Leeds Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 308 verdicts at Leeds Crown Court (Leeds, Leeds). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Suleman Baig

Sexual activity with a child

January 26, 2026

Sentence: 9 years and 9 months imprisonment

Suleman Baig, a 40-year-old solicitor from Grimsby, groomed two young girls for his own sexual gratification starting in November 2021. He coaxed them into engaging in sexual activity, sending explicit images, and receiving payments for sexual services. Baig sent multiple messages via social media requesting indecent images and participated in sexual activity with one victim. He pressured the girls to retract their statements to police, including sneaking into one girl's home to influence her friend. Police seized his electronics, uncovering thousands of text messages, explicit images, and videos. Baig initially denied all allegations but admitted guilt during trial proceedings. He breached bail conditions by retaining valid travel documents after surrendering an expired passport.

Pleaded guilty on the second day of trial. Placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention order. Described as a manipulative sexual predator who groomed two girls and attempted to pervert the course of justice.

Sources: grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

Marianna Iova

Human trafficking

January 23, 2026

Sentence: jailed

Costel Tambac and Marianna Iova operated a prostitution ring in Leeds, forcing women into having sex with up to eight clients per day.

With Costel Tambac; ran prostitution ring forcing women to have sex with eight clients a day.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Mariusz Seretny

Conspiracy to control prostitution for gain

January 23, 2026

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Mariusz Seretny, 45, assisted Wieslaw Michniewicz and Aleksandra Timoszek in luring young women from eastern Europe to the UK using dating apps like Badoo or employment adverts with promises of legitimate work or romantic relationships between 2015 and 2016. Upon arrival, the women were forced to work as prostitutes in brothels in Leeds and Sheffield. Seretny was responsible for transporting the women, ordering and delivering condoms, and other logistics in the operation, which involved keeping ledgers of fabricated debts exceeding £169,000, restricting contact with the outside world, requiring day-and-night work, and using threats of violence against victims or their families. One victim escaped after contacting West Yorkshire Police, leading to Operation Laggenend in July 2016.

Convicted of conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of another person with a view to exploitation; conspiracy to incite another person to become a prostitute for gain; and conspiracy to control prostitution for gain.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Marta Seretny

Conspiracy to control prostitution for gain

January 23, 2026

Sentence: 1 year community order with 180 hours unpaid work and 5 days rehabilitation activity

Marta Seretny was involved in the operation run by Wieslaw Michniewicz, Aleksandra Timoszek, and Mariusz Seretny, which lured young women from eastern Europe to the UK using dating apps like Badoo or employment adverts with promises of legitimate work or romantic relationships between 2015 and 2016. Upon arrival, the women were forced to work as prostitutes in brothels in Leeds and Sheffield. Seretny's role included receiving payments for childcare and arrangements like nail appointments, which were recorded as debts in the ledgers totaling over £169,000, indicating her awareness and involvement in the exploitation. The operation involved restricting contact with the outside world, requiring day-and-night work, and using threats of violence against victims or their families. One victim escaped after contacting West Yorkshire Police, leading to Operation Laggenend in July 2016.

Found guilty of one count of conspiracy to control prostitution for gain. Her involvement included knowledge of the operation through childcare arrangements and other services attributed as debts in the ledgers.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Aleksandra Timoszek

Human trafficking

January 23, 2026

Sentence: jailed

Wieslaw Michniewicz and his then-wife Aleksandra Timoszek used the Badoo dating app to lure women to the UK with promises of romance and bundles of cash, but instead forced them into brothels.

With then-husband Wieslaw Michniewicz; lured women to UK with dating app promising romance but forced them into brothels.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Christopher Hawksworth

Child sexual offences

January 23, 2026

Sentence: behind bars

Christopher Hawksworth, a prolific paedophile, was imprisoned after denying responsibility and pleading for restrictions on his mobile phone use.

