Chester Magistrates' Court Sentencing Results

Explore 32 verdicts at Chester Magistrates' Court (Chester, Chester). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Nozir Rahman

Refusal to carry assistance dog

September 10, 2025

Sentence: £580 fine, plus £80 victim surcharge and £300 costs

Nozir Rahman, a 31-year-old taxi driver from Chester, refused to carry assistance dogs for two blind customers in February 2025. The customers had booked a taxi via KingKabs to Chester Railway Station, explaining they had assistance dogs. Rahman arrived but declined to take the dogs and drove away, leading to a report to the Cheshire West and Chester Licensing Authority and his subsequent interview under caution.

Pleaded guilty to the offence. Gave three different reasons for not carrying the dogs and will be reviewed by the General Licensing Sub-Committee for fitness to continue as a licensed driver.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Darren O’Reilly

Burglary

September 1, 2025

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment

Darren O’Reilly entered the private quarters of the Peacock pub on Christleton Road, Boughton, on the afternoon of 28 August 2025. He accessed the office, took cash from the safe, and stuffed it into his backpack. He was spotted by staff, made an excuse about looking for a friend, and left. The incident was captured on the pub’s CCTV, which led to his identification through facial recognition software. He was detained by Merseyside Police on 29 August 2025 for another matter, and the stolen cash was recovered.

Pleaded guilty to burglary at the first opportunity. Caught via CCTV and facial recognition technology, as stated by PC Dan Malone.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Ellis Rigby

Theft from a motor vehicle

August 20, 2025

Sentence: 26 weeks imprisonment and a £154 court surcharge

Ellis Rigby, 23, broke into several vehicles and a commercial property in Latchford and Warrington between June 28 and August 10, 2025, stealing items such as makeup, washing products, bank cards, sunglasses, and cash. He used the stolen bank cards for transactions at various stores, was identified through CCTV footage and bank records, and was arrested on August 19, 2025.

Pleaded guilty to four counts of theft from a motor vehicle and one count of shoplifting.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

John Whitmore

Dangerous Driving

July 23, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment and a driving ban for 2 years and 6 months

John Whitmore, driving a Mazda 3 while disqualified and without insurance, was spotted in Crewe on June 23, 2025, during a police operation targeting illegal drivers. He panicked and led police on a high-speed chase, reaching speeds of 90mph in 70mph zones, driving through 30mph areas, going the wrong way around roundabouts, and forcing other motorists to take evasive action. The pursuit ended when he stalled at a roundabout. He tested positive for cannabis and was wanted for failing to appear in court for a previous driving offence.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving whilst disqualified, and driving without insurance. Police noted he panicked during the incident and chose the worst day possible for the offence, leading to a more severe sentence.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Paul Ince

Driving offense

July 23, 2025

Sentence: Driving ban

Paul Ince was involved in a driving-related offense that resulted in a ban.

Lucy Cleary

Assaulting an emergency worker

July 16, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order with 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days, £160 fine, £300 compensation to the police officer, £50 compensation to the pub, and 12-month exclusion from the Penny Black pub

On April 15, 2025, Lucy Cleary, 28, was ejected from the Penny Black pub in Northwich after an altercation with another customer. She returned, pushed the bar manager, threw drink glasses and chairs, narrowly missing customers, and continued the disturbance. When police arrived, she resisted arrest, pushed and punched a female officer several times to the head, causing a lump on the officer's eyebrow, before being subdued with PAVA spray.

Pleaded guilty to common assault, criminal damage, and assaulting an emergency worker. No prior convictions; judge noted she was of good character and gave full credit for the guilty plea, accepting her claim that she struck the officer once.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Matthew Cumpsty

Dangerous driving

July 16, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order, 200 hours unpaid work, and 16-month driving ban

Matthew Cumpsty was driving his Mercedes E220 while under the influence of cocaine. He jumped a red light at the junction of Vicars Cross Road and Green Lane in Chester on April 1, 2025, colliding with a JCB tractor pulling a tanker containing animal waste. The impact caused the 31-tonne tractor and tanker to crash into two houses, destroying their facades and rendering one structurally unsafe. No injuries were reported, but one householder fled in his pyjamas.

