Leeds Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 240 verdicts at Leeds Crown Court (Leeds, Leeds). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Lewis Tindall

Dangerous driving

July 16, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

Lewis Tindall, while disqualified from driving, drove his partner's vehicle to withdraw cash from a machine in Milnsbridge. On August 10, 2024, police attempted to stop him, but he sped off at tremendous speeds, leading to a chase on narrow roads. He drove at grossly excessive speeds, endangering lives, but no injuries or damage occurred. His actions were motivated by fear of missing his child's birth.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving. Had prior convictions for similar offences. Judge Simon Batiste noted that he was lucky not to cause anyone's death and highlighted his breach of a previous suspended sentence.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Richard Calvert

Wounding with intent

July 15, 2025

Sentence: 9 years and 2 months extended sentence, with 6 years and 2 months in custody and 3 years extended licence period

Richard Calvert, 34, drove a silver Seat Ibiza with false registration plates from his home in Hawthorne Avenue to the victim's house in Wasp Nest Road, Huddersfield. He lay in wait and, on October 28 of the previous year, shot the victim in the legs with a shotgun as the victim left his home around 8.57am. The victim sustained multiple pellet injuries to his thighs, with four small pellets removed from the wounds. Calvert fled the scene, abandoning the car where his DNA was found on the gear stick and a latex glove with gunshot residue.

Pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. Judge described the offending as planned and pre-meditated, and noted a previous conviction for robbery in 2011, though it was not directly relevant.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Ronald Barton

Attempted sexual communication with a child

July 14, 2025

Sentence: Two years imprisonment

Ronald Barton, 57, added a profile on Facebook that he believed belonged to a 14-year-old girl and engaged in sexualised conversations, including sending an image of his torso and making suggestive comments. He was caught by a paedophile vigilante group, Angels of Innocence, and this marked his second such offence. In 2022, he was previously jailed for arranging to meet another fake profile for sex while carrying alcopops and sex toys. Officers inspected his phone, and he was arrested in June 2025 after breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Admitted to attempted sexual communication with a child and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Has prior convictions for similar offences and expressed shame through his barrister.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Taghan Bal

Causing serious injury while dangerous driving

July 11, 2025

Sentence: 34 months imprisonment

Taghan Bal and a friend stole fuel from an Esso garage in Normanton, near Wakefield on October 19, 2024. When a staff member attempted to stop them with a broom, Bal reversed and drove forward, colliding with the complainant, knocking him over and driving over him. This caused severe injuries including tyre marks on his chest, broken ribs, internal bleeding, a collapsed lung, complex skull fractures, and bleeding to the brain. The victim was hospitalised and remains unable to speak or interact meaningfully, with a poor prognosis.

Pleaded guilty to causing serious injury while dangerous driving. Expressed real remorse and had no previous convictions. The court acknowledged the enormous impact on the victim and his family.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Bogdan Ungurasu

Drink driving and dangerous driving

July 11, 2025

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment and disqualified from driving for four years

On April 2, 2024, Bogdan Ungurasu, while under the influence of alcohol, drove at excessive speed on a 30mph road with a sharp bend, colliding with a woman's car as she was picking up her six-year-old daughter from nursery. The impact pushed her car back at least three car lengths, up a curb, and through a garden wall, causing her significant injuries including two fractures to her right forearm, which required surgery with a plate and screws. She is awaiting further surgery and undergoing assessment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Her daughter witnessed the event and was unharmed physically but traumatised.

Had a history of driving offences, including previous convictions for driving over the alcohol limit without insurance or licence. Judge noted his contempt for court orders and that the incident was avoidable.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Luke Hillier

Sexual activity with a child

July 10, 2025

Sentence: 8 years and 4 months imprisonment

Luke Hillier, 35, of Whitehall Grove in Drighlington, preyed upon a girl when she was 10 years old, including attacking her in a swimming pool. He targeted her again twice when she was 13. After the matter was reported to the police, he stalked the girl's mother, sending threatening messages such as 'Watch what is coming. No-one will find you,' calling her 72 times in one day, threatening to smash her house, and deflating her car tyres. He had a previous conviction for stalking the same woman.