Prolific paedophile who pleaded for mobile phone ban, claiming 'None of this is my fault'.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Wieslaw Michniewicz

Human trafficking

January 23, 2026

Sentence: jailed

Wieslaw Michniewicz and his then-wife Aleksandra Timoszek used the Badoo dating app to lure women to the UK with promises of romance and bundles of cash, but instead forced them into brothels.

With then-wife Aleksandra Timoszek; lured women to UK with dating app promising romance but forced them into brothels.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Curtis Hainds

Assault

January 19, 2026

Sentence: 2 years and 9 months imprisonment

In August 2024, Curtis Hainds took part in the revenge attack on a second man at Natalie Dennison's flat. He joined Aiden Bridges, Makyle Francois, and Joshua Bhatti in taking turns to kick the victim in the face and body during the assault, while Dennison used an iron. The victim was covered in blood, had his hair cut, and escaped after a rug was introduced, fearing murder.

Involved in the revenge assault on the second victim. Aged 17 at the time, immaturity noted, affected by COVID-era education loss, fell in with drug users. No prior convictions mentioned, shows remorse, pre-sentence report highlights potential for rehabilitation. Judge noted his presence at prior violence.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Aiden Bridges

Assault

January 19, 2026

Sentence: 4 years and 8 months imprisonment

In August 2024, Aiden Bridges participated in a revenge attack on a second man at Natalie Dennison's flat in Orchard Street, Huddersfield. The man had previously been violent towards Dennison. Bridges woke the man, hit him, forced him into a cupboard, and later struck him in the ribs and face. He joined Francois, Bhatti, and Hainds in kicking the victim while Dennison used an iron. The victim escaped after fearing for his life when a rug was brought in.

Involved in the revenge assault on the second victim. Lightly convicted, no youth trouble, expresses guilt and shame, particularly towards his grandmother. Lived with grandmother as youth, later reconnected with mother. Father of one.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Joshua Bhatti

Assault and false imprisonment

January 19, 2026

Sentence: 22 years extended sentence (18 years custody + 4 years extended licence)

In July 2024, drugs belonging to Joshua Bhatti were seized when the first victim was arrested. Bhatti, with Makyle Francois, went to Natalie Dennison's flat where the victim was lured, accusing him of owing £10,000. They participated in the torture, including hits with a metal bar, wooden meat tenderiser, Impulse can burns, waterboarding, and confining him to a cupboard until his escape on July 15, 2024. In August 2024, Bhatti joined the revenge attack on a second man, taking turns kicking him in the face and ribs during the group assault at the flat.

Involved in assault and false imprisonment of both victims. Expressed remorse, light adult record (simple possession), progress in prison including mentoring and enhanced status. Acknowledged childhood exposure to violence and cannabis issues. Judge noted his drugs were the catalyst.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Natalie Dennison

Kidnap, torture, sexual assault and false imprisonment

January 19, 2026

Sentence: 26 years extended sentence (21 years custody + 5 years extended licence)

In July 2024, Natalie Dennison lured a man to her flat in Orchard Street, Huddersfield, after his arrest led to the seizure of drugs belonging to Joshua Bhatti. With Bhatti and Makyle Francois, she accused the man of owing £10,000 for the lost drugs. Violence ensued with punches, hits from a metal bar, strap, wooden meat tenderiser, Impulse can burns, saucepan blows, and sexual assault. The man was forced into a kitchen cupboard, tortured in a 'Misery'-inspired attack, waterboarded multiple times, and held until July 15, 2024, when he escaped after police intervention prompted by his father's concerns. In August 2024, she participated in a revenge attack on a second man, hitting him with an iron, asphyxiating him with its cord, and assisting in the assault by others.

