Local News

An investigation is underway by the British Transport Police following a non-fatal stabbing at Egham Rail Station on Friday 6 February. Officers were called at around 9pm to reports of a number of people with stab injuries. Officers from Surrey Police, the British Transport Police, and paramedics attended and found four people injured. Two men in their 20s had suffered stab injuries and a third victim had a slash injury to his face. A fourth victim had been assaulted. They were all taken to hospital. None of those injured are in a life-threatening or life-changing condition. A man, believed to be aged in his 30s, has been arrested and is in police custody. Anyone with information that could help police should text BTP on 61016, or call 0800 40 50 40, using the reference 682 of 6 February. Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Luke Banner, 34, of Emsworth, committed multiple burglaries in Surrey, including Chertsey, and has now been jailed for three years. PS Toby Benson of the Surrey Police Proactive Investigation Team said: “Burglary is an intrusive crime which causes immeasurable distress to its victims. “Banner’s repeated targeting of residential homes and charity boxes shows the lows that he would stoop to for personal gain. I am pleased that he now faces a term in prison to reflect on his actions.”

A man has been sentenced to 11 years in prison after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in Cranleigh. James Cooper, 33 (DOB 02/10/1992) of Sparsholt, Winchester was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on Friday, 30 January. He also pleaded guilty to causing death while unlicenced and uninsured, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to provide a specimen for analysis, and was disqualified from driving for 10 years. At around 9:30pm on Saturday, 11 October 2025, police were called to a three-vehicle-collision involving a Volkswagen Golf, a Mazda 2 and a Volvo XC60 on Elmbridge Road, Cranleigh. Prior to the collision, a witness in a parked car described being overtaken at speed by the Volkswagen, driven by Cooper, fearing that he was going to hit them. CCTV nearby captured Cooper's driving and officers from our Forensic Collision Investigation Unit (FCIU) calculated that he was travelling in excess of 60mph on a 30mph road. As Cooper approached a red traffic light over a single-lane bridge, another witness noted that he showed no signs of braking or slowing down. The driver of the Volvo recalled Cooper's car as being 'airborne' before crashing head on with the Mazda. Sadly, and despite the best efforts of paramedics, a woman in her 80s, who was a passenger in the Mazda, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of that vehicle, a man in his 80s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The Volkswagen subsequently collided with the Volvo before coming to a stop off the road. In the process, Cooper was thrown from his car via the open sun roof, due to his lack of seatbelt, and landed on the grass verge. Cooper suffered serious injuries but refused to give blood at hospital to help conclude whether he had consumed drugs or alcohol that evening. He initially denied being the driver of the Volkswagen but admitted later in an interview that he was the one behind the wheel. Following this admission, Cooper responded to all other questions with 'no comment'. The victim's family said, "nothing will make up for such a senseless and totally avoidable loss of such a cherished family member." Detective Sergeant Dan Smith from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: "My thoughts remain with the victim's family, who have suffered at the hands of a reckless driver. "Nothing will bring their beloved family member back, but I hope this sentence provides a sense of justice for them, and all others involved. "Dangerous or careless driving is one of the 'fatal five' factors which are considered the main causes of serious injury or fatal collisions on our roads. "This should be an important reminder to all drivers that every decision behind the wheel can carry serious consequences."

A prolific burglar who targeted salons and food businesses during late-night break-ins across Surrey and neighbouring London boroughs, has been jailed for 18 months. Steven Hale (DOB: 26/01/1983), 43, of Sutton, was convicted of 16 non-dwelling burglaries after carrying out a spree of offences in the early hours of the morning. Hale forced entry to businesses using a crowbar, stealing cash from tills and tip jars and causing damage and disruption to local premises. Following his arrest, Hale admitted to six burglaries committed in Surrey during August 2025, as well as driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and driving without third-party insurance. In a later interview, he admitted a further 10 business burglaries, nine of which took place across London boroughs and one in Epsom. During two evenings in August, Hale, wearing a balaclava, targeted a number of food outlets and boutiques across Epsom and Banstead. Police were contacted by staff arriving for work to discover premises had been broken into and cash stolen. A review of CCTV footage showed Hale wearing the same clothing during both nights of offending. When officers searched Hale’s address following his arrest, they recovered the clothing seen in the footage, along with a crowbar and a screwdriver. Hale pleaded guilty to 16 counts of burglary (non-dwelling), possession of Class A drugs (heroin and cocaine), driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and driving without insurance. On Friday, 6 February 2026, at Guildford Crown Court, he was sentenced to a total of 18 months’ imprisonment, with the offences ordered to run concurrently. He was also given six penalty points for the driving offences and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £187. Detective Inspector Ball, from the Eastern Proactive Team, said: “These offences caused disruption to a number of local businesses, and we know the impact this type of crime can have on owners and staff. Our focus is on identifying those responsible and gathering the evidence needed to bring offenders to justice. We would continue to urge business owners to review their security measures, report any suspicious activity, and contact us as soon as possible if they have concerns.”

