Leeds Crown Court Sentencing Results

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

Wanqing Yu

Conspiracy to defraud

October 22, 2025

Sentence: 17 weeks imprisonment

Wanqing Yu, 25, and Li Liu, 26, exploited a loophole in the Delay Repay scheme since 2021 by claiming refunds for train tickets pretending they no longer wanted to travel, then applying for compensation on the same late journeys. They created 16 fictitious identities, multiple bank accounts, and used a 20-SIM card adapter to conceal the fraud. Yu received £15,712. The scam affected multiple train companies including CrossCountry Trains.

No previous convictions. On a one-year English-teaching course at Leeds. Released imminently due to time served on remand. Little mitigation offered.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Li Liu

Conspiracy to defraud

October 22, 2025

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

Li Liu, 26, and Wanqing Yu, 25, exploited a loophole in the Delay Repay scheme since 2021 by claiming refunds for train tickets pretending they no longer wanted to travel, then applying for compensation on the same late journeys. They created 16 fictitious identities, multiple bank accounts, and used a 20-SIM card adapter to conceal the fraud. Liu illegally acquired £141,031. The scam affected multiple train companies including CrossCountry Trains.

No previous convictions. Started a one-year course at Leeds University. Wants to return to China to reunite with family. Remorse and shame expressed by counsel.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Qabir Hussain

Causing death by dangerous driving

October 21, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Qabir Hussain, 54, was driving a van and using his mobile phone to check emails moments before he ran over and killed 85-year-old David Brooke as he crossed Barnsley Road in Wakefield in January 2022.

Found guilty after trial. Phone analysis showed it was unlocked and used to access emails and web browser during the journey.

Sources: bbc.co.uk

Austen Tobias Fleming

Cyber-enabled child sexual abuse and exploitation

October 21, 2025

Sentence: 24 years imprisonment

Austen Tobias Fleming, 28, based at Dishforth Airfield near Thirsk, set up multiple fake social media profiles, including female ones, to groom children aged 10 to 17 across the UK from December 2020 to January 2023. He coerced victims into sending indecent images and videos through sextortion, secretly recording interactions for blackmail, threatening to share images with loved ones or bribing with money and vouchers. One victim attempted suicide due to trauma. Fleming was arrested on 14 November 2022 and re-arrested on 16 December 2024.

Pleaded guilty to 83 counts of sexual abuse towards children. Additional 3 years on licence, indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and placed on the Register of Sex Offender for life.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Alfie Franco

Murder

October 17, 2025

Sentence: 23 years imprisonment

Alfie Franco murdered 16-year-old refugee Ahmad Mamdouh al Ibrahim in a packed street in Huddersfield town centre. The attack occurred in broad daylight, with Franco stabbing the boy in the neck after issuing a four-word ultimatum. Chilling CCTV captured the moment Franco, described as a cold-blooded killer with a twisted obsession and interest in knives, carried out the brutal killing. Ahmad had fled war-torn Syria to Huddersfield for a better life and aspired to become a doctor. Franco's web of lies unravelled during the trial, where he claimed to feel like he was in a nightmare but was convicted by a jury in just three hours.

Found guilty of murder following a trial. Family stunned silent during sentencing.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Cy Suddick

Possession of cocaine with intent to supply

October 17, 2025

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment

Cy Suddick, 32, of Henfield Way, Easingwold, North Yorkshire, operated a cocaine production facility at his property in Easingwold, where dozens of packaged drugs worth £2.5m were found on November 30, 2024. The cocaine was stamped with '2024' and packages displayed images including a Mercedes G Wagon. He was arrested at the scene during a warrant execution by the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit.

Admitted two counts of possession of cocaine with intent to supply, conspiracy to supply cocaine and permitting the use of premises for supplying cocaine.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Grant Bower

Violent Disorder

October 17, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

On November 24, 2022, following a dispute over a girlfriend, Grant Bower participated in a violent attack on a family home in Birstall. He drove his Transit van at speed towards the victims' house, causing it to shake, reversed into railings, and nearly ran over a pedestrian and the family dog. The incident involved at least seven men emerging from a ginnel, armed with weapons like metal poles, glass bottles, and a shopping trolley handle. Glass bottles were thrown at the house, and a nearby school was placed on lockdown for half an hour due to reports of men with knives.