Admitted to drug driving and dangerous driving. Stated he has never been in trouble before and was devastated. Ordered to pay £199 in costs and a surcharge.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Daniel Gibson

Assault

July 10, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Daniel Gibson was involved in a brutal attack in a town centre, leading to his sentencing, though specific details about the incident, including what exactly happened, when it occurred, and other circumstances, are not provided in the text.

Andrew Griffiths

Drink driving

July 2, 2025

Sentence: Disqualified from driving for 25 months and up to five days of rehabilitation activity

Andrew Griffiths was driving an Audi car in Erbistock, Wrexham on May 11, 2025, when his alcohol level was above the legal limit. He was charged with driving a motor vehicle over the alcohol limit and convicted following a court hearing.

Will be subject to gross misconduct procedures. Ban can be reduced by 25 weeks if he completes an approved drink driving course by December 7, 2026.

Sources: dailypost.co.uk

Jonathan Heron

Burglary

June 6, 2025

Sentence: Six months imprisonment

Jonathan Heron broke into a fitness studio on Chester Way on June 1, 2025, and stole a small quantity of cash before fleeing the scene.

Brian Cooper

Breach of Criminal Behaviour Order

May 31, 2025

Sentence: 16 weeks in prison

On May 13, 2025, Brian Cooper entered a property in Blacon without permission, violating his five-year CBO that banned him from most of the Blacon area and certain accommodations.

Mike Amesbury

Assault

February 24, 2025

Sentence: 10 weeks imprisonment

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 Mr Fellows to the head, knocking him to the ground, then following him on to the road and punching him at least five times more. He was heard saying, 'You won’t threaten your MP again will you, you f****** soft lad?'

Pleaded guilty to assault. Judge stated an immediate custodial sentence was necessary as a punishment and a deterrent.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Sian Hughes

Actual Bodily Harm

September 6, 2024

Sentence: 12-month suspended sentence, 12 weeks imprisonment suspended, 1 week imprisonment suspended, 20 rehabilitation activity days, 60 hours unpaid work, 36-month driving ban, £500 compensation, £187 surcharge, and £85 costs

Sian Hughes, 37, of Thomas Kelly Grove in Great Sutton, crashed her car on the A51 in Chester on February 12 and 13, 2024. During the incident, she bit Sergeant Andrew Burrage's arm, causing a deep scar, and shouted that she had HIV, leading to physical and mental scarring for the officer. She also assaulted PC Rowan Burt and failed to provide a specimen for analysis. Hughes refused testing for HIV at the hospital, though she later denied having it to police. The incident was exacerbated by her history of domestic abuse and occurred on the anniversary of her grandfather's death.

Pleaded guilty to three charges; described as genuinely remorseful and emotional; incident linked to personal loss and self-medication with alcohol; magistrates noted the assault crossed the custody threshold but saw potential for rehabilitation.

Sources: wirralglobe.co.uk

Liam Mckay

Assault

August 29, 2024

Sentence: Fine of £1,033, surcharge of £413, costs of £85, and £250 compensation

Liam McKay, while intoxicated at a colleague's leaving party in Chester on August 11, 2024, struck the victim with one blow, knocking him to the ground and causing a significant head wound. He appeared in court and the matter was stood down for a pre-sentence report, highlighting his excessive drinking and work pressures.

