Kingston Upon Hull Crown Court Sentencing Results

January 2025 7 cases

Nelson Joel

Conspiracy to rob *

Sentence

3 years and 3 months imprisonment

Member of an organised crime group responsible for at least 13 robberies at EE mobile phone shops across London between September and November 2024. The group used threats of violence to force staff to open secure stock rooms, stealing high-value mobile phones and devices worth £240,000 in total. Identified through CCTV, forensic evidence, DNA, call data, and vehicle records. Arrested during preparation for further offences on 19 November 2024 in Kilburn.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob. Age 28 at time of sentencing.

30 Jan 2025

Michael Babo

Conspiracy to rob *

Sentence

6 years and 10 months imprisonment

Member of an organised crime group responsible for at least 13 robberies at EE mobile phone shops across London between September and November 2024. The group used threats of violence to force staff to open secure stock rooms, stealing high-value mobile phones and devices worth £240,000 in total. Identified through CCTV, forensic evidence, DNA, call data, and vehicle records. Arrested during preparation for further offences on 19 November 2024 in Kilburn.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob. Age 25 at time of sentencing.

30 Jan 2025

James Adodo

Conspiracy to rob *

Sentence

10 years imprisonment

Member of an organised crime group responsible for at least 13 robberies at EE mobile phone shops across London between September and November 2024. The group used threats of violence to force staff to open secure stock rooms, stealing high-value mobile phones and devices worth £240,000 in total. Identified through CCTV, forensic evidence, DNA, call data, and vehicle records. Arrested during preparation for further offences on 19 November 2024 in Kilburn.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob. Age 24 at time of sentencing.

30 Jan 2025

Robert Hills

Conspiracy to rob *

Sentence

5 years and 3 months imprisonment

Member of an organised crime group responsible for at least 13 robberies at EE mobile phone shops across London between September and November 2024. The group used threats of violence to force staff to open secure stock rooms, stealing high-value mobile phones and devices worth £240,000 in total. Identified through CCTV, forensic evidence, DNA, call data, and vehicle records. Arrested during preparation for further offences on 19 November 2024 in Kilburn.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob. Age 21 at time of sentencing.

30 Jan 2025

Thomas Loring

Conspiracy to rob and burgle *

Sentence

14 years imprisonment

Thomas Loring, along with James Dixon, carried out a series of burglaries in Greater London between March and June 2024. This involved a violent attack on March 26, 2024, at a Chelsea jewellery store, where Loring used a sledgehammer to smash displays and steal items worth up to £365,000, after striking victims including Ian Towning. They also attempted robberies on cash-in-transit workers, a Post Office, and a Poundland, often using stolen vehicles and weapons.

Convicted after a trial for conspiring to rob and conspiring to burgle. Had 23 previous convictions for 53 offences, including 26 theft-related and one against a person.

23 Jan 2025

James Dixon

Conspiracy to rob and burgle *

Sentence

17 years extended prison sentence

James Dixon, along with Thomas Loring, participated in a campaign of burglaries across Greater London between March and June 2024. This included a violent robbery at a Chelsea jewellery store on March 26, 2024, where Dixon used a clawhammer to strike a security guard and Ian Towning, stealing antiques and jewellery worth up to £365,000. They also targeted cash-in-transit workers, a Post Office, a Poundland, and other locations, using weapons and face coverings. Dixon punched victims and fled in getaway vehicles.

Pleaded guilty to conspiring to rob and conspiring to burgle. Offending committed while on licence for a previous offence. Had 26 previous convictions for 50 offences, including 30 theft-related and seven against a person.

23 Jan 2025

Micaela Anderson-Letts

Animal welfare offences *

Sentence

24 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, 300 hours unpaid work, up to 20 days rehabilitative activity, and banned from owning animals

Micaela Anderson-Letts left 35 puppies and a dog in a dilapidated caravan in Eastbourne, East Sussex, in July 2021, where the animals were covered in faeces, without food or water, leading to the death of one dachshund puppy from starvation and dehydration. She also faked importation documents for under-age puppies and sold them without a licence, potentially earning £173,000, while misleading buyers. Additionally, police found two dead pigs and other pigs in poor conditions at her home in Surbiton during Covid lockdown in May 2020. She had previously been issued an animal banning order but disregarded it.

The judge considered her responsibilities for a young child and her mother, along with evidence of autism and previous good character, leading to a suspended sentence despite the severity of the offences.