Drove Transit van at the house as a weapon, nearly running over a pedestrian and the family dog. Judge stated his role was the most serious.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Oliver Duncan

Possession of cocaine with intent to supply

October 17, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 8 months imprisonment

Oliver Duncan, 21, of Beechburn Crescent, Roby, was detained while attempting to climb out of a window at the Easingwold property during the police raid on November 30, 2024. He was part of the multi-million pound cocaine production and supply operation run from the quiet residential area in North Yorkshire.

Admitted two counts of possession of cocaine with intent to supply and conspiracy to supply cocaine.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Lewis Boocock

Violent Disorder

October 17, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

On November 24, 2022, in Birstall, Lewis Boocock joined his brother Luke and others in attacking a family home after a love-rival dispute. The group of at least seven men came out of a ginnel armed with weapons including a metal pole, glass bottles, and a shopping trolley handle. Lewis showed enthusiasm for violence, running towards a woman with a metal pole, striking the door with a stick, kicking it, and smashing the window. The attack caused a nearby school to go into lockdown for half an hour.

Played the most serious role after Bower; ran towards a woman with a metal pole, struck the door with a stick, kicked it, and smashed the window. Described as being at the heart of the violence.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Luke Boocock

Violent Disorder

October 17, 2025

Sentence: 13 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years with 6-month curfew 7pm-6am

On November 24, 2022, Luke Boocock, after fighting his love rival earlier that day over a girlfriend, contacted the man to arrange a one-on-one fight. Instead, he arrived with his brother Lewis, Grant Bower, and others, totaling at least seven men armed with weapons like metal poles, glass bottles, and a shopping trolley handle. They attacked the family home in Birstall, throwing bottles and causing a school lockdown. Luke fought with the two sons and appeared armed, though he claimed otherwise.

Initiated the second fight after an earlier dispute; fought with the victim's sons; accepted as less involved than others.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Kevin Robinson

Possession of cocaine with intent to supply

October 17, 2025

Sentence: 10 years and 2 months imprisonment

Kevin Robinson, 50, of Shalcombe Close, Halewood, was driving a Vauxhall Vivaro campervan stopped on the northbound A1 near Scotch Corner junction on November 30, 2024. A search uncovered 21 kilos of cocaine, stamped with '2024', hidden in a drawer in the campervan's kitchen, with an estimated street value of £2.1m. He was part of the organised crime group's multi-million pound class A drugs operation.

Admitted possession of cocaine with intent to supply and conspiracy to supply cocaine.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Muzaffer Mir

Causing death by dangerous driving

October 16, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment and 7-year driving disqualification

On April 11, 2023, Muzaffer Mir, 35, of Grove Road in Shipley, was driving his modified BMW M2 at grossly excessive speeds between 86mph and 96mph on the 40mph A647 Bradford Road. He struck and killed Joshua Wilson, 26, who had just alighted from a bus and was crossing the road. Wilson stepped into the eastbound carriageway, raised his arm to signal Mir to stop, but was hit, suffering catastrophic injuries and dying at the scene. Mir stopped at the scene and expressed remorse. Prior complaints about his speeding had been made to his dental surgery.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at the first opportunity. Judge rejected mitigation claims regarding mother's death impacting driving and suggestion of momentary lapse. Described as showing off the power and speed of his vehicle.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Samuel Hunter

Stalking

October 16, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 2 months imprisonment

Samuel Hunter, 33, of Boothroyd Lane, Dewsbury, engaged in a campaign of harassment and stalking against his ex-partner, her mother, and an innocent man he mistakenly believed was involved with her after their split in September 2024. He tracked her car using a device, sent threatening messages, including threats to 'send the boys round', and contacted the man under a false profile. He also harassed her family, including visits by associates pressuring to drop charges. Additionally, in a separate incident at his Holmfirth quarry, he assaulted a man photographing the area by barging, punching, tripping, and setting dogs on him, causing injuries.

Pleaded guilty to stalking, assault, and criminal damage. Sentenced by Mr Recorder McKone. Mitigating factors included successful business ownership and obsession driven by belief of infidelity. Prior assault on quarry photographer also considered.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Christopher Ackroyd

Attempted rape

October 16, 2025

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

Christopher Ackroyd, 32, of Wasdale Road in Wakefield, attempted to rape a 13-year-old girl and committed multiple sexual attacks against her, including four counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, one count of sexual assault of a child under 13, and one count of causing a child to watch a sexual act. The offences occurred earlier this decade. He also intimidated the victim to prevent her from giving evidence. He was found guilty following a trial in August and sentenced on October 16, 2025.

