Leeds Crown Court Sentencing Results

May 2020 1 case

Tom Lundgren

Voyeurism *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment

Tom Lundgren, 24, secretly filmed people in bathrooms using hidden cameras and was found to have more than 7,500 indecent images, including 1,855 category A images, 1,507 category B images, 4,461 category C images, and 35 extreme pornography images involving an animal, on his electronic devices discovered at his home in Gomersal, West Yorkshire, in May 2020.

Pleaded guilty to charges including making indecent pictures of a child, possessing an extreme pornographic image involving an animal, and eight charges of voyeurism. Given a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.

29 May 2020

June 2019 1 case

Hendrik Van Der Genugten

Importation of cocaine *

Sentence

10 years imprisonment

Hendrik van der Genugten, a 40-year-old Dutch man, was driving a lorry that arrived at Humberside Sea Terminal on 9 May 2019 from the Hook of Holland. Border Force officers stopped and searched the lorry, discovering 35 kilos of cocaine hidden in the rear doors. The drugs had a potential street value of approximately £3 million if cut and sold in the UK. He was arrested by National Crime Agency investigators and charged with importing and conspiring to supply cocaine.

Pleaded guilty to importation offences.

7 Jun 2019

March 2018 1 case

Gheorghita Lacatus

Burglary *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment

Gheorghita Lacatus broke into a gamekeeper's lodge on the Harewood Estate in December 2014, ransacked the property by smashing a window to gain entry, forced skirting boards from the walls, and removed radiators and copper piping valued at around £2,000. Blood spots at the scene linked him to the crime. He was already subject to a community order for a similar offence and later committed additional shoplifting offences before fleeing to Romania, where he was arrested upon his return to West Yorkshire.

Pleaded guilty to burglary and two offences of theft. Mitigating factors included financial struggles and attending his mother's funeral in Romania. Judge Simon Phillips, QC, commented that he showed a complete disregard for the court.

27 Mar 2018

August 2017 1 case

Ghulam Hussain

Preparation of terrorist acts *

Sentence

six years imprisonment

Ghulam Hussain, 30, of Track Road, Batley, admitted to an undercover officer that he intended to travel to Syria to join Islamic State (also known as Daesh or ISIS). He had made preparations including purchasing airline tickets and obtaining credit cards fraudulently to fund the trip. He was arrested on November 2, 2016, after an investigation by the North East Counter Terrorism Unit, and was also charged with providing money and advice to assist in terrorist acts.

Pleaded guilty to two offences under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Investigation revealed he made travel arrangements and obtained credit cards fraudulently to fund his plans.

4 Aug 2017

July 2017 3 cases

Christopher Downes

Burglary *

Sentence

20 months imprisonment suspended for two years with 300 hours unpaid work

Christopher Downes assisted in the burglary by giving lifts to the group that broke into a house on Mount Avenue, Huddersfield, on October 19, 2016, leading to the theft of a £45,000 Mercedes car. The car was later found in a unit in Canal Road, Armley, Leeds, with false number plates. He was involved in transporting the group to and from the scenes.

Admitted burglary and theft of the car; provided lifts to the others involved and expressed regret for his first involvement in crime.

31 Jul 2017

Anthony Joseph Davey

Burglary *

Sentence

32 months imprisonment

Anthony Joseph Davey participated in breaking into a house on Mount Avenue, Huddersfield, on October 19, 2016, stealing keys to a £45,000 Mercedes car. The car was tracked to a unit in Canal Road, Armley, Leeds, where it had false number plates and was partly dismantled. Police linked him via CCTV and phone contacts near the burglary site.

Admitted burglary and theft of the car.

31 Jul 2017

Nathan Stapleton

Burglary *

Sentence

32 months imprisonment

Nathan Stapleton was involved in breaking into a house on Mount Avenue, Huddersfield, on October 19, 2016, where intruders stole keys to a £45,000 Mercedes car. The car was taken and later found in a unit in Canal Road, Armley, Leeds, with false number plates and in a partly dismantled state. Police traced the involvement through CCTV and vehicle movements.

Admitted burglary and theft of the car.

31 Jul 2017

May 2017 1 case

Kieran Rayner

Burglary *

Sentence

12 months imprisonment

Kieran Rayner broke into the University of Huddersfield and stole computer equipment worth £8,750. He used someone else’s university swipe card to gain entry into a creative arts building and wrenched open a door to a computer room. He was seen on CCTV with two others leaving the grounds with the stolen items. Additionally, he attempted to break into a bar by jumping the counter and obscuring a CCTV camera, and was disturbed in another building while trying to access it.

Admitted to three offences. Committed crimes to pay off a debt after borrowing a friend's bike that was stolen. Had personal difficulties since childhood and a shocking record including dishonesty, drug offences, and violence. Judge imposed an immediate prison term.

4 May 2017

March 2017 1 case

Luke Kenny

Unlawful wounding *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Luke Kenny stabbed his girlfriend in the head with a knife at her home in Shelley, Huddersfield on August 18, 2016, causing three injuries including a one-inch wound to her head that required five stitches, a small cut on her neck, and one to her right earlobe. The incident occurred amid relationship problems over money, and he later apologised. She initially refused treatment but disclosed the attack to paramedics.

