Man convicted of Harlow pick-up truck murder

A man's been found guilty of murder - after using a pick-up truck to kill a man in Harlow.

51-year-old Jeremy Heath deliberately drove into 26-year-old Arlind Xhokola near Momples Road last March. Xhokola suffered serious injuries and died at the scene.

Heath, together with passengers Joe Jones, 38, and Matthew Arnold, 40, abandoned the vehicle. Heath then set the truck on fire to destroy the evidence.

All three men were in custody by the 2nd of April, despite attempts to evade arrest.

Today, Heath was convicted of murder, robbery, possession of a knife in a public place, and perverting the course of justice.

Detective Inspector James Holmes, who led the investigation, said:

"This was a deliberate and ruthless act of violence, using a heavy vehicle as a weapon."

"We have continued to seek justice for Arlind and his family, as well as answers for the community in Harlow. "

"Jeremy Heath is a prolific and dangerous criminal. During the course of our investigation, we found he had previously bragged about robbing drug dealers."

"His actions in driving that pick-up truck, with lethal purpose, at Arlind Xhokola were the violent crescendo to a day of criminality carried out by Heath and his associates on 29 March last year."

"Harlow is a safer place with them convicted and behind bars."

"Heath, Jones and Arnold spent the day selling stolen goods and committing robbery in order to obtain crack cocaine."

"It is a familiar story when it comes to Class A drugs, and I fully recognise how awful the facts of this case will be for the people of Harlow to hear."

"The majority of the community in Harlow are good, honest people who were horrified – and likely remain horrified – by what happened that day. "

"I want to reassure them that we understood their concerns and matched them with a thorough, relentless investigation, dedicating countless hours and long shifts to securing these convictions."

"Drug-driven violence is an issue we are committed to prioritising and stamping out. Drug addiction and supply lie at the heart of much of the offending we see not just in Harlow, but across Essex."

Sentencing will take place at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday 27 January.