Chester Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 167 verdicts at Chester Crown Court (Chester). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Patrick Bruce

Conspiracy to supply class B drugs

May 2, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 10 months imprisonment

Patrick Bruce, 41, of Bessancourt, Holmes Chapel, was involved in supplying bulk amounts of class B drugs to the 'Dmo' gang, which operated in Congleton and surrounding areas from March 2020 to June 2023. The gang's activities included recruiting juveniles and using social media for drug sales, with police seizing large quantities of cannabis and other substances.

Reece Evans

Conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs

May 2, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment

Reece Evans, 23, of Fern Crescent, Congleton, was part of the 'Dmo' drugs gang that supplied cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, and other substances in Congleton and surrounding areas between March 2020 and June 2023. He controlled street-level dealers and was arrested in January 2021 during police operations that seized significant quantities of drugs and cash.

Arrested in January 2021 for drugs supply offences and was next in command to Damon Greenslade, controlling street-level dealers.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Jack Peberdy

Conspiracy to supply a Class A drug

April 30, 2025

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

Jack Peberdy, 22, of Vincent Street, Crewe, was involved in supplying cocaine in Nantwich. Police executed a warrant at an address in Hightown, Crewe, on June 20, 2024, recovering cocaine worth £1,000, empty bags, scales, and £1,315 in cash.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine; drugs and cash found during a police raid.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Brad Plant

Conspiracy to supply a Class A drug

April 30, 2025

Sentence: 24 months imprisonment

Brad Plant, 20, was involved in supplying cocaine in Nantwich. During a police raid on June 20, 2024, at an address in Hightown, Crewe, officers found cocaine worth £1,000, along with other drug paraphernalia and cash.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine; involved in drug supply operation.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Lucinda Collins

Causing death by dangerous driving

April 25, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 5-year driving ban, 250 hours community service, £2,260 costs

Lucinda Collins, 40, from Upton, Cheshire, was driving her BMW with her three-year-old daughter when she became distracted by a hands-free call from her mother about her father's impending death. On August 25, 2022, at a junction on Brown Heath Road between Waverton and Christleton in Cheshire, she failed to stop at signs, travelling at around 40mph, and collided with another BMW, pushing it into the path of cyclist Roger Dutton, 75, a retired builder and cycling club member, resulting in his death.

Admitted causing death by dangerous driving at an earlier hearing. Judge considered her lack of prior convictions and determined she posed no danger to the public, leading to a suspended sentence.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Richard Halck

Voyeurism

April 24, 2025

Sentence: 55 weeks imprisonment

Richard Halck, 38, from Winsford and now of Landor Way, Stafford, was caught secretly filming women in a leisure centre changing room, leading to his arrest and charges.

Pleaded guilty to eight counts of voyeurism and was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for ten years, with a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and restraining orders.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Jay Ellis

Cocaine supply

April 17, 2025

Sentence: Two years and three months imprisonment

On 9 December 2023, Jay Ellis was stopped by Cheshire Police for speeding in a grey Vauxhall Insignia on Bebington Road, Ellesmere Port. A roadside drug test confirmed cocaine in his system. Police discovered ten wraps of cocaine valued at £500 in his vehicle, along with additional bags of cocaine and ketamine, a mobile phone, a Nokia phone with evidence of drug sales, and approximately £970 in cash. Further investigation revealed £43,320 in suspected drug-related transactions through his bank accounts. Ellis claimed the drugs were for personal use.

Pleaded guilty to involvement in cocaine supply and possession with intent to supply class A drugs. Det Sgt Roy Wellings noted that Ellis was involved in drug sales and that a confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act is being pursued.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Simon Arden

Rape

April 17, 2025

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment, plus indefinite restraining orders and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order

Simon Arden committed multiple sexual offences against women and children between 2011 and 2021. These included raping and sexually assaulting adult victims, exposing himself to them, sexually assaulting children under 13, engaging in sexual activity in their presence, and inciting children under 13 to engage in sexual activity. Reports were made to police in April 2024, leading to his arrest and conviction.