Led the kidnap, assault, sexual assault, and false imprisonment of the first victim. Previous conviction for assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Mitigating factors include progress in prison and late acceptance of guilt. Judge noted severe violence and torture.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Makyle Francois

Assault and false imprisonment

January 19, 2026

Sentence: 22 years extended sentence (18 years custody + 4 years extended licence)

In July 2024, Makyle Francois, along with Joshua Bhatti, arrived at Natalie Dennison's flat where the first victim was lured. They accused him of owing £10,000 for seized drugs, initiating severe violence including hits with a metal bar, wooden meat tenderiser, Impulse can burns, waterboarding, and forcing him into a cupboard during torture. The ordeal lasted until the victim escaped on July 15, 2024. In August 2024, he participated in a revenge attack on a second man at the same flat, taking turns kicking him in the face, involved in the assault with others, and cleaned blood from walls wearing latex gloves while the victim was held.

Involved in assault and false imprisonment of both victims. Light criminal record, personal mitigation including young age, loss of father, PTSD from prior assault, genuine remorse, and prison achievements. Judge highlighted his role in luring and violent assaults.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Rashawn Bedeau

Assisting an offender

January 16, 2026

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Rashawn Bedeau, 28, of Arley Street, Leeds, fled the UK with Ellis Thornton on January 31, 2023, to Barbados, knowing he was wanted in connection with a firearms discharge incident in Lister Lane, Halifax, on January 2023, where a window was shot out. She continued to financially support his lifestyle for six months until July 2023 as he moved through Suriname and Mexico.

Helped Ellis Thornton flee the country and financially supported him for six months despite knowing he was wanted for a serious offence. Detective Sergeant Andrew Ellis hopes the sentence sends a message to those hindering police enquiries.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Ibrar Mehrban

Grievous Bodily Harm and Section 47 Assault

January 16, 2026

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Ibrar Mehrban, 37, from Batley, assaulted a woman in her 30s in the street around 1.30am on July 1, 2025, before continuing the attack inside a garage. A man in his 20s overheard the assault, investigated, and opened the garage door. Mehrban hit him with a brick, knocking him to the floor and attacking him further, causing serious head injuries to the man and head and facial injuries to the woman. Both victims required hospital treatment. Mehrban was arrested at the scene and charged that day.

Found guilty of grievous bodily harm and section 47 assault. Remanded in custody until trial. Police praised the courage of both victims.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Austin Reed

Criminal damage – recklessly endangering life

January 13, 2026

Sentence: 3.5 years imprisonment

On October 21, 2023, in the Upper Wortley area of Leeds, Austin Reed locked a woman and three children inside an address on Roderick Street and threatened to blow up the house. He deliberately damaged a boiler, causing a gas leak that led to the evacuation of neighbouring properties. West Yorkshire Police were called at 9.37pm. Reed barricaded himself inside, and after failed negotiations, entry was forced around 11.30pm. He was taken to hospital and then custody. A gas engineer confirmed intentional damage to the boiler.

Pleaded guilty to one charge of criminal damage – recklessly endangering life. Sergeant Clementine Brown noted that Reed’s actions put himself and others, including children, in serious danger, leading to a large-scale emergency services operation.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Daniel Giles

Conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation

January 9, 2026

Sentence: 11 years imprisonment

Daniel Giles, aged 51, of Jacob Drive, Coventry, co-devised and operated a 'pension liberation' scam from offices in Wakefield and Leeds between 2013 and 2015. With accomplices, he produced misleading brochures and marketing materials to convince 84 victims to transfer £3,701,813.92 in pension savings into bank accounts he operated, promising tax-free early access and safe investments with cashback incentives. The funds were stolen through fake transactions, defrauding HMRC of £700,000 in owed tax, while victims faced up to 55% tax penalties. Giles employed 'introducers' to mislead investors and lied to legitimate pension companies to acquire the money without suspicion. He also evaded over £1m in personal taxes from 2008 to 2014.

