Joseph Wicks, 27, of Braithwaite Drive, Colchester, has been jailed for four years and six months after a series of offences that culminated in his arrest hiding under an Ottoman bed. Wicks admitted charges including dangerous driving, three counts of assault by beating, three counts of attempting to cause actual bodily harm, stalking, sending threatening communications, and criminal damage. He denied a charge of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, which was left to lie on file by prosecutors.
Dangerous driving incident outside nightclub
The case dates back to November 30 last year, when Wicks was speeding around Colchester in a Fiat 500. He mounted the pavement in Queen Street, striking three pedestrians outside a nightclub in the early hours. He fled the scene and abandoned the car in Wivenhoe Quay, but officers recovered his fingerprints from inside the vehicle. Fortunately, none of the victims suffered serious injuries.
Earlier that morning, Wicks had been identified driving aggressively down narrow roads and around the city centre, heading the wrong way along one-way streets, narrowly missing members of the public, and ignoring red lights. He was also wanted for other serious offences, including a stalking investigation.
Further offences while on the run
While officers continued their efforts to trace him, Wicks went on to commit further offences. A campaign of stalking and harassment against a woman culminated on May 8 this year, when Wicks attended the victim's address. He was shouting, swearing, and acting aggressively, banging on the front door and demanding entry before returning to his van. When a man approached the parked vehicle and opened the passenger door to speak to Wicks about his behaviour, he reported seeing a metal baseball bat and what appeared to be a handgun.
Wicks left the area but continued to bombard the woman with phone calls and messages. Due to the report of a potential firearm, specially trained armed officers from the Force Support Unit began enquiries at several addresses linked to Wicks. The following day, his van was located, and the bat was recovered. No firearm was found.
Arrest and sentencing
Armed officers executed a warrant at an address in Colchester on May 11 and found multiple people inside, all of whom denied having seen Wicks. However, after a thorough search, officers uncovered him hiding underneath an Ottoman bed. Wicks was arrested and charged with a number of offences, including dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, and failing to stop for police.
Appearing for sentencing at Ipswich Crown Court on July 31, Wicks was jailed for four years and six months and further disqualified from driving for two years and six months.
Police praise professionalism
Inspector Tom Stokes, of the Force Support Unit, said: 'In this case, officers were tasked with locating and arresting a man linked to a series of serious offences, including dangerous driving, which put members of the public at risk and a report involving what was believed to be a firearm.' He added that officers must 'plan carefully' and 'act decisively' when information suggests a weapon may be involved.
Stokes went on to praise the 'professionalism shown by the officers involved', which resulted in Wicks' arrest, despite his efforts to 'conceal' himself. 'Their actions ensured a high-harm offender was brought before the courts and held accountable for his actions. Much of the work carried out by armed officers happens out of the public eye, but it is built on extensive training, teamwork and a commitment to protecting communities across Essex. We will continue to target those who pose the greatest risk and ensure they are brought to justice.'