Found guilty after a two-week trial; had previously been charged and arrested for the offences; detective described him as a sexual predator focused on his own desires.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Jacob Rose

Assault

April 16, 2025

Sentence: 4 years in prison

Jacob Rose strangled his ex-girlfriend, spat in her face and threatened to kill her with a knife in Nantwich following her rejection of his advances.

Sentenced for strangling his ex-girlfriend, spitting in her face and holding a knife over her after she rejected his advances.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Nathan O’Hare

Possession of cocaine with intent to supply

April 16, 2025

Sentence: Nine years and seven months imprisonment

Nathan O’Hare was driving a Jaguar F-Pace on the M6 in Cheshire when police pulled him over and discovered up to £430,000 worth of cocaine concealed in the vehicle. He was arrested and later sentenced for drug trafficking.

Caught concealing a large amount of cocaine in a vehicle during a police stop on the M6.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Matthew Higgins

Murder

April 15, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum of 18 years

Matthew Higgins, 36, stabbed his 37-year-old friend David Eaton to death during an escalating row over a prank. Higgins had shaved off Eaton's eyebrow while he slept, leading to Eaton confronting him in the street and later at Higgins's home in Brook Lane, Northwich, Cheshire, on September 28, last year. Influenced by alcohol, Higgins retrieved a knife from the kitchen and repeatedly stabbed Eaton in the hallway.

Pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer. Jury convicted him of murder. Judge commented on the childish behaviour that contributed to the incident, noting alcohol's role and Higgins's vengeful actions.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Jake Fagan

Dangerous Driving

April 11, 2025

Sentence: Four years and eight months imprisonment

Jake Fagan, 29, led police on a 90-minute pursuit across Cheshire, Merseyside, Chester, and North Wales on July 18, 2024, reaching speeds of 90mph and riding the wrong way up a slip road on the M56. He threatened a female motorist with a knife during a suspected road rage incident in Ellesmere Port and discarded a bag containing class A drugs. Days earlier, he assaulted a man in Eton Road, Ellesmere Port. He was captured after attempting to flee on foot and was tackled by an officer amid cheers from bystanders.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, assault, possession of a knife, possession with intent to supply cocaine, handling stolen goods, and criminal damage. He punched and headbutted a wall during his police interview.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Connor Mitchell

Possession with Intent to Supply Cocaine

April 11, 2025

Sentence: Three and a half years imprisonment

Connor Mitchell, 29, was the pillion passenger during a 90-minute police pursuit on July 18, 2024, which involved speeds of 90mph across Cheshire, Merseyside, Chester, and North Wales. He was involved in discarding a bag containing class A drugs and attempted to escape on foot after police deployed stinger devices in Chester city centre. The pursuit began following a report of a knife threat during a suspected road rage incident in Ellesmere Port.

David Williams

Supply of Class A Drugs

April 3, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months

On 11 August 2022, David Williams was a passenger in a Range Rover driven by Todd Davies in Hartford, acting suspiciously. Police stopped the vehicle on Beaufort Close and discovered 4.76g of heroin, more than £2,300 in cash, and a knife. Messages on seized mobile phones linked Williams to the sale and delivery of illegal drugs, including plans to take over cocaine sales in the Northwich area.

Pleaded guilty to one count of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (crack cocaine). Also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Marzena Gil

Possession of illegal cigarettes

April 3, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order, with 20 rehabilitation days and 100 hours of unpaid work, plus £400 costs

Marzena Gil possessed 137,240 foreign cigarettes that did not comply with UK regulations for retail packaging, manufacture, and sale, with an estimated retail value of £83,000. This led to the evasion of approximately £56,000 in duty. The cigarettes were seized during an investigation by Trading Standards officers.