Pleaded guilty to stalking. Mitigating factors included personal hardships such as debt, the death of a close family member, and substance abuse issues with alcohol and cocaine. The judge noted the lasting impact on the victim and her wider family.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Javed Hussain

Possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence

July 8, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 6 months imprisonment

Javed Hussain was involved in a dispute with a family and ordered an associate to shoot at their house on Coronation Street, Wakefield, on July 20, 2022. He sent messages via Snapchat instructing the act and provided the address. Additionally, he dealt heroin and crack cocaine to an undercover officer in January 2023.

Pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. Has a history of difficult circumstances, low intelligence, and has undertaken courses in custody while on remand.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Seedy Egunu

Possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence

July 8, 2025

Sentence: 34 months imprisonment

Seedy Egunu carried out a shooting at a house on Coronation Street, Wakefield, on July 20, 2022, using a shotgun to discharge bullets at the door, causing damage. He was enlisted by Javed Hussain and used another individual as a driver for the incident.

Convicted after trial of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. Spent time on remand and breached bail conditions.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Aiden Stevens

Stalking

July 4, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment and a 5-year restraining order

Aiden Stevens, 25, of Wellington Grove in Bramley, subjected a woman to a terrifying ordeal by stalking her from prison. He sent her takeaways, made hoax calls to the fire brigade causing fire engines to arrive at her home, and called her up to 60 times a day from prison. Prior to his custody, he strangled her for around 20 to 30 seconds, nearly lifting her off her feet.

Pleaded guilty to stalking with fear of violence and strangulation or suffocation, and coercive and controlling behaviour.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Patrick Mason

Robbery

July 3, 2025

Sentence: 9 years imprisonment

Patrick Mason targeted three women in separate incidents in November 2024. He followed a 71-year-old woman shopping with her granddaughters, attempted to steal her bag, and fled when it broke. Two days later, while with another man, he followed two students from McDonald's in Briggate for about a mile-and-a-half to Bridgewater Place, where he threatened one with a knife, demanding their belongings, and stole items including a phone, bag, credit cards, cash, an iPad, AirPods, and a MacBook worth £2,547. The victims reported significant fear, anxiety, and disruption to their lives.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and one attempted robbery. Expressed remorse for the impact on victims, citing drug use, childhood trauma, mental health difficulties, and the psychological effects of witnessing a previous murder.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Sydney Burdon

Rape

July 3, 2025

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment with an extended licence period of four years, and a ten year Sexual Harm Prevention Order

Sydney Burdon, 65, of Throstle Hill, Leeds, was convicted of raping and sexually abusing three young girls aged between nine and 16 over a period of 20 years. He was arrested in 2021 after survivors reported the abuse, with a third victim coming forward later. Forensic evidence was presented, but he denied the charges. The offences included nine counts such as rape, indecent assault, indecent exposure, and engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Found guilty after a nine-day trial; denied offences during police interview; required to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Stephen Carr

Attempted Murder

July 2, 2025

Sentence: 17 years imprisonment with an additional 3 years on licence

Stephen Carr attacked his wife Lorna at their home in Strensall, North Yorkshire, on September 8 of the previous year. The incident stemmed from an argument over caring for his elderly mother. He used a compound bow, previously for target archery, to fire metal-tipped arrows at her, then stabbed her six times with a kitchen knife while she was on a 999 call. The attack was partially captured on security cameras installed for his mother's care, and she sustained 10 wounds but fully recovered after hospital treatment.