Admitted assault; described as owner and head chef working long hours under pressure; incident seen as a wake-up call for alcohol use; magistrates noted he abused a position of trust and was lucky not to face more serious charges.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Jamie Smith

Driving while over the limit for a controlled drug

August 29, 2024

Sentence: £346 fine, £138 surcharge, £85 costs, and 28 months driving disqualification

Jamie Smith was stopped by police on three occasions between June 27 and July 8, 2024, at locations including a Red Row housing estate and the A55 near Chester, where he was found to smell strongly of cannabis and had red and bloodshot eyes. Blood samples showed THC levels ranging from 8 to 9.8 micrograms per litre, exceeding the legal limit of 2 micrograms per litre. He was charged with driving while over the limit for a controlled drug and possession of cannabis.

Pleaded guilty to the charges. Has ADHD and autism, and was a cannabis user following the loss of his father; has since stopped using cannabis and is attending counselling. Fully cooperative with police.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Craig Mckenzie Abbotson

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving

August 20, 2024

Sentence: £166 fine, £110 costs, and 6 penalty points on driving licence

Craig McKenzie Abbotson was caught using a hand-held mobile phone while driving a Land Rover on Congleton Road in Monks Heath on February 1, 2024. He claimed exceptional hardship would result from a driving ban, impacting his ability to support his family and maintain his business.

Pleaded guilty. Mitigating circumstances due to exceptional hardship, as losing his licence would affect family caring responsibilities and lead to loss of business and home.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

James Spencer

Using threatening or abusive words or behaviour

August 19, 2024

Sentence: Fined £276 plus £110 surcharge and £85 costs

On March 23, James Spencer and Megan Price boarded a train from Liverpool to Chester, brandished a zombie knife, and made threats to stab, kill, and rape a child during a video call, as well as to beat someone up, causing alarm to other passengers including children.

Pleaded guilty to using threatening or abusive words or behaviour. Has 11 previous convictions and was also sentenced for a prior public order offence.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Kieran Rowlands

Drug-driving

August 16, 2024

Sentence: 16 months driving disqualification and £360 fine

Kieran Rowlands was stopped by police twice in June 2024 for drug-driving offences. On June 9, he was driving a Vauxhall Insignia without insurance in Handa Road, Ellesmere Port, and tested positive for cocaine with a roadside swipe showing 800mcg per litre of blood. On June 19, he was driving a Vauxhall Combo van in Blacon Avenue with a deflated tyre, where police found a bag of cocaine in his vehicle and he tested positive for both cocaine and its residue, Benzoylecgonine.

Pleaded guilty. No previous convictions. Lost his job as a mechanic due to the offence. Fell into drug use because of family health issues and is now supported by his parents through recovery.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

John Armitage

Sexual Assault

August 15, 2024

Sentence: 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months

On November 1, 2024, John Armitage sexually assaulted a woman on a bus in Blacon, Chester. He grabbed her backside while intoxicated, leading to an argument and threats. The victim reported the incident, stating it caused her anxiety, vulnerability on public transport, and the need for medication, counselling, and leave from her university course and work.

Convicted at trial on July 25. Initially denied the offence but later apologised. The offence was aggravated by being drunk. Ordered to pay £250 compensation, register as a sex offender, complete 20 rehabilitation days, and comply with a 12-month restraining order not to contact the victim.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Shane Mcgarr

Possessing offensive weapons

August 6, 2024

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment

Shane McGarr was caught carrying a meat cleaver, an air pistol, and another knife on Crown Street in Warrington town centre on August 4, 2024. During a stop and search by Cheshire Police at 8.20pm, he assaulted a police officer and was found with a quantity of cannabis. He has previous convictions for possessing offensive weapons in public places.

Pleaded guilty to possessing a knife in a public place, possessing a loaded air weapon in public, assaulting a police constable, and possession of a controlled class B drug. Previous criminal record for weapon offences; mandatory minimum term due to prior convictions; no exceptional circumstances to avoid imprisonment.

