Kevin Horswill convicted of murder in Thaxted garden assault

Kevin Horswill, 51, has been convicted of murdering 52-year-old Richard Langley in a violent altercation that followed an argument at The Star pub in Thaxted on March 17, 2024. After leaving the pub, Horswill followed Langley home and fatally assaulted him in his garden by strangling him with an item of clothing. Witnesses reported hearing the struggle, and despite attempts to revive Langley, he was pronounced dead at the scene. During the trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, Horswill's claim of self-defense was rejected by the jury, who found him guilty after a two-week trial. Detective Superintendent Ant Alcock emphasized the premeditated nature of the attack, which was fueled by an earlier confrontation involving Horswill's partner. Horswill is scheduled to be sentenced on January 29, 2025.