Pleaded not guilty but was convicted of attempted murder. The judge described the attack as terrifying and frenzied, noting that Carr was heavily intoxicated, having consumed at least a litre of vodka, which was considered an aggravating factor.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Keiran Hunt

Causing death by dangerous driving

July 2, 2025

Sentence: 13 years imprisonment

Keiran Hunt drove a Volkswagen Golf that hit cyclist John Shelton on Ridge Road in Micklefield, east Leeds, at around 2pm on April 28, 2025, causing catastrophic injuries that led to Shelton's death at the scene. Hunt failed to stop, abandoned the vehicle, which was later found burnt out in the Potternewton area, and attempted to destroy evidence.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice. Family expressed that no sentence could surpass their lifetime of hurt, and police highlighted the repercussions of dangerous driving.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

James Smyth

Aggravated Burglary

June 30, 2025

Sentence: Life sentence with a minimum term of 9 years

James Smyth terrorised women in Leeds' Hyde Park by threatening them at knifepoint during robberies. He also committed an aggravated burglary in Woodhouse on May 14, where he stabbed a man in the face while trying to force his way into a house. He was arrested on May 16 after being recognised by a PCSO from CCTV footage. Smyth had prior convictions, including a life sentence for wounding with intent and robbery from 2003.

Pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, two counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery, possessing an offensive weapon, and escaping lawful custody. He was previously serving a life sentence and was released on temporary licence in April but failed to return to prison.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Shaun Robinson

Arson with intent

June 30, 2025

Sentence: 9 years imprisonment

Shaun Robinson broke into a flat on Thornhill Lees in Dewsbury on March 27, 2025, and set fire to the living room, causing serious damage. The flat was adjoined to other properties, including one occupied by a young family, which posed a significant risk to life. Emergency services contained the blaze, and Robinson was arrested shortly after.

Admitted to the attack, sparing the victim a trial. PC Bolton described it as a disturbing act with serious risk to life, and Detective Inspector Paul Greatorex noted the strong evidence against him.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Vlad Tapu

Robbery

June 27, 2025

Sentence: five years imprisonment

On January 5, 2025, Vlad Tapu entered the home of a bed-bound man with a disability and attacked his friend who was caring for him. He punched her in the face, wielded a machete to smash the TV and other items, repeatedly punched and kicked her, demanded money and phones, and stole her phone, causing significant fear and damage to the property.

No previous convictions. Judge noted he was high on drugs at the time, and the victim was vulnerable. A pre-sentence report described him as a young man of limited maturity with a low likelihood of reconviction.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

George Dumitrescu

Public disorder

June 21, 2025

Sentence: Imprisonment

George Dumitrescu made a catastrophic error that changed the course of his life during a night of anarchy in Harehills, leading to his conviction.

Harvey Tak

Rape

June 21, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order

Harvey Tak sexually abused two women between 2016 and 2023, including handcuffing and blindfolding one woman before raping her, despite her setting boundaries. He filmed the sexual activities without their full knowledge and retained the footage. Additionally, police discovered indecent images of children on his devices, including categories A, B, and C. He showed one victim an image of a child engaging in sexual activity and admitted accessing images from the dark web.

The judge noted his autism diagnosis and isolated childhood. He was convicted after a trial for ignoring the victim's boundaries and hoarding indecent images. Mitigating factors included his strict family background and bullying at school.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Leanne Mcfarlane

Burglary

June 20, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 4 months imprisonment

Leanne McFarlane targeted a vulnerable elderly man with dementia, meeting him in his garden and visiting his home. In January 2025, she was caught on camera stealing money from his wallet while distracting him. On April 24, 2025, she banged on his door late at night, entered the property, performed a sex act to distract him, and stole his money, leaving him upset and crying. She denied taking advantage but was arrested and charged.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and one of attempted burglary. Deeply remorseful due to drug dependency and troubled upbringing. No previous convictions; judge noted she was preying on a vulnerable victim.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Richard Brown

Indecent Assault

June 18, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 4 months imprisonment

Richard Brown, aged 60, sexually abused a girl under 14 in the 1980s. The victim reported the abuse in 2022 following an unrelated police investigation into indecent images. He was arrested, charged with two counts of indecent assault, and convicted at trial, leading to his sentencing.

