Man Crushed Against Tree by Truck Gets 27 Years

Jeremy Heath received a 27-year prison sentence for murdering Arlind Xhokola by using a pick-up truck as a weapon. The 51-year-old deliberately drove the vehicle into Xhokola, pinning him against a tree in Harlow in March 2025.

Heath, along with accomplices Joe Jones and Matthew Arnold, had been searching for drugs earlier that day. A dispute escalated into a chase, during which Heath used his truck to commit the fatal act. He subsequently attempted to burn the vehicle to destroy evidence but was apprehended by armed officers.

Jones was sentenced to four years for robbery and possession of a knife, while Arnold received two years for robbery. Xhokola was remembered by his partner as a sweet and kind young man.

Essex Police highlighted the incident as a ruthless act of violence, noting that drug-driven violence remains a priority for the force. Heath, a prolific offender, was described as a dangerous criminal.