9 years for sexual offences and 1 year consecutively for witness intimidation. Lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on Sex Offenders Register for life.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Philip Watson

Murder

October 3, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum term of 31 years and 108 days

On September 29, 2024, Philip Watson, 35, brutally murdered Paul Tillett, 56, at the Strawberry Dale complex in Harrogate. Watson tied Mr Tillett up, punched, kicked, and stamped on him, set fire to his hair using an aerosol can as a flamethrower, cut his nose and ear with nail clippers, stabbed him in the buttock, suffocated him with a pillow, choked him with a ligature, stuffed a bread bun in his mouth, and carved a 'W' into his forehead. The attack occurred in the early hours after September 28, 2024, in Mr Tillett's flat, where Watson and other drug users, including co-accused Jason Johnson and witness Laura Gwynn, were present. Motive stemmed from Watson viewing Mr Tillett as a 'grass' after prior police reports. Watson had previously threatened and assaulted Mr Tillett on May 31 and June 1, 2024, leading to a ban on contact, which he violated. The murder was sadistic, with Watson forcing Ms Gwynn to watch.

Pleaded guilty to murder on April 30, 2025. Described by Mr Justice Hilliard as extremely uncooperative, took pleasure in inflicting suffering, and showed no remorse. Had 84 prior convictions spanning two decades. Suffered from depression, ADHD, antisocial personality disorder, emotionally unstable personality disorder, paranoia, and suicidal thoughts; long-term cocaine and cannabis use contributed to behaviour.

Sources: thestrayferret.co.uk

Mohammed Rashidzadeh

Fraud

September 25, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

Mohammed Rashidzadeh, the sole director of Cozy Bed Ltd, an online bed retailer based in Huddersfield, applied for a £50,000 Bounce Back Loan in June 2020, claiming a company turnover of £203,000. Instead of using the funds to support his business during the Covid pandemic, he transferred the entire amount to his personal account and used it to purchase a three-bedroom semi-detached house on Morton Green, Almondbury, for £116,000. He also applied to strike off the company from the Companies House register without informing the bank, and no loan repayments were made. The house was later sold in August 2021.

Found guilty of offences under the Fraud Act and Companies Act; cynically misused a £50,000 Bounce Back Loan intended for his business to buy a house and attempted to dissolve the company without notifying creditors.

Sources: dailypost.co.uk

Dilwar Hussain

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault

September 25, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment

Dilwar Hussain, 25, of Kingswear Parade, Leeds, assaulted his partner on two occasions. On May 27, 2025, at the woman's home, an argument escalated after she saw him messaging other women. He took her phone and keys, grabbed her by the hoodie ripping it, punched her twice to the side of the head, and kicked her to the back of the left leg. She called the police, ending the incident. On June 2025, at her niece's birthday party, after drinking, he refused to leave, threatened to take her phone, and attacked her with multiple punches and kicks, causing bruises to her arms. He was arrested, answered 'no comment' in interview, but later admitted the offences.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault. Nine previous convictions for 17 offences, including violence against ex-partners. Mitigating factors include a letter to the judge expressing intent to change, upcoming child with the complainant, and her retraction of statement. Judge noted his inability to control drinking and history of beating partners. Must serve 40% in custody before release on licence.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Josh Topps

Assault

September 25, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

Josh Topps, 22, engaged in a pattern of abusive and violent behaviour towards his ex-partner starting in December 2024. On December 28, 2024, he kicked her, threw her onto the bed by her hair, spat in her face, and took her phone. On February 2, 2025, he became angry during a conversation, smacked the back of her head, spat at her, dragged her, and threw her on the floor. He also sent abusive messages, threatened her, and on February 16, 2025, sent a video to her new partner showing a bullet and a man loading what appeared to be a gun, filmed in his house. This left the victim paranoid, anxious, and isolated.

Mitigating factors include diagnoses of ADHD, PTSD, depression, and anxiety; he has been working in prison and has shown insight into anger management issues.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Ismael Shafiq

Conspiracy to Supply Cocaine and Heroin

September 19, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 3 months imprisonment

Ismael Shafiq, 34, of Ravenshouse Road, was part of a Dewsbury-based organised crime group supplying cocaine and heroin through the 'Bob' drug line. On April 4, 2023, police found him with a phone containing the line's SIM, along with cash, cocaine, and heroin at a property. The group facilitated over 60,000 calls and 24,000 texts, with Shafiq handling drug requests and maintaining the operation despite arrests.