Found guilty of sexual assault after the victim came forward in 2022. Given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order preventing unsupervised contact with females under 16, placed on the Sex Offenders Register, and granted an indefinite Restraining Order against the victim.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Razwan Arif

Conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine

June 13, 2025

Sentence: Nine years and six months imprisonment

Razwan Arif, aged 25 from Lee Road, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, acted as the 'accountant' or 'money man' for an organised crime group that supplied heroin and cocaine in wholesale volumes across the UK. He was involved in a £100 million drug empire led by Mohammed Tasadiq Khan, with the group operating between February 2021 and December 2023.

Admitted to charges of conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine between February 1, 2021, and December 3, 2023. Detective Inspector Chris Rukin noted that Arif controlled financial documents on a seized laptop and was in charge of finances for the organised crime group.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Qaiser Shah

Manslaughter

June 13, 2025

Sentence: 18 years imprisonment

Qaiser Shah was involved in the conspiracy to kidnap Asghar Badshah and possessed criminal property, leading to his conviction for manslaughter and related offenses in Tahir Syed's criminal network.

Sobia Syed

Conspiracy to possess criminal property

June 13, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment, suspended for 2 years

Sobia Syed was involved in the conspiracy to possess criminal property as part of Tahir Syed's organised crime group, which dealt in class A drugs and other illegal activities.

Sabbah Shahmuradi

Conspiracy to kidnap

June 13, 2025

Sentence: 7 years and two months imprisonment

Sabbah Shahmuradi was involved in the conspiracy to kidnap Asghar Badshah, as part of Tahir Syed's organised crime group activities.

Nabeel Gul

Conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin

June 13, 2025

Sentence: 6 years and 2 months imprisonment for conspiracy to supply cocaine, 4 years and 1 month imprisonment for conspiracy to supply heroin, and 2 years and 4 months imprisonment for money laundering, all to run concurrently

Nabeel Gul, 38, of Woodside Crescent, Batley, was involved in a large-scale drug distribution operation supplying kilograms of cocaine and heroin across areas including Batley, Dewsbury, Heckmondwike, Ravensthorpe, and Wakefield. He was arrested in December 2021, at which time police seized several ounces of cocaine and £107,000 in cash.

Admitted to the offences at an earlier hearing. Detective Sergeant Chris McGlynn of West Yorkshire Police’s Programme Precision team noted the investigation linked him to supplying kilo quantities of Class A drugs and expressed satisfaction with the sentence.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Laraib Irshad

Drug trafficking

June 13, 2025

Sentence: 22 years and nine months imprisonment

As part of Tahir Syed's organised crime group, Laraib Irshad was involved in importing and distributing class A drugs, including cocaine and heroin, with shipments from the Netherlands to the UK.

Wajid Hussain

Conspiracy to kidnap

June 13, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and two months imprisonment

Wajid Hussain conspired to kidnap Asghar Badshah, participating in the events orchestrated by Tahir Syed that resulted in the victim's death.

Yusuf Kara

Drug trafficking

June 13, 2025

Sentence: 10 years and six months imprisonment

Yusuf Kara was Tahir Syed's key associate, involved in moving heavy bags of drugs, possessing 51 kilograms of heroin, and handling shipments of class A drugs hidden in frozen chickens.

Tahir Syed

Murder

June 13, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of over 34 years

Tahir Syed led an organised crime group that imported and sold class A drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, hidden inside frozen chicken shipments from the Netherlands to the UK between 2016 and 2021, with consignments up to 200 kilos and a total wholesale value of £125 million. He kidnapped, tortured, and murdered his uncle Asghar Badshah in a prolonged interrogation over missing £600,000, which he had asked his uncle to hide. Asghar's body was found naked and beaten in a vault in a former bank in Batley after being reported missing. Syed fled the country multiple times, continuing his drug operations while on the run, before being extradited in 2021.

