Stepson & Stepdad Jailed After Strangling Two Essex Police Officers During Violent Late-Night Attacks
A Violent Night Outside a Colchester Takeaway
A shocking late-night incident in Colchester has ended with a stepfather and stepson sentenced for a series of violent attacks including strangling two Essex Police officers.
The trouble began outside King Kebab in Middleborough on February 17, when 39-year-old Samuel Minter launched an unprovoked attack on an unidentified man, taking him to the ground and repeatedly punching him.
CCTV shown to the court also captured 17-year-old Taylor Oliver (now 18) kicking the victim several times.
When officers arrived moments later to arrest Minter, events escalated dramatically.
Officers Strangled & Threatened With Death
Sgt Scott Lewis, the first officer on scene, attempted to handcuff Minter — but while the two struggled on the pavement, Oliver ran in and wrapped his arm around the sergeant’s neck, choking him until he lost consciousness.
During the assault, Minter threatened the officer, claiming he had a blade and would “end his life” if he didn’t let him go.
Minter escaped and ran toward North Station Road, where Special Inspector Mark Barham attempted to detain him. Minter then placed him in a chokehold too, causing him to pass out before backup arrived.
Pepper spray and multiple officers were required to finally bring him under control.
Both suspects denied the charges until dramatically changing their pleas on the first day of trial.
Sentencing & Court Reactions
At Chelmsford Crown Court:
Samuel Minter, of Margaret Road, Colchester
➤ Jailed for 3 years
➤ Convicted of: intentional strangulation, affray, and threats to kill
Taylor Oliver, also of Margaret Road
➤ 16-month suspended sentence (2 years)
➤ Ordered to complete 25 rehabilitation days
➤ Alcohol monitoring tag for 120 days
The judge criticised both defendants for “failing to do the decent thing” by dragging the case to trial before admitting guilt.
Mitigation said Minter was a “devoted father” to five stepchildren and Oliver acted out of “loyalty”, immaturity, and a difficult upbringing. Both arguments failed to move the judge.
Violence against emergency workers is a hot topic locally and this case involved two officers being choked unconscious in separate attacks within minutes.
👉 Do you think the sentences were strong enough?
👉 Should attacks on officers carry tougher penalties?
👉 Or do suspended sentences (like Oliver’s) risk setting the wrong precedent?
Share your thoughts below Braintree, Colchester & surrounding areas have a lot to say about this one 👇
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