Admitted unlawful wounding. Has prior convictions for battery in 2009 and threats to kill in 2013. Judge described attackers of women as cowards and bullies and noted his developing tendency to assault partners.

15 Mar 2017

January 2017 2 cases

Raphael Hunte

Aggravated Vehicle Taking *

Sentence

8 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 250 hours unpaid work, 4 months curfew from 8pm to 6am, disqualified from driving for 12 months

Raphael Hunte took his father's car without permission and led police on a high-speed chase through residential areas in Huddersfield, reaching speeds up to 70mph in Deighton, Bradley, Fartown, and Brackenhall. The pursuit ended when he lost control and crashed into two parked cars on Sherwood Avenue. He was arrested with the help of a police helicopter's infra-red camera. This incident occurred on November 12, early hours, as he panicked while driving without insurance and on licence.

On licence after a 10-year sentence for attempted murder; cooperated with probation service and expressed remorse, allowing the sentence to be suspended.

5 Jan 2017

Trevor Fox

Possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear *

Sentence

15 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months and a 3-month curfew from 9pm to 7am

Trevor Fox, 57, of Coppice Drive, Netherton, purchased a BB gun on March 12, 2016, intending to harm himself due to depression. After drinking alcohol for Dutch courage, he pointed the gun at a man in the Albert public house in Huddersfield following a derogatory comment. He was challenged, left the pub, and later mentioned the gun to his brother at the Conservative Club in Netherton, who took and broke it. Fox was arrested and admitted to the offense.

Pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear. Suffered from depression and was in substantial debt; judge noted it as a one-off piece of foolishness due to drunkenness and accepted he had personal difficulties.

5 Jan 2017

September 2016 1 case

Lisa Marie Maguire

Concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine *

Sentence

12 month community order with a six month drug rehabilitation requirement and a 15 day activity requirement

Lisa Marie Maguire assisted undercover police officers to purchase crack cocaine and heroin from street dealers in Kirklees on November 11, 2013, believing the officers to be fellow drug users as part of Operation Oakwood. At the time, she was involved in the sex industry to fund her drug addiction and was heavily using drugs herself. She failed to appear for sentencing in 2014 and remained on the run until her arrest in July 2016.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine. Failed to attend a drug rehabilitation assessment and was on the run for almost two years before arrest. Now receiving help from Lifeline in Huddersfield and on a prescription. Judge noted her involvement was due to her own drug addiction and work in the sex industry.

5 Sep 2016

August 2016 1 case

Nisa Ul Haq

Failing to surrender to custody *

Sentence

5 months imprisonment

Nisa Ul Haq was part of an operation that lured Pakistani clothing workers into Britain with promises of well-paid jobs, but exploited them instead. She was convicted in December 2015 but fled to Pakistan on bail. After seven months on the run, she was arrested on August 2, 2016, at Manchester Airport upon attempting to re-enter the UK using her sister Shahnaz Iqbal's passport, which failed the eye recognition system. A previous trial was abandoned due to her interference with a prosecution witness. She was initially kept in custody during the retrial but later bailed for childcare reasons, which the judge deemed a deception.

Admitted failing to surrender to custody. Previously convicted of conspiracy to traffic people into the UK for exploitation, assisting unlawful immigration, and perverting the course of justice. Fled bail before original sentencing; arrested at Manchester Airport using sister's passport. Eight months pregnant at time of sentencing. Judge noted betrayal of trust and drain on resources.

3 Aug 2016

July 2016 6 cases

Matthew Wenzel

Burglary and arson *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Luke Robert Browne and Matthew Wenzel, both 21, burgled a terraced house in Church Street, Longwood, on November 25, 2015, while the victim Philip Best was out. They smashed a cellar window and stole various property. To cover up the burglary, they started a fire by placing an envelope on the carpet and likely on the sofa, causing significant damage to the living room. The victim returned around 1am, noticed the curtains closed, found the burning envelope and stamped it out, unaware of the smouldering sofa. Neighbours' lives were put at risk as the fire could have spread to adjoining properties. Browne and Wenzel were found at Browne's nearby address shortly after.

Admitted burglary, denied arson but found guilty by jury. Committed under effects of alcohol and cannabis. Judge noted risk to neighbours' lives.

28 Jul 2016

Luke Robert Browne

Burglary and arson *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Luke Robert Browne and Matthew Wenzel, both 21, burgled a terraced house in Church Street, Longwood, on November 25, 2015, while the victim Philip Best was out. They smashed a cellar window and stole various property. To cover up the burglary, they started a fire by placing an envelope on the carpet and likely on the sofa, causing significant damage to the living room. The victim returned around 1am, noticed the curtains closed, found the burning envelope and stamped it out, unaware of the smouldering sofa. Neighbours' lives were put at risk as the fire could have spread to adjoining properties. Browne and Wenzel were found at Browne's nearby address shortly after.

Admitted burglary, denied arson but found guilty by jury. Committed under effects of alcohol and cannabis. Judge noted risk to neighbours' lives.