Pleaded not guilty but was convicted; judge noted he would be an elderly man before Parole Board consideration; letters of support described him as a pillar of the community.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Tariq Muneeb

Drug trafficking

June 13, 2025

Sentence: 10 years and two months imprisonment

Tariq Muneeb acted as a driver for Tahir Syed's gang, facilitating the movement of drugs and related criminal activities as part of the importation and distribution network.

Liam Buckley

Conspiracy to kidnap

June 13, 2025

Sentence: 7 years and two months imprisonment

Liam Buckley conspired with others to kidnap Asghar Badshah, contributing to the events that led to the victim's torture and murder in Tahir Syed's criminal operations.

Imran Khan Ashraf

Drug trafficking

June 13, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and three months imprisonment

Imran Khan Ashraf was caught moving heavy bags with Yusuf Kara and was found in possession of £130,000 in cash and four mobile phones, linked to Tahir Syed's drug importation operation.

Arrested with cash and mobile phones; involved in the organised crime group's activities.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Jack Hinchliffe

Drug trafficking

June 13, 2025

Sentence: 10 years and one month imprisonment

Jack Hinchliffe served as a driver in Tahir Syed's organised crime group, assisting in the transportation and handling of class A drugs imported from the Netherlands.

Fayyaz Ashraf

Drug trafficking

June 13, 2025

Sentence: 7 years and two months imprisonment

Fayyaz Ashraf was associated with Tahir Syed's gang, participating in the importation and sale of class A drugs, including cocaine and heroin, as part of the criminal network.

Cohen Skinner

Conspiracy to commit burglary

June 10, 2025

Sentence: 6 years and 8 months imprisonment

Cohen Skinner, along with two others, formed a gang that carried out 36 burglaries in homes across Kirklees, Holmfirth, Huddersfield, Sheffield, and Ranby, Nottinghamshire, between March 2023 and January 2024. The group targeted residential properties, leading to significant distress for victims. Skinner was arrested in January 2024 following a police investigation, charged in March 2024, and remanded into custody after appearing at court.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary. Involved in 36 burglaries between March 2023 and January 2024.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Aaron Caladine

Conspiracy to commit burglary

June 10, 2025

Sentence: 8 years and 4 months imprisonment

Aaron Caladine, along with two others, formed a gang that carried out 36 burglaries in homes across Kirklees, Holmfirth, Huddersfield, Sheffield, and Ranby, Nottinghamshire, between March 2023 and January 2024. The group targeted residential properties, leading to significant distress for victims. Caladine was arrested in January 2024 following a police investigation, charged in March 2024, and remanded into custody after appearing at court.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary. Involved in 36 burglaries between March 2023 and January 2024.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Kestutis Vitkus

Possession with Intent to Supply Class B Drugs

June 10, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Kestutis Vitkus turned his detached home on Standiforth Lane in Huddersfield into a cannabis factory. On December 20, 2024, police raided the property and found 127 cannabis plants along with growing equipment, including lighting, heating units, and fans. The plants were estimated to produce cannabis valued between £69,850 and £158,750.

Admitted to possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. The operation was a large-scale cannabis growing setup in his home.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Taylor Cawley

Conspiracy to commit burglary

June 10, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Taylor Cawley, along with two others, was part of a gang that carried out burglaries, including eight specific offences in Kirklees and other areas between January 25 and 27, 2024. The group targeted residential properties in Holmfirth, Huddersfield, Sheffield, and Ranby, causing trauma to victims. Cawley was arrested in January 2024 following a police investigation and charged in March 2024.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary. Involved in eight offences committed between January 25 and 27, 2024.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Mark Thomas

Assault

June 6, 2025

Sentence: 1 year and 10 months imprisonment

On February 14, 2025, Mark Thomas, after consuming eight cans of Stella and three vodkas, attacked his girlfriend during a dispute over cleaning an ash tray on Valentine's Day. He put her in a chokehold, forced her back to her house, locked her dog in the kitchen, punched her in the face twice causing bleeding, swelling, fractures to her right eye socket and jawbone, and threatened her by saying, 'You're going to die.' He also self-harmed by smashing a glass over his own head and attempting to slit his own throat with a knife.

