Grays: Man sentenced for drug supply offences

A man has been a sentenced to two years and six months after pleading guilty to drug supply offences.

Connor Knight, 21 of New Road, Grays appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday 5 June where he was sentenced after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply a controlled class A drug, possession with intent to supply a controlled class B drug and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.

The investigation was launched on Friday, 6 October 2023 after officers were called to an address at New Road in Grays at around 3:40am.

When officers arrived, 19-year-old Ashton Rowbotham was found with injuries to his neck. He sadly died at the scene.

Knight was arrested and later charged with murder, possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, possession with intent to supply a controlled Class A drug and possession with intent to supply a controlled Class B drug. Following a review, a decision was made not to proceed with the murder charge.

Following further enquiries, four other people have been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and they have been released whilst the investigation is ongoing.

After pleading guilty to the remaining offences, Knight appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday 5 June where he was sentenced to two years and six months.

Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said “This was a complex investigation, compiled of various offences, and all of which were investigated thoroughly.

“When officers searched Knight’s address, a large amount of cannabis and cocaine was located. Further enquiries revealed that he had been concerned with drug supply in Grays.

“No matter the circumstances, we will always take drug dealing offences seriously and we continue to work hard to take drugs off the streets in Essex.

“We have kept the family of Ashton Rowbotham updated throughout this investigation and our thoughts remain with them.”