Disqualified from being a company director for 12 years. Found guilty of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and conspiracy to cheat the public revenue; admitted separate tax evasion charge relating to over £1m in unpaid personal tax from April 2008 to April 2014.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Mohammed Bashforth

Conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation

January 9, 2026

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Mohammed Bashforth, aged 62, of Spen Lane, Gomersal, and formerly of Wakefield, operated a 'pension liberation' scam from offices in Wakefield and Leeds between 2013 and 2015. He and his accomplices produced misleading brochures and marketing materials to convince 84 victims to transfer £3,701,813.92 in pension savings into their control, promising tax-free early access and safe investments with cashback incentives. The funds were stolen through fake transactions, defrauding HMRC of £700,000 in owed tax, while victims faced up to 55% tax penalties. Bashforth employed 'introducers' to mislead investors and lied to legitimate pension companies to acquire the money without suspicion.

Disqualified from being a company director for 5 years. Found guilty of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and conspiracy to cheat the public revenue.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Louis Watson

Robbery

January 5, 2026

Sentence: 4 years and 4 months imprisonment

On October 24, 2025, at around 8.30am, Louis Watson, 26, of no fixed abode, approached a woman on Kildare Street in Leeds after she had spotted him loitering at Crown Point retail park while she was in a Costa coffee shop. He demanded her bag while on a bicycle, claiming he had a knife. She handed over her bag containing a laptop, purse, bank cards, and driving licence. The bank card was attempted to be used in a nearby shop but was cancelled. Items were never recovered. Watson was identified by a PCSO from a photo the woman took earlier. The victim suffered anxiety, migraines, prescribed medication, fear of going out alone, changed routes, and took time off work near the incident location.

Admitted robbery. Opportunistic offence, short-lived. Suffered paranoia from drug use, traumatic childhood with exposure to gang violence from young age. No evidence of mental illness.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Restall

Child rape

December 29, 2025

Sentence: imprisonment

Restall subjected a girl from Batley to a harrowing ordeal through child rape, described as abhorrent.

Abhorrent child rapist who inflicted a harrowing ordeal on a girl from Batley; finally faced consequences of his crimes.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Ryan Laing

Sexual activity with a child

December 29, 2025

Sentence: 4.5 years imprisonment

Ryan Laing, a 27-year-old West Yorkshire fairground worker and registered sex offender, engaged in sexual activity with a teenage girl in a Pontefract field in September 2024. The pair had been messaging on Snapchat and went on walks together. During one encounter, they started play fighting, after which Laing had sex with her. The girl described it as consensual and stated he stopped when asked. The activity was discovered by her mother through messages, leading to police involvement. Laing initially denied the allegations, claiming they were motivated by his sex offender status.

Pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child. Prior conviction for sexual assault and breach of Sex Offenders' Register notification requirements. Mitigating factors included isolated life, alcohol issues, loss of grandmother, and efforts towards rehabilitation in custody.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

David Hill

Murder

December 18, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years

David Hill, 57, of South Cross Road, Huddersfield, assaulted his 77-year-old neighbour Kurt Giwisser on February 21, 2023, after holding a grudge over the condition of a returned paintbrush. Intoxicated by alcohol, Hill forced his way into Kurt's home through the patio door, kicked and punched him, and threatened to kill him. The assault stopped only when Kurt begged, citing his age. Kurt sustained head injuries leading to hospital treatment, discharge, then surgery due to complications including blood on the brain. He lost consciousness, mobility, self-reliance, and became reclusive and terrified. After two months, his daughters turned off life support following his death in April 2023.

Pleaded not guilty but sentenced on basis of intending really serious harm. No remorse shown. Prior convictions for burglary, arson, harassment, and making indecent photographs of children. Judge noted unwarranted aggression and racist comments during arrest.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Megann Gibson

Misconduct in a public office

December 5, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

Megann Gibson, a 26-year-old rookie prison guard at Wealstun Prison, engaged in a forbidden three-week relationship with inmate Ryan Horan starting in early 2023. She exchanged explicit love letters and had graphic late-night phone sex calls lasting up to an hour, discussing marriage and future life. Gibson visited Horan's mother's home and sent over 900 WhatsApp messages to her. Intelligence reports flagged 102 corruption concerns, including suspicions of contraband smuggling and improper behaviour with other inmates, though no evidence was found for smuggling.

