Jeremy Heath, 51, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 27 years for the murder of 26-year-old Arlind Xhokola, whom he deliberately pinned against a tree using a Mitsubishi pick-up truck in Harlow, Essex.

Heath’s associates, Joe Jones, 38, and Matthew Arnold, 40, were also jailed after the court found their involvement in a knife-point robbery earlier the same day formed part of a wider drug-driven crime spree that culminated in the fatal attack.

All three men were convicted at Chelmsford Crown Court on January 26, 2026, and sentenced the following day.

Murder on a Cycle Path in Harlow

The court heard that on March 29, 2025, Heath, Jones and Arnold spent the day committing offences to fund addictions to Class A drugs, including crack cocaine. Heath, described as a prolific offender with 59 previous convictions, drove the group around Harlow in a silver Mitsubishi pick-up truck as they searched for money or drugs.

At around 5pm, the trio encountered Arlind Xhokola near Momples Road. A confrontation broke out, believed to be linked to drug supply issues. Xhokola, who was unarmed and walking with friends, fled onto a nearby cycle path in an attempt to escape.

Heath pursued him at speeds estimated between 20 and 25mph, smashing through a bollard before steering the vehicle directly toward Xhokola. Prosecutors said Heath deliberately veered left to pin the victim against a tree, causing catastrophic injuries to his ribs and spine. Xhokola died at the scene.

Judge Mary Loram KC described the killing as a “deliberate and ruthless act,” stating that Xhokola “posed no threat” and was clearly trying to get away.

Earlier Knife-Point Robbery

Earlier that afternoon, at approximately 4pm, Jones and Arnold took part in a knife-point robbery of a man driving a black Ford Fiesta, which the group believed contained drugs or cash. When the search yielded nothing, the vehicle was abandoned.

Jones was later sentenced to four years in prison for robbery and possession of a knife in a public place, while Arnold received a two-year sentence for robbery.

The court heard the men even attempted to sell stolen meat at a local pub as their desperation escalated.

Attempt to Destroy Evidence

After the fatal collision, Heath and the others fled the scene. Heath set fire to the Mitsubishi pick-up truck in an effort to destroy forensic evidence linking him to both the robbery and the murder.

Essex Police pieced together the group’s movements using witness testimony, phone data, and forensic analysis. Heath was arrested by armed officers on March 31, 2025. Arnold was detained in hospital on April 1, while Jones was arrested in Sheerness, Kent, on April 2 after fleeing with assistance from associates.

Court Verdict and Community Impact

During the trial, Heath denied murder, robbery, knife possession, and perverting the course of justice. Jones and Arnold also denied robbery. The jury unanimously rejected their accounts.

Detective Inspector James Holmes of Essex Police said the murder was the “violent crescendo to a day of criminality,” adding that Harlow is “a safer place” with the men behind bars. He emphasized the destructive role of drug addiction in driving serious violence across communities.

In a victim impact statement, Xhokola’s partner described him as “sweet, kind, and gentle,” underscoring the devastating human cost of the crime.

Key Dates at a Glance

• March 29, 2025: Robbery and murder in Harlow
• March 31 – April 2, 2025: Arrests of Heath, Arnold, and Jones
• January 26, 2026: Convictions at Chelmsford Crown Court
• January 27, 2026: Sentencing handed down