Bolton Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 26 verdicts at Bolton Crown Court (Bolton). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

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

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

Breuklyne Jeffers

Possession of class B drugs with intent to supply

May 23, 2024

Sentence: 13 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months

Breuklyne Jeffers, 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 boarded the 6am Avanti West Coast train and was caught when the drugs were found in suitcases. She attempted to flee at Wigan North Western Railway Station but was stopped. Police found images of her smoking cannabis and texts related to drug sales on her phone, and her bank account showed thousands of pounds passing through. She was working as a drug mule for a crime gang during the Covid-19 pandemic.

She was a courier for a crime gang, made at least three trips for £300 each, had no previous convictions, and was described as naive and immature. The judge noted she played a significant role in the conspiracy for financial reward.

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

Anthony Callan

Actual Bodily Harm

May 21, 2024

Sentence: 26 months imprisonment

Anthony Callan, aged 34, of Sonning Drive, Bolton, was involved in abusive relationships with two partners. In August 2024, he accused his first partner of cheating, sent abusive messages, and threw a brick through her window after entering her property uninvited, leaving her terrified. While on bail, he began a new relationship and strangled his second partner on New Year's Eve, restricting her breathing for about 10 seconds and damaging her dress, causing her to fear for her life. He was arrested multiple times and continued to contact the first victim via messages and gifts.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage, one count of actual bodily harm, and one count of harassment. Judge Rachel Galloway noted his 10 prior convictions, limited remorse, and that he is 34 years old, rejecting alternatives to custody and imposing five-year restraining orders for both victims.

Sources: theboltonnews.co.uk

Jordan Hook

Grievous Bodily Harm

May 21, 2024

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment and a five-year restraining order

Jordan Hook, aged 29, from Milton Close, Atherton, was in a relationship with the victim throughout much of 2024. He subjected her to physical violence, including breaking her left wrist and a finger on her right hand, throwing her down the stairs at least three times, strangling her for around a minute during an assault on December 27, 2023, and controlling her clothing, social interactions, and movements. He also damaged property, such as smashing a 55-inch television and a glass table, and threatened suicide to prevent her from leaving. On December 7, 2023, he followed her to a bus station, demanded she remove clothes he had bought, and later attempted to force entry into her home, leading to his arrest.

Pleaded guilty to charges including grievous bodily harm, controlling and coercive behaviour, actual bodily harm, strangulation, damage to property, threatening to destroy or damage property, and burglary. He had 13 prior convictions for 21 offences, including previous domestic violence. The judge noted the victim's injuries and his controlling behaviour; defence mentioned he engaged in education while remanded.

Sources: theboltonnews.co.uk

Jordan Parden-Bell

Dangerous Driving

May 21, 2024

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment, suspended for two years; 250 hours of unpaid work; 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days; disqualified from driving for two years

On April 22, 2024, Jordan Parden-Bell was driving a black Nissan Qashqai on Thicketford Road when a police officer asked him to stop due to suspicions of stolen vehicles in the area. He initially complied but then drove off at speed, reaching 70mph in a 30mph zone through heavily populated areas. He failed to stop at a give way, collided with another vehicle, drove over a pedestrianised embankment where the car became stuck, and fled on foot before being apprehended in a wooded area. He admitted to having no insurance or licence at the time of arrest.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance. Has three prior convictions, including previous offences for driving without a licence and without insurance. Expressed remorse and regret, with a supportive partner and employer. Judge noted his age (30) and potential for rehabilitation, making a custodial sentence inevitable but suspended.

Sources: theboltonnews.co.uk

William Bates

Possession with intent to supply class A drugs

March 28, 2024

Sentence: 9 years and 7 months imprisonment

William Bates, a 26-year-old from Brooke Drive, Astley, controlled a drugs line that exploited children and vulnerable adults to supply heroin and cocaine in Leigh, Wigan, and Burnley. In October 2023, police executed a warrant at his home, seizing drugs, cash, and a phone with messages showing him directing drug deals and boasting about his activities. While on bail, he was caught in another drug deal in Leigh, leading to a foot chase where officers seized over 100 wraps of cocaine. A search of an associated address found cannabis, machetes, and drug paraphernalia. Forensic evidence from his phone revealed lyrics and messages about his drug operations.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. Detective Constable Kay noted that Bates exploited vulnerable people and used minors for drug dealing, with his messages providing key evidence.