Admitted misconduct in a public office. Judge noted repeated disciplinary actions and breach of trust. Shown genuine remorse.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Declan Marsden

Stalking

December 2, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Declan Marsden, of Healey Lane in Batley, stalked his victim between July and August 2025, continuing despite a restraining order preventing contact. He was arrested on August 21, 2025, and charged with various offences.

Pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order, two offences of intimidating a witness, and two offences of stalking without fear/alarm or distress.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Catalin Tiuga

Violent disorder and arson

December 2, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Catalin Tiuga participated in the rioting in Harehills on the evening of July 18, 2024, committing offences of violent disorder and arson. He was identified through investigations by West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, which involved technological tools and appeals for suspects.

Andrew Studden

Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child

November 28, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment

Andrew Studden, 58, initiated contact on 31 August 2025 via Facebook Messenger with a fake profile posing as a 13-year-old boy named Seb, operated by The Underworld Hunter Group. He was informed of the profile's age and continued the conversation, turning it sexual by asking about the boy's sexual experience, feelings for friends, inviting him to a hot tub, inquiring if he had seen porn, and encouraging masturbation. The conversation lasted one week until the group confronted him at his property and alerted police, leading to his arrest. He had set messages to disappear after 24 hours, breaching his existing Sexual Harm Prevention Order from prior similar offending.

Pleaded guilty at first hearing in magistrates' court. Expressed deep regret and remorse. Suffered from social isolation and multiple health issues including scoliosis, COPD, osteoporosis, hernia, and borderline diabetes. Breached existing Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Prior convictions from 1996 of dissimilar nature; recent offending linked to isolation and traumatic childhood experiences.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Emirjon Gjuta

Breach of deportation order

November 28, 2025

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment

Emirjon Gjuta, an Albanian national, was deported from the UK in August 2020 after being sentenced for drugs offences, including conspiracy to produce cannabis and possessing identity documents with intent. He returned illegally and was jailed for eight months in March 2022 for breaching the deportation order and false document offences, then deported again in March 2023. He re-entered the UK in November 2024, breaching the deportation order, and was arrested in Leeds in September 2025.

Admitted to re-entering the UK in November 2024 in breach of the 2020 deportation order. Claimed lack of understanding due to no interpreter, but documents showed he did not object or appeal. Prior convictions for drugs offences and false documents.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Nathan Russell

Controlling and coercive behaviour and sexual assault

November 25, 2025

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment

Nathan Russell, 32, of Scott Hall Road, Leeds, subjected his partner to a catalogue of domestic abuse including forcing her to eat from the floor, hitting her with a metal paddle, spitting at her, and tying her to tables and chairs. The abuse was investigated by West Yorkshire Police after the victim contacted officers via a family member. The victim described the profound impact on her life, losing her confidence and social circle.

Found guilty of controlling and coercive behaviour and sexual assault following a trial. Described as a dangerous man by police.

Sources: bbc.co.uk

Regan Kemp

Causing death by dangerous driving

November 21, 2025

Sentence: 15 years and 6 months imprisonment

On May 16, 2025, Regan Kemp, 26, was driving a Ford Focus ST at 80mph on a 30mph road in Middleton, Leeds, when he struck and killed 19-year-old Ashton Kitchen-White on a pelican crossing. Kemp fled the scene but handed himself in days later. He was recorded on a mobile phone by a backseat passenger and described by a witness as driving 'like a maniac'. Kemp denied responsibility during the trial.

Banned from driving for 17 years. Pleaded not guilty, found unanimously guilty by jury after four-day trial. No remorse expressed. Judge noted he sought to blame an innocent man despite strong evidence.

Sources: cornwalllive.com

Denzel Mupfudza

Possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs

November 17, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 6 months imprisonment

Jerome Furusa, 24, and Denzel Mupfudza, 28, were caught trying to deal drugs at Leeds Festival in 2024. On Saturday, August 24, security staff were called to reports of the men looking into tents in Orange Camp. A strong smell of cannabis was noticed, leading to a search where cannabis and bags of white powder, later confirmed to be cocaine and ketamine, were found. Cash was also seized, and they were arrested.

