Bolton Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 73 verdicts at Bolton Crown Court (Bolton). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Liam Dooney

Handling stolen goods

January 28, 2026

Sentence: 2.5 years imprisonment and 7-year director disqualification

Liam Dooney, 53, ran Wigan Storage Company Ltd and stored over £500,000-worth of poultry for cloned companies posing as franchises of legitimate firms like McDonald's. Between October 2019 and May 2020, he arranged deliveries of huge amounts of chicken and turkey from suppliers including Avara Foods Ltd (up to £24,750), Danpo Foods (€241,681), a Polish wholesaler (€131,715 for 20 tonnes), and a Portuguese supplier (€152,064). The cloned companies ordered goods on credit and ceased to exist before payment, defrauding suppliers. Emails confirmed Dooney's involvement in delivery arrangements despite warnings about the clones. He was arrested after huge pallet loads were discovered with no proof of payment.

Pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods. Mitigating factors included heavy drinking, cocaine use, financial pressures, and involvement with more sophisticated criminals without full knowledge of their methods. Judge noted he played an important part in the conspiracy and created false documents.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Lee Drury

Conspiracy to produce a controlled drug of Class B

January 27, 2026

Sentence: 9 years and 9 months imprisonment

Lee Drury, 45, used his company NutraInk as a front to cover the illicit production of fake diazepam pills. He shared the recipe via group chat on March 25, 2022, boasting about potential profits. The operation involved sophisticated labs in Wigan and Salford, producing millions of unregulated pills sold on the street. He was involved in purchasing £200,000 worth of machinery and ingredients between June 2020 and May 2022. In April 2022, he met a driver for a shipment of 2.5 million tablets intercepted by police, with a £7m wholesale and £67m street value.

Used his company NutraInk as a front; shared recipe and boasted about profits in group chat.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

John Colin Spiby

Conspiracy to produce a controlled drug of Class B

January 27, 2026

Sentence: 9 years imprisonment

John Colin Spiby, 37, son of John Eric Spiby, assisted in the large-scale operation producing and selling fake prescription pills disguised as diazepam. The labs were at Clover Cottage in Wigan and Albion Unit in Salford. He was involved in daily consultations, deliveries, meetings, and managing stock. The operation produced millions of unregulated pills sold for 65p each, with a driver collecting over 37.5 million tablets in a 12-month period. Despite police interception of 2.5 million tablets in April 2022, they continued operations and discussed expanding to synthesising drugs.

Involved in deliveries, meetings, and stock; consulted daily on conspiracy; influenced by upbringing from criminal father.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

John Eric Spiby

Conspiracy to produce a controlled drug of Class B

January 27, 2026

Sentence: 16 years and 6 months imprisonment

John Eric Spiby, an 80-year-old millionaire lottery winner who won £2.4m in 2010, set up a sophisticated drugs lab at his cottage, Clover Cottage in Wigan, opposite his home. He built the lab with frosted windows to hide activities and installed a three-phase electricity supply costing £15,000. The operation produced unregulated, unlicensed fake diazepam pills sold on the street for 65p each, causing untold harm to addicts. In 2021, the operation expanded to a second lab at Albion Unit in Salford worth £210,000. Between June 2020 and May 2022, £200,000 worth of machinery and ingredients were bought. Police found two guns and ammunition next to the lab. Despite a police interception of 2.5 million tablets in April 2022, the group continued. Forged lease documents were created to mislead police. The conspiracy involved producing and supplying millions of fake pills with a wholesale value of £7m and street value of £67m.

Significant criminal record; provided premises, adapted them, purchased machinery; senior role in the conspiracy despite lottery win.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Tayto Group Ltd

Placing unsafe food on the market

January 23, 2026

Sentence: £153,000 fine and £309,136.09 costs

Tayto Group Ltd's factory in Westhoughton produced Mr Porky pork scratchings contaminated with salmonella from July to August 2021, leading to nearly 600 illnesses across the UK. Issues included failure to separate raw and cooked meat areas. 35 people required hospital treatment, 12 were admitted. The outbreak was traced using genome sequencing, prompting a major product recall in August 2021.

Pleaded guilty to placing unsafe food on the market and failing to ensure food was protected against contamination. Company apologised unreservedly, spent over £800,000 on remedial work, and cooperated fully with authorities.