28 Jul 2016

Jamie Hever

Perverting the course of justice *

Sentence

12 months in prison suspended for two years, 240 hours unpaid work and a curfew from 9pm to 6am for four months

Jamie Hever, 24, of Southfield Road, Almondbury, was the driver of a Ford Fiesta involved in a collision with a Vauxhall Corsa on Wakefield Road, Moldgreen, Huddersfield, at about 11.15pm on May 15, 2016. He panicked, fled the scene with his passenger, and later falsely reported his vehicle stolen to cover his involvement. This led to the wrongful arrest and 18-hour detention of his passenger on suspicion of theft. DNA evidence from the airbag implicated him, and two days after the accident, he admitted being the driver.

Pleaded guilty. Recorder Ray Singh noted it was a serious offence involving waste of police resources and wrongful detention of a friend. Suspended after considering references; warned of immediate jail for breach. Ordered to pay £380 prosecution costs.

19 Jul 2016

Benjamin Colin Wood

Dangerous driving *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment

On April 8, 2016, around 3am, Benjamin Colin Wood, 26, of Roydfield Street, Fartown, was seen leaving an off licence in Willow Lane, Fartown, with two other males. They entered a Fiat Punto with no insurance. Police attempted to stop the vehicle, but Wood sped off through residential streets in Huddersfield, reaching 60mph in 30mph areas. He drove through a red light at Bradford Road junction, forcing a lorry to brake, over mini roundabouts without stopping, wrong side of keep left bollards, and took a corner on Wiggan Lane at speed on the wrong side. He turned into a cul-de-sac on Oxley Road where occupants fled; Wood was arrested with CCTV help. Breath test showed 72 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml breath (limit 35). He had bought the car three days earlier and was a disqualified driver from a 2014 drink-driving conviction.

Banned from driving for three years nine months. Described as a chronic alcoholic who needs help and intervention. Judge noted he had past chances to address drinking and suspension not possible.

14 Jul 2016

Jack Christopher Bradshaw

Attempted robbery *

Sentence

4 years 4 months detention

Jack Christopher Bradshaw and Daniel Long broke down the door of a flat in Bishops Court, Berry Brow, around 5.30am and entered the bedroom of an 18-year-old victim who was sleeping. Bradshaw participated in the intrusion where the victim was straddled, threatened with a knife, and had his throat gripped while demands were made for money and cannabis, under the belief of a £800 cannabis grow. They had consumed around a litre of vodka beforehand and did not expect anyone to be present. They fled upon seeing police arrive, alerted by CCTV footage of them entering the block wearing balaclavas or hoods and carrying knives. The victim sustained a cut to his finger and bruises on his throat. Bradshaw was caught leaving the scene.

Admitted attempted robbery. Had previous offences of robbery and a history of substance abuse, including cannabis since age 12 and ecstasy. Was working with a drug worker while in custody.

4 Jul 2016

Daniel Long

Attempted robbery *

Sentence

4 years 8 months in a young offender institution

Daniel Long and Jack Christopher Bradshaw broke down the door of a flat in Bishops Court, Berry Brow, around 5.30am and entered the bedroom of an 18-year-old victim who was sleeping. Long straddled the victim, held a knife to him, and tightly gripped his throat while demanding money and cannabis, believing there was a £800 cannabis grow there. They had consumed around a litre of vodka beforehand and did not expect anyone to be present. They fled upon seeing police arrive, alerted by CCTV footage of them entering the block wearing balaclavas or hoods and carrying knives. The victim sustained a cut to his finger and bruises on his throat.

Admitted attempted robbery. Had battled with drink and drugs in the past. Hoped to support his family better upon release.

4 Jul 2016

June 2016 2 cases

Matthew Essex

Theft *

Sentence

10 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years with 160 hours unpaid work and 10 days rehabilitation activity requirement

Matthew Essex, the former treasurer of Lascelles Hall Cricket Club in Huddersfield, stole at least £20,000 from the club's funds between June 21, 2011, and March 15, 2014. He issued seven debit cards to himself and used them for personal benefit, including cash withdrawals outside the cricket season. Additionally, 10 cheques totalling £6,350 were made out to his partner Verity Bates, who repaid the money. The theft was discovered after Essex resigned without completing accounts, revealing missing money. Essex initially claimed he took only £2,000 but later accepted around £20,000, with the Crown estimating up to £28,000.

Admitted theft. Judge noted he was in a position of trust and stole over a period of time, but accepted he was normally hard-working with emotional problems that could be addressed. Deeply ashamed and intends to repay money pending proceeds of crime hearing.

28 Jun 2016

Gareth Ryan Fisher

Affray *

Sentence

15 months imprisonment

On April 11, 2016, at an address in Westerley Way, Shelley, Gareth Ryan Fisher, who had been drinking vodka, argued with his ex-girlfriend Rebecca O’Neill over money. He slapped Jake Harrison, gave him a kitchen knife inviting him to stab him, grabbed him by the throat, put him in a headlock, and hit him on the arm with a frying pan. He put a knife to Miss O’Neill's throat but then cried and stopped. He also attempted to harm himself with a dressing gown cord. Police were called due to concerns for his welfare. He was already under a suspended sentence for affray from September 2015 and in breach of an earlier sentence.