8 Jan 2025

December 2024 6 cases

Mark Moran

Conspiracy to import cocaine *

Sentence

15 years imprisonment

Mark Moran, 24, from Argyll and Bute in Scotland, was involved in purchasing a VW Touareg with a tow bar and a boat from Humber RIBS in Hull, which was used in an unsuccessful smuggling attempt. He sailed the boat with Didier Reyes to collect the cocaine and unloaded it on a beach near Easington in East Yorkshire in May 2024. The drugs, weighing 524 kilograms, were found in a hire van in a pub car park in Lelley.

Convicted by a jury after an eight-day trial.

23 Dec 2024

Daniel Livingstone

Conspiracy to import cocaine *

Sentence

7 years and 9 months imprisonment

Daniel Livingstone, 25, from Argyll and Bute in Scotland, was waiting at the scene in East Yorkshire, shining a torch out to sea and talking on his mobile phone before the boat approached. He was involved in the operation where over 500kg of cocaine was unloaded on a beach near Easington and transferred to a van in a pub car park in Lelley in May 2024.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import cocaine.

23 Dec 2024

Damian Driver

Causing grievous bodily harm *

Sentence

21 months imprisonment

Damian Driver, 32, of Hull, viciously attacked a man in a Bridlington bar on January 13, 2024, during a fight that escalated from initial amicability. He repeatedly pummelled the victim in the head and face with 15 to 18 blows, fracturing his eye socket, causing blood behind the left eye, and severe concussion requiring a metal plate insertion. The victim had no memory of the attack and feared lasting effects or death. Driver fled with an associate and was already serving a four-year sentence for prior violent offences at the time.

Pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm. Has a long history of serious violence, including prior convictions for assaulting his sister and ex-girlfriend. Judge warned that continued attacks could lead to killing someone. Sentence to run consecutive to existing 4-year sentence.

22 Dec 2024

Cavan Medlock

Making a threat to kill and the preparation of terrorist acts *

Sentence

indefinite hospital order

Cavan Medlock, 32, of Harrow, targeted solicitor Toufique Hossain at Duncan Lewis law firm in Harrow, north-west London, on September 7, 2020. He arrived with a rucksack containing a six-inch combat knife, handcuffs, gaffer tape, and large Confederate and Nazi flags. He demanded to see Mr Hossain, threatened to kill him, and assaulted receptionist Ravindran Tharmalangam, who disarmed him despite being punched and kicked. Other staff restrained Medlock until police arrived. He admitted to police that he intended to take Mr Hossain hostage to rally nationalists against supporters of Black Lives Matter and expressed National Socialist views, including support for Hitler. The attack was driven by his terrorist ideology and mental ill health.

Found not fit to stand trial due to mental disorder; judge described him as a very dangerous man with deep-seated racist views, prepared to use violence; represented by Graham Arnold via video link.

12 Dec 2024

Richard Clabby

Assaulting a police officer *

Sentence

£500 fine

Richard Clabby, 44, of Grangeside Avenue, Hull, assaulted a police officer during an incident at his new partner's home on September 6, 2024. While decorating work was ongoing, a helpline was accidentally activated, prompting police arrival. Officers mistakenly assumed the woman was Clabby's ex-wife, linked to his prior offences. Clabby became frustrated when his explanations were not accepted, despite confirmation from the woman. He requested a cigarette to calm down but was refused and handcuffed. He turned aggressively towards an officer but did not bite. This breach referred from Hull Magistrates Court where he was initially fined £1,000 with £85 costs on September 29, 2024.

Admitted breaching a 14-month suspended sentence from January 16, 2024, and assaulting a police officer on September 6, 2024. Unusual circumstances considered; warned that further offending will lead to activation of suspended sentence.

5 Dec 2024

Deniss Mandruks

Sexual assault *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Deniss Mandruks, 26, deliberately targeted and stalked a woman in a crowded pub in Hull city centre for approximately 20 minutes after consuming four or five pints of beer. He entered the pub at 1.11am, was asked to leave twice due to obnoxious, loud, and aggressive behaviour towards women, but returned. While the woman was dancing, he positioned himself very close to her, stared at her on four occasions, and followed her to the bar at around 1.30am where he intimately touched her inappropriately. The incident occurred in the early hours, leaving the victim feeling distressed, shocked, preyed upon, powerless, and unsafe, with a profound ongoing effect. Mandruks, originally from Latvia and a Russian speaker, was employed in a well-paid engineering role in Hull at the time. He was arrested on 31st August upon returning from Latvia at Leeds Bradford Airport and held in custody since 2nd September.

