Chester Crown Court Sentencing Results

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

Wayne Hassall

Sexual assault

November 11, 2024

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

Wayne Hassall, 59, sexually assaulted a girl on his farm in Utkinton, Tarporley, Cheshire in 2021. The victim was about to feed horses when he suddenly kissed her, told her he loved her, and sexually assaulted her. She confided in her mother. While under investigation, Hassall fled to the Philippines in March 2022, where he got married and remained until arrested at Manchester Airport in August 2024 upon his return to the UK. A warrant for his arrest was issued in 2022.

Denied sexual assault but was convicted by a jury after trial. Made subject to a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years and ordered to sign on the Sex Offenders' Register. Judge Recorder Michelle Brown stated he left the country to avoid prosecution and that the victim has been significantly affected, blaming herself but fault lying entirely with him.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Lee Bailey

Rape

October 31, 2024

Sentence: 16 years imprisonment

Lee Bailey, 33, of Alvanley Road, Great Sutton, Ellesmere Port, raped and assaulted two women. In February 2021, the first victim reported harassment leading to a non-molestation order, and later disclosed rape where Bailey coerced her into sex and left her on a country lane without a phone. In August 2022, the second victim reported that Bailey raped and assaulted her after a night out when she was intoxicated and unable to consent, stamping on her head. Bailey breached bail conditions and the non-molestation order by attempting to coerce victims into retracting statements. He was convicted after a trial in September 2024.

Found guilty following a nine-day trial. Convicted of rape, attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behaviour. Described as a danger to women with no regard for others' welfare.

Sources: liverpoolecho.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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Faysul Alam

Burglary

June 3, 2024

Sentence: 9 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years, 20 days rehabilitation activities, and 250 hours unpaid work

Faysul Alam participated in a stealing spree, stealing from The Indian in Northwich and The Royal Oak in Walsall. On March 1, he stole alcohol, cash, and an industrial blender worth approximately £820 from The Indian in Northwich. The Royal Oak burglary occurred in August 2024. He was arrested on March 26 after police stopped a red Vauxhall Insignia on Holmes Chapel Road, where he was found in possession of a balaclava, crowbar, and screwdriver, and was driving on a provisional licence without insurance.

Pleaded guilty to charges including theft and driving offences. Also convicted of two counts of driving without a licence and two counts of driving without insurance. Sentenced by Judge Steven Everett, the Honorary Recorder of Chester.

Sources: warringtonguardian.co.uk

Bradley Axford

Possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs

June 3, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment, suspended for 2 years, plus 30 days of rehabilitation activities and 150 hours of unpaid work

Bradley Axford was stopped by police on London Road for riding a bicycle through a red light in January 2023. He attempted to flee but was apprehended on Northwich Road. A search revealed he possessed cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis, ketamine, cash, a contact book, and a mobile phone, indicating involvement in drug dealing.

Pleaded guilty to four counts of possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs. Has previous convictions for possession of prohibited substances and weapons. Ordered to surrender £230 in ill-gotten gains and related items.

Sources: warringtonguardian.co.uk

Mohammed Alam

Burglary

June 3, 2024

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years, 20 days rehabilitation activities, and 200 hours unpaid work

Mohammed Alam participated in a stealing spree, targeting Indian restaurants. On March 1, he stole alcohol, cash, and an industrial blender worth approximately £820 from The Indian in Northwich. On March 22, he stole four barrels of beer worth around £740 from Anmol in Warrington. He was arrested on March 26 after police stopped a red Vauxhall Insignia on Holmes Chapel Road, where he was found in possession of a balaclava, crowbar, and screwdriver.

Pleaded guilty to charges related to the stealing spree. Sentenced by Judge Steven Everett, the Honorary Recorder of Chester.

Sources: warringtonguardian.co.uk

Macauley Coutts

Burglary

June 2, 2024

Sentence: 40 months imprisonment

Macauley Coutts burgled a property on Blakeley Lane in Mobberley on March 4 by smashing the back doors to gain entry between 9.40am and 6pm while the residents were out. He searched every room and stole spare keys to two Audi vehicles and two watches. His blood was discovered at the scene, leading to forensic matching and his eventual arrest on April 11 after evading police.

Pleaded guilty to burglary. Blood found at the scene led to his identification.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Llewellyn Parry-Jones

Dangerous Driving

June 2, 2024

Sentence: 19 months imprisonment

On May 3, Llewellyn Parry-Jones was driving a white van while disqualified and without a licence or insurance. He was reported for drink-driving, tailgated a car, collided slowly with a pedestrian, drove around stationary cars in Vicar's Lane towards Little John Street nearly causing a crash, resisted arrest by reversing into a squad car, and was found with cannabis. He gave a breath test reading of 63mcg per 100ml, nearly twice the legal limit.