Admitted affray and being in breach of two suspended sentences. Has a personality disorder stemming from physical abuse. Normally a nice person when taking medication and not drinking.

23 Jun 2016

May 2016 2 cases

Carl Blakely

Dangerous driving *

Sentence

18-month prison sentence suspended for two years with 300 hours unpaid work and disqualified from driving for two years

On March 27, 2016, Carl Blakely drove a Honda Civic without insurance or a licence from Marsh, initially appearing to run alongside a Vauxhall Astra. When signalled to pull over on Carr Street, he accelerated to 55mph in a 30mph zone, took the corner into Luck Lane too fast, overtook the Astra erratically, lost control on New Hey Road hitting a parked car, continued, collided with the rear of a van forcing its driver to jump away, rebounded into another parked vehicle, then fled on foot but was caught.

Admitted dangerous driving. Judge told him he was lucky not to have killed someone. Defence cited immaturity and panic due to no insurance or licence.

4 May 2016

Vicky Knott

Fraud by abuse of position *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Vicky Knott, a wages clerk at Trojan Plastics in Milnsbridge, Huddersfield, diverted £120,000 from the company into her own bank accounts and a credit card for personal use over three years from January 2012. She abused her position of trust by creating false invoices, pretending to pay wages to non-existent or former employees, falsely recording forward payments to suppliers, and taking money from petty cash to cover her actions. The fraud was discovered, leading to her arrest and sentencing.

Admitted 12 charges of fraud by abuse of position. Recorder Ian Harris commented that the offending was insidious and corrosive, striking at the root of the business. Later ordered to pay £13,105.36 in compensation to Trojan Plastics.

1 May 2016

April 2016 3 cases

Jamie Mcgregor

Rape *

Sentence

14 years imprisonment

Jamie McGregor, a 25-year-old drug dealer from North Carr Croft, Dalton, raped a vulnerable female drug addict client in her Huddersfield flat in August 2015. He tricked his way inside early in the morning by banging on her bedroom window, exploiting her vulnerability and trust as her supplier. The 30-minute ordeal involved considerable violence, no contraceptive use risking pregnancy and disease, and sadistic comments like 'pain is good' when she complained of pain. Afterwards, he threatened to slit her throat if she told anyone. He was on bail at the time for assaulting a policeman and possessing a bladed article outside a club.

Found guilty by a jury on two charges of rape and one of attempt rape; sentenced to 13 years for these offences plus 1 year consecutive for having a bladed article and assaulting a PC; admitted possessing four wraps of cocaine. Recorder Benjamin Nolan QC noted the sadistic element, betrayal of trust, and threat to slit the victim's throat.

29 Apr 2016

Yakub Moosa Yusuf

Conspiracy to commit fraud *

Sentence

5 years 10 months imprisonment

Yakub Moosa Yusuf organised a nationwide fraud in the meat trade, buying beef and sheep at auctions and selling them after slaughter without payment, resulting in losses of £375,000 to farmers and businesses across the UK, including a Welsh farmer who lost £90,000. He operated under fake business names and agents to avoid detection, supplied non-Halal meat to Halal retailers, and used an unhygienic unrefrigerated van for transport. Despite being barred from food businesses due to prior offences, including bleaching meat at an unlawful plant in Dewsbury, he continued operations even after arrest in June 2013.

Admitted conspiracy to commit fraud, breaching a food prohibition order and three breaches of hygiene regulations. Judge Neil Clark described it as an orchestrated fraud in the meat industry causing financial risk and risk to health and public safety.

15 Apr 2016

Zulfiqar Alam

Conspiracy to commit fraud *

Sentence

3 years 10 months imprisonment

Zulfiqar Alam acted as an accomplice to Yakub Moosa Yusuf in a nationwide meat fraud, assisting in the operation that defrauded farmers and businesses of £375,000 by purchasing livestock without payment and using cloned company names and bounced cheques. He ran a butcher’s shop in London involved in the scheme.

Admitted conspiracy to commit fraud. Ran a butcher’s shop in London where he was arrested.

15 Apr 2016

March 2016 2 cases

Anthony Robert Fuery

Possessing an offensive weapon *

Sentence

12 months imprisonment

On June 22, 2015, in the early hours, Anthony Robert Fuery and Dilbir Singh entered a house in North Street, Huddersfield. Fuery wore a plastic Iron Man mask and picked up a hammer at the flat. They confronted victim Manzoor Hassan, but Fuery did not use the hammer to threaten anyone. The incident was part of a drug-fueled psychotic episode led by Singh.

Admitted having an offensive weapon. Anticipated a confrontation but not more serious violence; picked up the hammer at the scene and did not use it to threaten anyone.

12 Mar 2016

Dilbir Singh

Wounding with intent *

Sentence

8 years imprisonment

On June 22, 2015, in the early hours, Dilbir Singh and accomplice Anthony Robert Fuery entered a house in North Street, Huddersfield. Singh, wearing a bandana over part of his face, held a large serrated knife, while Fuery wore a plastic Iron Man mask and picked up a hammer. They confronted victim Manzoor Hassan, who was visiting the house. Singh demanded to know the whereabouts of his girlfriend and son, recognized Hassan, removed his bandana, and assaulted him by cutting the top of his head three times with the knife. Singh also attempted to strike Hassan with other items before Hassan escaped.

