Bristol Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 221 verdicts at Bristol Crown Court (Bristol). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

January 2022 1 case

Paul Shakespeare

Rape *

Sentence

Not yet sentenced

Paul Shakespeare, 66, of Scaleby Close in Upperby, Carlisle, attacked an 18-year-old girl on April 29, 1990, in Cheltenham. He grabbed her while she was walking her dog along the Honeybourne line, a converted railway footpath, and forced her into nearby undergrowth where he raped her. He was armed with a sharpened stick with a nail driven through it and threatened her not to tell anyone. He was identified through a DNA match after his arrest for possession of a knife earlier in 2021.

Pleaded guilty to rape and possession of an offensive weapon; remanded in custody pending sentencing.

17 Jan 2022

October 2021 8 cases

Matthew Coombes

Supply of heroin and crack cocaine *

Sentence

three years and 10 months imprisonment

Matthew Coombes was involved in a drug supply network that targeted areas including Weston-super-Mare with Class A drugs like heroin and crack cocaine. The network was dismantled following an operation in March 2021, during which officers discovered drugs, cash, and equipment at a property in Jubilee Road. Additional raids led to the seizure of heroin, crack cocaine with a street value of around £7,000, nearly £5,000 in cash, knives, and mobile phones.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.

5 Oct 2021

Mohammed Shazad Salim

Participating in activities of an organised crime group *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment suspended for two years, plus 160 hours of unpaid work

Mohammed Shazad Salim participated in an organised crime group involved in a drug supply line targeting Weston-super-Mare, which dealt in Class A drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine. The group was uncovered in March 2021 when officers raided a property in Jubilee Road and found drugs, cash, and paraphernalia. Further investigations revealed a network supplying drugs in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, and Yeovil, with seizures including heroin, crack cocaine worth about £7,000, cash, knives, and mobile phones.

Pleaded guilty to participating in the activities of an organised crime group.

5 Oct 2021

Jordan Moseley

Supply of heroin and crack cocaine *

Sentence

seven and a half years imprisonment

Jordan Moseley was part of a drug supply network targeting Weston-super-Mare, involving the supply of Class A drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine. The operation, uncovered in March 2021, included officers discovering drugs, paraphernalia, cash, and a burner phone at a property in Jubilee Road. Further investigations revealed a wider network supplying drugs in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, and Yeovil, with seizures including heroin, crack cocaine worth around £7,000, cash, knives, and mobile phones.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.

5 Oct 2021

Kyle Cox

Supply of heroin and crack cocaine *

Sentence

four years imprisonment

Kyle Cox was involved in a drug supply network targeting Weston-super-Mare, which supplied Class A drugs like heroin and crack cocaine. The network was dismantled following an operation in March 2021, where officers found drugs, cash, and paraphernalia at a property in Jubilee Road. Raids uncovered quantities of heroin, crack cocaine with a street value of around £7,000, cash totalling nearly £5,000, knives, and mobile phones.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.

5 Oct 2021

Liam Simms

Supply of heroin and crack cocaine *

Sentence

six years and four months imprisonment

Liam Simms participated in a drug supply network that targeted Weston-super-Mare with Class A drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine. The network was exposed during an operation in March 2021, with officers finding drugs, cash, and paraphernalia at a property in Jubilee Road. Subsequent warrants revealed a supply line extending to North Somerset and Yeovil, seizing heroin, crack cocaine valued at around £7,000, cash, knives, and mobile phones.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.

5 Oct 2021

Connor Kennedy

Supply of heroin and crack cocaine *

Sentence

three and a half years imprisonment in a young offenders’ institute

Connor Kennedy was involved in a drug supply operation targeting Weston-super-Mare, supplying Class A drugs like heroin and crack cocaine. The case stemmed from an investigation in March 2021, where officers attended a property in Jubilee Road and discovered drugs, cash, and related items. Further actions uncovered a broader network, with seizures including heroin, crack cocaine worth about £7,000, nearly £5,000 in cash, knives, and mobile phones.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.

5 Oct 2021

Aaron Staples

Possession with intent to supply cocaine *

Sentence

seven years and two months imprisonment

Aaron Staples was part of a drug supply group operating in Weston-super-Mare, where he was involved in possession with intent to supply cocaine. The operation in March 2021 led to the discovery of Class A drugs, including cocaine, at a property in Jubilee Road, along with drug paraphernalia, cash, knives, and mobile phones. Further raids seized heroin, crack cocaine worth approximately £7,000, and nearly £5,000 in cash.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and possessing a mobile phone in prison.

