Chester Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 350 verdicts at Chester Crown Court (Chester). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

April 2026 15 cases

Ryan Dingle

Being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (cocaine) *

Sentence

32 months imprisonment

On Saturday 13th December 2025, officers from Northwich Proactive CID stopped a Blue Kia Sportage at Tesco on Manchester Road. Dingle was inside the vehicle and during a search he was found with six snap bags of cocaine down his trousers and a quantity of cash. He was arrested at the scene and his mobile phone was seized. Analysis of his mobile phone revealed messages showing he was dealing illegal drugs. He was re-arrested in March 2026 and charged.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (cocaine) and possession of class A drugs (cocaine).

24 Apr 2026

Anthony Abbott

Causing serious injury by careless driving and perverting the course of justice *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

On 31st December 2025 in Winsford, Anthony Abbott drove a dark-coloured Volkswagen Eos at high speed through traffic lights on the A54 High Street near Collingham Way at around 11.56pm, striking a 63-year-old pedestrian who was crossing the road. The victim suffered life-changing injuries including amputation of his left leg, multiple broken ribs, fractures to his right hand and left thigh, and a displaced fracture of his upper jaw. Abbott failed to stop, drove the 1.6-mile journey to Plantagenet Close in two minutes, switched vehicles, returned to the scene briefly, hid the Volkswagen in an industrial park in Crewe, covered its number plate, and attempted to dispose of it. He was arrested on 2 January 2026.

Previously pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving and committing a series of acts with intent to pervert the course of justice. Also banned from driving for four years and six months.

23 Apr 2026

Dylan Wilson

Possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine) *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

At around 9.20am on Wednesday 25th March 2026, officers from Northwich Proactive CID and Northwich Beat Team attended an address on Lilac Drive while searching for Wilson who was wanted for unrelated offences. Officers forced entry after no response despite movement inside. Wilson was found hiding in a storage cupboard near the front door and arrested. Search found a jacket with £1,080 to £2,700 worth of cocaine, Wilson's driving licence, mobile phone, extendable police style baton, wooden bat, £200 cash and small amount of cannabis.

Admitted possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine) and possession of class B drugs (cannabis).

23 Apr 2026

George Lleshaj

Burglary *

Sentence

Not stated

George Lleshaj, aged 31, was part of an organised crime gang that committed at least 59 high-value burglaries across the country, stealing more than £1 million worth of valuables including designer handbags, expensive bottles of wine, cash, and jewellery. The gang targeted nine homes in Staffordshire, including locations in Marchington, Abbots Bromley, Aldridge, Hill Ridware, Barton-under-Needwood, Cheslyn Hay, Kings Bromley, Cheddleton, and Stone. Some stolen items held significant sentimental value to victims, and efforts continue to return them.

Member of organised crime gang involved in high-value burglaries. Sentenced along with four others to a combined total of more than 38 years in prison.

20 Apr 2026

George Pepa

Burglary *

Sentence

9 years imprisonment

George Pepa was part of a gang with Endrit Nikolli, Sidorjan Lleshi, Kristian Gropcaj, and Krisjian Dedndreaj that targeted luxury homes across the UK in a £1m burglary spree. They studied floor plans on Rightmove, entered via first-floor windows, and stole valuables including gold, jewelry, handbags, and safes while homeowners barricaded downstairs. CCTV showed them escaping with bags of loot. Police recovered images of the gang gloating over cash and stolen items after a ten-month investigation.

Part of Albanian gang involved in £1m burglary conspiracy across the UK.

18 Apr 2026

Krisjian Dedndreaj

Burglary *

Sentence

9 years imprisonment

Krisjian Dedndreaj was part of a gang with Endrit Nikolli, Sidorjan Lleshi, Kristian Gropcaj, and George Pepa that targeted luxury homes across the UK in a £1m burglary spree. They studied floor plans on Rightmove, entered via first-floor windows, and stole valuables including gold, jewelry, handbags, and safes while homeowners barricaded downstairs. CCTV showed them escaping with bags of loot. Police recovered images of the gang gloating over cash and stolen items after a ten-month investigation.

