Chester Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 246 verdicts at Chester Crown Court (Chester). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

John Burrows

Theft

January 20, 2026

Sentence: 1 year and 4 months imprisonment

John Burrows, 33, of Normandy, was part of an organised gang stealing plant machinery and vehicles worth £750,000 from construction sites in Farnham, Guildford, Woking and surrounding areas in Surrey and south-east England. The gang replaced vehicle identification numbers with cloned details and obtained false certificates to sell the machines. Thefts occurred under cover of darkness targeting small businesses and tradespeople.

Lee Grant

Production of cannabis

January 20, 2026

Sentence: 22 months suspended sentence

Lee Grant, 58, of Normandy, was linked to the theft group and involved in cannabis production as part of related offences.

Mark Grant

Handling stolen goods

January 20, 2026

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Mark Grant, 36, of Ash, was linked to an organised gang stealing plant machinery and vehicles worth £750,000 from construction sites in Farnham, Guildford, Woking and surrounding areas in Surrey and south-east England. The gang replaced vehicle identification numbers with cloned details and obtained false certificates to sell the machines. Thefts occurred under cover of darkness targeting small businesses and tradespeople.

Michael Burrows

Conspiracy to handle stolen goods

January 20, 2026

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Michael Burrows, 52, of Odiham, was a ringleader in an organised gang stealing plant machinery and vehicles worth £750,000 from construction sites in Farnham, Guildford, Woking and surrounding areas in Surrey and south-east England. The gang replaced vehicle identification numbers with cloned details and obtained false certificates to sell the machines. Thefts occurred under cover of darkness targeting small businesses and tradespeople.

Paul Jones

Conspiracy to handle stolen goods

January 20, 2026

Sentence: 7 years and 2 months imprisonment

Paul Jones, 40, of Woking, was a ringleader in an organised gang stealing plant machinery and vehicles worth £750,000 from construction sites in Farnham, Guildford, Woking and surrounding areas in Surrey and south-east England. The gang replaced vehicle identification numbers with cloned details and obtained false certificates to sell the machines. Thefts occurred under cover of darkness targeting small businesses and tradespeople.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to handle stolen goods, theft and money laundering. Identified as one of the ringleaders. Linked to stolen machinery and vehicles worth about £500,000. Proceeds used to fund purchase of Cinderella’s nightclub in Guildford.

Sources: farnhamherald.com

Scott Buxton

Rape

January 20, 2026

Sentence: 11.5 years imprisonment

In May 2025, Scott Buxton made several threats to kill the victim and to blow up her car. The victim reported to police that on previous occasions Buxton had raped her or attempted to rape her. Buxton was arrested, interviewed, and charged with the offences.

Found guilty after an eight-day trial in November. Subject to a restraining order for 15 years and must sign the Sex Offender Register for life.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

William Bath

Conspiracy to handle stolen goods

January 20, 2026

Sentence: 4 years and 3 months imprisonment

William Bath, 40, of Billingshurst, was involved in an organised gang stealing plant machinery and vehicles worth £750,000 from construction sites in Farnham, Guildford, Woking and surrounding areas in Surrey and south-east England. The gang replaced vehicle identification numbers with cloned details and obtained false certificates to sell the machines. Thefts occurred under cover of darkness targeting small businesses and tradespeople. Additionally, operated a cannabis factory.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to handle stolen goods and production of cannabis. Arrested in January 2020 with a cannabis factory containing 48 plants worth £35,000.

Sources: farnhamherald.com

William Gurney

Harassment with fear of violence

January 16, 2026

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

Following a disagreement in 2025, William Gurney, 22, of Saughall Close in Northwich, began a campaign of abusive threats against his ex-girlfriend. He threatened to kill her, slit her throat, set fire to her house, and instructed her to harm herself. In two days, he called her more than 100 times and sent hundreds of threatening text messages targeting her and her family. He showed up at her home, attempted to enter, and went into the garden. Police arrested him after a foot chase during which he discarded cannabis.

Pleaded guilty to harassment with fear of violence. Previously fined £80 for possession of cannabis at an earlier hearing.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

John Rigby

Paying for sexual services of a child and computer misuse

January 16, 2026

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

John Rigby, a former Merseyside Police detective constable from St Helens, used the Grindr app to meet a vulnerable teenage boy aged 16/17, despite knowing the platform is for users 18 and over. After discovering the boy was underage, he continued to pay for sexual services on February 13, 2025. Additionally, he misused the police database to search the boy's name on March 4, March 6, and April 25, 2025. He was arrested on November 6, 2025, charged, and remanded. An accelerated misconduct hearing on December 17, 2025, resulted in his dismissal from the force.