Todd Davies

Supply of Class A Drugs

April 3, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 2 months imprisonment

On 11 August 2022, Todd Davies was driving a Range Rover in Hartford, acting suspiciously with David Williams. Police stopped the vehicle on Beaufort Close, where they found 4.76g of heroin, more than £2,300 in cash, and a knife in the glovebox. Analysis of seized mobile phones revealed messages linking Davies to the sale and delivery of illegal drugs, including boasts about taking over cocaine sales in the Northwich area.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (heroin and crack cocaine), possession with intent to supply class A drugs (heroin), possession of criminal property, and possession of a knife in a public place.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Tomasz Szczepaniak

Possession of illegal cigarettes

April 3, 2025

Sentence: 9 months imprisonment, suspended for 1 year, and 100 hours of unpaid work

Tomasz Szczepaniak possessed 137,240 foreign cigarettes that did not comply with UK regulations for retail packaging, manufacture, and sale, with an estimated retail value of £83,000. This led to the evasion of approximately £56,000 in duty. The cigarettes were seized during an investigation by Trading Standards officers.

Pleaded guilty to offences relating to possession of illegal cigarettes. A Proceeds of Crime hearing will be arranged.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Ben Carr

Controlling and coercive behaviour

April 1, 2025

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

Ben Carr, 42, engaged in controlling and coercive behaviour towards his ex-partner in the Willaston area of Nantwich between December 2019 and December 2022, including physical assaults that caused bruising, biting, and grabbing her throat to restrict breathing.

Found guilty of controlling and coercive behaviour after a trial, with an additional eight weeks for activating a suspended sentence from North Staffordshire Justice Centre.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Alan Clegg

Assault with intent

April 1, 2025

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment with 10.5 years to be served and the rest on extended licence

Alan Clegg, 42, of no fixed address, violently attacked his mother at her Frodsham home on December 26, 2024, during an argument, leaving her in an induced coma, and also harassed a former partner.

Pleaded guilty to section 18 assault with intent, harassment in breach of a restraining order, and possession of class A and B drugs, with restraining orders issued.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Kalib Morris

Controlling and coercive behaviour

March 26, 2025

Sentence: 37 months imprisonment

Kalib Morris subjected his former partner to physical and mental abuse between 2023 and 2024, including controlling and monitoring her mobile phone use, dictating what clothes she wore, restricting her contact with family, taking her money, being verbally and physically abusive, checking her movements, and injuring her pet dog. Incidents included biting her hand during an altercation, damaging her television and possessions, and stealing her phone after pulling her to the floor.

Pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, three counts of assault by beating, criminal damage and theft. Despite being released on bail with conditions not to contact the victim, he continued the abusive behaviour.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Ben Ruddock

Manslaughter

March 24, 2025

Sentence: 13 years imprisonment

Ben Ruddock killed 34-year-old Lloyd Velasquez by stabbing him during an altercation on May 1, 2024, in Ellesmere Port. The incident stemmed from a dispute over a stolen e-bike. Ruddock sent threatening voice notes, armed himself with a knife from a barbecue set, and confronted Velasquez twice that evening. During the second confrontation on Summertrees Road, Ruddock stabbed Velasquez, who later died from a stab wound to the chest. Ruddock fled the scene, disposed of the knife, changed clothes, and was arrested in Merseyside shortly after.

Found not guilty of murder but convicted of manslaughter following a 15-day trial. Detective Inspector Andrea Price commented that the incident was avoidable and highlighted the dangers of knife crime.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Richard Burrows

Indecent Assault

March 17, 2025

Sentence: 46 years imprisonment

Richard Burrows, a former scout leader and school housemaster, systematically abused 24 boys in Cheshire, West Midlands, and West Mercia between 1968 and 1995. He used his position of trust to befriend and groom victims, committing offences while employed at Danesford Children’s Home and through local Scout groups. After being charged in 1997, he fled to Thailand using a stolen identity, lived under an alias, and was arrested upon returning to the UK in 2023 due to running out of money and health issues.

Pleaded guilty to 43 offences including indecent assault, making indecent images of children, possession of indecent images of children, and possession of false identity documents with intent. Judge described him as a despicable man who ruined countless lives, showed no remorse, and was a predator who positioned himself to groom and abuse young boys.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Christopher Livingstone