Trusted member of the gang with the nickname 'Melly', found in possession of the 'Bob' line SIM card, involved in stock taking and drug requests, and continued operations post-arrest.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Istaker Salim

Conspiracy to Supply Cocaine and Heroin

September 19, 2025

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

Istaker Salim, 39, of Speakers Court, was part of an organised crime group that supplied hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of heroin and cocaine in Dewsbury through the 'Bob' drug line. The group operated between February 25, 2023, and December 10, 2023, facilitating drug deals via messages and calls. Police investigations revealed his control over the line, with evidence from CCTV and seized phones showing his involvement in drug-related activities.

Main controller of the 'Bob' drug line, used the nickname 'Bob', directed drug users to locations including his mother's and partner's addresses, and was involved in over 60,000 calls and 24,000 texts.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Ahmed Hanif

Conspiracy to Supply Cocaine and Heroin

September 19, 2025

Sentence: 11 years imprisonment

Ahmed Hanif, 26, of Park Parade, Dewsbury, was involved in an organised crime group that flooded Dewsbury with cocaine and heroin via the 'Bob' drug line. He played a central role in maintaining the line's operations, including sourcing drugs and coordinating with other members. The group supplied over £500,000 worth of Class A drugs between February 2023 and December 2023, with evidence from seized phones linking him to the conspiracy.

Ensured runners were available, managed drug stock for the 'Bob' line, used the nickname 'Bruce', and was a key figure in the operation, with references to him in messages about drug supplies.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Basharat Wali

Conspiracy to Supply Cocaine and Heroin

September 19, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Basharat Wali, 45, of Dorset Walk, was a low-level dealer in an organised crime group that supplied cocaine and heroin via the 'Bob' drug line in Dewsbury. The group distributed hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of Class A drugs between February 2023 and December 2023, with Wali's role including facilitating deals to support his personal addiction.

Low-level dealer who worked to fund his own drug habit, involved in the 'Bob' line operations and referenced in messages about drug supplies.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Robert Dufton

Conspiracy to Supply Cocaine and Heroin

September 19, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 8 months imprisonment

Robert Dufton, 38, of Beckett Crescent, was part of an organised crime group operating the 'Bob' drug line to supply cocaine and heroin in Dewsbury. The group was active from February 2023 to December 2023, using messages to coordinate and supply over £500,000 worth of Class A drugs, with Dufton referenced in communications about his involvement in the operation.

Involved in the 'Bob' line, with messages indicating his participation in shifts and drug-related activities as part of the group.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Zukariya Mayet

Conspiracy to Supply Cocaine and Heroin

September 19, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Zukariya Mayet, 43, of West Park Street, Dewsbury, was a member of an organised crime group that operated the 'Bob' drug line to supply cocaine and heroin in the Dewsbury area. The group was active from February 2023 to December 2023, distributing significant quantities of Class A drugs, as uncovered by West Yorkshire Police investigations.

Part of the criminal group supplying drugs, with limited specific details provided beyond his conviction.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Tasham Mahmood

Causing death by dangerous driving

September 18, 2025

Sentence: 6 years and 4 months imprisonment

Tasham Mahmood was driving his Seat Leon dangerously in Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, overtaking several vehicles, running through three red lights, and reaching speeds over 80mph, while averaging more than 60mph on a 30mph limit road. On July 2021, he struck and killed 69-year-old Carol Andrew, a mother of two, grandmother of four, and great-grandmother of one, as she crossed White Lee Road with her dog, causing her multiple injuries including massive chest injuries, leading to her death at the scene. After the collision, Mahmood threw his dashcam into another car, which was later handed in by the motorist.

Admitted causing death by dangerous driving; original sentence of 4 years was increased as unduly lenient; also disqualified from driving for 8 years and 2 months; showed remorse and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Sources: nottinghampost.com

James Thrush

Robbery

September 18, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 7 months imprisonment

James Thrush, 37, of no fixed address, engaged in a seven-day crime spree in Leeds between June 1 and June 7, 2025. He stole pond equipment from Maidenhead Aquatics in York Road, Leeds, and when a staff member tried to stop him, he drove his car at them. He also fled a petrol station without paying and committed two burglaries, including one at a home in Roundhay where he stole two televisions. He was caught on June 11, 2025, after officers stopped his car.

