A violent career criminal was today walking free after being released from prison because of a judge's mistake.

Appeal Court judges overturned a four-year jail sentence imposed on Mark Jefford for attacking and robbing a neighbour of £8.

They quashed his conviction because the trial judge had not given the jury a direction about how to approach the issue of lies.

But today detectives who know Jefford - of Burrs Way, Corringham - expressed astonishment at his release and warned he was a constant danger to the public.

The Evening Echo can reveal Jefford, 44, has a long history of violent crime - including the rape of a lesbian in 1987 for which he was jailed for 12 years.

One detective said: "This man is a constant danger to anyone he comes into contact with. He is evil."

Jefford has been in trouble with the law since he was a schoolboy living in Basildon.

He has a long list of convictions, and - apart from offences of violence - has been jailed for possession of drugs and a string of burglaries. The detective said: "He is a career criminal who has never done an honest day's work in his life. We are extremely worried he is back out on the streets, because of the dangers he poses.

"Our problem will be keeping track of him, because he has many friends, especially in the Basildon area, who will put him up. He has a vicious violent streak."

Lord Justice Keene, sitting with Mr Justice Simon and Judge Sir Richard Tucker, did not order a retrial in making their decision in the Appeal Court.

The complainant, Tony Walther, had been a former neighbour of Mr Jefford in Basildon.

He said on September 16, 2000, he had been approached by Mr Jefford in Laindon shopping centre and robbed of £8. He said he was struck a number of times.

The evidence showed he saw a nurse at Basildon Hospital who noted he had a laceration above one eye and a swollen lower lip.

"There was no dispute the complainant was a regular heavy drinker but, according to his evidence at the time of the incident he had had somewhat less than normal to drink," the judge said. Mr Walther had no recollection of going to hospital on that day.

Lord Justice Keen noted there were discrepancies between what Mr Walther told police about the attack and what he said in his evidence.

He said the prosecution case had not been strong, given the inconsistencies in Mr Walther's evidence and his absence of memory about going to hospital.

Published Tuesday, June 24, 2003

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