Possession with intent to supply class A drugs

March 12, 2025

Sentence: three years in prison

On June 28, 2024, police conducted a search at Christopher Livingstone's home on Goulden Street in Crewe as part of an investigation into the supply of class A drugs. They discovered a drawstring bag containing cocaine, snap bags, scales, a mobile phone, and over £22,500 in cash hidden in various places, including behind a TV and under a brick outside the property. Luxury items such as watches and jewellery were also found. Livingstone claimed he was unemployed and that the drugs were for personal use, but analysis of his mobile phone revealed messages related to the supply of cocaine in the area.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of criminal property. Detective Inspector Robert Balfour commented that Livingstone played a key role in supplying class A drugs and was in possession of a large amount of cash and designer items.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Kyle Perkins

Dangerous Driving

March 4, 2025

Sentence: 17 months imprisonment and banned from driving for two years and eight months

Kyle Perkins was driving a black Volkswagen Amarok Highline on the M6 southbound near junction 19 at around 2.45am on January 30, 2025. He was swerving and colliding with cones, then fled from police at high speed, exiting the motorway at junction 17 for Sandbach. A police helicopter tracked him as he drove through residential areas towards Middlewich. Officers used a stinger to stop the vehicle on Honiton Way, after which Perkins attempted to flee but was quickly arrested.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to provide a specimen for officers, and failing to cooperate with a preliminary test. He will also be required to undertake an extended retest.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Mike Amesbury

Assault

February 27, 2025

Sentence: 10 weeks imprisonment suspended for two years, 200 hours of unpaid work, 120-day alcohol monitoring requirement, anger management course, and 20 days of rehabilitation activity

Mike Amesbury assaulted Paul Fellows, 45, following a row in the street in Frodsham, Cheshire, in the early hours of October 26. Footage showed Amesbury punching Fellows to the head, knocking him to the ground, and continuing to punch him at least five times. He was heard saying, 'You won’t threaten your MP again will you, you f****** soft lad?' Amesbury initially claimed self-defence, stating he felt threatened, but the judge determined this was not credible.

Pleaded guilty to assault. Judge commented that his behaviour as an MP was disgraceful and that he told police lies. He spent three nights in prison before the appeal and is at risk of being ousted if constituents back a petition.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Unknown

Child cruelty

November 26, 2024

Sentence: 7.5 years imprisonment

The woman concealed her baby's presence from birth, hiding her in a drawer under her divan bed for nearly three years at the family home in Cheshire. She did not seek medical assistance for the child's cleft palate, fed her milky Weetabix through a syringe, left her alone while taking other children to school, going to work, and staying with relatives, including over Christmas. When her partner began staying overnight, the child was moved to another room and left alone. The child was discovered by the partner who heard a noise and alerted family and social services. The child was found with matted hair, deformities, rashes, significantly malnourished, dehydrated, with a developmental age of 0 to 10 months, and had never experienced daylight, fresh air, interaction with siblings, or recognition of special days.

Admitted child cruelty. Judge Steven Everett commented that the actions defied belief and starved the child of love, affection, attention, interaction, proper diet, and medical care. Defence cited exceptional circumstances including mental health, volatile relationship, and Covid lockdown.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Unnamed Woman

Child Cruelty

November 26, 2024

Sentence: 7.5 years imprisonment

The woman gave birth to a baby girl without seeking medical help and concealed her existence from her partner and other children by hiding her in a drawer under her divan bed from birth until the child was nearly three years old. The child was discovered at the family home in Cheshire when the mother's partner heard a noise and found her in a bedroom, later alerting social services who located her in the bed drawer. The child suffered severe neglect, including malnourishment, dehydration, developmental delay (age equivalent of 0-10 months), matted hair, deformities, rashes, and an untreated cleft palate. She was fed milky Weetabix via syringe, left alone for extended periods including school runs, work, and family visits over Christmas, and had no socialization, daylight, or interaction with siblings. The concealment was motivated by fear of the abusive father discovering the pregnancy.

