EXCLUSIVE: Man and stepson admit strangling Essex Police officers in Colchester attack

A MAN and his stepson have admitted strangling police officers who arrived at the scene of a reported assault in Colchester.

The Essex Police officers were called to reports of Sam Minter, 38, and his stepson Taylor Oliver, 18, attacking a third man in North Station Road, Colchester, shortly after 10.30pm on Saturday, February 17 2024.

After they arrived at the scene Police Sergeant Scott Lewis and Special Inspector Mark Barham were threatened and then each strangled by the pair, before one of them lost consciousness.

Minter and Oliver attempted to flee, but they were arrested after more police officers arrived.

Both officers were taken to hospital for treatment and were later discharged.

Minter, of Chapel Road, Boxted, was charged with assaulting an emergency worker, possession of a controlled drug of Class A, affray, escaping from lawful custody and intentional strangulation.

Oliver, of the same address, who initially could not be named as he was under 18 at the time of the attack, was charged with affray, aiding escape from lawful custody and intentional strangulation.

They both denied the offences and were released on conditional bail after an initial hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.

However, ahead of a trial that was due to start at Chelmsford Crown Court this week, the pair pleaded guilty to some of the offences.

On Friday, October 17, Minter admitted one count of affray, one count of threats to kill, against PS Lewis, and the intentional strangulation of Special Inspector Barham.

Oliver admitted to one count of the intentional strangulation of PS Lewis.

The remaining charges will be left to lie on file.

Judge Jamie Sawyer warned the two they could face custodial jail terms for the attacks.

However, he adjourned sentencing until November 27 for a pre-sentence report, after hearing that Minter is a single parent to other younger children.

The pre-sentence report will involve Essex County Council social services liasing with the Probation Service, to prepare a report for each child on what would happen to their care if Minter is jailed.

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