Pleaded guilty early. Judge labelled his defence as a pack of lies. Mitigating factors included the fourth anniversary of his father's death and the impact on his long-term partner, who has mental health issues.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

Bradley Walsh

Conspiracy to Supply Drugs

May 30, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment, suspended for 1.5 years

Bradley Walsh was involved in a drugs conspiracy as a street-level supplier of cannabis, cocaine, and ecstasy. The conspiracy operated for three years from March 2020 and was part of the 'DMO' drug line, which was stopped by Cheshire Police. He supplied Class A and Class B drugs around Cheshire, leading to his arrest and sentencing.

Admitted three counts of conspiring to supply cannabis, cocaine, and ecstasy. Sentence includes 20 days of rehabilitation activities and 150 hours of unpaid work, as ordered by Judge Steven Everett.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Alfred Brereton

Criminal damage

May 2, 2024

Sentence: Imprisonment

Alfred Brereton drove a tractor at a police car, causing more than £10,000 worth of damage, as reported in the article.

David Elliot Shuttleworth

Negligence under health and safety law

February 27, 2024

Sentence: fined £6,500 and 250 hours of unpaid community service

David Elliot Shuttleworth, as a director of Flip Out Chester, oversaw operations where customers, including children, were injured using the Tower Jump feature. Between December 2016 and February 2017, 270 injuries occurred, including 11 spinal injuries requiring surgery and various other harms like facial and dental injuries, due to negligence in addressing safety risks despite daily incidents.

Pleaded guilty to a single count of negligence under health and safety law. Judge Michael Leeming noted a 'cavalier' approach to safety and that the sentence was less than many hoped for.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Matthew Melling

Negligence under health and safety law

February 27, 2024

Sentence: fined £6,300 and 250 hours of unpaid community service

Matthew Melling, as a director of Flip Out Chester, failed to mitigate safety risks at the trampoline park. From December 2016 to February 2017, 270 customers were injured, with 11 suffering life-changing spinal injuries and others experiencing facial and other harms, due to the unsafe Tower Jump feature.

Pleaded guilty to a single count of negligence under health and safety law. Judge Michael Leeming noted that the defendants were negligent rather than deliberate, and both had been chastened by the process.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Nathan Bake

Facilitating child sexual exploitation

February 14, 2024

Sentence: 16 years imprisonment

Nathan Bake, a 28-year-old car mechanic from Runcorn, Cheshire, served as second-in-command of a dark web site called The Annex, which had nearly 90,000 users worldwide and facilitated the sharing of extreme child abuse images, including 'hurtcore' involving violence against babies and toddlers. He moderated the site under the username 'Pink', answered user queries, offered advice on evading detection, and was involved in other sites like Lolita's Paradise. Following his arrest in November 2022, authorities recovered over 3.6 million indecent images from his devices, along with children's tights, underwear, and sandals at his home. The site was a sophisticated operation with staff shifts and meetings, and Bake rose through the ranks after the previous head moderator's arrest in May 2022.

Pleaded guilty to 12 offences related to moderating and creating sites on the dark web for sharing child abuse material. Judge Patrick Thompson considered him a dangerous offender and ordered an extended licence period of four years. He was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at age 16 and has converted to Islam, finding some peace in scriptures.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Alice Wood

Murder

February 2, 2024

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 18 years

Alice Wood, 24, murdered her fiance Ryan Watson, 24, by deliberately driving her Ford Fiesta at him after an argument following a party in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent on May 6, 2022. The incident occurred near their home in Rode Heath, Cheshire, where Wood reversed aggressively towards Watson, struck him, and then drove at him again, dragging him under the car for 158 metres, resulting in his death. She claimed it was a tragic accident but was convicted based on CCTV footage and evidence of her losing her temper.

Pleaded not guilty but was found guilty by a jury. Judge Michael Leeming stated she used her car as a weapon, showed no true remorse, and was over the drink-drive limit.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Matthew Turner

Burglary

January 26, 2024

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years

Matthew Turner, a 24-year-old decorator employed by a trusted firm, stole three watches worth more than £30,000 from the Duke of Westminster's bedroom at Eaton Hall near Chester in August 2022 while carrying out renovation work. The items included a Cartier London Tank JC watch worth £18,000, a Panerai Luminor Marina watch worth £7,000, and a Breitling watch worth £7,000, which held sentimental value as it was a gift from the duke's late father and mother. One watch was recovered after being spotted on an auction site, but the other two were not; Turner was motivated by drug debts and refused to disclose their location.