Pleaded guilty to four counts of child cruelty. Judge Steven Everett commented that the actions defied belief and starved the child of love, affection, attention, interaction, proper diet, and medical care. Mitigating factors included mental health issues, volatile relationship with the child's father, and Covid lockdown.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Meltjan Isufi

Supply of cocaine

October 21, 2024

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Meltjan Isufi, 34, of Wilkinson Street North, Ellesmere Port, operated a sophisticated drug line under the alias 'Anton' supplying cocaine in Chester. The investigation began on December 23, 2024, with an arrest in Chester where cocaine and cash were recovered, though not directly linked to Isufi. On December 25, 2024, CCTV captured a suspected drug deal on Milton Street; a vehicle was stopped near Grosvenor Bridge, revealing three bags of cocaine. The buyer's phone had a text from Isufi's number advertising cocaine. A raid on Isufi's address yielded a linked mobile phone with over 800 customer contacts, £17,585 in cash, cocaine, and a fake Greek ID used to illegally enter the UK in breach of his 2019 deportation order.

Pleaded guilty to possession of a false identification document, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, acquiring criminal property and knowingly entering the UK in breach of a deportation order. Albanian national previously deported in 2019 for drug supply offence.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Mitchell Edge

Conspiracy to Commit Burglary

September 2, 2024

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

Mitchell Edge was part of a gang that carried out a targeted burglary on the outskirts of Chester on August 16, 2024. The group forced entry into a premises using crowbars, while wearing balaclavas, and stole £250,000 worth of counterfeit cigarettes. They also conspired to steal a motor vehicle, involving surveillance and planning, and were apprehended after a good Samaritan reported suspicious activity.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit a burglary and conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Jobe Cope

Conspiracy to Commit Burglary

September 2, 2024

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

Jobe Cope was involved in a targeted burglary on August 16, 2024, in Cheshire, where the gang forced entry into a building, made threats to occupants, and stole £250,000 worth of counterfeit cigarettes. They also conspired to steal a motor vehicle, with cell-site data and other evidence connecting him to the incident.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit a burglary and conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Marley Beales

Conspiracy to Commit Burglary

September 2, 2024

Sentence: 24 months suspended

Marley Beales was part of a gang that conducted a planned burglary on August 16, 2024, in Cheshire, involving forcing entry with crowbars, threatening individuals inside, and stealing £250,000 worth of counterfeit cigarettes. The group also conspired to steal a motor vehicle, with evidence from investigations linking him to the crime.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit a burglary and conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Mark Higgins

Conspiracy to Commit Burglary

September 2, 2024

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

Mark Higgins was involved in a planned burglary on the outskirts of Chester on August 16, 2024, where the gang forced entry with crowbars, threatened occupants, and stole £250,000 worth of counterfeit cigarettes. They also conspired to steal a motor vehicle, with Higgins identified through dashcam footage and forensic evidence as having fled the scene.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit a burglary and conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle. Evidence linked him to driving the stolen vehicle and fleeing the scene.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Christopher Cope

Conspiracy to Commit Burglary

September 2, 2024

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

Christopher Cope was part of a gang that executed a burglary on August 16, 2024, in Cheshire, breaking into a premises with crowbars, threatening those inside, and stealing £250,000 worth of counterfeit cigarettes. The group also conspired to steal a motor vehicle, with evidence from CCTV and mobile data linking him to the crime.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit a burglary and conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Simon Upton

Conspiracy to Commit Burglary

September 2, 2024

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

Simon Upton participated in a high-level planned burglary on August 16, 2024, in Cheshire, where the gang entered a premises by force, stole £250,000 worth of counterfeit cigarettes, and conspired to steal a motor vehicle. Upton's role included monitoring the vehicle's location and updating the group, demonstrating premeditated involvement.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit a burglary and conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle. He conducted surveillance on the target vehicle the day before the crime.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Helen Reynolds

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and Class B drugs

August 26, 2024

Sentence: 5 years and 3 months imprisonment

Helen Reynolds was involved in a county lines conspiracy supplying crack cocaine and heroin in Winsford, Cheshire. She was arrested on November 8, 2024, on New Road, outside a storage unit full of Class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin) worth more than £40,000, and another unit contained Class B amphetamine. The conspiracy was uncovered through intelligence on mobile phone activity.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and one count of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs. Sentenced by Judge Steven Everett, the Honorary Recorder of Chester.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Iain Alexander