Sentenced for possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs and possession of criminal property. Security staff noticed strong smell of cannabis leading to search.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Jerome Furusa

Possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs

November 17, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 6 months imprisonment

Sentenced for possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs and possession of criminal property. Security staff noticed strong smell of cannabis leading to search.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Jordan Hardcastle

Theft and assisting an offender

November 11, 2025

Sentence: 1 year community order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days

On September 17, 2024, Jordan Hardcastle, 25, of Londesboro Grove, Leeds, assisted in the robbery of a delivery driver's E-bike in Mabgate, Leeds. He arrived at the scene with a crate of beer, helped conceal the stolen £950 E-bike near the West Yorkshire Playhouse, swapped clothes with another defendant (whose case was sent to youth court), and joined his brother Callum at The Three Legs pub on the Headrow to evade capture. The victim was punched repeatedly, knocked to the ground twice, and suffered a 2cm facial wound, swelling, and bruising. Jordan was arrested at the pub on the same day.

Pleaded guilty to theft of an e-bike and assisting an offender. Mitigating factors similar to his brother, including drug and alcohol issues; on curfew since appearing at magistrates' court. Judge noted the offence crosses the custodial threshold but emphasized need to 'grow up' to avoid further trouble.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Callum Hardcastle

Robbery

November 11, 2025

Sentence: 49 months imprisonment

On September 17, 2024, Callum Hardcastle, 27, of Charlotte Grove, Leeds, was part of a group that attacked a food delivery driver in Mabgate, Leeds, after the driver finished his shift. The group approached from behind at the junction of Bell Street, subjected the victim to repeated punches, knocking him to the ground twice as he tried to retrieve his £950 E-bike. The victim suffered a 2cm facial wound, swelling, and bruising, requiring hospital treatment. Hardcastle was identified as the man on the stolen bike, chased by the victim shouting 'My bike, my bike.' He fled to The Three Legs pub on the Headrow, attempting to create a false alibi with blood on him, but was arrested in December 2024.

Pleaded guilty to robbery. Mitigating factors include drug and alcohol issues, now addressing through Forward Leeds and GP. Has a partner and two-year-old child. On curfew since March 26.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Matthew Pearce

Rape

November 10, 2025

Sentence: 27 years imprisonment

Matthew Pearce, 56, of Glastonbury Drive, Huddersfield, committed a catalogue of horrific sexual abuse against four children over an 11-year period. The offences included rape, sexual assault, causing a child to watch a sexual act, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and indecency with a child. The abuse was first reported to police in October 2021 when one victim came forward as an adult. Police tracked down additional victims and arrested Pearce in 2022.

Found guilty of 20 offences. DC Paul Campbell described the offending as appalling in its depravity. DI Paul Greatorex noted the bravery of the victims and that the sentence ensures the offender is off the streets for many years.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Mariana Iova

Sexual exploitation and controlling prostitution

November 7, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Costel Tambac and Mariana Iova trafficked two women from Romania to the UK under the false pretence of jobs in a meat factory. The women were sold to them and forced to work as sex workers in brothels in Harehills and Holbeck areas of Leeds, as well as in Dewsbury, Oldham, and Nottingham. They seized the victims' earnings, leaving them with as little as £10 a day, retained their ID documents and money, and enforced control through violence and threats. The investigation began in 2016 when one victim came forward.