Sources: lancs.live

Carl Reardon

Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal

January 1, 2026

Sentence: 3 months imprisonment and 10-year ban from keeping animals

Carl Reardon, 56, of Greenhey, Orrell, ignored vet advice and failed to properly treat his German Shepherd dog Mitzi's ear infection. He last took her to a vet in November 2024 but did not collect medication, claiming he couldn't afford it, and skipped a follow-up appointment. Instead, he attempted to treat the condition with olive oil and vinegar, stating he was 'sick of paying money out'. RSPCA inspectors were called in February 2025 after police raised concerns, and Mitzi was taken into care. At the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, she was found to have significant swelling, reddening, a perforated eardrum, and a resistant bacterial infection, having suffered for at least three months without pain relief, impairing her hearing.

Admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a German Shepherd dog called Mitzi under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The sentencing judge noted a deliberate disregard for the dog, who suffered significant pain. A deprivation order was made, and Mitzi is in RSPCA care.

Sources: lancs.live

Richard Johnstone

Section 18 assault wounding with intent

December 23, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment

On May 4, 2025, just after 11pm, Richard Johnstone, aged 42, of Shaw Street, Royton, was refused entry to the Trapdoor bar on Middleton Road in Oldham due to wearing sportswear against the dress code. He argued aggressively with the doorman and attempted to enter with a group. After being barred, he left threatening to return with eight lads. Approximately 15 minutes later, he returned in different clothes, drew a knife from his pocket, and stabbed the doorman in the stomach.

Pleaded guilty to section 18 assault wounding with intent and possessing a bladed article in a public place.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Asif Vali

Sexual abuse

December 20, 2025

Sentence: convicted after a three-day trial

Asif Vali, who previously managed the Bolton-based boxer Amir Khan, was found guilty of sexually abusing a woman following a three-day trial.

Paul Willis-Hughes

Robbery

December 19, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Paul Willis-Hughes, 18, of Lingfield Avenue, Sale, messaged the victim on a dating app and arranged to meet. On February 28, 2025, after entering the victim's car on Newgate Road in Sale, he pulled out a machete, threatened the victim who fled, and then stole the car by driving away. The incident was reported to police, leading to an investigation using CCTV and mobile data analysis.

Brandon Smith

Rape

November 21, 2025

Sentence: 17 years imprisonment with a 3-year licence extension

Brandon Smith, 25, from Larch Road in Denton, stalked an unknown woman for six months, learning her route to work. On July 5, 2024, during her morning commute on a path off King Street and Pitt Street in Hyde leading to a footbridge over the M67, he grabbed her, threatened to stab her if she made a noise, dragged her behind bushes, and raped her. He also committed sexual assault and assault by penetration. After the attack, he threatened to harm her family if she reported it. He was arrested two days later. Forensic evidence contradicted his claims of never meeting her or that she consented.

Initial sentence of 12 years and 6 months imprisonment with a 3-year licence extension was increased by 4 years and 6 months under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. Found guilty on all five counts after denying guilt and claiming consent. A restraining order was imposed.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Antonio Embalo

Section 20 Grievous Bodily Harm

November 7, 2025

Sentence: two-year community order; 15 days rehabilitation activity; 250 hours unpaid work; two-month electronically-monitored curfew (9pm-6am)

During a stoppage in an under-18s rugby match between Bolton RUFC and Rochdale RUFC in October 2021, Antonio Embalo lost his temper and kicked rival player Nathan Wellings in the head more than once from behind, causing severe facial injuries, a six-minute seizure, post-concussion syndrome, and requiring hospital treatment. The incident occurred while the referee had halted play due to rising tensions.

Admitted guilty to section 20 GBH on the eve of trial; initially charged with section 18 GBH but plea accepted for lesser offence of recklessness rather than intent.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Paul Keevil

Stalking and Sexual Assault

October 19, 2025

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

Married Paul Keevil, 55, from Fairman Drive in Hindley, Wigan, began an affair with the victim via a 'sugar daddies' dating site, gifting her money. Over a five-month period, after she refused to rekindle the affair and began a relationship with another man, he stalked her, threatened to publicly slur her as a prostitute, and resorted to blackmail unless she resumed the relationship, including suing her for £5,000 claiming fraud. He also sexually assaulted her.