Pleaded guilty to assault and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. Has previous convictions for assault and criminal damage relating to the same woman, as well as for assaulting an emergency worker. He has issues with alcohol and is taking qualifications in custody.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Niall Pretty

Wounding

June 6, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 6 months imprisonment

Niall Pretty stalked his neighbour, whom he wrongly believed had informed the police about incidents involving him and his partner. The stalking started on December 22, 2024, involving shouting threats, smashing windows with a tile, damaging property including a gas meter and a van with an axe on Christmas Day, and making threatening phone calls. On March 20, 2025, he and an accomplice confronted the victim at a friend's house, where Pretty stabbed the victim in the arms and jaw with a key during an altercation. He led police on a dangerous chase after the incident.

Pleaded guilty to wounding, stalking, criminal damage, dangerous driving, and driving without insurance. He claimed the incidents began due to derogatory comments made towards his partner.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Peter Varey

Actual Bodily Harm

June 6, 2025

Sentence: 4 months imprisonment

Peter Varey accompanied Niall Pretty during an attack on March 20, 2025, at a friend's house. He punched the victim, claiming self-defence, but it was deemed excessive. After the incident, he was involved in fleeing the scene in a vehicle, which was later pursued by police.

Admitted to actual bodily harm. The only mitigation was his guilty plea, with the offence described as excessive self-defence.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Charlie Valente

Sexual Touching

June 3, 2025

Sentence: 2 year community order with 200 hours unpaid work, 90 day alcohol rehabilitation program, 20 day rehabilitation program, and £8,000 court costs

PC Charlie Valente was found guilty of three counts of sexual touching offences committed against two female victims between November 4 and 5, 2022, in Leeds. The incidents involved unwanted sexual touching, as reported by the victims and supported by CCTV evidence, making them extremely uncomfortable.

Found guilty after a trial and has not accepted responsibility for his actions. He is currently suspended from duty pending an accelerated misconduct proceeding.

Sources: yorkshirepost.co.uk

Jason Mortimer

Grievous Bodily Harm

May 31, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Jason Mortimer, 36, breached an indefinite restraining order from 2019 by sending repeated messages to his former partner on WhatsApp in November 2024, declaring his love, making sexual comments, and blaming her for their breakup. Police attended his mother's house in Leeds, West Yorkshire, where he barricaded himself in his bedroom and threatened to kill officers and himself. He used a wardrobe door to resist entry, then stabbed one officer above the eye with scissors and slashed at another's stomach, though a stab vest prevented injury. Officers used PAVA spray and a baton to subdue him. The injured officer required hospital treatment for a wound that was cleaned and glued shut.

Admitted to section 20 grievous bodily harm without intent, breaching a restraining order, assault with intent to resist arrest, and two counts of resisting arrest. He has four previous convictions, including assaults on emergency workers. Mitigating factors included drug use (methamphetamine), remorse, and engagement in alcohol and drugs therapy. Judge Tahir Khan KC described the incident as gravely serious and troubling.

Sources: yorkshirepost.co.uk

Peter Woolner

Indecency with a child

May 30, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order

Peter Woolner, 74, of Fairway in Normanton, targeted a girl with non-recent sexual offences when she was between the ages of eight and 14, from 2001 to 2007. The victim reported the abuse to police in 2021, leading to his arrest, charges, and a complex investigation. He stood trial at Leeds Crown Court in April 2025 and was found guilty of multiple offences despite his denials.

Denied the offences but was found guilty by a jury. Detective Inspector Mark Tester praised the victim's courage and highlighted the targeting of a vulnerable child.

Sources: wakefieldexpress.co.uk

Amir Merrikhi

Arson

May 27, 2025

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years

Amir Merrikhi set fire to his own house in Wayland Approach on October 11, 2022, while believing he was possessed by demons. Firefighters found him inside the property, where patterns were drawn on the floor in white powder and bottles were present, which he referred to as 'black magic'. He hissed at responders and was removed from the scene before being arrested.

