Thaxted: Life sentence for murder of Richard Langley

Kevin Horswill, 51, of Magdalen Green in Thaxted, was sentenced by Her Honour Judge Mary Loram at Chelmsford Crown Court on 29 January, following a two-week trial.

The jury heard details of the case assembled by detectives, underpinned by a detailed timeline of CCTV from throughout the evening of the attack.

Our officers showed that pair were seen arguing on camera at a Thaxted pub shortly before the fatal attack.

Our timeline tracked them moving separately through the village before Horswill returned to Richard’s garden in Orchard Close, and then leaving shortly after now injured as a result of his assault.

Bodyworn video shortly after showed the efforts of the public, paramedics and police to save Richard’s life.

Speaking to Horswill, HHJ Loram said:

“Following the argument you left after him and had the option to just go home. The threat to you was gone. But while walking home you turned back and went to Mr Langley’s.
“You followed him home to confront him and vent your anger – violence was inevitable.
“This was not an explosion of violence in the heat of the moment; you chose to do that.
“This was a determined assault to a man you had taken by surprise.
“I am satisfied that you left Mr Langley dying, and that you left his wife to find him.
“There can be no doubt about the impact this has had on Richard’s family.”

Horswill had been at The Star public house in Mill End on the evening of 17 March 2024 when Richard arrived.

During the course of the evening the two were involved in an altercation before 52-year-old Richard left.

Richard can be seen on CCTV walking the dog in the village later that evening, when Horswill appears shortly after on the same cameras walking the same route before fatally assaulting him in the garden of his address in Orchard Close.

Horswill tried to deny he instigated the assault at his trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, but the jury refused to believe he acted in self-defence and convicted him of murder by majority verdict on 28 January 2025.

Speaking following sentencing, Detective Superintendent Ant Alcock said:

“Today was about securing justice for Richard Langley.
“My thoughts and condolences remain with Richard’s loved ones as they have done throughout this investigation and court case.
“We agree fully with the judge’s assessment of this assault, and of Horswill.
“It has taken an incredible amount of work from officers and detectives to build this case, and I‘d like to thank them all for playing a part in securing the sentence that was handed down today.
“It was just minutes after Richard had left the pub that Horswill arrived at his address and fatally attack him, which made it so important we detailed the actions and movements of everyone involved in this timeframe.
“Horswill now has a life sentence in prison to consider his actions on that night.”

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