Admitted stalking the woman and sexually assaulting her. Ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for 10 years.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Ben Atherton

Conspiracy to supply class A drugs

September 19, 2025

Sentence: nine years imprisonment

Ben Atherton, 29, led an organised crime group that exploited vulnerable people to run heroin and crack cocaine across Greater Manchester. The operation involved facilitating the production and supply of class A drugs, using a dedicated drugs line to send bulk text messages to users. The group distributed narcotics throughout the region, with the investigation beginning in November 2024 and leading to his arrest on March 25, 2025.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs. He was the head of a county lines-style drugs operation and had been in custody since his arrest.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Ian Beeby

Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order

September 18, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Ian Beeby, a 71-year-old from Bolton, was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order following his release from prison for prior sexual offences. In July 2025, concerns from the National Probation Service led to his arrest after he engaged in conversation with male children who were filming themselves for a YouTube channel in Manchester city centre. He was identified in a video posted by the children’s family, charged with breaching his order, and sentenced after a court appearance.

Previously jailed for sexual offences against young boys. Breached his Sexual Harm Prevention Order by communicating with male children. Detective Superintendent Jen Tattersall highlighted the role of the Sex Offender Management Unit in protecting vulnerable people and bringing offenders to justice.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Daniel Rowe

Causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity with a person in a position of trust

September 12, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, plus 25 days rehabilitation

Daniel Rowe, a maths teacher from Sheffield, groomed and sexually abused a female student aged 16 to 17 while she was under his care in Greater Manchester over ten years ago. He initiated an inappropriately close relationship, messaging her secretly to avoid detection, discouraged her from dating others, and encouraged her to attend a university where he had connections. He then sexually abused her via Facetime, inciting her to undress and engage in sexual activity. The abuse occurred after a formal warning about his unsafe practices, and he was arrested on April 12, 2021.

Pleaded not guilty but was convicted after trial. Must comply with a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and has been barred from working with children for 10 years, along with a 10-year restraining order to prevent contact with the victim.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Mark Nuttall

Attempted Murder

September 8, 2025

Sentence: 21 years imprisonment and 4 years on licence, total extended sentence of 25 years

On February 26, 2025, Mark Nuttall detained a woman at his property for over four hours after she refused his demand for sex. He assaulted her by punching, slapping, strangling her with an object around her neck, attempting to stab her with a dull knife, hitting her with a rolling pin, and slashing her face with a meat cleaver, causing severe injuries that required extensive plastic surgery. He ignored her pleas for an ambulance, instead watching television, and only called for help after she promised not to reveal his identity, during which he cleaned the weapon.

Defendant claimed not to remember the incident due to epilepsy, but the judge did not accept this and noted his remorse; defence highlighted genuine regret.

Sources: theboltonnews.co.uk

Luke Cartwright

Rape

September 5, 2025

Sentence: 15 years imprisonment

Luke Cartwright, 22, of Balmoral Drive, Denton, Tameside, raped two women, one while she was sleeping on a mattress. He was initially arrested for abusing and sexually assaulting a woman on multiple occasions, after which a second victim came forward. He engaged in coercive control and physical aggression, leading to significant psychological harm. Victims provided statements detailing their trauma, including feelings of frustration, shame, and anger.

Denied a string of offences but was found guilty by a jury after trial. Described as a dangerous offender who was physically aggressive and caused significant psychological damage to victims. Police prioritised the case as suspected controlling and coercive behaviour.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Norman William

Rape

August 29, 2025

Sentence: 25 years imprisonment

Norman William raped children by first providing them with cigarettes, alcohol, and money to manipulate them.

Depraved man who raped children after plying them with cigarettes, alcohol, and money.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Paul Sixsmith

Affray

August 7, 2025

Sentence: 9 months imprisonment

Paul Sixsmith was involved in a neighbourhood brawl outside Thornbank Flats in Deane on May 3, 2025. He was seen on video fighting with another male, and his partner intervened with a knife. No injuries were reported as the other parties did not provide statements to the police. He has a history of criminal offences, including those involving weapons, and drug abuse may have contributed to the incident.

Pleaded guilty to affray. Had already served three months and was eligible for immediate release. Judge noted his lengthy criminal record, including weapons offences, and possible influence of drugs and alcohol.

Sources: theboltonnews.co.uk

Michelle Gibson

Affray

August 7, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

Michelle Gibson participated in a neighbourhood brawl outside Thornbank Flats in Deane on May 3, 2025. She emerged from her flat, saw her partner being attacked, and produced a kitchen knife, waving it around and attempting to stab someone to scare them away. No injuries were reported, as the other parties did not provide statements. She was arrested the next day with a small wrap of heroin and has a history of criminal offences, including those involving weapons, exacerbated by drug use.