A 40-year-old-man has been sentenced to two years and five months in prison after pleading guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour (CCB), strangulation and criminal damage. Sean Brady, 40 (DOB: 15/10/1985), of Sunbury-on-Thames, was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, 6 February. Police received a call from a woman at 10.57pm on Monday, 31 March last year stating that her ex-partner had climbed on top of her car and started causing considerable damage. Prior to this, Brady sent her various threatening and abusive messages. Officers attended the address and engaged with the woman where she disclosed five years of physical and psychological abuse. She completed various statements detailing the controlling and coercive behaviour Brady displayed and how he would aggravate situations.

Throughout this period, the abuse became progressively worse resulting in the woman being assaulted several times. Brady would regularly throw objects at her and on one occasion strangled her. Urgent enquiries to locate him got underway and he was arrested on Wednesday, 2 April. Brady subsequently pleaded guilty on day one of the trial. He was sentenced last week. DC Charlotte Bell from our Criminal Investigations Department, said: "I would like to recognise the victim-survivor's strength in disclosing Brady's history and behaviour to our officers after she made that call in March. I also want to thank her for her trust in Surrey Police and bravery for supporting our investigation. "Controlling and coercive behaviour is used to exert power and control over another person's daily life. It often involves tactics like isolation and intimidation and can have a significant impact on a victim-survivor's physical and mental wellbeing. "I would urge anyone who recognises some of these patterns to report it to police. You will be supported and listened to from the start."

A woman has been jailed for two years and 11 months after defrauding a community football club of more than £80,000. Hannah Buckingham, 43 (DOB:29/08/1982) of Feltham, was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on Friday, 23 January, after pleading guilty to fraud by abuse of position, making or supplying an article for use in fraud and possession with intent to supply class A drugs. In December 2018, Buckingham became treasurer of Esher Football Club. Her role included managing the club's finances, collecting fees and paying the bills. She was also responsible for applying for additional funding to support running costs. After leaving the role in July 2022, her successor noticed that the club's cash reserves were very low and some bills had gone unpaid. Buckingham ignored multiple requests for information and made excuses as to why she could not provide a detailed handover. She eventually supplied false documents which mislead the new treasurer about where the money had gone. When reviewing the club's true accounts, it was clear that Buckingham had defrauded it of several thousand pounds. This was reported to Action Fraud who referred it to Surrey Police to investigate. A statement based on the club's true accounts showed that Buckingham had transferred more than £86,000, including a Government-backed 'bounce-back loan' during the pandemic. She was subsequently arrested in July 2023. On searching her address, officers found scales, cash and two bags of white powder which was later confirmed as cocaine. During police interview, Buckingham accepted the allegations of fraud and admitted to transferring the money to her own accounts. Detective constable Michael Bambrough said: "Buckingham abused her trusted position to embezzle more than £80,000. "This was far from a victimless crime. The money should have been used to benefit a vital community asset and several hundred young people. Sadly, these benefits could not become to fruition. "Thanks to the people who raised concerns about her activity, Buckingham has now faced justice and will serve a period of time behind bars to reflect on her behaviour."

Following a licensing hearing held on Tuesday 27th January 2026 the premises licence for The Walton Mart, 20 St Johns Drive, Walton on Thames KT12 3NH has been revoked. This action was taken after the premises failed repeated Surrey Police led test purchase operations which raises serious concerns around the unlawful sale of alcohol to children, undermining the licensing objectives of public safety and the protection of children from harm. Surrey Police remain committed to keeping our communities safe and tacking businesses that fail to meet their legal responsibilities.