Sources: warringtonguardian.co.uk

Elias Williams

Using threatening behaviour to provoke fear of violence

July 25, 2024

Sentence: Fined £120, ordered to pay £85 court costs, and a £48 victim surcharge

Elias Williams punched and kicked a man to the ground outside the Quayside pub on Witton Street in Northwich on February 1, 2024, which was his first night out after turning 18. The incident was captured on CCTV, and the victim was part of a group of men from Northwich. Williams was with a woman at the time and was later arrested at the Witton Chimes pub. The victim did not come forward, so the extent of injuries is unknown.

Pleaded guilty to the charge. No previous convictions; incident occurred after consuming alcohol and not taking ADHD medication. The chairman of the bench described it as an unsavoury incident and hoped it would not be repeated.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Sandra Taker

Causing death by careless driving

July 18, 2024

Sentence: 16 weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years, and banned from driving for 12 months

Sandra Taker was driving a Toyota Rav-4 that pulled out into the path of Kenneth Harper's Citoren C3 on A56 Hoole Road in Chester on October 22, 2024, at around 5pm, causing a collision that resulted in Harper's death.

Paula Barlow

Being the owner in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury

July 18, 2024

Sentence: 12-month community order, 25 days of rehabilitation activity, and £500 compensation

Paula Barlow's XL Bully dog attacked Stephen Lewis during a chance meeting in Joan Bartlett Close/Marbury Gardens on August 15, 2023. Barlow was present and tried to restrain the 60kg dog, which caused significant physical injuries to Mr. Lewis's hands and psychological upset, including anxiety and the need for ongoing physiotherapy and medication. The incident had a profound impact on the victim and his family.

Found guilty after trial; no similar convictions for 10 years; attempted to restrain the dog; dog was euthanised in January 2024; judge noted she was not truly sorry and that owning the dog had benefited her life.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Mohammed Ashraf

Theft

July 16, 2024

Sentence: 4 weeks imprisonment

Mohammed Ashraf stole various items from Tesco Express on London Road, Alderley Edge, on July 15, and stole cheese and chocolate from Sainsbury's Local on Canute Place, Knutsford, on May 28. He has a history of similar thefts and was of no fixed address at the time.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of theft from a shop. The custodial sentence was due to his previous poor record. He was previously ordered to pay £273.20 in compensation for other thefts.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Aidan Callaghin

Dangerous Driving

June 30, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment, suspended for 3 years, 300 hours of unpaid work, and 2 years supervision

Aidan Callaghin led police on two high-speed chases, reaching speeds over 100mph on the A50 in Knutsford and Lymm. The first pursuit began on May 31, 2024, when he failed to stop for police on Tabley Road, accelerating in a silver Vauxhall Astra and overtaking vehicles while disregarding speed limits and solid white lines. He continued through residential areas, and the chase ended when his vehicle crashed into a police vehicle. A second incident occurred on June 1, 2024, where he again failed to stop, driving at excessive speeds, including 89mph in a 30mph area, until stopped by police tactics.

Pleaded guilty to two charges of dangerous driving and other traffic offences. Magistrates noted the offences are so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified, due to two counts of dangerous driving resulting in a collision with a police vehicle. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £187 victim surcharge.

Sources: warringtonguardian.co.uk

Ian James Mcintyre

Shoplifting

June 13, 2024

Sentence: 18 weeks imprisonment

Ian James McIntyre, a prolific shoplifter with no fixed abode in Crewe, targeted stores across Nantwich, Shavington, and Crewe, leading to his breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order.

Carl Edwards

Recklessly causing a public nuisance

June 10, 2024

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, 20 hours rehabilitation activity, £85 costs, and £154 victim surcharge

Carl Edwards initiated a six-hour stand-off with police outside the Portal in Ellesmere Port on March 17, 2024. He called 999, identifying himself and stating his intent to set himself on fire using a jerrycan of petrol and a lighter inside a white Vauxhall Insignia parked to block a car park on Wellington Road. He was protesting the Department for Work and Pensions removing his benefits and had additional items in the car, including other lighters, a box of matches, and a baseball bat. This caused the evacuation of the Portal, considerable disruption, and endangered emergency workers due to petrol vapours.

