Colchester: Pair sentenced after serious assault

A man and woman have been jailed for a total of more than 11 years after seriously assaulting someone in Colchester.

Alex Potter and Bibi Stone assaulted their victim at an address in St John’s Avenue on 13 April 2024, close to the city centre, leaving them with serious head injuries and a knife wound to his body as they took their wallet and a jar of loose change.

Officers arrested 39-year-old Stone, of Deck Place, within 30 minutes of the assault, but Potter, 32, of Tony Webb Close, attempted to evade authorities for a week before handing himself in.

Their victim was given urgent treatment at the scene before being moved to hospital. Thankfully, their injuries have not proved to be life-changing.

Both defendants admitted causing criminal damage but denied the other charges against them: they were charged with aggravated burglary and wounding with intent, with Potter also charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and Stone was charged with causing grievous bodily harm.

A jury found them both guilty of all counts, and on Friday 10 January 2025 a judge at Chelmsford Crown Court sentenced Potter to eight years in prison, with Stone imprisoned for three years and nine months.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Guy Mortimer said:

“Potter and Stone forced their way into the address and violently assaulted the victim.
“Neither was willing to admit what they did, but a jury rightly found them guilty of their crimes and now they both face lengthy jail sentences.”

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