Found guilty following a trial at Hull Magistrates' Court. Required to register as a sex offender for 10 years. Expressed remorse regarding the effect on the victim despite denying the charge. Previously clean record. Plans to return to Latvia upon release as he has no right to remain in the UK.

3 Dec 2024

November 2024 8 cases

Michael Charlton

Strangulation and Stalking *

Sentence

2 years and 3 months imprisonment

On January 1, 2024, during New Year's festivities in Bridlington, Michael Charlton, 48, suffocated his girlfriend with a pillow after an argument, dragged her out of the house in her underwear, and slammed the door. She hid in the garden shed, but he forced entry with a crowbar and strangled her, causing her to fear for her life. He continued stalking her until March 1, 2024, breaching bail by contacting her and ambushing her at work, leading her to quit her job and change her life drastically.

Pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation and stalking. Judge John Thackray KC described the attack as prolonged and persistent. Issued a 10-year restraining order. Prior caution for assault in December 2023.

24 Nov 2024

Owen Batty

Causing unnecessary suffering to animals under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 *

Sentence

26-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months, 10-year ban on keeping animals, 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days, 150 hours unpaid work, £400 costs, £154 victim surcharge

Owen Batty caused unnecessary suffering to two bully breed puppies, Major and Ghost, by failing to provide prompt veterinary treatment for their injuries. Major, a five-month-old male, suffered head wounds and was in a poor state when brought to a vet in November 2022, after enduring pain for at least five days; he had to be put to sleep. Batty had treated a skin infection with antiseptic ointment but delayed professional care. Ghost, a 13-week-old, had a confirmed spiral fracture of the right hind leg from falling off the bed, suffering for three days due to non-adherence to veterinary advice on pain management and care; he was seized by police and later put to sleep as an XL Bully. Batty neglected routine healthcare like vaccinations and worming, and failed to implement safeguards to prevent injuries.

Pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Cannot challenge disqualification for 5 years.

20 Nov 2024

Lewis Millson

Controlling and coercive behaviour *

Sentence

16-month suspended prison sentence, 60-day alcohol abstinence monitoring order, 20 days' rehabilitation, £1,000 compensation, 10-year restraining order

Lewis Millson, 33, of Thurlstone Close, Bransholme, Hull, engaged in controlling and coercive behaviour towards a woman he had known for 15 years, starting a romantic relationship in early 2023. After moving in together, he repeatedly hurled abuse, made threats, assaulted her, and caused property damage between October 1, 2023, and April 7, 2024. Incidents included damaging a light switch and punching a wardrobe panel that fell on her in October 2023; waving a bread knife close to her face, snagging her jumper, putting her in a headlock, and trapping her shoulder in a door in November 2023; shattering a glass partition wall with blood splatters; grabbing her arms, pulling her onto a bed, headbutting and punching walls, and throwing her phone. After release from custody, he sent distressing messages despite no-contact conditions. In March and April 2024, he squeezed her arms and launched tirades of abuse. His heavy drinking exacerbated the aggressive behaviour, leaving the victim with lasting trauma, depression, panic attacks, nightmares, and forcing her to abandon her home.

Pleaded guilty on the day of a scheduled trial. Previous conviction for assaulting police in January 2013. Exemplary work record and references provided. Judge noted conduct intended to maximise fear and distress, systematic over a long period, exacerbated by alcohol.

17 Nov 2024

Larry Fraser

Non-residential burglary *

Sentence

13 months imprisonment

Larry Fraser committed a smash-and-grab burglary at the Grove Gallery in Fitzrovia, London, on 8 September 2024, stealing a signed 2004 print of Banksy's 'Girl with Balloon' valued at £270,000. He used a hammer to force entry through the glass doors, concealing his identity with a mask, gloves, and hooded jacket. The theft was captured on CCTV, and he was seen loading the artwork into a van before fleeing. He was arrested at his home in Beckton on 11 September 2024, charged the next day, and the artwork was recovered on 12 September 2024 from the Isle of Dogs.

Pleaded guilty to one count of non-residential burglary.