Admitted wounding with intent and possessing an offensive weapon. Was suffering a psychotic episode fuelled by drink and drugs, hearing voices with distorted perception. Has undergone treatment and detoxified since the incident.

12 Mar 2016

February 2016 1 case

Connor Jervis

Arson *

Sentence

21 months detention

On August 4, 2015, Connor Jervis caused fire damage to a carpet at his mother Lisa Merlin's home in St James’s Way, Rawthorpe, Huddersfield, after she asked him and his brother Callum to leave due to previous problems. Jervis ran upstairs carrying burning tissues about two feet in length, dropped them on the carpet at the top of the stairs, and then ran out the back door, locking it behind him. His teenage sister stamped on the flames, and his mother poured water over them, but there was some damage to the carpet. He was arrested four days later in Huddersfield after resisting police, requiring CS gas spray to subdue him.

Admitted arson and resisting a police officer. Made subject of a restraining order not to enter the cul-de-sac where his mother lives for five years. Diagnosed with ADHD and had a serious drug problem, including cannabis use from age 11. Difficulties controlling emotions.

9 Feb 2016

January 2016 7 cases

Raheel Akhtar Butt

Assault causing actual bodily harm and witness intimidation *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment for assault causing actual bodily harm and 12 months consecutive for witness intimidation

On July 21, 2015, Raheel Akhtar Butt, 42, of Dewsbury, argued with his wife Touqueer Un-Nisa Butt about money, slapped her twice, threatened her with a kitchen knife in front of their nine-year-old son, and struck her twice on the head with an object like a remote control, causing a 3cm cut on her forehead that bled. She called the police, and he was bailed with conditions not to contact her. On November 1, 2015, he repeatedly called her to drop the complaint, turned up at their home in Ravens Avenue, Dewsbury, threatened her including to split her head in two, and blamed her. She recorded some threats. He denied contact when arrested again.

Admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and witness intimidation. Judge Tom Bayliss QC described the offence as appalling. Likely to lose taxi licence.

25 Jan 2016

Philip John Mason

Robbery *

Sentence

6 years 8 months imprisonment

On June 1, 2015, at approximately 8pm, Philip John Mason and an accomplice entered the Co-operative Food store in Brunswick Street, Westborough, Dewsbury, with hoods up. While the accomplice confronted the store manager, Mason grabbed £670 in cash and cigarettes from the tills before fleeing. They were identified from CCTV by a staff member who recognised them from earlier that evening. Mason was in breach of prior suspended sentences for burglary.

Admitted the robbery and being in breach of suspended sentences for burglary. Asked for 65 other offences including burglary, theft and criminal damage to be taken into consideration. Was using heroin at the time; had been stabbed in 2013 and did not anticipate the use of a knife, expecting only a smash and grab.

22 Jan 2016

Mark Lee Hendry

Robbery *

Sentence

10 years imprisonment with 5 years extended licence

On June 1, 2015, at approximately 8pm, Mark Lee Hendry and an accomplice entered the Co-operative Food store in Brunswick Street, Westborough, Dewsbury, with hoods up. Hendry jumped on the counter, approached store manager Robert Stephenson holding a small black handled knife, struggled with him, stabbed him in the thigh causing a two centimetre deep wound requiring surgery, then stamped on and kicked him while he was on the floor. The pair stole £670 in cash and cigarettes before fleeing. They were identified from CCTV by a staff member who recognised them from earlier that evening.

Admitted robbery, wounding Mr Stephenson with intent, possessing an offensive weapon and having a bladed article. Asked for 26 other offences including burglary, theft and robbery to be taken into consideration. Drugs were at the root of his offending; now drug free. Judge considered him a risk to the public.

22 Jan 2016

Lee James Kennedy

Burglary *

Sentence

4 years 5 months imprisonment

Lee James Kennedy, 28, of Pickford Street, Milnsbridge, committed three burglaries in Huddersfield. The first occurred between 23-25 May at a house in Wheatfield Avenue, Marsh, where a rear door lock was snapped and jewellery and other items, including a phone sold to Cash Converters, were stolen (approximately £3,000 worth outstanding). The second was in June at a property in Raw Nook Road, Salendine Nook, where he smashed a glass panel with a hammer while occupants were on holiday, stealing car keys among other items, leading to the theft and subsequent crash of a Renault Clio. The third was overnight on June 7 at a house in Heatherfield Road, Marsh, where a door lock was broken and minor items like a scratch card and a bottle of Coke were taken, with drawers searched upstairs. Evidence included mobile phone records, DNA on an airbag and the Coke bottle, and ANPR footage.

Admitted three burglaries. On licence at the time from previous sentences for burglary. Judge noted aggravating feature of being on licence and previous records leading to minimum sentences, with a degree of organisation in the offending.