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and Class B drugs

August 26, 2024

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment

Iain Alexander was involved in a county lines conspiracy supplying crack cocaine and heroin in Winsford, Cheshire. He was arrested on November 8, 2024, on Church Street, where a storage unit contained Class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin) worth more than £40,000, and another unit held Class B amphetamine. The conspiracy involved mobile phone activity linked to drug dealing in the area.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and one count of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs. Sentenced by Judge Steven Everett, the Honorary Recorder of Chester.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Joshua Shaw

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and Class B drugs

August 26, 2024

Sentence: 3-year community order with a one-year mental health treatment order, a four-month curfew, and 20 days of rehabilitation activities

Joshua Shaw was involved in a county lines conspiracy supplying crack cocaine and heroin in Winsford, Cheshire. He was arrested on December 4, 2024, for his role in the conspiracy, which included drug dealing activities linked to mobile phone intelligence from Merseyside Police.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and one count of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs. Sentenced by Judge Steven Everett, the Honorary Recorder of Chester.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Julie Sweeney

Sending a communication conveying a threat of death or serious harm

August 14, 2024

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment

Julie Sweeney, 53, of Church Lawton, Cheshire, posted an online message on Facebook on August 3 saying, 'Blow the mosque up with the adults in it,' which was reported to the police. She lived a quiet, sheltered life but contributed to the context of widespread disorder.

Pleaded guilty to sending a communication to convey a threat of death or serious harm. Described as a keyboard warrior who must take responsibility for her language amid national disorder.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Daniel Wollaston

Arson with reckless endangerment to life

August 8, 2024

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment with 3 years on licence, and 10 months concurrent for perverting the course of justice

On December 14, 2024, Daniel Wollaston started a fire by setting curtains alight in a bedroom at a block of flats in Nantwich, Cheshire, with reckless endangerment to life, leading to the evacuation of residents from 12 homes. He and Charlotte Wollaston attempted to blame a child for the incident, telling officers the child used a lighter. The child later disclosed that Daniel was responsible, and further enquiries revealed their attempts to pervert the course of justice.

Pleaded not guilty initially. Actions described as deplorable by Detective Constable Joseph Scott, who noted he showed no concern or remorse and tried to use a child as a scapegoat.

Sources: watfordobserver.co.uk

Charlotte Wollaston

Arson with reckless endangerment to life

August 8, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment with 2 years on licence, and 10 months concurrent for perverting the course of justice

On December 14, 2024, Charlotte Wollaston and Daniel Wollaston set fire to curtains in a bedroom at a block of flats in Nantwich, Cheshire, endangering the lives of residents from 12 homes who had to be evacuated. They attempted to blame a child for the arson, with Charlotte telling Daniel to tell police the child was responsible. Charlotte had recently searched for house swap pages on social media and continued to deny involvement even after being charged.

Pleaded not guilty initially. Actions described as deplorable by Detective Constable Joseph Scott, who noted she showed no concern or remorse and tried to use a child as a scapegoat.

Sources: watfordobserver.co.uk

Charlie Maher-Burns

Supply of heroin and cocaine

August 1, 2024

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Charlie Maher-Burns was involved in the supply of heroin and cocaine in Macclesfield between January 13 and April 16, 2024. He also possessed with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin on April 16, 2024. The drugs were ordered for forfeiture and destruction.

Pleaded guilty to four drug offences and was remanded in custody. Ordered to pay £228 victim surcharge.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Alec Cosgrove

Supply of heroin and cocaine

August 1, 2024

Sentence: 3 years and 9 months imprisonment

Alec Cosgrove was involved in the supply of heroin and cocaine in Macclesfield between March 24 and April 16, 2024. He also possessed with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin on April 16, 2024. The drugs were ordered for forfeiture and destruction.

Gareth Lancaster

Supply of Cocaine

July 31, 2024

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

On December 10, 2023, Gareth Lancaster was stopped by police for erratic driving on Himalayan Birch Close in Ellesmere Port. He provided false details, and officers discovered a white plastic bag containing a large amount of snap bags of cannabis, a mobile phone, and 28 Diazepam tablets not prescribed to him. Further enquiries established that he had been selling cannabis and cocaine to multiple customers.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in supply of cocaine, possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class B (Cannabis), and possession with intent to supply a controlled Class C drug (Diazepam) at an earlier hearing. Arrested after erratic driving and found with drugs in the vehicle.