Part of Albanian gang involved in £1m burglary conspiracy across the UK.

18 Apr 2026

Kristian Gropcaj

Burglary *

Sentence

10 years imprisonment

Kristian Gropcaj was part of a gang with Endrit Nikolli, Sidorjan Lleshi, George Pepa, and Krisjian Dedndreaj that targeted luxury homes across the UK in a £1m burglary spree. They studied floor plans on Rightmove, entered via first-floor windows, and stole valuables including gold, jewelry, handbags, and safes while homeowners barricaded downstairs. CCTV showed them escaping with bags of loot. Police recovered images of the gang gloating over cash and stolen items after a ten-month investigation.

Part of Albanian gang involved in £1m burglary conspiracy across the UK.

18 Apr 2026

Sidorjan Lleshi

Burglary *

Sentence

10 years and nine months imprisonment

Sidorjan Lleshi was part of a gang with Endrit Nikolli, Kristian Gropcaj, George Pepa, and Krisjian Dedndreaj that targeted luxury homes across the UK in a £1m burglary spree. They studied floor plans on Rightmove, entered via first-floor windows, and stole valuables including gold, jewelry, handbags, and safes while homeowners barricaded downstairs. CCTV showed them escaping with bags of loot. Police recovered images of the gang gloating over cash and stolen items after a ten-month investigation.

Part of Albanian gang involved in £1m burglary conspiracy across the UK.

18 Apr 2026

Stefan Moores

Burglary other than a dwelling *

Sentence

40 months' imprisonment

On 18th February 2026, Stefan Moores burgled Sainsbury’s petrol station in Caldy Valley Road, Chester, by smashing through the wall, removing metal wall plates, bricks and breezeblocks to gain entry, and stealing more than £11,000 worth of cigarettes. A receipt from a Stockport shop found at the scene linked back to his home address. He was seen leaving his address at 10pm on 17th February carrying a bag for life, returning at 6am on 18th February without it. Footwear marks at the scene matched shoes recovered from his address.

Pleaded guilty to burglary other than a dwelling. Committed the offence while on prison licence after release for a similar offence in Chester in 2023.

17 Apr 2026

Jonathan Martin

Burglary *

Sentence

one year imprisonment suspended for two years, 180 hours unpaid work, 25 days rehabilitation activity, £515 compensation

On Saturday 14th March 2026, Jonathan Martin, an Avon representative, broke into the home of an 81-year-old vulnerable customer on Cedarway in Bollington. He searched through her purse, stole her bankcard, and used it to withdraw £250 from her account. Martin had visited the victim's home on multiple occasions in his role as her Avon representative and was aware of her vulnerability. He was identified via CCTV, arrested, initially answered no comment during questioning, but later made a full admission. In total, he stole more than £500.

Pleaded guilty to one count of burglary, two counts of fraud by false representation, one count of attempt to commit fraud by false representation and one count of driving without insurance. Four year restraining order issued preventing contact with victim.

17 Apr 2026

Aurin Makepeace

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 27 years

Aurin Makepeace, 43, from Prestatyn, murdered her former partner Steven Rothwell, 41, by stabbing him at his flat in Macclesfield.

Found guilty after denying the charge and claiming self-defence; jury returned unanimous guilty verdict.

12 Apr 2026

Teejay Walton

Breaches of Sexual Harm Prevention Order and engaging in sexual communication with a child *

Sentence

30 months imprisonment

Teejay Walton, 24, of Timbrell Avenue in Crewe, breached his Sexual Harm Prevention Order by using social media to engage in sexualised conversation with a 12-year-old child between 22nd January and 27th January 2026, despite knowing her age. He also changed his social media settings to automatically delete messages, violating SHPO conditions prohibiting contact with anyone under 16 online and requiring retention of internet history. Walton had been released from prison in December 2025 following a previous sexual conviction. He was arrested on 28th January 2026 and admitted the offences while in custody.

Pleaded guilty to two breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and one count of engaging in sexual communication with a child. Placed on the Sex Offenders Register and handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order until 2033.