Sources: leighjournal.co.uk

David Farrington

Possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence

March 20, 2024

Sentence: three years and four months imprisonment

David Farrington, 68, went to his neighbour's house to complain about music, pointed a shotgun at the neighbour, which prompted a scuffle in which the gun went off on December 9, 2023. He was a registered firearms holder, and police seized the shotgun and found another shotgun and several cartridges during a search of his house on Heath Street, Golborne.

Pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. Ordered to forfeit ammunition and firearms, banned from possessing a firearms licence, and to pay £228 costs.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Damien Robinson

Possession with intent to supply cannabis and diazepam

March 4, 2024

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment, suspended for 24 months, and ordered to pay back £110,633.87

Damien Robinson was arrested after police observed him driving in a dangerous and erratic manner on Cowper Street in Leigh, Wigan, in 2022. A search of his vehicle revealed cannabis and a large quantity of cash, while a subsequent search of his home uncovered more cannabis and diazepam, with the drugs valued at £51,310. At the time of his arrest, he was in the process of selling his house and transferred the proceeds to a third party in an attempt to conceal them from authorities.

Pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis and diazepam with intent to supply. Attempted to hide proceeds from house sale. Could face further sentence and possible imprisonment if payment not made within three months.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Zach Porter

Robbery

February 14, 2024

Sentence: 15 years and 3 months in prison

On 4 January 2024, Zach Porter entered a store on Derby Street in Atherton, placed several chocolate bars in his pocket, and assaulted a staff member by striking them on the head with a bottle of wine when challenged. He attempted to steal cigarettes before fleeing. Later that day, he entered a wine shop in Atherton armed with a 5-inch flat head screwdriver, held it against a staff member's ribs, demanded the till be opened, and stole cigarettes and approximately £225 in bank notes before escaping. He was arrested later that day and charged with the offences.

Found guilty of robbery, theft, possession of a knife, and threatening with a weapon. Detective Sergeant Nigel Rigby noted that robbery is traumatic for victims and emphasised that such crimes are taken seriously by the police.

Sources: leighjournal.co.uk

Adam Degney

Rape of a child under the age of 13

February 9, 2024

Sentence: 15 years imprisonment with an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and lifelong registration on the sex offenders register

Adam Degney, 30, from Bolton, first came to the attention of the police after reports of sexually assaulting a young girl, whom he raped on numerous occasions. He also raped an adult woman multiple times, sometimes while she was asleep, and threatened to 'chop her head off', while being physically and verbally aggressive. Police discovered images and videos on his phone showing him abusing his victims.

Pleaded guilty to offences including rape of a child under the age of 13, sexual assault of a child, engaging in sexual activity with a child, making indecent images of a child, rape of a female over the age of 16, and voyeurism.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Lee Ellison

Child sex offences

January 28, 2024

Sentence: Three-year community order, 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, £114 victim surcharge, and forfeiture and destruction of computer equipment and mobile phones

Between May 2020 and November 2022, Lee Ellison attempted to engage in sexual communication with a child and attempted to incite a 14-year-old boy to engage in sexual activity. He was also charged with three counts of making an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child and one count of distributing an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child.

Usman Azam

Supply of Class A drugs

December 20, 2023

Sentence: 4 years and 4 months imprisonment

Usman Azam was involved in operating a drugs hotline using a mobile phone known as the 'Shane' line, which facilitated the supply of heroin and crack cocaine. The phone was used for approximately 70,000 communications, including calls and texts, over four months from May to September 2023. He was arrested during a police raid at his home in Little Lever, Bolton, on September 21, 2023, where police seized the phone and other items. Evidence showed he topped up the phone and was actively involved in a commercial-scale drug supply enterprise.