Pleaded guilty to paying for the sexual services of a child and three counts of causing a computer to perform a function to secure/enable unauthorised access to a program/data. Concurrent 1 year sentence for computer misuse offences. Restraining order relating to the victim. Dismissed from Merseyside Police.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Jake Holder

Affray

January 16, 2026

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment suspended for 16 months, 120 hours unpaid work, 6 months alcohol treatment program, 12 days rehabilitation, victim surcharge

On September 30 at 7.53am, Jake Holder, 27, from Kettering in Buckingham, jumped over the fence at the Stanwell Hotel on Town Lane, forced entry by aggressively banging the door, smashed crockery in the dining area, threw items at walls, TVs and mirrors, damaged glass panels on staircases, ripped down banister posts, and damaged hotel room doors, causing over £8,000 in damage. He shouted aggressively at staff, made threats to kill, and frightened them with a fire extinguisher. The incident was not part of immigration protests at the hotel. Police arrested him immediately, during which he verbally abused an officer with homophobic language and kicked another while in custody. He was charged the following day.

Pleaded guilty to affray, burglary with intent to cause damage, criminal damage, Section 4A public order offence, and assault of an emergency worker. Prior to sentencing, remanded in custody since charge.

Sources: getsurrey.co.uk

James Lawton

Sexual communication with a child

January 15, 2026

Sentence: 40 months imprisonment

James Lawton, a 23-year-old from Mill Street, Congleton, based in Crewe, engaged in sex chats with girls as young as nine years old, including victims in Nottingham and Sussex. Police raided his home in January and found electronic devices with evidence of requests for sexual images from nine-year-old and 12-year-old girls, as well as 368 indecent images and videos of children.

Pleaded guilty to causing a child to look at images of sexual activity, possession of indecent images of children, two counts of engaging in sexual communication with a child, three counts of making indecent images of children, possession of extreme pornography, and inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity. Placed on the sex offenders register for life and made the subject of a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Called a 'dangerous and predatory individual'.

Sources: nottinghampost.com

Noah Boateng

Possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs

January 14, 2026

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

Noah Boateng, 20, of Shady Lane, Bromley Cross, Bolton, was detained by security staff at Creamfields Festival on August 24, 2024, on suspicion of drug dealing. A search uncovered 21 bags of cocaine, eight bags of ketamine, 30 MDMA tablets, one 2CB tablet, and one mixed tablet, with a street value of £1,440. He was arrested at the scene and later charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and ketamine.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs. Claimed drugs were for personal use but was convicted of intent to supply.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Anton Daniels

Failing to comply with a crime prevention order and possession of criminal property

January 13, 2026

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

Anton Daniels, 41, of Walker Court in Bewsey and Whitecross, Warrington, was arrested on December 8, 2025, for an unrelated matter and found in possession of a hold-all bag containing £5,230 in cash, breaching his serious crime prevention order that limited him to £1,000 cash and one registered mobile phone. He also had an unregistered additional mobile device and smart watch. When questioned, he remarked 'Who do you think I am, Pablo Escobar? I have only been out eight weeks.' The order had been imposed following his release from prison in October 2024.

Pleaded guilty to four counts of failing to comply with a crime prevention order and possession of criminal property. Breached a three-year serious crime prevention order issued after release from prison in October 2024 by possessing over £5,000 in cash and unregistered mobile device and smart watch.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

David Scott

Being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug

January 6, 2026

Sentence: 6 years and 1 month imprisonment

David Scott, 41, of Pennyfields Road, Kidsgrove, was arrested by a major organised crime unit after officers raided an address in Congleton on July 10. During the search, drug paraphernalia, mobile phones, and heroin with a street value of £810 were seized along with £7,206.23 in cash. He was involved in supplying Class A drugs, contributing to county lines operations.

Changed his plea to guilty at the last minute. Prior involvement in flooding the town with heroin.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Gary Mcveigh

Possession of indecent images of children

January 6, 2026

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment

On May 21, 2025, police conducted routine checks at Gary McVeigh's address on Delamere Street, Winsford, as part of monitoring registered sex offenders. Officers discovered a mobile phone, laptop, USB stick, and SSD memory card containing over 12,950 indecent images of children. Evidence also showed that McVeigh had distributed more than 120,000 images to other paedophiles.