14 Nov 2024

Leon Stark

Robbery *

Sentence

20 days' rehabilitation and six-month monitoring order

Leon Stark, 19, of Everest Road, Scunthorpe, and Kian Daly, 20, of Baysgarth View, Barton-upon-Humber, targeted a teenage cannabis dealer during a drugs exchange in a parkland area of Scunthorpe between May 27 and June 10, 2023. They planned to rob him from the outset. Stark filmed the confrontation on his phone while smirking as Daly threatened the victim with a knife to his belly, demanding money, two vapes, and two metal neck chains (valued at £400 but bought for £10). The victim handed over £8 cash and the items out of fear of being stabbed. Stark did not produce the knife but participated by filming. They threatened 'war' if the victim told anyone. The video was posted online, leading to police involvement after the victim was persuaded to report it. Most items were returned except the vapes.

Sentence deferred for six months on May 1, 2024, to prove good behaviour; complied well and avoided custody as per Judge Mark Bury's warning. Prior convictions for public disorder, assault, and criminal damage. Showed immaturity at the time of the offence.

10 Nov 2024

Andrew Robson

Controlling and coercive behaviour; Assault causing actual bodily harm *

Sentence

2 years and 3 months imprisonment

Andrew Robson subjected his girlfriend to a two-year campaign of domestic abuse from March 4, 2023, to April 11, 2024, starting after seeing her ex-boyfriend at a rugby match. He became jealous and possessive, monitoring her mobile phone by altering passwords and holding it out of reach, installing a doorbell camera and five other cameras around her property (including rear garden and an Alexa device in her lounge to eavesdrop), bombarding her with texts demanding her whereabouts, scrutinising receipts, and questioning her makeup and nails. He turned violent by grabbing her arm, digging nails into her neck, biting her cheek, forcing his thumb into her eye, seizing her jacket and hurling her to the ground causing injuries. He threatened to kill her and dispose of her body undiscovered. The victim felt belittled, worthless, isolated, constantly watched, lost confidence, suffered anxiety, sleep and eating issues, and felt she would always be his victim.

Pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour and two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm. Judge John Thackray KC noted it was a campaign of domestic abuse over two years, involving jealousy, possessiveness, monitoring, violence, and a threat to kill. Issued a 10-year restraining order. Alcohol dependent, lost job, has a 17-year-old son.

10 Nov 2024

Ramy Abdelgader

Robbery *

Sentence

2.5 years in a young offenders' institution

On August 10, 2024, Ramy Abdelgader, 19, of Princes Avenue, west Hull, and two others confronted a young man leaving Atik nightclub in Hull city centre around 3am. The victim was walking down Princes Dock Street and filming the area. Abdelgader pushed him, questioned what he was filming, and repeatedly struck him to the head. He took the victim's mobile phone, which contained his driving licence, and passed it to the others. The group demanded £300 for its return. The victim followed and was punched again. He reported the incident to police after 4am, providing a description. Abdelgader was identified via CCTV and found with the driving licence. The victim suffered bruises, scratches, and swelling, and reported lasting psychological impact, including reluctance to go out in Hull city centre. He also lost house keys and a sentimental chain.

Pleaded guilty to robbery on the day of the scheduled trial. Prior convictions for grievous bodily harm and supplying Class A drugs. Breached a previous 11-month suspended sentence. Expressed remorse and was studying business at university.

8 Nov 2024

Mark Vaskouski

Murder *

Sentence

Jailed (specific details not provided)

Mark Vaskouski severely beat Anthony Ibbitson at his home in Hull and left him to die in a burning flat.

Severely beat Anthony Ibbitson at his home in Hull before fleeing as fire took hold.

7 Nov 2024

October 2024 4 cases

Leslie Gomm

Handling stolen goods *

Sentence

one-year conditional discharge

Leslie Gomm, 62, received stolen goods from his son Liam Middleton-Gomm's burglary of Damien Hirst's Thames Wharf Studios on 30 June 2024, at his property in Fulham, west London. The goods included items worth part of the £5,130 stolen haul, some of which were sold on and not recovered.

Pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods for his son's benefit. Had been in custody for three-and-a-half months before sentencing.