18 Jan 2016

Shane Luther George

Burglary *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Shane Luther George, 25, of Rawthorpe Lane, Rawthorpe, committed two burglaries in Huddersfield alongside Lee James Kennedy. The first was between 23-25 May at a house in Wheatfield Avenue, Marsh, where a rear door lock was snapped and jewellery and other items were stolen. The second was in June at a property in Raw Nook Road, Salendine Nook, where a glass panel was smashed with a hammer while occupants were on holiday, stealing car keys among other items, leading to the theft and crash of a Renault Clio on Halifax Old Road, after which they fled. Evidence included sightings of two males running from the crash scene.

Admitted two burglaries. On licence at the time from previous sentences for burglary. Judge noted aggravating feature of being on licence and previous records leading to minimum sentences, with a degree of organisation in the offending.

18 Jan 2016

Mohammed Safraz

Conspiracy to traffic people into the UK *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

Mohammed Safraz, along with his wife Hajrah Safraz and sister-in-law Nisa Ul Haq, was involved in a people trafficking operation that lured Pakistani clothing workers to Britain under false promises of well-paid jobs, leading to their exploitation. The operation was motivated by greed, with Safraz playing a supporting role.

Convicted of conspiracy to traffic people into the UK. Played a lesser role in the operation centred on his sister-in-law Nisa Ul Haq. Sentenced in January 2016.

1 Jan 2016

Hajrah Safraz

Conspiracy to traffic people into the UK *

Sentence

3 and a half years imprisonment

Hajrah Safraz, along with her husband Mohammed Safraz and sister Nisa Ul Haq, was involved in a people trafficking operation that lured Pakistani clothing workers to Britain under false promises of well-paid jobs, leading to their exploitation. The operation was motivated by greed, with Safraz playing a supporting role.

Convicted of conspiracy to traffic people into the UK. Played a lesser role in the operation centred on her sister Nisa Ul Haq. Sentenced in January 2016.

1 Jan 2016

December 2015 3 cases

Justin James Riley

Breaching restraining order and threatening to damage property *

Sentence

6 months imprisonment

On October 31, 2015, Justin James Riley, 27, of Bernard Street, Deighton, Huddersfield, turned up at his ex-girlfriend Charlotte Hutchinson's home in Holmfirth, two weeks after being given a community order and restraining order on October 15, 2015, by magistrates for battery and harassment on her and harassment of a previous partner. He asked her to come outside to talk, became angry when refused, kicked the door, shouted abuse, and upon realizing she was on the phone to police, called her an informer and grass, and threatened to burn the house down. He was found in the area but denied visiting her home, claiming he was meeting a friend. Miss Hutchinson wanted no further contact and the restraining order to continue.

Admitted breaching the restraining order and threatening to damage property. Had difficulty accepting the relationship was over. Found remand in custody difficult and willing to comply with courses or orders.

8 Dec 2015

Gavin Robert Kendell

Attempted robbery *

Sentence

32 months imprisonment

On November 13, 2015, around 10.25am, Gavin Robert Kendell, a 33-year-old heroin addict from Green Terrace, Mirfield, approached a disabled retired man with chronic lung disease who was using a walking stick and waiting for a bus on Huddersfield Road, Mirfield. Kendell insulted him by saying 'You look like you are dying' and demanded his money, threatening to punch him. The victim fended him off with his walking stick as they grappled, at which point a passing police car honked, causing Kendell to flee into nearby Mirfield News. There, he grabbed the shopkeeper Omar Khan in a headlock and demanded money, but Khan fought him off, and Kendell apologised repeatedly before leaving. Officers arrested Kendell shortly after based on the shopkeeper's identification. He admitted to the police he committed the acts to fund his heroin addiction.

Pleaded guilty to both attempted robberies. Heroin addict desperate for money. Bad record of prior convictions. Judge noted he targeted a disabled elderly man in a determined manner.

7 Dec 2015

Jaroslav Balaz

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving *

Sentence

30 months imprisonment

On the evening of October 14, 2014, Jaroslav Balaz, after drinking copious amounts of vodka the night before and beer during the day, drove from Bradford towards Kent on the M62. He stopped at Hartshead Moor services for petrol and a sleep, then mistakenly entered the motorway the wrong way down the entry slip road, driving towards oncoming traffic at 60-70mph in his Vauxhall Zafira. He crashed head-on into an Audi driven by Detective Sergeant Sharon Kaye, causing severe life-changing injuries including fractured ribs, broken wrist, liver bleeding, and spinal surgery removing three vertebrae. Debris affected other vehicles, closing the motorway. Balaz had 110 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of blood (limit 80) and invalid insurance. He fled to Slovakia but was extradited.

Pleaded guilty at first opportunity. Fled the UK before initial sentencing in March but was arrested and returned. Additional one month consecutive for failing to attend court. Judge commented on the utterly appalling incident and deliberate decision to drive while unfit.