9 Apr 2026

Benjamin Evans

Burglary and theft *

Sentence

45 months in prison

Benjamin Evans and Kyle Draper stole multiple vehicles including a Hyundai, Seat Arona, Audi Q3, and Volvo from driveways across North Wales and Cheshire between 2 and 3 February 2026. They traveled in convoy, dumped vehicles, and engaged in a dangerous police chase, crashing the stolen cars in Staffordshire and the West Midlands. Footwear evidence linked them to the burglary scenes. Mobile phones were seized.

Pleaded guilty to four burglaries, two thefts and dangerous driving. Age 20, of no fixed address.

2 Apr 2026

Adam Hill

Being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

Adam Hill, 36, of Pullman Drive in Northwich, facilitated the supply of class A (cocaine) and B (cannabis) drugs in the Northwich area. Detectives identified a phone used by Hill to advertise drug sales. On 28 April 2025, officers arrested him at his home, finding cocaine, cannabis, drug paraphernalia, and a mobile phone with evidence of supply. In October 2025, following an unrelated matter, he was again found in possession of drugs and another phone showing continued involvement in cocaine sales.

Pleaded guilty to four counts of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and four counts of being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs (cannabis). Continued supplying drugs after initial arrest.

2 Apr 2026

Kyle Draper

Burglary and theft *

Sentence

42 months in prison

Kyle Draper and Benjamin Evans stole multiple vehicles including a Hyundai, Seat Arona, Audi Q3, and Volvo from driveways across North Wales and Cheshire between 2 and 3 February 2026. They traveled in convoy, dumped vehicles, and engaged in a dangerous police chase, crashing the stolen cars in Staffordshire and the West Midlands. Footwear evidence linked them to the burglary scenes. Mobile phones were seized.

Pleaded guilty to four burglaries, two thefts and dangerous driving. Age 21, of no fixed address.

2 Apr 2026

March 2026 12 cases

Connor Lockwood

Domestic abuse and fraud *

Sentence

3 years and 9 months imprisonment

Connor Lockwood subjected a woman known to him to sustained domestic abuse over several years, including punching, kicking, stamping on her, extinguishing a cigarette on her leaving a permanent scar, and striking her on the head with a broom handle causing significant injury. The abuse left her terrified and isolated. In July 2025, he was arrested after threatening a man with a knife in a pub in Godalming. Additionally, he used dating apps to scam victims out of thousands of pounds by building relationships, claiming financial difficulty, and asking to borrow money, with one victim defrauded of £7,500. The money was laundered through multiple bank accounts.

Pleaded guilty to four counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of grievous bodily harm, possession of a bladed article, theft from a shop, three counts of fraud by false representation and money laundering.

27 Mar 2026

Sophie Brown

Possessing cocaine, heroin, and cannabis with intent to supply *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Sophie Brown, 22, from The Parklands, Congleton, was involved in a drugs bust by Operation Apollo at an address on Bradwell Grove in Congleton last December. She and Robert Machin were found at the address possessing cocaine, heroin, and cannabis with intent to supply, valued at £11,415. Police seized phones, laptops, sim cards, a USB stick, drugs, drug paraphernalia, and £1,006 cash.

Admitted possessing cocaine, heroin, and cannabis with intent to supply.

20 Mar 2026

Robert Machin

Possessing cocaine, heroin, and cannabis with intent to supply *

Sentence

5 years and 219 days imprisonment

Robert Machin, 49, from Albany Mill, Canal Street, Congleton, was involved in a drugs bust by Operation Apollo at an address on Bradwell Grove in Congleton last December. He and Sophie Brown were found at the address possessing cocaine, heroin, and cannabis with intent to supply, valued at £11,415. Police seized phones, laptops, sim cards, a USB stick, drugs, drug paraphernalia, and £1,006 cash. Machin attempted to flee over a fence using ladders and was later tracked down to an address on Canal Street in Congleton.

Admitted possessing cocaine, heroin, and cannabis with intent to supply. Used ladders to flee over a fence during police raid and was later tracked down.