Pleaded guilty to affray. The judge highlighted the aggravating factor of her wielding a kitchen knife during the incident. She has a lengthy criminal record, including weapons offences, and the judge noted ongoing neighbourhood issues and drug influence as contributing factors.

Sources: theboltonnews.co.uk

Josh Jackson

Conspiracy to steal motor vehicles

August 1, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Josh Jackson, 34, of Wildman Lane, Farnworth, conspired with others to steal motor vehicles and ran a chop shop operation involving three known locations between September 2019 and February 2021.

For his role in a conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and involvement in operating chop shops.

Sources: theboltonnews.co.uk

Carolyn Knowles

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

July 28, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Carolyn Knowles, from Wigan, was part of a drug dealing empire with a street value of between £493,277 and £647,208. In August 2021, a police raid at her address revealed three locked toolboxes and a digital safe containing cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, MDMA, mixing agents, and drug paraphernalia. Investigations showed she supplied drugs to friends and was linked to Christopher Atkinson, who used her property for drug operations and paid her for the arrangement.

Pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine. She was connected to Christopher Atkinson and allowed her address to be used for drug preparation and storage, while also supplying drugs to friends.

Sources: lancs.live

Christopher Atkinson

Conspiracy to supply drugs

July 28, 2025

Sentence: 7 years and 4 months imprisonment

Christopher Atkinson, from Skelmersdale, was involved in a large drug dealing operation where police estimated the drugs had a street value of between £493,277 and £647,208. He conspired to supply various drugs, including cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, ketamine, and zopiclone, and was found in possession of LSD and amphetamines. Police raids in September 2021 uncovered controlled drugs and mobile phones at his home, with messages linking him to Carolyn Knowles and confirming his role in supplying and storing drugs at her address for distribution across Wigan.

Pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply class A drugs (cocaine and MDMA), conspiring to supply class B drugs (cannabis and ketamine), conspiring to supply class C drugs (zopiclone), and possession of LSD and amphetamines. He was using Carolyn Knowles's address to prepare and store drugs, and he supplied drugs to her in exchange for payment.

Sources: lancs.live

Kian Monks

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving

July 23, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 3 months imprisonment

Kian Monks, a 22-year-old former Wigan Athletic youth footballer, was riding an e-bike with another man on Orrell Road in Wigan on August 1, 2023, when they struck pensioner Margaret Scaldwell, who was crossing the road. The impact propelled her into the air, resulting in compound fractures to her left leg, broken bones in both arms, multiple broken ribs, and severe facial injuries from hitting the pavement. Monks and the other rider fled the scene, but Monks was pursued and restrained by witnesses. He only held a provisional licence and had no insurance for the e-bike.

Pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, dangerous driving, driving with no licence or insurance. Also found guilty of failing to stop at the scene of a collision, failing to report a collision, and failing to provide a specimen for analysis. Detective Constable Steve Pennington commented on the reckless driving and its consequences.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Mark Watson

Rape

July 22, 2025

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

Mark Watson raped a woman in Bolton in April 2024. He was arrested by Lancashire Police and continued to contact and intimidate the victim while on bail, leading to further arrest and remand. The victim reported ongoing mental health struggles, including PTSD, constant fear, and difficulty trusting people.

Admitted to the charge of rape, intimidated the victim while on bail, causing significant harm, and was involved in a separate drugs conspiracy matter. He denied the offence until his trial date.

Sources: lancs.live

Thomas Jones

Burglary

July 8, 2025

Sentence: 2.5 years imprisonment

Thomas Jones, 41, was involved in multiple burglaries. He stole a car from Astley Bridge and used it to burgle a house in Sharples, stealing a power washer. He was also linked to a burglary at a restaurant on Blackburn Road on October 6, identified via CCTV. Jones was arrested on May 5, released on bail, failed to appear in court on December 4, and was eventually rearrested.

