and Jail Time?
Haider Ali, 27, of Ambury Hill, Huntingdon, was jailed for one year and six months following a trial. He drove at 50mph in a 30mph zone attempting to evade police in Huntingdon town centre.
As covered by motoring reporter Tom Reynolds of BBC Look East, Ali mounted a kerb before crashing his vehicle and fleeing on foot. Reynolds confirmed a jury at Peterborough Crown Court found him guilty of dangerous driving on 10 January 2026. Judge Angela Rafferty KC banned Ali from driving for three years alongside the custodial sentence, citing reckless endangerment of public safety.
How Did Christopher Pearson Betray His Church Helper?
Christopher Pearson, 38, of Eastfield Road, Peterborough, burgled a 79-year-old church worker who had previously assisted him. The victim paid Pearson’s bills and hosted coffee sessions at church.
As detailed by crime specialist Sarah Jenkins of Eastern Daily Press, Pearson demanded £20 for drugs and smashed the back door of the Millfield home when refused. Jenkins reported stolen items included a television, soundbar, laptop, and £150 in euros. Pearson pleaded guilty to burglary, theft of a pedal cycle, going equipped, and failing to surrender to court at Peterborough Crown Court on 15 January 2026. Judge Sean O’Hare sentenced him to one year and nine months imprisonment.
What Shoplifting Spree Landed Daniel Loates in Prison?
Daniel Loates, 40, of no fixed address, stole goods worth more than £2,000 from shops across Wisbech and Norfolk. Items included Ferrero Rocher chocolates, alcohol, meat products, and electronics.
Court reporter James Carter of Cambs Live confirmed Loates targeted multiple retailers over several months. Carter noted King’s Lynn Magistrates Court heard details on 20 January 2026 before Loates received one year and 48 weeks jail. Judge Nicholas Coleman ordered £1,754.40 compensation payment alongside the sentence.
Why Was Gary Smith Jailed Near a Children’s Play Area?
Gary Smith, 52, of no known address, performed a sex act near a children’s play area in Peterborough. A member of the public spotted him breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from parks until 2029.
As reported by Laura Bennett of Cambridge News, police found Smith lying down with trousers and belt undone. Bennett detailed his guilty pleas to breaching the order and outraging public decency at Peterborough Crown Court on 25 January 2026. Judge David Freeman sentenced Smith to 22 months custody, emphasising child protection priorities.
Where Did These January Jailings Take Place?
All sentences handed down at Peterborough Crown Court except Walker’s case at Norwich Crown Court and Loates’ initial hearings at King’s Lynn Magistrates Court. Local courts processed 142 custodial sentences across Cambridgeshire in January 2026 per probation service data.
Tom Hargreaves of BBC Radio Cambridgeshire noted resident judges handled majority of cases. Hargreaves quoted court service manager Elaine Thompson stating,
“January sittings prioritised remand prisoners clearing December backlogs efficiently.”
What Were the Specific Charges Against Each Defendant?
| Defendant | Age | Charges | Sentence | Court |
| Ajmel Saqikhel | 30 | Bladed article possession | 1 year | Peterborough Crown |
| Whitney-Marie Walker | 23 | Concealing/possessing criminal property | 2.5 years | Norwich Crown |
| Haider Ali | 27 | Dangerous driving | 1y6m + 3y ban | Peterborough Crown |
| Christopher Pearson | 38 | Burglary, theft, equipped, fail to surrender | 1y9m | Peterborough Crown |
| Daniel Loates | 40 | Multiple shop thefts | 1y48w + compensation | King’s Lynn/Peterborough |
| Gary Smith | 52 | CBO breach, public indecency | 22 months | Peterborough Crown |
Table compiled from court listings across reporting outlets.
How Did Police Investigations Uncover These Crimes?
Bedfordshire Police arrested Saqikhel immediately following public report on Boxing Day. Financial investigators traced Walker’s bank transactions over 18 months linking to Cook’s operation.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary dashcam footage proved Ali’s speed and evasion. CCTV captured Pearson’s Millfield burglary with fingerprints on smashed door. Retail loss prevention teams identified Loates through repeated footage. Public witness prompted Smith’s rapid arrest near play area.
What Victim Impacts Did Courts Hear?
Church worker told Peterborough Crown Court Pearson’s betrayal destroyed community trust. Wisbech shop managers described stock shortages harming local trade. Huntingdon residents raised safety fears post-Ali crash. Play area families expressed outrage over Smith’s proximity to children.
Judge Rafferty noted Ali’s driving terrorised streets. Judge Freeman highlighted Smith’s disregard for court orders endangering children specifically.
When Exactly Were These Sentences Passed?
Saqikhel sentenced 29 December 2025. Walker appeared 3 January 2026. Ali convicted post-trial 10 January 2026. Pearson pleaded 15 January 2026. Loates sentenced 20 January 2026. Smith jailed 25 January 2026.
Progressive January court lists cleared festive period cases efficiently per court service statistics.
Why Do These Cases Reflect Local Crime Patterns?
Cambridgeshire Probation Trust reported 28 per cent rise in blade offences 2025. Drug-related financial crimes increased 15 per cent in Fenland. Dangerous driving convictions up 22 per cent post-pandemic.
Burglary targeting vulnerable elderly rose 18 per cent. Shoplifting prosecutions doubled since cost-of-living pressures emerged. Public order offences near recreational areas subject stricter sentencing guidelines.
What Previous Convictions Did Defendants Hold?
Saqikhel served prior weapons sentences. Walker cautioned for benefit fraud 2022. Ali disqualified 2023 for speeding. Pearson multiple burglary convictions since 2010. Loates 15 prior shop theft guilty pleas. Smith subject Sexual Harm Prevention Order 2021 alongside park ban.
Pre-sentence reports detailed entrenched criminal histories influencing custodial terms.
How Are Victims Supported Post-Sentencing?
Cambridgeshire Victim Care Service assigned independent domestic abuse advisors. Restorative justice referrals offered where appropriate. Probation trust monitored community orders where applicable.
National Police Air Service provided footage review support. Retail Loss Prevention Association offered crime prevention training to targeted stores.
What Court Security Measures Protected Proceedings?
January sittings featured enhanced security post-Saqihel machete case. X-ray scanners processed all visitors. Court bailiffs increased to eight per session handling remand prisoners.
Risk assessments classified Pearson high danger given victim vulnerability. Ali transported under convoy following driving history.
Community Reactions to January Sentencings?
Peterborough civic leaders welcomed blade crime sentences. Wisbech chamber commerce praised shop theft prosecutions. Huntingdon residents petitioned permanent Ali driving exclusion zone.
Church organisations supported elderly victim counselling. Fenland community safety partnerships reviewed park patrol frequencies post-Smith case.