20 Mar 2026

Wayne Knight

Supply of cocaine *

Sentence

3 years and 9 months imprisonment

Officers attended an address in Hooton on an unrelated matter where Wayne Knight was present. He was searched and a bag of white powder, subsequently found to be cocaine valued at £140 to £200, was discovered. Three mobile phones were found in the house and £560 in cash was found in his sock. Knight's property was then searched, and officers seized Zapain, Pregabalin, Zopiclone and Diazepam, all prescription drugs.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, four counts of possession of a Class C controlled drug (Diazepam, Zopiclone, Pregabalin and Zapain), and possession with intent to supply cocaine.

19 Mar 2026

Jack Walsh

Coercive behaviour *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Jack Walsh, a 32-year-old rugby player from Cumbrae Drive, Ellesmere Port, secretly recorded intimate FaceTime calls and sex sessions with his ex-girlfriend without her consent during their four-month toxic on-off relationship. After she ended it due to his sneering, bullying, and controlling behaviour, he bragged about having the videos, refused to delete them despite her pleas, interrogated her about dating others, threatened to set her car on fire, and falsely vowed to end his own life if she left. He violated bail conditions by continuing to contact her. The victim, a university student, suffered severe anxiety, panic attacks, impacted college grades, and installed home CCTV, feeling like a prisoner in her own home with lasting mental scars and fear of the footage being published online.

Pleaded guilty to coercive behaviour, threatening to share intimate film and assault. Five-year restraining order imposed. Judge noted abusive, controlling and bullying behaviour, causing significant psychological harm to victim. Defendant has prior caution for battery and harassment against previous partner and suffers from mental health issues.

16 Mar 2026

Robert Yates

Possession of cocaine with intent to supply *

Sentence

35 months imprisonment

Police raided a property on Union Street in Sandbach, seizing cocaine worth £40,200 along with scales, phones, cash, and a sword. The defendant, who lives on Union Street, was involved in dealing the class A drug.

Pleaded guilty to possessing the class A drug cocaine with intent to supply.

12 Mar 2026

Jamie Green

Being concerned in the supply and possession of cannabis *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Officers became aware of a mobile phone number used to sell cannabis in Winsford in late 2025. Jamie Green, 33, of Dee Way, was identified as the owner, having purchased a top-up for the phone in December 2025. On 11 February 2026, a warrant at his home in Wharton uncovered a mobile phone hidden under the kitchen sink with evidence of drug supply and a small amount of cannabis. He was arrested, answered no comment, and later charged.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply and possession of cannabis.

9 Mar 2026

Damien Brewer

Robbery *

Sentence

2 years and 8 months imprisonment

On Sunday 1 February 2026, a 17-year-old boy was waiting for a friend in the Civic Way area of Ellesmere Port when Damien Brewer approached him and punched him in the face. The force of the blow knocked the boy to the ground, at which point Brewer stole his mobile phone and fled the scene. The incident was captured on CCTV, which directed police to Brewer's location. He was arrested shortly after with the stolen phone in his possession and admitted in interview to assaulting the teenager with the intention of selling the phone for cash.

Pleaded guilty to robbery during his first appearance in court.

6 Mar 2026

Daniel Walker

Sexual abuse of a child *

Sentence

11 years imprisonment

Daniel Walker, 42, of Plumley, sexually abused a young girl through multiple acts including assault by touching, penetration, and incitement to engage in sexual activity, all against a girl under 13. He was arrested following allegations, dismissed the claims by laughing during police questioning, and after a thorough investigation, was charged with eight counts of sexual abuse against a child.

Found guilty of three counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching, two counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by penetration, and three counts of inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity. Laughed and appeared amused during police interview.

5 Mar 2026

Richard Williams

Fraud *

Sentence

32 months imprisonment

Richard Williams, a 53-year-old rogue trader from Wimbrick Hey, Wirral, defrauded 16 victims of £75,840 between May 2019 and September 2023 in Cheshire, Merseyside, and Flintshire. He took payments for roofing and renovation work but often failed to appear at the victims' addresses, leaving work incomplete or of poor quality that required removal and redoing by third-party contractors. In some cases, he took money but performed no work at all, causing significant financial, emotional, and practical harm to the victims.