Pleaded guilty to burglary and theft offences. Sergeant Zach Keneally noted that Jones committed several burglaries, causing misery to home and business owners, and repeatedly tried to avoid punishment.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Payden Candland

Conspiracy to supply class A drugs

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 19 years and 9 months imprisonment

Payden Candland led a sophisticated drugs supply operation, purchasing up to a kilo of cocaine every week or fortnight, resulting in the handling of 260kg to 520kg of cocaine over a decade. The conspiracy was uncovered through police raids in March 2019 on addresses in Salford, Worsley, and Poynton, where cocaine valued at £173,000 and cash totalling £33,080 were seized, along with items like digital scales and packaging materials.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs. Ringleader of the operation, with evidence including fingerprints on drug packaging and involvement in a large-scale supply network.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Ricky Lee

Conspiracy to supply class A drugs

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment

Ricky Lee participated in a conspiracy to supply class A drugs, involving the purchase and sale of large quantities of cocaine over a decade. Evidence included a video on a seized phone showing him with a knife, and the operation was linked to sums between £26 million and £52 million in drug transactions.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs. This sentence is to be added to his existing 14-year sentence for previous offences.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Leo Groves

Conspiracy to supply class A drugs

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 15 years and 9 months imprisonment

Leo Groves was involved in a large-scale drugs supply operation with Payden Candland and Ricky Lee, handling cocaine purchases and sales. Police raids in 2019 revealed cocaine, cash, and evidence at multiple locations, including his fingerprints on a carrier bag containing cocaine packages and his DNA on latex gloves used in the operation.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs. His fingerprints and DNA were found on drug packaging and cash, and additional drugs and equipment were recovered from his home.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Laszlo Matus

Conspiracy to control prostitution for gain

June 20, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment

Laszlo Matus was involved in a UK-wide trafficking network, living with four young Hungarian women victims, monitoring their movements, and transporting them to brothels in towns and cities including Bolton, Blackburn, Preston, Oldham, and Birmingham. The women were advertised for sexual services online, and payments were made into Matus's bank account before being forwarded to the ringleaders. The operation involved coercing the women through financial dependence, intimidation, violence, and threats of violence.

Extradited from Austria; acted as the right-hand man to traffickers Attila Angyal and Melinda Petrovics; received direct payments for services provided by the women; monitored victims' movements and transported them to brothels.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Ashley Shaw

Supply of class A drugs

June 17, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 3 months imprisonment

Ashley Shaw operated a drug supply line known as 'Jacko' or 'Jako', which supplied heroin and crack cocaine in Atherton. The line was active from January 29, 2024, to January 2025, sending over 74,000 messages, including flare messages advertising drugs. Police investigations revealed the involvement of cuckooing and exploitation of vulnerable people. A search on January 23, 2025, at a property in Higher Folds led to the seizure of mobile phones, over £1,000 in cash, scales with cocaine residue, a Samurai sword, pregabalin packs, and a notebook with debtors lists. The operation was linked to the supply of more than 5kg of class A drugs valued at £506,610.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property. Police seized cash, drugs, and paraphernalia during the arrest.

Sources: wigantoday.net

Adam Ball

Assault

June 15, 2025

Sentence: 25 days imprisonment plus 1 additional day for criminal damage

Adam Ball, 30, of Chapel Street, Platt Bridge, assaulted an emergency worker and committed criminal damage. He initially denied the charges but changed his plea to guilty during his appearance at court.

Changed plea to guilty. Four other charges (two counts of strangulation, one of assault, and one of theft) lie on file.

Sources: wigantoday.net

Louis Lilly

Sexual communication with a child

June 14, 2025

Sentence: 33-week custodial term suspended for 18 months

Louis Lilly engaged in illegal sexual contact with a minor between February 7 and April 3, 2024.

Pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual conversations with a girl under 16. Must complete 25 days of rehabilitation activities, a 12-month supervision order, and sign the sex offenders' register for 10 years.

Sources: wigantoday.net

Louis Vickers

Causing grievous bodily harm without intent

June 14, 2025

Sentence: 18-month custodial term suspended for two years

Louis Vickers attacked his victim, causing grievous bodily harm, though the exact circumstances were not detailed beyond the charge.

Pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm without intent. Must pay £400 compensation, complete a Building Choices programme, 20 days of rehabilitation activities, and 100 hours of unpaid work.

Sources: wigantoday.net

Thomas Evans

Possession of class A drugs with intent to supply

June 14, 2025

Sentence: 2 years in a young offenders institute suspended for 18 months

Thomas Evans possessed heroin and cocaine with intent to supply, and had a kitchen knife at Wigan bus station on August 27, 2023.

Pleaded guilty to possessing class A drugs with intent to supply and possessing a knife. Must complete 20 days of rehabilitation activities.