1 Dec 2015

November 2015 6 cases

Ajaz Latif

Threatening with offensive weapon *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

Ajaz Latif, 33, of Thorn Road, Thornton Lodge, engaged in repeated threats with a baseball bat and harassment in Paddock and Huddersfield areas starting from April 10, 2015. On April 10, he waved a baseball bat out of a car window during a confrontation with a resident complaining about his drug use and driving. He swung the bat at a piece of wood the resident picked up, breaking it, and made threats before driving off. On May 17, he was captured on CCTV waving a baseball bat outside a bar in Queen Street, Huddersfield, during a fight. Between May 20 and 23, he harassed a family in Heaton Road, Paddock, after a dispute with one of the daughters, driving around revving his engine, arriving at the house demanding to fight the brother, using abusive language, and on one occasion chasing a family uncle down the street with another man while waving baseball bats and striking a car window. He also threatened family members, shouting 'he's a dead man'. On May 25, he was stopped in a car in New Hey Road and found with a knuckleduster, crack cocaine, and heroin.

Admitted possessing heroin and crack cocaine, harassment, three offences of threatening or possessing the baseball bat as an offensive weapon and having the knuckleduster. Heavily addicted to drugs at the time, has since got clean while on remand and is doing courses in English and maths.

24 Nov 2015

Stephen Burton

Making indecent images of children *

Sentence

Three year community order with 40 day rehabilitation requirement and accredited programme

Stephen Burton's computer and memory cards were seized from Wellington Street, Lindley, Huddersfield, in June 2015. Over 1,000 indecent images and movies of children were found, including 229 still and 209 moving images at Category A (most serious), 203 still and 109 moving at Category B, and 425 still and 36 moving at Category C. Burton, aged 50, immediately admitted responsibility, stating he used pornography during his wife's final stages of fatal illness, with interest in girls aged 7-14, deleting younger images. He obtained sexual gratification from them.

Admitted six charges of making indecent images. Judge Tom Bayliss QC noted the appalling nature of the images but opted for community order to reduce reoffending risk through treatment programme. Sought help from Lucy Faithful organisation post-arrest.

20 Nov 2015

Kymani Williams

Assault and possession of a bladed article *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

On October 25, 2014, Kymani Williams entered Milnsbridge Liberal Club with a four-inch bladed article in his waistband, stared at Ben Wilkinson due to an ongoing dispute involving Williams' former partner Kelly Mooney, and threatened to slash Wilkinson's face outside the club. On June 26, 2015, while on bail, Williams assaulted Mooney at her house by calling her names, spitting in her face, pouring beer over her head, putting her in a headlock, hitting her with an empty beer can until crushed, and throwing her into bushes, breaching a non-molestation order.

Already under a community order for previous offence of having a bladed article in a public place. Pleaded guilty. Judge noted bad record including burglary, offensive weapon, and breach of non-molestation order.

19 Nov 2015

Jason Kyle Webster

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm and breach of non-molestation order *

Sentence

12 months imprisonment

Jason Kyle Webster, 22, of Church Street, Paddock, assaulted his ex-girlfriend on two occasions in May 2015 after breaching a non-molestation order obtained from Kirklees family court. The relationship ended in July 2014 after he was imprisoned for supplying class A drugs. He was released on January 16, 2015, the day their daughter was born. After discovering she had a new relationship, he threatened her, leading to the order barring contact, threats, or violence. On May 1, he went to a friend's house in Kirkheaton where the victim and her daughter were, grabbed her necklace breaking it, pulled her hair, punched her, and called her a whore before leaving in a taxi. On May 4, he throttled her and beat her over the head with her phone. He claimed the first incident was out of concern for his child.

Admitted two breaches of the non-molestation order and assaulting the victim causing her actual bodily harm. Expressed genuine remorse while in custody. Previously recalled on a 16-month sentence for supplying class A drugs.

16 Nov 2015

Kendle Castle

Possessing heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply *

Sentence

2 year jail sentence suspended for two years with 240 hours unpaid work and a rehabilitation activity requirement of 15 days

On May 10, 2015, police attended Kendle Castle's address on Brownroyd Avenue, Rawthorpe, for an unrelated matter. There was a delay in opening the door as he tried to hide Class A drugs in his clothing. Search revealed 19 wraps of heroin, 18 wraps of crack cocaine, £175 cash, and two mobile phones. Interrogation of phones showed incriminating messages using code words 'whisky' for heroin and 'brandy' for cocaine, indicating drug dealing. He admitted possessing with intent to supply.

Pleaded guilty. Previous conviction in 2011 for possessing class A drugs with intent to supply. Judge noted he was storing drugs for others, naïve and immature, lesser role. Benefit from crime £545, confiscation order £175 within 28 days or one day in prison in default. Warned of immediate jail for any breach.

11 Nov 2015

Dean Oates

Burglary *

Sentence

2 years 8 months imprisonment

Dean Oates broke into a pensioner's flat in Bradbury Street, Ravensthorpe, in June 2015 while the victim, a man in his 70s suffering from Alzheimer’s, was dying in hospital. Oates, a heroin user, tried to jemmy a window open before smashing it and climbing inside. He made an untidy search of the property, stealing a television set, watch, £40 in cash, and change collected in a jar. He left through the door using spare keys found inside, necessitating a lock change when the family discovered the break-in. Oates had no memory of the incident due to being high on drugs and was unaware of the victim's age or condition. He was traced via DNA on a cloth left at the scene. The victim was never aware of the burglary and has since died. Oates was not charged regarding the victim's treasured medals due to uncertainty about their prior disposal.