Pleaded guilty to arson. No previous convictions. Judge noted his mental health issues at the time and ordered a mental health treatment requirement along with up to 30 days of rehabilitation activity.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Bradley Hector

Possession with intent to supply class A drugs

May 27, 2025

Sentence: 24-month suspended sentence, 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and 250 hours of unpaid work

On September 3, 2024, police raided Bradley Hector's home in Cranmore Crescent, Middleton, after an anonymous tip. Officers found three wraps of crack cocaine in his room and, guided by his child, discovered more drugs hidden behind a toilet, along with 47 plastic gloves filled with the drug, scales with white powder traces, and dealer bags. The drugs had an estimated value of £14,650. Hector initially denied knowledge but later pleaded guilty, citing a drug debt and coercion by dealers.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs due to a drug debt. The judge noted his remorse, addiction issues, and efforts to overcome them, including going 'cold turkey' while on remand. References from his fiancée and former employer were considered.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Jason Ward

Conspiracy to possess counterfeit currency

May 23, 2025

Sentence: 28 months in a young offender institution

Jason Ward and Patrick Ward used fake Scottish bank notes in shops across various regions, including Wakefield, Barnsley, Sheffield, Chesterfield, and other police force areas such as Thames Valley, West Midlands, West Mercia, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Northamptonshire and Leicestershire. They were arrested on January 21, 2025, after officers stopped a car in Wakefield and found items that had been bought and refunded using counterfeit Clydesdale bank notes.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to have custody or control of a thing knowing it was a counterfeit currency note, passing counterfeit currency and converting criminal property.

Sources: wakefieldexpress.co.uk

Mohammed Shakeel Malik

Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent

May 23, 2025

Sentence: 13.5 years imprisonment with a 5-year extended licence period

Mohammed Shakeel Malik shot a 27-year-old man in the chest during a street altercation in Stainbeck Road, near its junction with Stainbeck Avenue, Meanwood, Leeds, on August 11, 2024. He arrived on an electric bicycle, dropped it, and fired a handgun at a group during a disturbance, hitting the victim. The victim sustained a bullet wound that passed through his right chest and exited his right arm, requiring emergency hospital treatment but not resulting in life-threatening injuries. Malik fled the scene, left the country to Bangkok the next day, and was arrested upon his return to the UK on September 12, 2024.

Admitted guilt to Section 18 wounding with intent on the morning of his trial. Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle described the incident as a shocking use of a firearm with extreme violence.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Patrick Ward

Conspiracy to possess counterfeit currency

May 23, 2025

Sentence: 30 months in prison

Patrick Ward and Jason Ward used fake Scottish bank notes in shops across various regions, including Wakefield, Barnsley, Sheffield, Chesterfield, and other police force areas such as Thames Valley, West Midlands, West Mercia, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Northamptonshire and Leicestershire. They were arrested on January 21, 2025, after officers stopped a car in Wakefield and found items that had been bought and refunded using counterfeit Clydesdale bank notes.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to have custody or control of a thing knowing it was a counterfeit currency note, passing counterfeit currency and converting criminal property.

Sources: wakefieldexpress.co.uk

Daniel Hayelom

Rape

May 2, 2025

Sentence: 16-year extended sentence, including 12 years custodial and 4 years extended licence

Daniel Hayelom, an Uber driver, finished his shift and was socialising at an Eritrean church in Beeston when he spotted a vulnerable, intoxicated woman walking home from a party. On October 22, 2023, he followed her, approached her around 6am, sexually assaulted her by touching her buttocks, pursued her despite her refusals, and raped her in an alleyway on Dewsbury Road between Poundland and Aldi in Tunstall Road. He attempted to normalise the encounter by walking her home afterwards.

Found guilty after a week-long trial; no previous convictions; judge noted his predatory intent and disregard for the victim's safety.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

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