Sources: wigantoday.net

Liam Patrick Deeney

Arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered

June 12, 2025

Sentence: 3 years, 4 months imprisonment

Liam Patrick Deeney entered his mother's property on Thornton Road, Tyldesley, Wigan, through a back window on May 21, 2023, while she was away in Blackpool. He stole food and alcohol from the fridge and started two fires—one in the wardrobes in the bedroom and one on an armchair in the living room. The blaze caused £35,000 in damage and destroyed his mother's belongings, including sentimental items such as medals, clothing, jewellery, and old pictures.

Pleaded guilty to arson. Actions were extremely dangerous and put neighbouring properties in danger. A restraining order prevents him from contacting his mother for five years. Also ordered to pay a surcharge of £228.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Ian Carrington

Possession of Offensive Weapons

June 7, 2025

Sentence: 30-month community order including 30 days of rehabilitation activities

Ian Carrington possessed two flick knives, a BB gun, and a knuckleduster, was involved in a disturbance, and perverted the course of justice, all on December 7, 2023.

He was remanded in custody since changing his pleas and must pay £114 to victim services.

Sources: wigantoday.net

Veke Koissia Soumahoro

Drug supply and possession of a firearm

June 3, 2025

Sentence: 7 years and 6 months imprisonment

Veke Koissia Soumahoro led an £180,000 'Scouse Paul' county lines drug operation, supplying crack cocaine and heroin. In November 2024, police raided his home in Bolton and found a significant amount of crack cocaine and heroin valued at around £28,500, along with Greater Manchester's first untraceable 'ghost gun' assembled from parts with no serial numbers.

Pleaded guilty to drugs and firearms offences related to running a county lines operation.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Andrew Taylor

Breach of sexual harm prevention order

May 31, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

Andrew Taylor, 58, of Lilian Drive, Whitley, failed to produce electronic devices for police examination on December 19, in breach of a sexual harm prevention order imposed in June 2016.

Esmaeel Mohamed

Stabbing

May 14, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Esmaeel Mohamed towered over his victim in a sickening attack, stabbing him after the incident was captured, leading to his conviction.

Jailed for a horrific attack where he towered over his victim before stabbing him.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Louisa Tunstall

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving

May 13, 2025

Sentence: 1 year and 8 months imprisonment, disqualified from driving for 2 years and 8 months

Louisa Tunstall was driving a white Fiat 500 on Newton Road in Lowton, Wigan, on May 24, 2024, while under the influence of nitrous oxide, which she had inhaled through a balloon. She veered onto the pavement, striking a 51-year-old pedestrian and causing the car to overturn, resulting in life-changing injuries to the victim. Investigations confirmed no vehicle defects contributed to the crash, and Tunstall admitted to taking her eyes off the road.

Sentenced for possession of a Class C drug, driving under the influence of drugs, and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The judge noted that drivers under the influence of nitrous oxide will face imprisonment.

Sources: theboltonnews.co.uk

Hugh Nelson

Child sexual offences

October 28, 2024

Sentence: 18 years imprisonment and 6 years extended licence

Hugh Nelson used artificial intelligence tools to manipulate normal photographs of real children into indecent images of child sexual abuse, which he sold online for approximately £5,000 over an 18-month period or shared for free. He operated through internet chatrooms on the 'clean web', accepted requests to create explicit images depicting children being sexually and physically harmed, and encouraged the rape of children via online discussions. His activities involved exchanging images with individuals in other countries, and police investigations identified potential victims and offenders globally.

Pleaded guilty to five initial charges and later admitted to 11 further child sexual offences. Described as an 'extremely dangerous' individual by investigators.

Sources: lancasterguardian.co.uk

Nigel Simpson

Violent disorder

August 28, 2024

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

Nigel Simpson was involved in violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4, 2024, during civil unrest. He was captured on CCTV charging at counter protesters while carrying an England flag, collecting items from the floor, and throwing a black object that hit a police officer. He was part of a group hurling items at police and opposing factions, and he later retreated with others.

Pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Had ten previous convictions, including assault on a police officer. Was unemployed, suffered mental health issues and alcohol problems after his mother's death, and claimed he attended what he thought was a peaceful protest.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Joshua Davies

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm, criminal damage, and attempted arson

August 13, 2024

Sentence: Sentencing deferred for four months with conditions

Joshua Davies, while residing in supported-living accommodation, demanded a cup for his medication and threatened to burn the house down. He kicked furniture, lit a plastic bag with a lighter, assaulted a support worker by grabbing his legs and spraying deodorant in his eyes, and threatened another with a kitchen knife. He attempted to start a fire at the gas boiler and attacked the fuse box, causing damage. The incident occurred when Davies was the only resident, and the support workers barricaded themselves until police arrived. Davies has a history of mental health issues, including emotional unstable personality disorder, anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and was in local authority care from age 11, moving between 26 homes.