Pleaded guilty to burglary; was addicted to cocaine at the time; judge noted he escaped prison 'by the skin of his teeth' and ordered 200 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of rehabilitation activity; also admitted a separate theft offence.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Mike Swarbrick

Supply of Class A drugs

November 28, 2023

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

On Saturday, December 30, 2023, Mike Swarbrick was involved in a dispute in Chester city centre at around 3am and left the scene in a taxi. Police traced him to his home in Nearne Place, Ellesmere Port, where they discovered a large cannabis farm, cash, and a quantity of cocaine. Tests revealed traces of his DNA on the drugs, and mobile phones showed messages indicating his active involvement in the sale of illegal drugs. He was arrested and charged.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs (cocaine), production of Class B drugs (cannabis) and possession of Class A drugs (cocaine). Initially denied involvement but later admitted guilt.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

David Norbury

Breach of sexual harm prevention order and sex offenders register

November 25, 2023

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

David Norbury, a 52-year-old sex offender from Shores Green Drive in Wincham, failed to notify police of his online alias 'TrendyBear109758' as required by the sex offenders register. He also breached a sexual harm prevention order by entering and remaining at an address with a child under 16 between June 25 and August 27, 2023. This is his second breach of an SHPO in three years; previously, he received an eight-week sentence for deleting his internet search history.

Pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the sex offenders register and breaching a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO). Judge Patrick Thompson stated that due to the seriousness of the offences, only a custodial sentence could be justified. 4 months for failing to comply with notification requirements, consecutive to 20 months for breaching SHPO.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Richard Webb

Indecent assault on a child

November 20, 2023

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Richard Webb sexually abused his victim over the course of six years, with the first incident occurring in the 1990s. The abuse involved six counts of indecent assault on a child, leading to the victim disassociating from her childhood and suffering long-term emotional trauma.

Found guilty after a four-day trial. The victim reported that the abuse ruined her life and she will forever be trying to deal with it. Police praised the victim's bravery in coming forward.

Sources: wiltshirelive.co.uk

Russell Wilcox

Possession of prohibited firearms

November 10, 2023

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

Police executed a warrant at Russell Wilcox's home address in Longridge, Knutsford, on August 29, 2023, where they seized four sawn-off shotguns along with ammunition. Wilcox, aged 52, was arrested at the scene.

Pleaded guilty to being in possession of four firearms of a length less than 60cm. Ordered to pay £187 victim surcharge. Remanded in custody since first court appearance on September 1 due to the seriousness of the offence.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Georgia Bilham

Sexual Assault

August 18, 2023

Sentence: 24-month community order, 150 hours of unpaid work, 35 rehabilitation days, restraining order for 5 years, sign sex offenders' register for 5 years, and sexual harm prevention order for 5 years

Georgia Bilham created a false online Snapchat persona named George Parry to deceive a short-sighted teenager into believing she was a man. She maintained this deception by wearing a hood to hide her identity and claimed paranoia due to alleged involvement with gangsters. On May 11, 2021, she crashed a car while with the victim and was convicted of sexually assaulting the teenager by kissing her, as the victim had not given true consent due to the deception.

Judge Michael Leeming stated she took advantage of the complainant's naivety and that she presented as a boy to deceive the victim. She was cleared of other charges but expressed regret for her actions.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Arif Patel

Fraud and money laundering

April 1, 2023

Sentence: 31 years in prison

Arif Patel, a 57-year-old from Preston, Lancashire, ran a scam through his company Faisaltex Ltd, involving chains of fake business transactions to steal VAT repayments on false exports of textiles and mobile phones. He also imported and sold counterfeit clothes worth at least £50 million if genuine. The fraud funded a £90 million property empire across the UK and overseas, and he fled to Dubai in 2011.

Masterminded a carousel tax fraud gang; convicted in absence; confiscation order for £90,503,211 and assets including properties and a Ferrari.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Mohamed Jaffar Ali

Fraud and money laundering

April 1, 2023

Sentence: 31 years in prison

Mohamed Jaffar Ali, 61, from Dubai, assisted in the fraud and money laundering operations by handling finances as part of Arif Patel's gang, which involved carousel fraud to evade VAT on false exports and imports of textiles, mobile phones, and counterfeit goods.

Co-accused and financial enabler for Arif Patel; convicted in absence; subject to confiscation order for £677,000.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Christopher Guest More

Murder

January 1, 2021

Sentence: Life imprisonment

Christopher Guest More murdered Brian Waters, a cannabis dealer, at Burnt House Farm near Knutsford, Cheshire, in 2003, in front of Waters' children Natalie (21) and Gavin (25). Waters was tortured over a £20,000 drug debt owed to John Wilson. More's wife Julie was abducted from their home. More had befriended Wilson, believing him to be a police informant, and located the cannabis farm by following Waters' son. He fled using a fake identity, living in South Africa, Mozambique, Turkey, and Malta.

Extradited from Malta in 2019 after 16 years on the run. Convicted of murder.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Barry Bennell

Child sexual abuse

February 1, 2018

Sentence: 34 years imprisonment

Barry Bennell abused young footballers he coached by inviting them to stay at his home, with incidents occurring between 1979 and 1992. He targeted boys aged nine to 14, including acts of indecent assault and sexual abuse while associated with football clubs like Manchester City and Crewe Alexandra.

Pleaded guilty to multiple counts of sexual offences against children. He was convicted on five separate occasions and is currently serving his sentence at HMP Littlehey.

Sources: dailymail.co.uk

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