17 Oct 2024

Liam Middleton-Gomm

Burglary *

Sentence

32 months imprisonment

Liam Middleton-Gomm, 36, of no fixed abode, broke into Thames Wharf Studios in west London on 30 June 2024, attending on two occasions that evening. He smashed the window beside a fire exit, reached in to activate its shutter, and entered the building, stealing about £5,130 of goods including electronic items, clothing, multiple leather jackets being embellished, trousers, embroidered shirts, and a Dior pram with silver skulls on the wheels. Some property was taken to his father's property in Fulham and sold on, not recovered. He was caught via GPS data from his ankle tag (worn under licence conditions) and DNA at the scene.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of burgling Hirst's riverside studio. Had 39 previous convictions including multiple house burglaries. Sentenced for a number of other burglary-related offences. Judge commented on GPS tag worn during offences and appalling previous record as aggravating factor.

17 Oct 2024

Hewa Magari

Holding a person in slavery or servitude *

Sentence

8 years and 6 months imprisonment

Hewa Magari, 45, from Mitcham, trafficked eight Romanian nationals to the UK between November and December 2020, including a 15-year-old boy. He lured the victims with false promises of accommodation, fair pay, food and legitimate work, only to confine them to a small on-site room, force them to labour in his car wash and subject them to physical and psychological abuse. During the Covid lockdown, their ordeal worsened as they were confined to a shed on the premises and denied access to their travel documents. Officers attended the car wash after the 15-year-old victim contacted police and found two women in their 20s and five men aged in their teens, 20s and 30s, along with the boy, all living in a cramped on-site shed for months. One victim, a woman in her 20s, was hospitalised due to severe infections requiring multiple surgeries as a result of the neglect and conditions endured.

Found guilty of eight counts of holding a person in slavery or servitude. Also handed a 10-year Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Order.

17 Oct 2024

Michael Dann

Intentional suffocation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

Michael Dann, 40, of Park Avenue, west Hull, suffocated his girlfriend by diving on top of her and pushing down on her chest between March 31 and April 15, 2023, after she asked an innocent question about his son. She was unable to breathe or shout until he stopped due to a nosebleed. He admitted being on anabolic steroids, which he knew made him aggressive. On May 3, 2023, in Cottingham, during an argument in a van, he slammed the door on her foot, drove at speed, pulled her hair, hit her face causing a burst lip, put her in a headlock at traffic lights to prevent escape, and told her to walk home. The victim suffered considerable impact, including sleeping problems and fear for her life and children.

Convicted after trial at Hull Magistrates' Court on August 26. Pleaded not guilty. Seven prior convictions including assaults on previous partner. Assessed as low risk of reconviction. Seven-year restraining order imposed.

1 Oct 2024

August 2024 11 cases

Jackie Miller

Racially Aggravated Threatening Behaviour *

Sentence

Eight months imprisonment

Jackie Miller, 57, of South Garth, Little Weighton, shouted racist abuse at police, including repeated shouts about 'P***', and demanded officers address her broken car window on August 3, 2024.

Admitted using racially aggravated threatening words or behaviour.

31 Aug 2024

John Honey

Racially-aggravated criminal damage *

Sentence

4 years and 8 months imprisonment

John Honey was actively involved in the riots on August 3, 2024, in Hull, which were sparked by an anti-immigration rally and involved racist violence. He attacked a car by yanking open the passenger door and kicking it, threw missiles at police, smashed the window of a phone shop and entered it, and looted a Lush store, emerging with stolen gift boxes which he handed out to the crowd while wishing them 'Merry Christmas'.

Pleaded guilty to racially-aggravated criminal damage. Mitigation included his diagnosis of autism as a teenager.

31 Aug 2024

David Wilkinson

Racially-aggravated criminal damage and attempted arson *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

David Wilkinson participated in the riots on August 3, 2024, in Hull, which involved racist hate-fuelled mob violence. He wielded a chain to smash the windscreen of a car occupied by three Romanian men, attacked police officers elsewhere in the city centre, spat at them, and attempted to set alight a wheelie bin outside a garage where a family with young children was hiding amid cries of 'Kill them' and dense smoke from burning tyres.

Pleaded guilty to racially-aggravated criminal damage and attempted arson. Prior convictions may have been considered.

31 Aug 2024

Corey Holloway

Violent Disorder *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment

Corey Holloway, of Belmont Street, Scunthorpe, was involved in the riots on August 3, 2024, where he acted violently and aggressively towards police, threw a traffic cone at them, and propelled a refuse container towards police officers. He will spend his 21st birthday in a Young Offenders' Institution.