Prosecuted for fraud by Cheshire West and Chester Council. Judge Simon Berkson commended the council’s Trading Standards team for their painstaking examination of the case. 16 victims attended the two-hour hearing.

5 Mar 2026

Daniel Eckersley

Robbery *

Sentence

6 years and 8 months imprisonment

On December 6, 2025, at around 9.51pm, Daniel Eckersley, under the influence of alcohol, ordered a taxi via an address in the Dragon’s Lane area of Moston. He punched the taxi driver, stabbed him in the leg with a knife, and stole the vehicle, driving away towards Middlewich. The incident was captured on the taxi's dashcam, showing threats and the stabbing. The vehicle was located less than three miles away with the knife in the passenger footwell. Eckersley was arrested shortly after at 10.45pm, matching the description of wearing a grey tracksuit and baseball cap. He was from Little Hutton, Worsley in Salford.

Pleaded guilty to robbery, possession of a knife in a public place, drink driving, and driving without insurance. Was intoxicated and over three times the legal limit. Provided no-comment answers during interview.

3 Mar 2026

Rana Jahangir

Sexual Assault *

Sentence

2 years and 4 months imprisonment

On Tuesday, September 2, Rana Jahangir, a 25-year-old delivery driver from Collington Close, Manchester, delivered food to a house on Shipbrook Road in Rudheath, Northwich. After handing over the food, he grabbed the woman from behind, hugging and kissing her for over a minute despite her repeated requests to stop. The incident was partially recorded on a mobile phone. The victim initially complained to the delivery company but reported it to police the next day after speaking to friends. Jahangir was arrested, denied the assault claiming it was consensual, but was charged and found guilty of one count of sexual assault.

Found guilty after trial. Ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years and handed a restraining order preventing contact with the victim.

1 Mar 2026

February 2026 10 cases

Tony Devenport

Murder *

Sentence

life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years

Tony Devenport murdered his partner Stephanie Blundell, 41, by inflicting more than 100 injuries through fierce, repeated and sustained assaults over the day or two preceding her death on July 20, 2025, at their home on Canal Street in Chester. He strangled her twice, beat her causing significant brain injuries, and while she was bed-bound and pleading for help due to acute pancreatitis and alcoholic ketoacidosis, he provided only vodka and ice lollies. The couple had been in a relationship for two years, during which Devenport was controlling and coercive, keeping her bank card and denying her a house key. They had relapsed into heavy drinking after a trip to Slovakia in May 2025. Devenport was arrested for assaulting her 10 days prior but breached bail by contacting her, after which she never left the house. Her father discovered her body on a mattress that afternoon.

Convicted of murder following a 16-day trial. No remorse shown. Judge Mrs Justice Steyn described the victim as compassionate, kind-hearted and courageous, and noted the defendant's controlling and coercive behaviour, prior abuse when intoxicated, and failure to seek help for the victim.

27 Feb 2026

Viktor Ymeralilaj

Cultivation of cannabis *

Sentence

16 months imprisonment

On January 19, 2026, police executed a warrant at a derelict former registry office on Park Green in Macclesfield, discovering a large-scale cannabis factory with four rooms containing fully grown cannabis plants estimated at £175,000 street value. The building had living quarters including a kitchen with fresh food, beds, a washing machine, and warm radiator. At around 5pm, Viktor Ymeralilaj was found hiding in the loft using a thermal heat gun. He was arrested and claimed captivity, but evidence suggested recent external access.

Pleaded guilty to the cultivation of cannabis at the first opportunity. Claimed he was held against his will by two men who employed him to tend to the plants, but was charged despite protests.

19 Feb 2026

Kaya Scullion

Possession with intent to supply cannabis *

Sentence

16 months imprisonment

Kaya Scullion, 24, of Cedar Close, Lostock Gralam, Northwich, continued dealing cannabis using a Snapchat account to advertise sales despite receiving a suspended sentence in April 2025 for possession of a large quantity in 2023. Officers identified the account, linked it to him through enquiries, and executed a warrant at his home in July 2025, seizing cash and a mobile phone. Analysis revealed messages with a 'menu' of cannabis items and arrangements to meet buyers.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cannabis and being concerned in the supply of cannabis. Previously received a six-month suspended sentence in April 2025 for similar offence. Ordered to forfeit more than £20,000 gained through criminal activity. Showed arrogance in court.