5 Oct 2021

Brandon Truman

Supply of heroin and crack cocaine *

Sentence

two years and 11 months imprisonment in a young offenders’ institute

Brandon Truman was part of a drug supply group that operated a line into Weston-super-Mare, involving the supply of Class A drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine. The operation began with a raid in March 2021 at a property in Jubilee Road, where drugs, cash, and paraphernalia were found. Investigations expanded to reveal supplies in North Somerset and Yeovil, with authorities seizing heroin, crack cocaine valued at approximately £7,000, cash, knives, and mobile phones.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.

5 Oct 2021

July 2021 1 case

Wayne Braund

Fire safety breaches *

Sentence

18 months suspended prison sentence

Wayne Braund, owner of the former Strachan and Henshaw building in Foundry Lane, Bristol, failed to comply with fire safety regulations, leading to two fires damaging the property. The first fire occurred on 31st December 2018 in the tower block known as The Office, where people were living, and fortunately no one was harmed. A second fire six months later caused significant structural damage. The building had housed over 40 small and independent businesses, and the adjacent tower was notorious for a swingers' club, cannabis factory, and as a Hells Angels' haunt.

Admitted six fire safety breaches including failing to risk assess for possible asbestos violations and not ensuring fire extinguishers were in place. Life and family threatened by criminals, leading to arrests and investigation. Victim of attempted blackmail in February 2020.

9 Jul 2021

November 2020 1 case

Roderick Macdonald

Breach of sex offender notification requirements *

Sentence

44 months imprisonment

Roderick MacDonald, who changed his name from Robinson by deed poll, fled to Malta in October 2012 after breaching sex offender restrictions. He was extradited back to Britain following his arrest in Malta in October 2014, where he was also sentenced to 18 months for importing and possessing indecent images of children. The breaches occurred in October 2012, shortly after his suspended sentence for sexually assaulting two young girls aged five and seven on a yacht at Sussex Yacht Club in Shoreham in June 2012.

Admitted breaking three restrictions as a sex offender under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 by failing to notify police of name change, address change, and leaving the country. Previously sentenced to 12 months suspended for two years at Lewes Crown Court for sexual assault.

20 Nov 2020

January 2020 1 case

Glen Hodgins

Being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug (cocaine) *

Sentence

7 years imprisonment

On February 16th, 2018, officers stopped a vehicle driven by Glen Hodgins on the A21 at Flimwell. A search revealed 3kg of herbal cannabis in the boot. Investigations of his mobile phones uncovered extensive messaging related to the distribution and sale of cocaine. No Class A drugs were found in the vehicle, but phone evidence led to conviction. £1,600 cash was seized from his home.

Convicted after a three-day trial for being concerned in the supply of cocaine. Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cannabis (18 months concurrent) and possessing criminal property (£1,600 cash, 12 months concurrent).

14 Jan 2020

January 2019 1 case

Mark Acklom

Fraud *

Sentence

5 years and 8 months imprisonment

Mark Acklom conned his ex-girlfriend Carolyn Woods out of £300,000 in a romance fraud that began in 2012. During their relationship, he posed as a Swiss banker and an MI6 agent, scamming her out of her life savings.

Admitted five counts of fraud against ex-girlfriend Carolyn Woods. Extradited from Switzerland in 2019 after fleeing during a fraud sentence in Spain.

1 Jan 2019

September 2017 1 case

George Edward James Haldenby

Arson *

Sentence

8-year extended sentence with 4 years in custody and 4 years on licence

George Edward James Haldenby was sentenced for three counts of arson, having pled guilty, though specific details of the incidents are not provided in the text.

Pled guilty to three counts of arson.

28 Sep 2017

January 2017 1 case

Devon And Cornwall Police

Breaches under the Health and Safety at Work Act *

Sentence

£230,000 fine

The office of the chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police was prosecuted for health and safety breaches related to the restraint and custody of Thomas Orchard, who died in hospital on October 10, 2012, following his arrest on October 3, 2012, in Exeter city centre during a mental health crisis. The breaches involved the use of an emergency response belt (ERB) wrapped around his face for five minutes and two seconds, and overall restraint for 22 minutes, leading to his cardiac arrest.

Pleaded guilty to breaches under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

1 Jan 2017

October 2015 1 case

Peter Joseph Kane

Conspiracy to supply heroin *

Sentence

14 years imprisonment

Peter Joseph Kane, from Toxteth, was involved in a conspiracy to supply heroin, which included three seizures totalling 3.7kg. He fled the UK to the Netherlands in December 2013 and was arrested there in October 2014, where authorities found a loaded revolver and ammunition at his address. His illegal dealings were valued at £317,822.69 by the court.

Convicted of conspiracy to supply heroin. He was at the heart of three seizures of heroin totalling 3.7kg and fled to the Netherlands. The judge rejected his account and noted his involvement in cannabis dealing while abroad. A confiscation order was originally imposed, leading to additional prison time.