Previously pleaded guilty to possession of an indecent image of a child, possession of a prohibited image of a child, possession of extreme pornographic images, and three counts of making indecent images of children. Ordered to pay £187 costs and sign the sex offenders register for ten years.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Gholamhossein Tayebi

Breach of Health Act 2006 (indoor smoking)

January 5, 2026

Sentence: £1,100 fine, £440 victim surcharge, £300 costs

Gholamhossein Tayebi, 28, of The Quays, Salford, co-owner of Parkway Lounge on Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton, allowed customers to smoke cigarettes and shisha pipes inside the restaurant, violating the indoor smoking ban in place since 2007. The premises had been under investigation by Manchester city council's licensing team since 2023, with the latest offence occurring in November 2024. Customers complained about the smoking negatively impacting diners, including young children. After failed attempts to encourage compliance, legal action was taken. The alcohol licence for the premises was revoked in November 2024 for the same reasons.

Found guilty in his absence. Offence under section of the Health Act 2006 for allowing indoor smoking.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Naser Tayebi

Breach of Health Act 2006 (indoor smoking)

January 5, 2026

Sentence: £300 fine, £120 victim surcharge, £300 costs

Naser Tayebi, 65, of Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton, co-owner of Parkway Lounge on Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton, allowed customers to smoke cigarettes and shisha pipes inside the restaurant, violating the indoor smoking ban in place since 2007. The premises had been under investigation by Manchester city council's licensing team since 2023, with the latest offence occurring in November 2024. Customers complained about the smoking negatively impacting diners, including young children. After failed attempts to encourage compliance, legal action was taken. The alcohol licence for the premises was revoked in November 2024 for the same reasons.

Found guilty in his absence. Offence under section of the Health Act 2006 for allowing indoor smoking.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Mason Crozier

Fraud by false representation and impersonating a police officer

January 5, 2026

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Mason Crozier, 25, of Oak Bank Avenue, Manchester, defrauded seven people across the country, including in Cheshire, by impersonating a police officer to gain trust and steal vehicles worth £107,585. He used fake police warrant cards, showed fabricated bank payments and videos of pursuits, and claimed to be on shift or waiting for transfers. Incidents occurred on 11 May 2025 in Leicestershire (police car), 10 June 2025 in Blackburn (Volkswagen Golf), 17 June 2025 in Buxton (Audi S3), 21 June 2025 in Little Bollington, Cheshire (Audi A3), 28 July 2025 in Tattenhall near Chester (Volkswagen Golf R), 10 August 2025 in Blackburn (Volkswagen Motor Caravan), and 24 August 2025 in Bollington, Cheshire (Volkswagen T-Roc). He was arrested on 1 September 2025 in Manchester after identification via CCTV and prior convictions; fake warrant cards were found at his address.

Pleaded guilty to seven counts of fraud by false representation, seven counts of impersonating a police officer, and one count of possession of an article for use in fraud. Prior convictions for similar offences taken into account.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Mason Mallon

Being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine

January 5, 2026

Sentence: 5 years and 7 months imprisonment

In 2025, Cheshire Police identified a phone number sending flare messages advertising the sale of class A drugs from addresses in Ellesmere Port. On December 4, 2025, officers raided an address in Ellesmere Port where Mason Mallon was found inside. Two mobile phones, cash, crack cocaine, and cannabis were seized, with one phone linked to the flare messaging. Mallon was arrested, interviewed, and charged.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and possession of cannabis. Evidence included flare messaging from his phone advertising class A drugs and drugs found at his address.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Edward Warde

Theft

December 23, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 6 months imprisonment

Edward Warde, 39, targeted seven DIY and hardware shops in Warrington, Widnes, Winsford, and Macclesfield between August and November 2025, stealing items such as silicone piping, electrical elements, plumbing equipment, and tools valued at approximately £3,090. He concealed the goods in his coat pockets or bags and fled without payment. On November 9, 2025, in Winsford, he assaulted a shop worker who attempted to stop him from leaving with £900 worth of electrical items and plastic fixings. Warde was identified via CCTV and a linked vehicle, arrested on November 23, 2025, by Thames Valley Police for unrelated offences, and transferred to Cheshire. He answered 'no comment' in interview but pleaded guilty on November 25, 2025.