16 Feb 2026

Louis Clayton

Supply of Class A and B drugs *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

Louis Clayton, accomplice to Charlie Farrell, was involved in drug dealing activities, including regular contact and sending flare messages advertising the sale of illegal drugs. The pair were arrested following an incident on 14 August 2025 in Kelsall where Farrell knocked a child off her bike after a suspected drug deal was photographed.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs.

11 Feb 2026

Charlie Farrell

Supply of Class A and B drugs, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

On 14 August 2025, in the car park on Yeld Lane, Kelsall, Charlie Farrell, a drug dealer, knocked a young child off her bike after the child's mother took a photograph of his car suspecting a drug deal. The child suffered minor injuries. Farrell was already under investigation for drug dealing with Louis Clayton, involving regular contact and flare messages advertising illegal drugs.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

11 Feb 2026

Alex Shirley

Robbery *

Sentence

63 months imprisonment with 24 months on licence

On October 16, 2025, at around 7am, Alex Shirley entered the Morrisons Daily store in Castlefields, Runcorn, armed with a knife. He threatened the store worker at knifepoint, demanding money from the Post Office counter till, then gripped the worker from behind and marched them to the safe to take more cash. He stole £1,089 in total, along with cigarettes and vapes, before fleeing on foot. Police quickly located discarded clothing, a balaclava, the knife, cash, and stolen items in a nearby bush. Shirley was arrested after being spotted acting suspiciously near the scene.

Pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a knife in a public place. Described as a prolific offender with no remorse.

10 Feb 2026

Lee Tarry

Sexual offences *

Sentence

16 years imprisonment

Lee Tarry committed 10 sexual offences against three victims in Cheshire between 1970 and 1990. Two of the victims were children at the time of the offences.

Found guilty after a 10-day trial. Investigating officer thanked victims for their bravery.

3 Feb 2026

Livan Gjini

Production of class B drugs *

Sentence

8 months imprisonment

Livan Gjini, 27, of Cresswell Road, Stoke-on-Trent, was found managing a professional cannabis farm inside an office building on Brunel Court off Rudheath Way, Gadbrook Park, Rudheath, Cheshire. The farm consisted of approximately 515 cannabis plants with an estimated value of up to £400,000. The electricity supply had been bypassed. The discovery was made around 8.45am on Sunday, February 1, 2026, when officers entered the premises.

Pleaded guilty to the production of class B drugs. Ordered to pay £85 costs and a £187 victim surcharge.

3 Feb 2026

Jetmir Grrica

Production of class B drugs *

Sentence

8 months imprisonment

Jetmir Grrica, 23, of Audley Street, Crewe, was found managing a professional cannabis farm inside an office building on Brunel Court off Rudheath Way, Gadbrook Park, Rudheath, Cheshire. The farm consisted of approximately 515 cannabis plants with an estimated value of up to £400,000. The electricity supply had been bypassed. The discovery was made around 8.45am on Sunday, February 1, 2026, when officers entered the premises.

Pleaded guilty to the production of class B drugs. Ordered to pay £85 costs and a £187 victim surcharge.

3 Feb 2026

Lee James

Drug supply *

Sentence

Imprisonment

Drug kingpin Lee James made around £500,000 during a four-year enterprise that saw him fill his home with designer items. But the 39-year-old, who had a Rolex worth more than £15,000, is behind bars where detectives say he can 'contemplate whether it was worth it'.

Drug kingpin who made around £500,000 during a four-year enterprise that saw him fill his home with designer items, including a Rolex worth more than £15,000.