Was violent and aggressive towards police.

16 Aug 2024

John Nunan

Violent Disorder *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

John Nunan, 36, of Hermes Close, east Hull, was involved in the disorder in Ferensway on August 3, 2024, where he picked up a police riot shield, mockingly crouched behind it, threw multiple missiles at police, and pushed a bin towards them.

Became emotional during court proceedings, contrasting his behaviour in footage where he mocked police by crouching behind a riot shield and throwing objects.

16 Aug 2024

Steven Love

Violent Disorder *

Sentence

40 months imprisonment

Steven Love, 41, of Middleton Street, west Hull, participated in the violence in Ferensway on August 3, 2024, by hurling a blue wheelie bin at police, charging at them, and throwing missiles.

Was on licence for previous offences of affray and dangerous driving, had 49 previous offences on his record, and was injured by a police dog during the incident.

16 Aug 2024

Travis Whitelock

Violent Disorder *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Travis Whitelock, 23, of Brisbane Street, west Hull, participated in the disorder on August 3, 2024, by covering his face with a grey balaclava, throwing missiles at police, pushing a burning bin towards them, and kicking a moving police van.

Played a prominent role in the riots and had nine previous offences on his record.

16 Aug 2024

Connor Whiteley

Violent disorder *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment for violent disorder and 14 months for assault of an emergency worker, to run concurrently

Connor Whiteley, 26, of Spring Bank, west Hull, played a prominent role in horrifying racist mob violence in Hull city centre on August 3, 2024. He attempted to cover his face while charging at police officers, kicking a female police officer to the ground, throwing missiles, and damaging vehicles that had been set on fire. This occurred amidst widespread disorder involving threats to kill members of the public, including terrified children who were cowering nearby, as part of 12 hours of racist hate-fuelled violence.

Pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assault of an emergency worker. Described as a family man with mental health issues, but the judge stated this did not reduce his culpability. The offense was racially aggravated.

14 Aug 2024

Andrew Stewart

Violent disorder *

Sentence

2 years and 6 months imprisonment

Andrew Stewart participated in widespread violent disorder in Hull city centre on August 3, 2024, amid riots incited by far-right agitators. The disorder involved looting shops, starting fires on pavements, and causing significant damage, including to pavements and public property. He was part of a mob that contributed to the chaos following false social media claims about a stabbing incident in Southport.

Admitted violent disorder. Judge Mark Bury highlighted the financial cost to council tax payers from the riots.

9 Aug 2024

Christopher Douglas

Violent disorder *

Sentence

2 years and 8 months imprisonment

Christopher Douglas took part in violent disorder in Hull city centre on August 3, 2024, during riots fuelled by far-right groups. The events included looting of shops, setting fires on pavements, and attacking a police cordon, resulting in injuries to officers and extensive damage to public and private property, triggered by misinformation about a stabbing in Southport.

Admitted violent disorder and possession of cannabis. Judge Mark Bury noted the cost to council tax payers for repairs due to the riots.

9 Aug 2024

Brandon Kirkwood

Violent disorder *

Sentence

2 years and 6 months imprisonment

Brandon Kirkwood was involved in violent disorder on August 3, 2024, in Hull city centre, where riots led to looting, fires, and attacks on police. The unrest caused significant harm, including injuries to officers and destruction of pavements and shops, stemming from false online claims regarding a stabbing incident in Southport.

Admitted violent disorder. Judge Mark Bury emphasised the financial burden on the community from the riot damage.

9 Aug 2024

June 2024 5 cases

Claudiu Rizea

Sexual Assault *

Sentence

8 years and 3 months imprisonment

In the early hours of September 8, 2023, Claudiu Rizea approached an 18-year-old woman outside Euston station, offered her a cigarette, followed her to Westminster, attempted to hug and kiss her, exposed his genitals at Baker Street Underground station, tried to drag her out of the station to sexually assault her, grabbed her arms and hair in further attempts to drag her away, and continued to pursue her until she escaped, locked herself in a station toilet, and alerted British Transport Police, who arrested him.