Pleaded guilty to robbery, making off without payment, and two counts of burglary. Received 3 years and 4 months for the robbery, 1 year and 3 months for one burglary, and no separate penalty for the other two offences. Prior offences considered.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

John Eastman

Escaping lawful custody

September 17, 2025

Sentence: 4 weeks imprisonment

John Eastman, 43, was serving a sentence at Kirkham Prison, a category D men's prison in Lancashire, when he was informed his release date of June 11 would not proceed. He escaped by running to the fence, as seen on CCTV, and was found hiding under his partner's bed in Castleford. He was arrested shortly after and admitted he knew he should not have left.

Eastman was frustrated due to his release date being changed at the last minute, leading him to abscond. He spent time at home with his family and has had 14 days added to his sentence. Mitigating factors include prison administration errors and his remorse for the actions.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Richard Vickers

Inflicting grievous bodily harm

September 17, 2025

Sentence: 20-month suspended sentence, 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and 120 days alcohol abstinence requirement

Richard Vickers, after drinking, attacked his father at their home in Ossett on August 24, 2025, by punching him multiple times in the face while he was sitting in a chair watching TV. The attack was triggered by overhearing his father scolding his daughter about her behaviour. Vickers had previously threatened violence but this was the first physical incident. His father suffered severe eye injuries requiring hospital surgery and risked permanent loss of sight.

Pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm. Claimed his father was a violent bully who had hit him thousands of times in the past. The victim did not support the prosecution and provided no statement.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Kameren Foster

Dangerous Driving

September 17, 2025

Sentence: 1 year imprisonment and 18 months driving disqualification

Kameren Foster, 23, was spotted by police driving a stolen scooter while wearing a balaclava on July 8, 2024, in Leeds Road. He led officers on a dangerous pursuit, driving at high speed, swerving through traffic, travelling on the wrong side of the road, exceeding speed limits, running red lights, mounting a curb on a pedestrian crossing, and narrowly missing other vehicles. The chase ended when he and his passenger fell from the scooter in Great Northern Street, Huddersfield. A small amount of cannabis was found on him, and the scooter had been stolen on July 4, 2024, from the owner's apartment complex.

Admitted to handling stolen goods, dangerous driving, and possession of cannabis at the magistrates' court. There was a considerable delay in the case due to police not sending a postal requisition until 11 months after the crimes.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Daniel Dyson

Wounding with intent

September 11, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Daniel Dyson, 29, of Mitchell Avenue in Huddersfield, attacked his ex-partner's new partner's friend with a knife outside her mother's address on February 18, 2025. The incident occurred after his ex-partner returned from a night out, leading to an argument. Dyson slashed the victim's face, causing permanent scarring, and boasted about the attack. He was arrested shortly after and has a history of violent offenses.

Pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possessing a bladed article. Has previous convictions for grievous bodily harm. Was on remand for six months and expressed regret for the impulsive action.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Bailey Hudson

Arson

September 9, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

Bailey Hudson was involved in an arson incident that occurred a year following the Harehills rioting, leading to his sentencing.

Ina Priestly

Causing grievous bodily harm with intent

September 9, 2025

Sentence: 2-year community order and up to 25 rehabilitation activities, £114 surcharge, and an indefinite restraining order

Ina Priestly attacked her neighbour Susan Varley by throwing boiling water on her face while Susan was walking her four-year-old grandson to school on February 6, 2025, causing serious burns to Susan's scalp, forehead, left cheek, ear, and neck. Susan fell to the floor screaming in pain, and Priestly walked away.

Ondrej Sedelka

Racism and hate crimes

September 8, 2025

Sentence: Imprisonment

Ondrej Sedelka, a teenager with racist views, kept materials including a copy of Mein Kampf and expressed neo-Nazi ideologies, which led to his jailing after a chilling discovery in his room.

Miller Rawcliffe

Disseminating terrorist material

September 5, 2025

Sentence: Extended sentence of five years (four years in a Young Offenders Institute and one year on extended licence)

Miller Rawcliffe, then 17, had his home searched in December 2022, where police found materials including a copy of Mein Kampf, drawings of Swastikas, a manifesto, and videos showing killings of black people. He was involved in online messages discussing mass shootings, explosives, and racist ideologies, and conducted searches on bombs and terrorists. He was found guilty of two counts of disseminating terrorist material and four counts of collecting information likely to be useful to terrorists.