Pleaded guilty to theft. Previously jailed for three years in 2022 for stealing over £11,000 worth of cigarettes. Prolific thief with multiple prior convictions.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Lee Ward

Conspiracy to supply cocaine and nitrous oxide

December 20, 2025

Sentence: 9 years 6 months imprisonment

Lee Ward was a bulk supplier in a Chester gang's cocaine and nitrous oxide supply operation from October 2023 to March 2025, utilising street dealers. He had no legitimate income but lived extravagantly. Arrested on 3 April 2025 during coordinated raids.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and nitrous oxide. Bulk supplier utilising street dealers. No bank account, no declared income or benefits, yet owned expensive vehicles, boats, and took frequent holidays abroad. Age 44, of Wordsworth Crescent, Chester.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Lewis Higgins

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

December 20, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Lewis Higgins was a member of a Chester-based gang involved in cocaine supply from October 2023 to March 2025. On 28 June 2024, officers executed a warrant at an address in Whitchurch where he was present along with a quantity of cocaine. He was arrested on 20 April 2025.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. Age 35, of no fixed abode. Present at stash house during warrant execution.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Katie Whitley

Permitting use of premises for supply of cocaine

December 20, 2025

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years

Katie Whitley permitted the use of her premises as a stash house for a Chester drugs gang's cocaine supply operations from October 2023 to March 2025. Over half a kilogram of cocaine was seized from the premises during the coordinated strike on 3 April 2025.

Pleaded guilty to permitting the use of premises for the supply of cocaine. Age 43, of Wordsworth Crescent, Chester.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Karl Eyre

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

December 20, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Karl Eyre served as a courier for a Chester drugs gang, transporting cocaine primarily from Blacon to Whitchurch and Holt as part of operations from October 2023 to March 2025. On 12 July 2024, his vehicle was stopped on the A41 heading towards Whitchurch, where cash and cocaine were seized from him and the vehicle.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. Courier transporting cocaine from Blacon to Whitchurch and Holt. Age 46, of Beeby Way, Broughton.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Amy Allman

Conspiracy to supply nitrous oxide and participating in organised crime

December 20, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment suspended for 24 months

Amy Allman was a bulk supplier in a Chester drugs gang involved in supplying cocaine and nitrous oxide from October 2023 to March 2025, utilising street dealers. She lived beyond her means with expensive vehicles and holidays. Arrested on 3 April 2025.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply nitrous oxide and participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group. Bulk supplier utilising street dealers. Lived beyond means with expensive assets. Age 30, of Wordsworth Crescent, Chester.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Alexander Bell

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

December 20, 2025

Sentence: 57 months imprisonment

Alexander Bell was involved in the large-scale supply of cocaine as part of a Chester-based gang operating between October 2023 and March 2025. On 25 October 2024, he was stopped by police upon arriving home, attempted to run but was detained, and found in possession of an ounce of cocaine. A warrant was executed at his address.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. Age 43, of Dee Park, Holt, Wrexham.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Peter Wiggins

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

December 20, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment

Peter Wiggins acted as a courier for a Chester-based cocaine supply gang from October 2023 to March 2025, transporting drugs between Chester and Stoke. On 25 November 2024, he was stopped between junctions 14 and 15 of the M6, with 15kg of cocaine (street value £1.5m) seized from his vehicle boot. Further drugs were recovered from his home. He was produced from prison on 3 April 2025.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. Courier transporting cocaine between Chester and Stoke. Age 56, of Wordsworth Crescent, Chester.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Ryan Crank

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

December 20, 2025

Sentence: 56 months imprisonment

Ryan Crank was involved in the conspiracy to supply cocaine as part of a gang operating in Chester, North Wales, and Staffordshire from October 2023 to March 2025. He was arrested during the coordinated strike day on 3 April 2025.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. Age 33, of Wordsworth Crescent, Chester.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Scott Ward

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

December 20, 2025

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

Scott Ward was the ringleader of a Chester drugs gang supplying cocaine between October 2023 and March 2025, arranging for storage, packaging, and delivery to suppliers. He lived extravagantly without legitimate income sources. Arrested on 3 April 2025 during coordinated raids.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. Ringleader who directed the large-scale supply, storage, packaging, and delivery of cocaine. Lived beyond means with expensive vehicles, boats, and holidays. Massive bank turnover unexplained by declared income. Age 37, of Burton Road, Chester.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Shane Bright

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

December 20, 2025

Sentence: 50 months imprisonment

Shane Bright was a member of a Chester-based drugs gang supplying cocaine between October 2023 and March 2025. On 22 November 2024, a warrant was executed at an address in Chester where he was arrested, and cocaine and cash were seized.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. Age 30, of Palgrave Close, Chester.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Shane Stokes

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

December 20, 2025

Sentence: 67 months imprisonment

Shane Stokes was involved in the supply of cocaine for a Chester gang operating from October 2023 to March 2025. A warrant was executed at his address where he was found in the back garden attempting to dispose of his phone. On 13 December 2024, he was arrested for drug driving, and 2.5 ounces of cocaine were recovered from his home.