1 Oct 2015

April 2015 1 case

Tara Hudson

Common Assault *

Sentence

12 weeks imprisonment

Tara Hudson was convicted of common assault and sentenced to a 12-week custodial term in 2015. She spent one week in a male prison and the remaining five in a women’s prison, following public support for her transfer.

Served half the sentence, initially in a male prison then transferred to a women’s prison after a petition with over 100,000 signatures. She has lived as a woman all her adult life.

17 Apr 2015

October 2012 1 case

Stephen Farrow

Murder *

Sentence

two whole life orders

Stephen Farrow murdered 77-year-old Betty Yates on January 2, 2012, by breaking into her home in Bewdley, Worcestershire, striking her from behind with a heavy walking stick, causing her to fall and hit her head, then stabbing her four times and leaving the knife in the fatal wound. Six weeks later, on February 13, 2012, he murdered 59-year-old Rev John Suddards after being let into his vicarage in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, attacking him with knives causing seven deep wounds, kicking him back to the floor, and watching him die while telling him to 'f****** die then and hurry up'. Farrow then drank beer, ate food, watched DVDs, and left the next morning. The body was found on February 14 surrounded by pornography, party poppers, a condom wrapper, underwear, a canvas of Jesus Christ, and a mirror. This was part of a two-month reign of terror including threats to kill 'Christian scum' and a burglary where he left a threatening note to Alan and Margaret Pinder reading 'Be thankful you didn’t come back or we will have killed you, Christian scum. I f****** hate God.' Farrow had an obsession with religion, claimed abuse by a priest, and wanted to murder the Archbishop of Canterbury. He sent a chilling text on New Year’s Eve 2011 warning that the 'church will be the first to suffer' and believed 2012 marked the 'second coming of Christ.'

Found guilty of two counts of murder and one count of burglary. Diagnosed as a psychopath. Denied murders but admitted manslaughter of Rev John Suddards on grounds of diminished responsibility and a separate burglary.

1 Oct 2012

April 2012 1 case

Tracey Anne Cox

Benefit fraud *

Sentence

40 weeks imprisonment suspended for 2 years

Tracey Anne Cox falsely claimed more than £73,000 in income support, council tax discount, and housing benefit by failing to declare that she was married and living with her husband Jason Bonner since November 2004. She claimed payments on the basis of being a single parent. Evidence included Father's Day cards and wedding anniversary cards seized from the family home on Newick Road, Moulsecoomb. She originally claimed Mr Bonner used her address for correspondence but did not live with her, but later admitted they lived together and that she should have informed authorities of her marriage in 2000.

Ordered to do 180 hours of community service. Pleaded guilty to falsely claiming benefits.

20 Apr 2012

March 2010 2 cases

Victor Mears

Fraud *

Sentence

13 months imprisonment

Victor Mears and his brother Henry were behind a scam that netted more than £1 million by conning thousands of families, particularly those with young children, through adverts in local newspapers like The Argus three years prior. The adverts promised a Lapland 'winter wonderland' theme park in the New Forest, but the site was a muddy field with a broken ice rink and fairy lights on a tree. It closed within days, with the brothers blaming negative media and sabotage.

Conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal due to juror misconduct; originally convicted after a two-month trial.

1 Mar 2010

Henry Mears

Fraud *

Sentence

13 months imprisonment

Conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal due to juror misconduct; originally convicted after a two-month trial.

1 Mar 2010

Disclaimer: The information on this page is compiled from publicly available court records and published media reports. It is provided strictly for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as a definitive record of any individual's criminal history or legal status.

Offence names marked with an asterisk (*) reflect descriptions used in media reporting and may not correspond to the formal legal charge or indictment. Sentencing details are as reported and may be subject to subsequent appeal, variation, or correction by the courts.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The presence of a name on this page does not imply guilt, and some listed individuals may have had convictions overturned, sentences reduced, or charges withdrawn after the date of publication.

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9 Small St, Bristol BS1 1DB, Bristol, BS1 1DB, United Kingdom

+441179763030

www.justice.gov.uk

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Monday - Friday: 08:30 - 17:30

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About Bristol Crown Court

Bristol Crown Court, located in Bristol, is a Crown Court that handles serious criminal cases including murder, rape, robbery, and other indictable offences. With 221 sentencing records in our database, it is one of the Crown Courts serving the Bristol area. Crown Courts sit with a judge and jury, and have the power to impose the full range of sentences available under UK law.

The court can be found at 9 Small St, Bristol BS1 1DB, BS1 1DB.

Accessibility provisions at this court include wheelchair accessible entrance.

For enquiries about cases heard at this court, you can contact the court by telephone on +441179763030 or visit the official court website for further information.

All sentencing information published on this page has been sourced from publicly-available records and verified by our editorial team. If you believe any information is inaccurate or should be removed, you can submit a removal request directly from the relevant listing above.