Found guilty after a trial; expressed right-wing, anti-Semitic, and neo-Nazi ideology; claimed views were an attempt to be 'cool and edgy'; no previous convictions; suffered from autism and severe depression at the time of offences.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Kristeen Delia

Cultivation of cannabis

September 3, 2025

Sentence: 1 year imprisonment

Kristeen Delia was operating a large-scale cannabis farm with approximately 700 plants in various stages of growth at a property in Bradford Road, Dewsbury. Police acted on community intelligence and executed a warrant on May 21, 2025, leading to his arrest and the seizure of the plants.

Arrested on May 21, 2025, at an address in Bradford Road, Dewsbury, after police executed a warrant based on reports of suspicious activity and found 700 cannabis plants.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

David Dalton

Stalking

September 3, 2025

Sentence: 18-month community order with 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a four-month monitoring requirement

David Dalton stalked a woman in Pudsey by appearing on her doorbell camera, leaving items such as rosary beads, a picture of John Lennon, and a backpack containing a cassette tape and socket wrench at her front door. He also interacted with her partner and tipped his hat to her, causing her anxiety and lifestyle changes for safety. Additionally, he assaulted a police officer by punching them during an incident at a police station on March 15, 2025.

Pleaded guilty to stalking and assaulting an emergency worker. Has prior convictions including shop theft and was experiencing mental health issues due to stopping his anti-psychotic medication.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Franchesco Mazniniku

Production of cannabis

September 2, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment

Franchesco Mazniniku was discovered at a cannabis farm in Pudsey on April 5, 2024, alongside Indrit Hespepa. The property contained over 490 cannabis plants at various stages of growth, with equipment set up for production and bypassed electricity. He was living at the address and participated in the operation for financial gain.

Pleaded guilty to production of cannabis. He acted as a 'gardener' at the cannabis farm and expected financial reward for his involvement.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Indrit Hespepa

Production of cannabis

September 2, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Indrit Hespepa was found at a cannabis farm in Pudsey on April 5, 2024, where over 490 cannabis plants with a street value of half a million pounds were discovered. He had previously been caught dealing drugs in Portsmouth in 2023 and possessing cannabis in Newcastle in February of the previous year. Officers found him living at the address with bypassed electricity for the operation.

Pleaded guilty to production of cannabis, possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis. He entered the UK illegally and worked to pay off debts, and has become an enhanced prisoner while in custody.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Harminder Singh

Cannabis production

September 1, 2025

Sentence: 8 years 6 months imprisonment

Harminder Singh’s role in a drugs supply operation in May 2020 came to light after the EncroChat communications system used by organised criminals was cracked by police. Police executed a search warrant and discovered he was growing 110 cannabis plants in two bedrooms.

Role in drugs supply operation uncovered via EncroChat in May 2020; 110 cannabis plants found growing in two bedrooms.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Dimpho Modise

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

September 1, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment

On July 19, 2025, Dimpho Modise arrived unannounced at his ex-partner's home in Armley, where he argued with her, strangled her by grabbing her neck, slapped her face, and pushed her onto the sofa, restricting her breathing. She called emergency services, and he was later found hiding in her shed by police. He denied causing the injuries, claiming she harmed herself.

The defendant maintains the relationship was ongoing and has no prior prison sentences. The judge described the offending as a prolonged assault lasting a significant duration, and a restraining order was imposed.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Daniel Lacey

Domestic abuse

September 1, 2025

Sentence: 45 months imprisonment

Daniel Lacey told his partner he would 'burn the death out of' her after refusing to let her go to Tesco over fears she was meeting someone else.

Made the subject of an indefinite restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Daniel Mcbride

Robbery

September 1, 2025

Sentence: 4.5 years imprisonment

Daniel McBride took advantage of a Good Samaritan's kindness when he was sat on steps outside her flat and she offered help. She helped him inside, gave him a sausage roll and coffee, and £40 for cigarettes. On another occasion, he grabbed her mobile phone, refused to return it, and forced her to a cash machine.

Benjamin Richardson

Conspiracy to import a psychoactive substance and money laundering

August 30, 2025

Sentence: Six years and two months imprisonment

Benjamin Richardson, 38, from The Laurels, Barlby, North Yorkshire, was involved in a large-scale smuggling operation that imported 91 million canisters of nitrous oxide from May 2016 to December 2018, despite knowing it was illegal for drug use. The operation used front companies like 'Worldwide Coffee Traders Ltd' to launder money, with bank deposits totalling more than £16.7 million, much of it in cash.