Pleaded guilty to exposure and sexual assault. Placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

29 Jun 2024

Lawrence Pollard

Non-recent child sexual offences *

Sentence

16 years imprisonment

Lawrence Pollard, a 76-year-old resident of Front Street in Middleton on the Wolds, East Yorkshire, committed multiple child sexual offences in the 1970s against three vulnerable children, exploiting his position of trust. The case came to light after reports in 2018. He was found guilty on 15 out of 17 charges following a seven-day trial at Hull Crown Court and sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Pleaded not guilty but convicted on 15 out of 17 charges after a seven-day trial. Detective Constable Stephen Bromby described him as ‘abhorrent’ and praised the victims for their bravery in coming forward.

29 Jun 2024

Nicholas Mitchell

Conspiracy to kidnap *

Sentence

nine years imprisonment

Nicholas Mitchell, a member of a London-based gang, was involved in kidnapping a 36-year-old pregnant woman on 10 May 2024 outside her home in Enfield. The attackers seized her, bundled her into a van, tied her hands, and threatened her life and unborn child during phone calls to her partner demanding valuables. She escaped the vehicle and was later rescued.

Convicted after a six-week trial for conspiracy to kidnap.

3 Jun 2024

Audi Johnson

Conspiracy to kidnap *

Sentence

five years and four months imprisonment

Audi Johnson, a member of a London-based gang, was involved in the kidnapping of a 36-year-old pregnant woman on 10 May 2024 outside her home in Enfield. The victim was grabbed, thrown into a white Ford Transit van, bound with cable ties, and subjected to threats, including demands for money and jewellery communicated via phone calls to her partner. She managed to escape while alone in the van and sought safety.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap.

3 Jun 2024

Ahmad Ghiasi

Conspiracy to kidnap *

Sentence

seven years imprisonment

Ahmad Ghiasi, part of a London-based gang, participated in the kidnapping of a 36-year-old pregnant woman on 10 May 2024 near her Enfield home. The group grabbed her, forced her into a van, restrained her, and made threatening phone calls to her partner, demanding money and jewellery while threatening harm. The victim escaped and the suspects were identified through forensic evidence.

Convicted after a six-week trial for conspiracy to kidnap.

3 Jun 2024

April 2024 2 cases

Mark Fleming

Wounding and harassment *

Sentence

20-month suspended prison sentence, 120-day tagged alcohol abstinence order, 25 days' rehabilitation, £500 compensation, £150 costs, and a five-year restraining order

Mark Fleming, in a relationship with the victim for 36 years, pushed her during a confrontation in the kitchen on May 20, 2023, causing her to fall and cut her head on a door frame, resulting in significant bleeding. He then punched the wound, exacerbating the injury. The victim required hospital treatment with seven strips on her forehead. Additionally, between November 8 and 19, 2023, he harassed her with threatening messages and breached a non-molestation order on November 16, 2023, sending emails that included threats of death, leaving her scared to go out and causing significant mental distress.

Denied wounding but was convicted after a trial; admitted harassment and breaching a non-molestation order; judge described the assault as 'callous' and the messages as 'appalling'; has no previous convictions and showed genuine remorse.

8 Apr 2024

Joel Lorrell Simpson

Murder *

Sentence

Sentenced (specific details not provided)

Joel Lorrell Simpson stabbed David Hunt to death in Hull in June 2024.

Sentenced for the murder of David Hunt.

3 Apr 2024

March 2024 1 case

Patrick Taylor

Exposure *

Sentence

25 days' rehabilitation

On October 12, 2022, in the early evening, a woman walking along Anlaby Road in Hull with her mother and sister saw Patrick Taylor, naked in an upstairs window of a residential property, exposing himself and committing a sex act. She provided a full description and positively identified him. His sister also witnessed the incident. Taylor claimed it was a genuine mistake while getting dressed after a shower, but he pleaded guilty.

Convicted of exposure after trial; previous conviction for similar offence; judge noted denial of offending and danger to females; remanded in custody post-trial to await sentence for current offence.

1 Mar 2024

October 2023 1 case

Lewis Brown

Possession with intent to supply cocaine and Ecstasy *

Sentence

10-month suspended prison sentence, 180 hours' unpaid work, six months' drug rehabilitation, and 15 days' rehabilitation

On August 10, 2024, Lewis Brown was found in a vehicle in Paragon Street, Hull, with cocaine, Ecstasy, a large amount of cash, and cannabis. He had previously been given a suspended sentence and breached its terms by missing unpaid work sessions and probation appointments. Police discovered the drugs and cash during a search.

Admitted to possessing cocaine and Ecstasy with intent to supply, possessing criminal property, and possessing cannabis. Breached the order multiple times but was given another chance; judge warned that further breaches would result in imprisonment. Initially showed a flippant attitude but has re-engaged.