1 Feb 2026

January 2026 13 cases

Gary Novelli

Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs *

Sentence

78 months imprisonment

On 13 October 2025, at around 2.30pm, police officers on patrol in Chester spotted a blue Audi travelling along Sealand Road and stopped the vehicle. Gary Novelli, 49, of Llys Padarn, Ewloe, identified himself as the driver. During a search of the car, officers found a box in the front passenger footwell containing a vacuum-packed block of solid white powder, later confirmed to be cocaine with an estimated potential wholesale value of up to £26,000. Novelli was arrested at the scene.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of criminal property. A subsequent search of his home uncovered more than £30,000 in cash and a small quantity of cannabis.

28 Jan 2026

Lee Grant

Production of cannabis *

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.

Sentenced for cannabis production.

20 Jan 2026

John Burrows

Theft *

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.

Sentence for involvement in the theft operation.

20 Jan 2026

Mark Grant

Handling stolen goods *

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.

Pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods.

20 Jan 2026

Michael Burrows

Conspiracy to handle stolen goods *

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.

Admitted conspiracy to handle stolen goods. Described as a ringleader.

20 Jan 2026

Paul Jones

Conspiracy to handle stolen goods *

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.

20 Jan 2026

William Bath

Conspiracy to handle stolen goods *

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.

20 Jan 2026

Scott Buxton

Rape *

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.

20 Jan 2026

Danny Quinn

Theft *

Sentence

18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years; 200 hours unpaid work

Danny Quinn, 39, of Cransley Road, Kettering, approached a 76-year-old man in Congleton on 21 March 2022 offering gardening work. The victim paid over £12,000 over the next month for some completed and some incomplete work. Quinn later claimed an additional £1,000 for VAT. Between May and September 2022, Quinn convinced the victim to invest £21,850 in a supposed building project, providing no details and pressuring the victim with false claims of other investors. The scheme was uncovered in October 2022 after bank alerts. Quinn was arrested on 7 December 2022 and admitted receiving the money but denied wrongdoing initially.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of theft. Exploited a vulnerable 76-year-old victim.

19 Jan 2026

John Rigby

Paying for sexual services of a child and computer misuse *

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.

16 Jan 2026

Jake Holder

Affray *

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.

16 Jan 2026

William Gurney

Harassment with fear of violence *

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.

16 Jan 2026

James Lawton

Sexual communication with a child *

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'.

15 Jan 2026

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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Colvin House, Castle St, Chester CH1 2AN, Chester, CH1 2AN, United Kingdom

+441244317606

Wheelchair accessible parking, Wheelchair accessible entrance

Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 17:00

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About Chester Crown Court

Chester Crown Court, located in Chester, is a Crown Court that handles serious criminal cases including murder, rape, robbery, and other indictable offences. With 350 sentencing records in our database, it is one of the Crown Courts serving the Chester 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 Colvin House, Castle St, Chester CH1 2AN, CH1 2AN.

Accessibility provisions at this court include wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible parking.

For enquiries about cases heard at this court, you can contact the court by telephone on +441244317606.

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.

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Chester Crown Court Sentencing Results

Ryan Dingle

Anthony Abbott

Dylan Wilson

George Lleshaj

George Pepa

Krisjian Dedndreaj

Kristian Gropcaj

Sidorjan Lleshi

Stefan Moores

Jonathan Martin

Aurin Makepeace

Teejay Walton

Benjamin Evans

Adam Hill

Kyle Draper

Connor Lockwood

Sophie Brown

Robert Machin

Wayne Knight

Jack Walsh

Robert Yates

Jamie Green

Damien Brewer

Daniel Walker

Richard Williams

Daniel Eckersley

Rana Jahangir

Tony Devenport

Viktor Ymeralilaj

Kaya Scullion

Louis Clayton

Charlie Farrell

Alex Shirley

Lee Tarry

Livan Gjini

Jetmir Grrica

Lee James

Gary Novelli

Lee Grant

John Burrows

Mark Grant

Michael Burrows

Paul Jones

William Bath

Scott Buxton

Danny Quinn

John Rigby

Jake Holder

William Gurney

James Lawton

About Chester Crown Court

Nearby Courts

Chester Magistrates Court

Mold Crown Court

Mold Magistrates Court

Wrexham Magistrates Court

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Liverpool & Knowsley Magistrates Court

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