Dartford: Trio Jailed For Perverting The Course Of Justice

A couple who plotted to attempt to force a witness of manslaughter to retract his statement have been jailed for perverting the course of justice. The man convicted for the manslaughter has also been sentenced.

Edward Ives, a former boxer, is currently serving time in jail after beating a man to death at a kebab shop in Dartford last year.

He was found guilty of the manslaughter of Ben Mahoney in December and was jailed for eight years.

Ives later asked Neil Sookoo, 37, (pictured) and Thereza George, 42, to approach one of the prosecution witnesses and put pressure on him to retract his status.

The couple were arrested, charged and later found guilty of perverting the course of justice by a jury on 18 December. Sookoo has now been sentenced to four years and George has been given 18 months.

Ives admitted a charge of perverting the course of justice on 25 November and was sentenced to an additional 32 months in jail.

DCI Paul Fotheringham, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: 'Yesterday marked the end of a long-running saga that continually dragged up painful memories for Mr Mahoney’s family and friends.

'Perverting the course of justice is an extremely serious offence and the sentences handed down to this trio should make others think twice before committing a similar crime in an effort to escape justice.

'I welcome the news George and Sookoo will be joining Ives behind bars and can only hope this will at least bring some closure to Ben’s family.'