Convicted of conspiracy to import a psychoactive substance and money laundering; part of a £16.7 million operation using bogus catering companies.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Carl Messen

Conspiracy to import a psychoactive substance and money laundering

August 30, 2025

Sentence: Three years and two months imprisonment

Carl Messen, 58, from South Farm Drive, Skellow, Doncaster, was involved in a organised criminal enterprise that imported 91 million canisters of nitrous oxide for illegal sale, using fake businesses to conceal activities and launder over £16.7 million from May 2016 to December 2018.

Convicted of conspiracy to import a psychoactive substance and money laundering; assisted in the operation's network.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Thomas Richardson

Conspiracy to import a psychoactive substance and money laundering

August 30, 2025

Sentence: Five years and eight months imprisonment

Thomas Richardson, 38, from The Laurels, Barlby, North Yorkshire, participated in a £16.7 million smuggling ring that flooded the UK with 91 million canisters of nitrous oxide via bogus catering firms between May 2016 and December 2018, exceeding legitimate use and contributing to public health risks and anti-social behaviour.

Convicted of conspiracy to import a psychoactive substance, money laundering, and possession of criminal cash; flaunted large sums of cash from the illegal activities.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Dion Dube

Conspiracy to rob

August 29, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment, suspended for 2 years, 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and 150 hours of unpaid work

Dion Dube, 22, of Orchard Mount, Cross Gates, was involved in a plot to rob an Argos delivery driver at machete-point after ordering goods online. The plan involved stealing the items and falsely reporting them as undelivered to obtain a refund. Text messages revealed detailed planning, including the purchase of a machete, but the scheme failed due to a mix-up with the delivery time.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob. No previous convictions. Due to start a four-year course at Bath University. Judge noted that he should have pleaded earlier, which affected the credit for his plea.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Antony Caton

Racially aggravated harassment

August 28, 2025

Sentence: Six-month sentence suspended for two years

Antony Caton was arrested for threatening staff at a private hire firm and making racist remarks. While in custody at Elland Road Police Station, he smeared his own faeces in his cell and on a hospital bed after complaining of chest pains. At Leeds General Infirmary, he continued his abusive behaviour, including racist comments towards staff and a police officer, attempted to pull down his trousers, and bit the officer on the hand, raising concerns about infection.

Apologetic for his actions due to a sudden decline in mental health; has lifelong psychotic problems and was sectioned for 28 days shortly after release. Previous convictions for public order offences.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Andrew Light

Wounding with intent

August 22, 2025

Sentence: Life sentence with a minimum term of three years

Andrew Light attacked Roy Whiting in his cell at HMP Wakefield on February 11, 2024, by stabbing him repeatedly in the head and face with a makeshift knife. The attack was motivated by Whiting's status as a convicted child sex offender. Light pulled Whiting back into the cell when he tried to escape and continued the assault until prison officers intervened, after which Whiting hid under the bed for safety.

Pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and possession of a bladed article. He has a history of murder and was suffering from mental illness at the time, including a diagnosis of unstable personality disorder.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Christopher Clough

Burglary

August 22, 2025

Sentence: four years in prison

Christopher Clough targeted a care home in Pudsey housing elderly and vulnerable people. In the early hours of June 22, 2025, he entered the care home, as captured on CCTV, where he tried various doors, gained entry to a room, picked up a vase, and fled after being disturbed. He was linked to seven attempted burglaries in the Pudsey and Bramley areas over the following two weeks, identified through CCTV, doorbell footage, and police investigation.

Admitted one count of burglary and seven attempted burglaries. Detective Sergeant Seb Horan from the Leeds District Crime team commented that the sentence provides reassurance to the local community in Bramley and Pudsey.

Sources: thetelegraphandargus.co.uk

Alan James Hall

Aggravated Burglary

August 21, 2025

Sentence: 11 years, 4 months imprisonment

Alan James Hall was part of a gang of six masked men who burst into a home in Selby, North Yorkshire, in March 2022. The group, armed with weapons including a crowbar, forced their way in and beat the homeowner with fists and the crowbar while his partner and two young children were present. Hall was identified through forensic evidence, including DNA, and was one of the intruders involved in the aggravated burglary.

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