Admitted the burglary. Remorseful and willing to comply with community sentence to address drug and alcohol misuse. Judge noted it was not a spur of the moment offence as he went equipped to commit it.

2 Nov 2015

October 2015 5 cases

Mark Walsh

Theft *

Sentence

14 weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months with 100 hours unpaid work

Mark Walsh stole three rings of sentimental value from his former partner Deborah Mellor and pawned them without her knowledge. One ring belonged to her late grandfather and was uniquely designed. He also stole a ring from her mother Christine and sold it for £75 at a pawnbroker. The theft occurred around June 14, 2014, when he borrowed her car without permission from her home in Balmoral Avenue, Crosland Moor. He admitted the theft out of anger and frustration during ongoing arguments.

Pleaded guilty to theft and taking a vehicle without consent. Ordered to pay £200 compensation. Judge commented on remorse and shame.

21 Oct 2015

Tony Brooks

Attempted rape and sexual assault *

Sentence

17 years imprisonment

Tony Brooks, 74, from Penistone Road, Waterloo, Huddersfield, sexually abused two young girls, aged five or six and seven or eight, during visits to his home. The abuse built gradually after gaining their trust, starting with kissing on the lips and progressing to touching their chest areas and indecent touching, including attempts to rape the older girl. It involved grooming and planning. The offences came to light when the older girl's behaviour changed, leading to questioning and disclosure. The girls will need counselling; no fault on families.

Found guilty by a jury of two offences of attempted rape, four of sexual assault, one of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, one of a further assault on the older girl, and two of sexual assault on the other victim. Judge Penelope Belcher noted health problems did not stop the offences and that the blame is entirely his. Defence mentioned hardship on his blind wife.

21 Oct 2015

Mohammed Aslam

Battery *

Sentence

11 months imprisonment

Mohammed Aslam, a 32-year-old taxi driver from Clara Street, Hillhouse, assaulted Joseph Wood, 23, in March 2015 in Huddersfield town centre. Wood had argued with the taxi driver over the fare (£12 instead of £8) and was swearing. Aslam opened the back door of the taxi, grabbed Wood, punched him to the head causing his glasses to fall, and punched him again to the right ear before intervention by a group of girls. Wood suffered pain and swelling to the side of his head. This incident breached his previous 12-month suspended sentence for 18 months, imposed for assaulting and intimidating Thomas Fletcher in 2012 and 2013.

Found guilty by magistrates of battery to Joseph Wood and breach of suspended sentence. Completed unpaid work from previous sentence and continued voluntary work, leading to reduction in activated sentence. Recorder Kate Tulk noted his behaviour was 'totally unacceptable' and that he had behaved inappropriately twice.

12 Oct 2015

Daniel Wood

Production of cannabis *

Sentence

12 month community order and 100 hours unpaid work

Daniel Wood, 27, of Ashmere Grove, Fartown, was involved in the cannabis farm in a house on Abbey Road, Fartown. His DNA was found on rubber gloves in the drying room. The setup included two rooms for growing and drying cannabis, with 16 plants and 37 branches, estimated yield 1,440 grams valued at £6,000. Police raided on May 13, 2014, after initial detection on May 7, 2014.

DNA on rubber gloves matched in the drying room. Claimed promised money for trimming leaves but had not received any.

9 Oct 2015

Christopher Kelly

Production of cannabis *

Sentence

4 month jail sentence suspended for 12 months

Christopher Kelly, 34, of Riddings Road, Deighton, was involved in the cannabis farm in a Fartown house on Abbey Road. His fingerprints were found in the growing room. He claimed he was promised money for trimming leaves but had not received any. The operation involved growing 16 plants and drying 37 branches, estimated at 1,440 grams total value £6,000, discovered by police on May 13, 2014.

Involvement was minimal at a time when alcohol was a problem; has now overcome it. Fingerprints found in the growing room.

9 Oct 2015

Tom Lundgren

Hendrik Van Der Genugten

Gheorghita Lacatus

Ghulam Hussain

Christopher Downes

Anthony Joseph Davey

Nathan Stapleton

Kieran Rayner

Luke Kenny

Raphael Hunte

Trevor Fox

Lisa Marie Maguire

Nisa Ul Haq

Matthew Wenzel

Luke Robert Browne

Jamie Hever

Benjamin Colin Wood

Jack Christopher Bradshaw

Daniel Long

Matthew Essex

Gareth Ryan Fisher

Carl Blakely

Vicky Knott

Jamie Mcgregor

Yakub Moosa Yusuf

Zulfiqar Alam

Anthony Robert Fuery

Dilbir Singh

Connor Jervis

Raheel Akhtar Butt

Philip John Mason

Mark Lee Hendry

Lee James Kennedy

Shane Luther George

Mohammed Safraz

Hajrah Safraz

Justin James Riley

Gavin Robert Kendell

Jaroslav Balaz

Ajaz Latif

Stephen Burton

Kymani Williams

Jason Kyle Webster

Kendle Castle

Dean Oates

Mark Walsh

Tony Brooks

Mohammed Aslam

Daniel Wood

Christopher Kelly

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