Sources: wirralglobe.co.uk

Bradley Neild

Possession with intent to supply Class B cannabis

July 22, 2024

Sentence: 12 months in prison suspended for 18 months

Bradley Neild, of Kohli Avenue, Winsford, was arrested during a dawn drug raid at his home in December 2024. He was found in possession of cannabis, cannabis edibles, and drug paraphernalia with a street value estimated between £8,000 and £18,000. Further analysis of his mobile phone messages indicated he had been dealing drugs for several years, including offering a delivery service, despite claiming it was only for a few weeks due to debt.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class B cannabis. Police investigation revealed he was a well-established dealer involved in supplying cannabis and related products for several years.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Luke Cooper

Grievous bodily harm without intent

July 21, 2024

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment

On June 19, the victim, a 59-year-old man, was walking in the Morrisons car park in Ellesmere Port when he was nearly hit by a car driven by Luke Cooper. After confronting Cooper about the incident, the victim was punched in the face, causing him to fall and sustain multiple fractures to his cheekbone. Cooper drove away from the scene while shouting obscenities and was later identified and arrested through CCTV footage. He initially claimed self-defence during questioning.

Pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm without intent. Also received a five-year restraining order.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Robert Spiers

Possession with intent to supply

July 4, 2024

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Robert Spiers was arrested in Knutsford on April 24, 2024, while in possession of quantities of cocaine and heroin with intent to supply. He pleaded guilty to the charges at an earlier hearing on May 23, 2024.

Pleaded guilty to two charges of possessing cocaine and heroin with intent to supply. Ordered to pay £228 victim surcharge and forfeiture of drugs, mobile phones, 26 nitrous oxide canisters, and a drugs press.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

James Jackson

Burglary

June 27, 2024

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

James Jackson, 38, of no fixed address, conducted a series of burglaries across Brighton starting on February 8, 2024. He smashed into a restaurant in Ship Street, causing extensive damage but stealing nothing reported. On February 13, he forced entry into a bakery in North Road, stealing two electronic tablets and high-value produce. On March 17, he broke into a jewellery shop in Dukes Lane, stealing pieces worth nearly £100,000. On April 1, he targeted a bar in Western Road, smashing a glass panel and stealing an electronic tablet and money. He was arrested on April 10, rearrested and charged shortly after, and found guilty following a trial.

Pleaded guilty to two burglary charges and was found guilty of two more. PC Dan Stockley commented that small businesses were victims and Jackson showed complete disregard for the harm caused to local traders.

Sources: theargus.co.uk

Giedrius Arcisauskas

Sexual Assault

June 12, 2024

Sentence: 13 years imprisonment and 1 year on licence

On February 27, 2024, at a party in Ellesmere Port, Giedrius Arcisauskas was alone in a bedroom with a girl under 13, where he sexually assaulted her. The victim's mother heard a scream, intervened, and reported the incident to the police. His mobile phone was seized, revealing six indecent images of children, leading to additional charges.

Found guilty after a four-day trial. Handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life. DS Paul Harrison commented on the family's bravery and the devastating impact on the victim and her family.

Sources: wirralglobe.co.uk

Francis Constantine

Aggravated Burglary

June 9, 2024

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment plus an extended three years on licence

In December 2024, Francis Constantine and Jonjo Swaine used a fake Facebook account to lure the victim out of their home in Ellesmere Port while the victim was selling a car seat. Constantine forced entry into the address on Brooklyn Drive, threatened the victim's 13-year-old daughter with a knife, stating he would 'knock her out' if she came closer, and participated in the theft of a motocross bike before fleeing to Liverpool.

Jonjo Swaine

Burglary

June 9, 2024

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

In December 2024, Jonjo Swaine and Francis Constantine used a fake Facebook account to lure the victim out of their home in Ellesmere Port while the victim was selling a car seat. Swaine forced entry into the address on Brooklyn Drive, stole a motocross bike during the confrontation where Constantine threatened the victim's 13-year-old daughter with a knife, and then fled to Liverpool with the stolen item.

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