A drug dealer who ‘terrorised’ a woman with a machete causing her to fall to her death from a balcony while trying to escape him has been jailed for 18 years.
Jaiden Hassan-Agard was found guilty of the manslaughter of Tia Langdon who died following the fall from the block of flats in Cuckmere Lane, Southampton, on August 28, 2025.
He was also convicted of ABH after breaking her nose by punching her, threatening to kill her, false imprisonment and making threats with an offensive weapon.
Winchester Crown Court heard that Hassan-Agard had accused Ms Langdon and a second woman of stealing drugs from him before he threatened them with a machete.
The judge, Mrs Justice Tipples, told the defendant: ‘You terrorised her so much that she saw no option but to try to escape you by going over the balcony.’
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She added: ‘It was clear that Tia was fatally injured and you did nothing to help her.’
The judge continued: ‘I’m sure you were excited by fear and terror you instilled in these women.
‘The more scared and frightened they got, the more excited you got – feeding off the terrifying situation you deliberately created.’
The judge imposed an extended sentence on Hassan-Agard, meaning that on completion of his time in prison, he would be subject to a period on licence for a further three years.
She added: ‘I am satisfied you do pose a significant risk to the public of serious harm.’
The judge said that Hassan-Agard had previously been assessed to be a victim of modern slavery having become involved in drugs from the age of 11.
He also had previous convictions for the rape of a 12-year-old girl, ABH and GBH when he was aged 15.
As well as the offences against Ms Langdon, he was sentenced for false imprisonment, threats to kill, threats with an offensive weapon and kidnap against the second victim.
The family of Ms Langdon said in a statement: ‘Tia was a much-loved daughter, family member and friend. She was kind, caring and brought joy to the lives of so many people who knew her.
‘We continue to grieve her loss every day, but her memory will remain with us always.’
They added: ‘While no outcome can truly deliver justice for the loss of a loved one, we are grateful that the person responsible for Tia’s death has been held accountable for his actions.’
James Foster, specialist prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: ‘Tia Langdon lost her life because of the fear, violence and intimidation caused by Jaiden Hassan-Agard’s actions.
‘He subjected Tia and another woman to threats and erratic behaviour, creating a situation which left her feeling as if she had no safe means of escape.
‘While nobody witnessed the precise moment she fell, prosecutors proved that Hassan-Agard’s conduct was a significant cause of the events which led to her death.
‘He then compounded the suffering of those involved by refusing to seek emergency help and continuing to threaten and control the other victim in the aftermath.
‘Today’s sentence reflects the gravity of Hassan-Agard’s crimes. I recognise that no sentence can ease the profound pain and loss experienced by Tia’s family, or undo the harm suffered by the other victim in this case.
‘I hope, however, that they can take some comfort from knowing that Hassan-Agard has been held accountable for his actions.’
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