'Cult' members guilty of trying to kidnap Essex coroner
They were part of a "conspiracy theory" group who believed they could overrule the judicial system
Last updated 30th Jul 2024
Members of an "anti-establishment cult" who stormed into Essex Coroner's Court with handcuffs have been found guilty of trying to kidnap a coroner.
Mark Christopher, 59, Matthew Martin, 47, Shiza Harper, 45, and Sean Harper, 38, wanted to "shut down" Essex Coroner's Court and abduct senior coroner Lincoln Brookes in April 2023.
They were part of a "conspiracy theory" group who believed they could overrule the judicial system in England and Wales, a trial heard.
All four have been found guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court of conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to commit false imprisonment.
Christopher was also found guilty of sending a letter or email with intent to cause distress or anxiety.
Martin was cleared of assault by beating and criminal damage by the jury.
The defendants, from Essex and east London, will be sentenced in September, Mr Justice Goss said.
During the trial, HM Coroner Lincoln Brookes described how the incident had affected him “significantly” and had become “hyper vigilant about the safety of my family and myself”.
Detective Chief Inspector Nathan Hutchinson said:
“The ideologies of this group were concerning and they genuinely believed that they had the power to construct their own legal system, threaten others and were above English law.
“No one should feel threatened for doing their job and I would like to thank Senior Coroner Lincoln Brookes who was the target of this kidnap and false imprisonment, as well as Michelle Brown and Eamonn McCormack who had to endure this incursion and for their cooperation throughout this investigation.
“I would also like to commend the actions of security and coroners’ staff in Seax House that day who acted calmly and rationally during an intimidating and traumatising ordeal.