Found guilty by a jury following a trial in July. Fled to Amsterdam in 2018 while under investigation, arrested and extradited back to the UK earlier this year.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Costel Tambac

Sexual exploitation and controlling prostitution

November 7, 2025

Sentence: 9 years imprisonment

Found guilty by a jury following a trial in July. Fled to Amsterdam in 2018 while under investigation, arrested and extradited back to the UK earlier this year.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Jamie Fretwell

Rape and assault by penetration

November 5, 2025

Sentence: 5.5 years imprisonment

In August 2022, Jamie Fretwell, then 18, joined a group of teenagers including a 16-year-old girl in Wakefield town centre after being asked to buy them alcohol. After the others left, he was alone with the intoxicated girl. She messaged a friend for help, reporting sexual harassment. Around 6am, in a car park at Mulberry Way and St Christopher's Walk, she fell asleep on a ramp. Fretwell waited, then touched her over and under her clothing, and raped her for 12 minutes as captured on CCTV. She woke during the assault, pretended to sleep, and he stopped. He then assaulted her by penetration. To cover his actions, he repositioned bottles and lay down as if asleep, pointing out the CCTV camera. The girl later reported the incident to her mother and police.

Found guilty of assault by penetration at initial trial and rape at retrial. Mitigating factors included autism spectrum disorder, mixed depressive anxiety disorder, and no prior sexual convictions. Judge noted the victim was vulnerable and highlighted the defendant's failure to accept guilt.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Ference Bogdan

Sexual assault and burglary

November 4, 2025

Sentence: 16 years and 10 months extended sentence

Ference Bogdan, 33, of Pollard Street, Huddersfield, snuck into the homes of two women, stole their sex toys, underwear, and other personal items, and returned on a later date to watch them sleep. On 28 September, one victim woke to find him in her bedroom watching her and her baby sleep; he stroked her foot and waist before she chased him out. Officers found the stolen items in a room at his home called his 'sex room.' He also stole the woman's phone, which was tracked to his address, leading to his arrest on the same night.

Admitted a catalogue of offences including sexual assault and burglary. Police believe he presents a real danger to women and are appealing for more victims to come forward.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Joshua Middleton

Child Abuse

November 1, 2025

Sentence: locked up

Joshua Middleton filmed himself abusing a boy and distributed the video online.

Sick paedophile who filmed himself abusing a boy and sent the video to the internet.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Joshua Spreadbury

Torture

November 1, 2025

Sentence: sentenced

Joshua Spreadbury, 31, was involved in luring a man to a Leeds street before he was thrown into a van and tortured with a blowtorch.

Involved in luring a man to a Leeds street, throwing him into a van, and torturing him with a blowtorch.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Connor Mccarthy

Torture

November 1, 2025

Sentence: sentenced

Connor McCarthy, 33, was involved in luring a man to a Leeds street before he was thrown into a van and tortured with a blowtorch.

Involved in luring a man to a Leeds street, throwing him into a van, and torturing him with a blowtorch.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Mckenzie Woolley

Grooming

November 1, 2025

Sentence: jailed

McKenzie Woolley groomed a 12-year-old girl, leading to a frantic mother searching the streets for her infatuated daughter.

Nathan Penwell

Robbery

November 1, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Nathan Penwell tried to rob a woman at knifepoint in Harehills but was overpowered and pinned against a wall.

Kathleen Mckeown

Torture

November 1, 2025

Sentence: sentenced

Kathleen McKeown, 21, was involved in luring a man to a Leeds street before he was thrown into a van and tortured with a blowtorch.

Involved in luring a man to a Leeds street, throwing him into a van, and torturing him with a blowtorch.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Marie Thompson

Blackmail and perverting the course of justice

October 30, 2025

Sentence: 40 months imprisonment

Marie Thompson, a former South Yorkshire Police officer, blackmailed a man she had arrested in October 2022 on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children. She posed as a paedophile hunter using a fake ProtonMail email address and demanded £3,500 from him, providing bank details. The email threatened to expose his arrest unless payment was made as a 'donation'. When the man reported the blackmail to her, Thompson, who was investigating his original case, lied about being unable to trace the perpetrator, falsified reports, and used her personal phone number disguised in records. She sent a follow-up email attempting to cover her tracks. The blackmail was uncovered when her caseload was transferred in March 2023, revealing the phone number match. The victim, who later received a suspended sentence for his charges, expressed anger in his impact statement over the betrayal of trust.