Samuel Booth

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

December 20, 2025

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment

Samuel Booth acted as the upstream supplier for a Chester drugs gang involved in the supply of cocaine across Chester, North Wales, and Staffordshire from October 2023 to March 2025. He accepted responsibility for supplying at least 75 kilos of cocaine to various areas during the conspiracy period.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. Upstream supplier responsible for at least 75 kilos of cocaine, estimated street value up to £7.5 million. Age 37, of Nash Street, Newcastle under Lyme.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Blerim Kamberaj

Production of Class B drugs (Cannabis)

December 18, 2025

Sentence: 10 months in prison

On November 22, 2025, Cheshire Police executed a warrant at a former shop on Whitby Road, Ellesmere Port, based on intelligence. They discovered a professional cannabis farm spanning nine grow zones across three floors, with 496 plants seized valued at £371,750. Blerim Kamberaj, of Whitby Road, Ellesmere Port, was found hiding under furniture inside the property.

Pleaded guilty to the production of Class B drugs (Cannabis). PC Paul Malcolm welcomed the sentence, noting its reassurance to the community and commitment to combating illegal drugs.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Charlotte Whitham

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

December 16, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

On the night of Sunday 3 August 2025, Charlotte Whitham and her sister Katrina were on a night out in Chester city centre with a 38-year-old female friend when a verbal altercation on Watergate Street escalated. Charlotte punched the victim in the head several times, kneed her in the face, later delivered 23 blows to her head while she was pinned down, and attempted to break her right arm by stamping on it twice. The victim was left unconscious in the street after Katrina stamped on her head. The attack was captured on CCTV, leading to their quick arrest.

Pleaded guilty to assault on a person causing actual bodily harm. Refused to watch CCTV footage during interview.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Katrina Whitham

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

December 16, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment

On the night of Sunday 3 August 2025, Katrina Whitham and her sister Charlotte were on a night out in Chester city centre with a 38-year-old female friend when a verbal altercation on Watergate Street escalated. Katrina pulled the victim's hair, grappled with her on the ground pinning her down with bodyweight, and stamped on her head, leaving her unconscious. The attack was captured on CCTV, leading to their quick arrest within 13 minutes.

Pleaded guilty to assault on a person causing actual bodily harm. Admitted involvement to police upon arrest but denied serious injury in interview.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

George Brusby

Rape

December 12, 2025

Sentence: 7.5 years imprisonment

George Brusby sexually abused his victim in the Warrington area between the ages of 11 and 14, when Brusby was aged between 12 and 16. He raped the victim, sexually assaulted her, and incited her to engage in sexual activity, using force despite her lack of consent. The victim reported the abuse to police after seeing a video of Brusby shared by paedophile hunters online, where he had been caught sending sexual messages to a decoy account posing as a child.

Pleaded guilty to five counts of rape, one count of assault by penetration, one count of causing a female aged 13 or over to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity and one count of sexual assault. Must sign the Sex Offender Register, subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order to protect the victim.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Stockport Development Limited

Breach of Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015

December 12, 2025

Sentence: £45,000 fine plus £18,000 surcharge and £6,297 costs

During a site inspection in November 2023 at a home build project on Kingsley Road, Northenden, Manchester, the Health and Safety Executive identified numerous health and safety failings. The company, acting as principal contractor, failed to plan, manage, and monitor construction work to ensure it was carried out without risks to health or safety, despite previous warnings and enforcement actions.

