Bolton Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 58 verdicts at Bolton Crown Court (Bolton). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Paul Watts

Dangerous driving

September 9, 2023

Sentence: 5 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 100 hours of unpaid work, and disqualified from driving for 12 months

Paul Watts, during a neighbourhood dispute on February 8, 2023, in Leigh, drove his car towards a neighbour on Hawthorne Grove, striking her left leg and endangering a four-year-old child who ran towards the scene. The incident stemmed from an argument where Watts shouted abuse and threats, including calling the victim names and threatening to damage her property. No serious injuries were caused, but the victim reported significant distress, leading her to move house and install security cameras.

The defendant expressed remorse for his actions during a neighbourhood dispute. He had been released from prison recently for a separate offence, and the judge noted his limited insight and granted a restraining order for the victim and her children for two years.

Sources: theboltonnews.co.uk

No sentences found matching your search.