Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court Sentencing Results

Michael McQueen, aged 39, of no fixed address, was sentenced for a series of offences committed throughout the year. The court took multiple cases into account, including possession of cocaine and cannabis, criminal damage, harassment, assault, theft, possession of a weapon, and numerous assaults against emergency workers. He had been subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order since October 2024. In late September, he was seen on CCTV breaching the order on King Street and again a week later in the marketplace and Theatre Plain. During arrests he was abusive and threatening, spat at a police car, bent back an officer's fingers, kicked two officers, and swore in front of members of the public. His violent behaviour continued in custody.

Steven Woolger was caught on undercover camera footage repeatedly kicking pigs and hitting them with a pitchfork and a plastic pipe while working at a boar stud farm in Burgh Castle, Norfolk. The mistreatment occurred between May and September 2024. He admitted four offences of causing unnecessary suffering to pigs and four charges of failing to ensure their welfare needs.

Gary Lanchester, 38, of Great Yarmouth, sent 1,246 threatening and abusive emails to NHS staff between January and May 2025, after being released from prison for similar offences. The emails, sometimes as frequent as every two minutes, demanded medication and immediate GP contact. When demands were not met, he threatened to stab workers, throw acid, and harm staff, and stated he would take his own life. Between March and May 2026 he continued sending abusive emails despite warnings. He was charged with two counts of sending communications threatening death or serious harm for messages sent on 29–31 May 2025, and admitted those and additional offences.

During an unannounced inspection in January, Environmental Health officers found a widespread mouse infestation in the kitchen and bar area of To No Trabalho restaurant in Regent Street, Great Yarmouth. Mice droppings were on shelves with cutlery, bar counter, food storage and bowls. There was broken glass, rotting food, debris, unclean surfaces, black mould and grease buildup. An ice machine had yellow slime. A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice closed the restaurant for 12 days until issues were resolved. A follow-up inspection showed improvement, and it received a Food Hygiene Rating of four, but the business has since ceased trading.

Kelly Utting failed to ensure the welfare of a miniature dachshund, which was found in December 2023 in a barely conscious, hypothermic and emaciated state, with its ribs, spine and pelvic bones visible. The dog was rushed to a Suffolk vet by a relative but was beyond recovery and had to be euthanised. The court found the animal had endured prolonged pain and extreme weight loss over a long period due to neglect.

Antony Clifton carried out gas work at a home in Drayton, Norwich, in January 2022 while suspended from the Gas Safe Register and falsely claimed to be a member. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that he had left a gas escape on the inlet to a cooker he had fitted the day before, requiring emergency repair work. He admitted breaching gas safety regulations.

During an unannounced inspection in January, Environmental Health officers found a widespread mouse infestation in the kitchen and bar area of To No Trabalho restaurant in Regent Street, Great Yarmouth. Mice droppings were on shelves with cutlery, bar counter, food storage and bowls. There was broken glass, rotting food, debris, unclean surfaces, black mould and grease buildup. An ice machine had yellow slime. A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice closed the restaurant for 12 days until issues were resolved. A follow-up inspection showed improvement, and it received a Food Hygiene Rating of four, but the business has since ceased trading.

Daniel Kilty failed to ensure the welfare of a miniature dachshund, which was found in December 2023 in a barely conscious, hypothermic and emaciated state, with its ribs, spine and pelvic bones visible. The dog was rushed to a Suffolk vet by a relative but was beyond recovery and had to be euthanised. The court found the animal had endured prolonged pain and extreme weight loss over a long period due to neglect.