Pleaded guilty to breach of regulation 13(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. HSE found multiple health and safety failings including missing edge protection, damaged security fencing, lack of fire alarms and extinguishers, obstructed walkways, and inadequate welfare provision. Company had four previous enforcement actions between February 2021 and March 2023.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Charles Cornelius

Possession, making and distribution of indecent images of children

December 11, 2025

Sentence: jailed

Charles Cornelius, 57, from Ellesmere Port, permanently living and teaching in Thailand, travelled back to the UK in June 2022 and uploaded over 43,000 indecent images of children to the internet, including AI-generated abuse material and self-written paedophile manuals. He was caught after an account linked to him uploaded 10 indecent images. Arrested at Manchester Airport on August 9, 2023, upon return to the UK. Analysis of his devices revealed known and AI-generated child sexual abuse material, prompts for AI images, and two self-generated paedophile manuals despite encryption attempts. He had previously taught young children in multiple countries, including with the British Council Thailand from 2012.

Pleaded guilty to all charges. Former teacher who created paedophile manuals and used AI to generate abuse material. NCA operations manager commented on his disturbing desire to prey on vulnerable children while in a position of trust.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Callum Quirk

Burglary

December 11, 2025

Sentence: 35 months imprisonment

On September 9, 2025, Callum Quirk, a 27-year-old from Thirlmere Way, Widnes, broke into a house in McClellan Place, Widnes, through an open downstairs window. A terrified woman hid in her wardrobe as she heard footsteps approaching her bedroom and called 999. The family's 13-year-old cat, Nexi, leaped off the bed and confronted Quirk in the hallway, scaring him into fleeing empty-handed. CCTV captured him at the front door and climbing through the window. A discarded can at the scene had his DNA, and forensic footwear matched trainers seized from him.

Pleaded guilty to burglary. Described as a 'career criminal' with previous convictions for burglary dwelling offences.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Nicole France

Possession of Class A and Class B drugs with intent to supply

December 10, 2025

Sentence: 2.5 years imprisonment

On August 25, 2023, Nicole France, 53, from Sutton, Surrey, was arrested at the south entrance of Creamfields festival in Daresbury, Cheshire, after a sniffer dog indicated on her. She admitted concealing 17.3 grams of ketamine (worth £960) and 24.9 grams of MDMA (worth £1,400) inside her vagina to smuggle them into the event. She had traveled 220 miles with a free ticket provided by her cocaine dealer, to whom she owed a debt, and was instructed to bring the drugs in to reduce her debt. She was to return the drugs to the dealer for sale inside the festival.

Pleaded guilty to possession of Class A and Class B drugs with intent to supply. Judge Mr Recorder Ciaran Rankin emphasized the destructive impact of drugs and the need for deterrence. In mitigation, counsel highlighted her debt to a dealer, traumatic past, and vulnerable son.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Caleb Jones

Possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs

December 9, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 4 months imprisonment

On 25 August 2023, at around 2.15pm, Caleb Jones, 21, from Ffordd Mela, Pwllheli, attempted to enter the Creamfields music festival via the North Gate in Cheshire. He indicated to security that he possessed illegal drugs and was searched. Officers found 85 MDMA tablets, 7.42 grams of crystalline MDMA, and 4.34 grams of ketamine hidden inside bottles of shampoo, shower gel, and talcum powder, with a total value of £1,250. Jones was refused entry, the drugs were seized, and he attended a voluntary interview. He claimed the drugs were for sharing with approximately 20 friends at the festival, but phone messages revealed he was planning to deal them.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs (MDMA) and possession with intent to supply class B drugs (ketamine). Messages from his phone showed he was actively dealing and planning to sell at the festival. Defence claimed social supply to friends for no reward.

Sources: dailypost.co.uk

Assef Naseri

Child abduction

December 4, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Assef Naseri, a 30-year-old of no fixed abode from Croydon, had been speaking with a 15-year-old girl online and arranged to meet her in Chester despite knowing her age. In March 2025, CCTV captured him meeting the victim in Chester city centre before they travelled to Chester Bus Station and boarded a coach to London. CCTV from the coach showed Naseri kissing the victim. The victim was located four days later by police in Croydon in the company of Naseri, who was arrested for child abduction wearing the same clothing as in the Chester CCTV images.

Pleaded guilty to child abduction and engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity. Subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years and must sign the Sex Offender Register for 10 years.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Adam Boulton

Causing death by dangerous driving

November 25, 2025

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

Adam Boulton, 36, of Essington Way, Tunstall, was driving a Range Rover Velar when he crossed a double solid white line on the A54 Holmes Chapel Road in Sproston, near Middlewich, ploughing into a white Vauxhall Corsa on December 12, 2024, at around 5.35pm. He was found slumped over the wheel with empty gin bottles in the car, smelling strongly of alcohol and slurring his words. Witnesses described his erratic driving prior to the collision, including veering onto the opposite side of the road. Hours earlier, he had been driving dangerously on the A556 in Tabley. The driver of the Corsa, Paula Chadwick, 52, sustained serious injuries and died the next day at Royal Stoke University Hospital. Boulton claimed a mechanical fault but tests showed none.