10 Oct 2023

July 2023 1 case

Brian Walters

Rape *

Sentence

imprisonment

Brian Walters, aged 67 at sentencing, was convicted of raping a woman after plying her with nearly 30 cans of Fosters lager, leaving her 'out of it' and unable to stand. The victim recalled him having sex with her but little else, waking up fully naked. She reported the incident to a support officer, appearing visibly upset, which led to police involvement. Walters denied the allegations, claiming no truth to them and disputing the amount of alcohol consumed. He was imprisoned at HMP Littlehey following conviction.

Denied rape and two counts of indecent assault but was convicted by a jury. Judge Mark Bury noted he had plied the victim with drink to the point where she was incapable of looking after herself. Mitigator Charlotte Baines said he was struggling to cope with custody. Died in prison on October 27, 2024, from a heart attack caused by atherosclerosis.

1 Jul 2023

June 2023 3 cases

Richard Batty

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs *

Sentence

12 years imprisonment

Richard Batty, 38, of Church Lane, Withernwick, East Yorkshire, was part of an organised crime group that used Encrochat to distribute an estimated £4.1 million worth of cocaine into Hull and surrounding areas between April and August 2020. He received drugs from Robert Gervis and was involved in a deal where he refused cocaine due to quality. Following his arrest in August 2020, a 10-tonne hydraulic press used for pressing cocaine was recovered from his address.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. A Proceeds of Crime Act confiscation will take place for high-value assets seized.

30 Jun 2023

Robert Gervis

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs *

Sentence

Seven-and-a-half years imprisonment

Robert Gervis, 59, of Hadfield Street, Northwich, Cheshire, was part of an organised crime group that used Encrochat to distribute cocaine into Hull and surrounding areas between April and August 2020. He acted as a courier, delivering 41 kilograms of cocaine to Richard Batty. On one occasion in June 2020, he transported five 1-kilogram blocks of cocaine valued at around £500,000, which were refused due to quality, leading to his arrest on the M62 near Goole.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Acted as a trusted courier in the operation.

30 Jun 2023

Michael Pearson

Manslaughter *

Sentence

7.5 years imprisonment

Michael Pearson, 30, of Saltshouse Road, east Hull, killed his friend Scott Akester with a single punch to the face during a drunken argument outside the Grandale pub in Hull on November 19, 2022. The pair had been drinking with friends when a minor altercation escalated. Pearson turned and punched Scott, causing him to fall and hit his head on the floor, leading to fatal injuries despite emergency services' efforts to save him.

Found guilty of manslaughter after a three-week trial. The incident followed a drunken argument outside a pub.

29 Jun 2023

April 2023 1 case

Colin Mellors

Robbery *

Sentence

Imprisonment for a combined total of 25 years with co-defendant

Scott Thomas and Colin Mellors forced their way into a couple's home on August 16, 2022. The man's partner had been punched in the face, gagged, and bound with tie wraps. Thomas held a knife to the man's throat while Mellors demanded money and searched the home. The pair threatened to injure the victims with a hot iron and power tools before fleeing with £40 in cash.

Pled not guilty and showed no remorse for the crime, forcing victims to testify in a week-long trial.

5 Apr 2023

Nelson Joel

Michael Babo

James Adodo

Robert Hills

Thomas Loring

James Dixon

Micaela Anderson-Letts

Mark Moran

Daniel Livingstone

Damian Driver

Cavan Medlock

Richard Clabby

Deniss Mandruks

Michael Charlton

Owen Batty

Lewis Millson

Larry Fraser

Leon Stark

Andrew Robson

Ramy Abdelgader

Mark Vaskouski

Leslie Gomm

Liam Middleton-Gomm

Hewa Magari

Michael Dann

Jackie Miller

John Honey

David Wilkinson

Corey Holloway

John Nunan

Steven Love

Travis Whitelock

Connor Whiteley

Andrew Stewart

Christopher Douglas

Brandon Kirkwood

Claudiu Rizea

Lawrence Pollard

Nicholas Mitchell

Audi Johnson

Ahmad Ghiasi

Mark Fleming

Joel Lorrell Simpson

Patrick Taylor

Lewis Brown

Brian Walters

Richard Batty

Robert Gervis

Michael Pearson

Colin Mellors

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