Admitted being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. Had previous convictions for possessing cannabis in 2010 and an assault in 2007. His family faced severe impact and reprisals from the criminal network.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Ben Robinson

Theft

November 7, 2023

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

Ben Robinson, 33, from Coniston Avenue in Farnworth, Bolton, met a mother of four on a dating site in October 2022. He charmed her into a relationship, borrowed her leased Land Rover Discovery under false pretenses to buy a birthday present for his son, and sold it to criminal contacts. The vehicle contained her disabled daughter's NHS-issued wheelchair, special boots, and splints. Robinson fabricated excuses, including a false claim of a hit-and-run crash, and coached the victim to lie to the police. The wheelchair was later recovered but unusable due to a missing seat, and other items were never found, causing ongoing hardship. He had prior convictions for car theft, burglary, and criminal damage, and was under investigation for an unprovoked assault.

Admitted to theft, perverting the course of justice, and assault. Judge Martin Walsh noted it was a breach of trust with significant financial and emotional consequences for the victim.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

John Fairhurst

Sexual offences

November 3, 2023

Sentence: 24 years imprisonment, followed by 6 years on licence

John Fairhurst subjected four children to abhorrent sexual abuse over a number of years, including sending intimate photos and requesting that they take part in degrading acts. He became aggressive and took advantage of his victims, leading to his arrest in October 2022 and subsequent conviction on 17 counts of sexual offences.

Found guilty after a trial. Made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and indefinite restraining order.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Jake Anderson

Robbery

August 14, 2023

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment and 4 years 9 months driving disqualification

Jake Anderson, along with another man, forced a girl into a car and drove her to her grandparents' home. There, they stormed inside, stole cash, cigarettes, and a mobile phone while holding her grandfather at knifepoint. Anderson later made threatening phone calls to the girl, accusing her family of informing the police and threatening to burn them out. Additionally, he assaulted two men in a separate incident on Hart Mill Close, Mossley, accusing one of stealing his bike and attacking both. He also engaged in dangerous driving, ramming a police car and attempting to flee.

Pleaded guilty to robbery and intimidation. Convicted of two counts of assault and theft from a person. Mitigating factors included adverse childhood experiences and a debt from a failed cannabis sale.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Sean Paul Johnson

Sexual offences and section 18 assault

June 7, 2023

Sentence: 16 years and 6 months imprisonment with a 5 year licence

Sean Paul Johnson, while on bail for 27 child abuse offences including attempted rape against a child under 16, carried out a savage assault on July 25, 2022, at the Berkeley Inn in Wigan. He bit off a piece of an innocent pub-goer's lip during an unprovoked attack, leaving the victim with broken bones, lasting scarring, and ongoing psychological impact. The sexual offences were predatory in nature and involved abusing a child.

Pleaded not guilty but was convicted. Judge described him as a significant risk of causing serious harm to the public. Must serve two-thirds of the sentence before parole eligibility. Made subject of a sexual harm prevention order and required to sign the sexual offender register for life.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Reece Steven

Murder

January 1, 2023

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum of 37 years

Reece Steven, 29, was one of three men who attacked Thomas Campbell, 38, at his home in Mossley, Tameside, on July 2, 2022. Steven and others tortured and murdered Campbell by stabbing, strangling, and beating him, and pouring boiling water on his genitals. The attack was part of a plot involving Campbell's ex-wife.

Convicted of murder and conspiring to rob Thomas Campbell. The trial lasted five weeks.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Coleen Campbell

Manslaughter

January 1, 2023

Sentence: 13 years imprisonment

Coleen Campbell, 38, plotted with others to target her ex-husband Thomas Campbell, leading to his torture and murder at his home in Mossley, Tameside, on July 2, 2022. She provided details about his whereabouts, resulting in a brutal attack where he was stabbed, strangled, beaten, and had boiling water poured on his genitals.

Acquitted of murder but convicted of manslaughter and conspiring to rob. She provided information to the killers about her ex-husband's whereabouts.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Stephen Cleworth

Manslaughter

January 1, 2023

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum of 12 years

Stephen Cleworth, 38, was involved in the preparations for the attack on Thomas Campbell, 38, at his home in Mossley, Tameside, on July 2, 2022. Campbell was tortured and murdered by being stabbed, strangled, beaten, and having boiling water poured on his genitals in a two-hour ordeal.

Acquitted of murder but convicted of manslaughter and conspiring to rob. He was involved in preparations prior to the killing.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

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