Pleaded guilty to blackmail and perverting the course of justice. Abused her position as a police officer to fund her gambling addiction. Suffered from severe gambling disorder and was in considerable debt. Resigned from South Yorkshire Police on October 16, 2025, after receiving a Regulation 13 notice.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Graham Ramsden

Indecent sexual assault

October 30, 2025

Sentence: 11 years imprisonment

Graham Ramsden, of Kirk Close in Dewsbury, carried out horrific sexual assault offences against a very young child between 1970 and 1977. The crimes were reported to Kirklees child safeguarding detectives in 2020.

Found guilty of eight counts of indecent sexual assault and two counts of indecency with a child. Two years on licence.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Markel Ible

Making a bomb hoax call

October 29, 2025

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment

Markel Ible, 32, of St Martins Gardens, Leeds, made a hoax bomb threat call to the Sinai Synagogue in Roundhay, Leeds, on October 6, 2025, claiming he had left a bomb set to explode the following day. The call was made from an unknown number, four days after the fatal terror attack at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester on October 2, 2025, during Yom Kippur, which killed Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby.

Pleaded guilty to making a bomb hoax call. The call was made four days after the Manchester terror attack, intended to sow panic and fear. Prior awareness of consequences noted by CPS.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Gary Lewin

Sexual activity with a child

October 27, 2025

Sentence: 13 years extended term (12 years imprisonment + 1 year extended licence)

Gary Lewin, 42, of Brown Royd Avenue, Rawthorpe, manipulated and sexually abused a teenage girl starting in 2024 after his release from prison. He bought her gifts including a PlayStation 5, iPhone Pro Max, and jewellery, supplied her with alcohol and cannabis, sent romantic messages, and engaged in sexual activity with her on multiple occasions, including at her home, in Huddersfield, and at an AirBnB in August 2024. The abuse caused the victim to stop attending school and led to her being reported missing. CCTV installed by her mother captured an incident. Despite bail conditions prohibiting contact, he continued to see her. The victim initially sought to protect him but later confirmed the abuse. Lewin gave 'no comment' interviews, claiming the allegations were revenge.

Pleaded guilty to a series of sex offences including sexual activity with a child and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Sentenced by His Honour Judge Khokhar. Subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, indefinite restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim, and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register. Prior release from prison in 2017; made genuine progress until reoffending in 2024.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Alex Tiuga

Violent Disorder

October 27, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 2 months in a young offenders institution

Alex Tiuga, 18, of Seaforth Place in Leeds, played an instrumental role in rioting in Harehills on July 18, 2024, by using or threatening unlawful violence during the evening disorder.

Admitted using or threatening unlawful violence. Described in court as having demonstrated lawless behaviour and playing an instrumental part in the disorder.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Delroy Scott

Sexual assault of a child

October 24, 2025

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment

Delroy Scott, 59, of St Alban Crescent, Leeds, preyed on young girls by offering them lifts, alcohol, drugs and cash to gain influence and control over them before repeatedly sexually assaulting them. The offences involved multiple victims, including two girls targeted jointly with Yusuf Egberongbe and a third victim who reported being sexually assaulted by Scott. The investigation was launched in August 2021 after one victim spoke to a family member. Scott was arrested a month later. The offending would likely have continued without the report.

Found guilty of five counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15, attempting to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, inciting sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15 and sexual assault. Made to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Yusuf Egberongbe

Sexual assault of a child

October 24, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Yusuf Egberongbe, 67, of Shakespeare Lawn, Leeds, preyed on young girls by offering them lifts, alcohol, drugs and cash to gain influence and control over them before repeatedly sexually assaulting them. He targeted two girls jointly with Delroy Scott. The investigation was launched in August 2021 after one victim spoke to a family member. Egberongbe was arrested the same day. The offending would likely have continued without the report.

Found guilty of inciting sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15, engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15 and arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sexual offence. Found not guilty of another charge of inciting sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15. Made to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

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