Defendant pleaded guilty and expressed remorse; judge deferred sentencing due to time served and potential for rehabilitation; conditions include no drugs, no offences, and commitment to education.

Sources: theboltonnews.co.uk

Kingsley Doring

False imprisonment

August 4, 2024

Sentence: 5 years and 4 months imprisonment

Kingsley Doring, along with Liam Walmsley and Dylan Hogg, attended a property on Siddow Common armed with weapons on August 18, 2023, and demanded the victim accompany them. The victim was detained for more than eight hours, during which he was hit with a wooden weapon and an axe, and demands for money were made to his mother over the telephone.

Dylan Hogg

False imprisonment

August 4, 2024

Sentence: 3 years and 3 months in a young offenders institution

Dylan Hogg, along with Liam Walmsley and Kingsley Doring, attended a property on Siddow Common armed with weapons on August 18, 2023, and demanded the victim accompany them. The victim was detained for more than eight hours, during which he was hit with a wooden weapon and an axe, and demands for money were made to his mother over the telephone.

Pleaded guilty to false imprisonment; sentenced as a child since he was 16 at the time of the offence, resulting in a significant sentence reduction.

Sources: leighjournal.co.uk

Liam Walmsley

False imprisonment and Actual Bodily Harm

August 4, 2024

Sentence: 8 years and 2 months imprisonment with a concurrent 18 months for ABH

Liam Walmsley, along with Kingsley Doring and Dylan Hogg, attended a property on Siddow Common armed with weapons on August 18, 2023, and demanded the victim accompany them. The victim was detained for more than eight hours, during which he was hit with a wooden weapon and an axe, and demands for money were made to his mother over the telephone.

Pleaded guilty to false imprisonment but ran a Newton hearing, which required the victim to give evidence.

Sources: leighjournal.co.uk

Ali Afghan

Violent Disorder

July 17, 2024

Sentence: 1 year and 10 months suspended imprisonment, 200 hours unpaid work, 6-month curfew from 9pm to 7am, and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days

Ali Afghan was involved in a riot in Bolton town centre on August 4, 2023, following the murders of three young girls in Southport on July 29, 2023. He was seen by police around 2pm, actively chasing a rival group, and threw a bottle that narrowly missed a mounted police officer. He was also at the front of the counter-protests, made threatening comments to police including 'If we had batons it would be a different story', and directed misogynistic remarks to a female officer.

Pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Has four prior convictions for six offences. Was granted bail to attend his wedding and for medical reasons related to caring for his mother. Judge Jon Close noted his fortune due to time served on remand and his mother's ill health, warning of consequences if reoffended within two years.

Sources: theboltonnews.co.uk

Norman Williams

Rape

June 26, 2024

Sentence: 25 years imprisonment

Norman Williams groomed two victims with cigarettes, alcohol, and money when they were approximately 12 years old, then sexually abused them over a four-year period. A third victim was also sexually abused. The offences were historic child sex offences involving vulnerable children who were unable to defend themselves.

Found guilty following a trial. Convicted of ten counts of indecent assault, six offences of rape, and one offence of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Detective Constable Chris Waddicar described the offending as depraved and noted that Williams targeted vulnerable young children.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Tamica Reid-Foster

Possession of class B drugs with intent to supply

May 23, 2024

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months

Tamica Reid-Foster, then 18, was paid £300 to smuggle 5kg of cannabis worth £75,000 on a high-speed train from Wolverhampton to Edinburgh on January 13, 2021. She claimed to be attending a funeral but was actually working as a drug mule for a crime gang. The drugs were found in suitcases on the train, and she tried to flee at Wigan North Western Railway Station. Police discovered images of her smoking cannabis and texts referring to drug sales on her phone. She made at least two trips as part of the operation during the Covid-19 pandemic.

She expressed genuine remorse and shame, had no previous convictions, and has turned her life around by moving away from negative influences, studying psychology and counselling at university, and reconnecting with her faith. The judge acknowledged her positive actions to address her offending behaviour.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

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