Pleaded guilty to all charges. Banned from driving for 7 years upon release and required to undertake an extended driving test. Blood alcohol level was 262 milligrams per 100 millilitres, almost three and a half times the legal limit.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Richard Wiseman

Sexual activity with a child

November 25, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Richard Wiseman, a 38-year-old man of no fixed abode in the Crewe area, sexually abused a vulnerable teenage girl over a seven-month period. He groomed the victim and used coded messages to refer to sexual acts in an attempt to avoid detection. The abuse came to light when the victim contacted police. Evidence from his mobile phone showed multiple inappropriate messages. He denied the offences during interview but later pleaded guilty.

Pleaded guilty to eight counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of sexual communication with a child. Handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Christopher Payne

Arson

November 24, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 7 months imprisonment

On May 22, 2025, Christopher Payne, wearing a balaclava, forced his way into a site office building on an industrial site near Pepper Street, Henbury, close to Macclesfield. He set several fires inside the property, causing damage estimated at £500,000, which was covered by an insurance payout. Payne was captured on doorbell footage, detained after a short foot chase by police, and the fires were contained by firefighters.

Pleaded guilty to one count of arson. Initially pleaded not guilty but changed plea part-way through trial in October. Ordered to pay £228 surcharge.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Kayleigh Maylor

Assault

November 22, 2025

Sentence: imprisonment

Kayleigh Maylor assaulted her sister using a Bacardi bottle and a mug, captured on doorbell footage.

Bowed her head in the dock as doorbell footage of the attack was played; hit sister with Bacardi bottle and smashed mug over her head.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Richard Stubbs

Firearms possession

November 22, 2025

Sentence: suspended sentence

Richard Stubbs had guns planted in his house by heroin dealers who cuckooed him, leading to charges but avoidance of jail due to fear.

Avoided jail after being 'cuckooed' by heroin dealers who planted guns in his house; court heard he was too terrified to go to the police.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Rebecca Culley

Theft

November 19, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 20 days rehabilitation activity, 6 months mental health treatment

Rebecca Culley, 34, from Seneschal Court in Runcorn, Cheshire, stole £90,360.11 from her elderly grandfather Thomas Culley, a widower in his 70s, between March 2021 and February 2023. She set up online banking for him while helping care for him after her grandmother's death. Although permitted to use his debit card for 'bits and bobs', she secretly transferred money to her own account on at least 100 occasions, made contactless payments for over 57 items, and spent £2,500 on an Argos store card for Christmas presents for her children. The thefts emptied his HSBC account, leading to police involvement. HSBC refunded the amount. Culley, a mum-of-three and psychology graduate, initially claimed permission but later confessed to exploiting his generosity.

Admitted three charges of theft. Suffered from 'spoilt brat syndrome'. Judge noted breach of trust and took grandfather's generosity into account. Fourth charge of stealing jewellery ordered to lie on file.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Christopher Greenwood

Assault

November 14, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 9 months imprisonment

At 6.30am on 14 August 2025, Christopher Greenwood forced his way into his ex-partner's home in Barnton, near Northwich, and assaulted her by kicking her in the face several times and stomping on her head, leaving her with a fractured eye socket.

Benjamin Porter

Attempt wounding with intent

November 12, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 10 months imprisonment

On December 7, 2024, at around 5.30pm, police were called to Woodpecker Drive, Northwich, following reports of a 15-year-old schoolboy being stabbed in the stomach after an altercation. Benjamin Porter, 19, of Meadow Grove, Northwich, was identified as the suspect, arrested later that day, and while on bail, also arrested for breaching a Child Abduction Warning Notice in connection with an unrelated matter. The injury to the victim was serious but not life-threatening, and the victim has made a good recovery.

Pleaded guilty to attempt wounding with intent, possession of a knife and child abduction. Sentenced while on bail for the stabbing and arrested for breaching a Child Abduction Warning Notice in an unrelated matter. Detective Constable Connor McGregor noted the actions were unacceptable and the sentence reflective of his actions.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

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