Pleaded guilty to the offences. Was in a mental health crisis, expressed genuine remorse, and has a light criminal record with three historical convictions. The court noted the seriousness of the incident but acknowledged he is now seeking help.

Sources: wirralglobe.co.uk

Jonathan Hughes

Driving while disqualified

June 6, 2024

Sentence: Extended driving ban until September 2026, fined £120, costs of £85, and victim surcharge of £48

Jonathan Hughes drove a car on April 30, 2024, while disqualified from driving until July 2026 and without insurance. He was spotted by police on Rossmore Road and Westminster Road, attempted to switch seats with the passenger upon being stopped, and gave a 'no comment' interview. At the time, he was helping a pregnant friend transport a second-hand washing machine.

Had 39 previous convictions including significant vehicle offences. Was recalled to prison and served four weeks. Defence stated he was helping a pregnant friend and drove a short distance foolishly.

Sources: wirralglobe.co.uk

Harry Newton-Jones

Drink-driving and drug-driving

May 27, 2024

Sentence: 4 months driving disqualification, £600 fine, £240 victim surcharge, and £85 costs

Harry Newton-Jones was found in the back of his broken-down vehicle on the A55 in Chester on February 22, 2024, with a breath alcohol reading of 83mcg per 100ml, more than twice the legal limit, and drugs in his system (cocaine at 25mcg per 100ml of blood and cannabis at 3.4mcg). Police also discovered six white bags of powder on his person. He had recently split from his partner, which led to his actions, and he works in construction seeking a promotion.

Pleaded guilty to all charges. Defendant is remorseful, has been drink and drugs free since the incident, and was described as a 'complete idiot' by his defence. Judge noted it was a serious offence requiring punishment to balance remorse and the threshold for disqualification.

Sources: wirralglobe.co.uk

Matthew Hill

Drink-driving

September 9, 2023

Sentence: Fined £500, £200 surcharge, £85 costs, and banned for 12 months

On August 17, Matthew Hill was driving at speed on the A55, weaving through traffic, and made a last-minute manoeuvre to exit the road. He was pulled over by police, who found him over the legal alcohol limit with a breath test reading of 57mcg per 100ml of breath. He was arrested and has no prior convictions.

Pleaded guilty to driving above the legal limit. No previous convictions. Described as a poor decision by his lawyer. The ban can be reduced by a quarter if he completes a drink-driving rehabilitation course by September 2026.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

Saman Kaderi

Possession of illegal cigarettes

August 20, 2023

Sentence: Fined £107, victim surcharge £42.80, and costs £817, totaling £966.80

On June 14, 2023, officers from Cheshire West Trading Standards and Cheshire Police inspected Kubus Mini Market at 20 Frodsham Street, Chester, where they discovered illegal cigarettes concealed behind a fob-activated shutter. The products included cigarettes without required health warnings and counterfeit items. This followed a test purchase that raised suspicions due to the low price of £5 for a pack of cigarettes.

As the director of SamK Foods Limited, which was also fined £6,600 for related offences. Councillor Stuart Bingham highlighted the risks of illegal tobacco to health and communities.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Benjamin Jones

Assault by beating

August 15, 2023

Sentence: Fined £586, costs of £85, surcharge of £234, and £50 compensation to victim

On July 26, 2023, Benjamin Jones, while drunk in the Red Door bar in St John Street, Chester, touched the head of a victim who has alopecia, leading to a confrontation. Door staff intervened, and outside the bar, Jones pushed the victim in the face, causing him to fall onto his partner and the floor, resulting in swelling. Jones was also abusive to police when they arrived, leading to his arrest.

Pleaded guilty to assault by beating and being drunk and disorderly. The chairman noted that the defendant's behaviour was wrong due to the victim's medical condition and self-consciousness.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

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