Leeds Crown Court Sentencing Results

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

Kallan Hunt

Aggravated Burglary

August 21, 2025

Sentence: 19 years imprisonment with 5 years extended licence

Kallan Hunt 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. Hunt was identified through extensive evidence, including phone work, CCTV, and witness accounts, and was sentenced as a dangerous offender.

Pleaded not guilty but was unanimously found guilty by the jury; deemed a dangerous offender by the judge.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Robert Murtagh

Reckless conduct

August 19, 2025

Sentence: Three years and four months imprisonment

Robert Murtagh engaged in a reckless act during an episode described as a 'cry for help', leading to his imprisonment for three years and four months.

Benjamin Baxter

Rape

August 19, 2025

Sentence: 20 years imprisonment with an additional 5 years on licence

Benjamin Baxter, a 38-year-old former landlord of Cheers pub in Wakefield and of no fixed abode, was convicted of raping three women and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour. The offences occurred between 2015 and 2024. He was found guilty following a trial, and the court heard details of his actions as a dangerous predator.

Found guilty of four counts of rape and one count of controlling and coercive behaviour. Judge Christopher Batty ordered the additional licence period. Detective Constable Hannah Banks described him as a dangerous sexual predator who showed no remorse or acceptance of responsibility.

Sources: bbc.co.uk

Bernard Joyce

Indecent Assault

August 15, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Bernard Joyce, 50, of Gelderd Road, Gildersome, preyed on two young boys in the 1990s, starting when he was a teenager. He was arrested in 2022 after the victims reported the abuse. Joyce faced 17 offences, including indecent assaults and gross indecency, and was found guilty of 15 following a trial that concluded in May 2025. His actions had a significant traumatic effect on the victims' lives.

Pleaded not guilty but was found guilty after a trial. Handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Victims came forward in 2022 as adults, and the case was supported by the Force’s specialist Rape and Serious Sexual Offences officers.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Ian Rothery

Causing grievous bodily harm with intent

August 14, 2025

Sentence: Six years and eight months in prison

Ian Rothery, 70, launched a ferocious attack on his 67-year-old partner inside their shared house in High Street, South Hiendley, on February 2, stabbing her multiple times in the collar, neck, and shoulder, and causing injuries to her face and hands. She escaped to the back garden and a neighbour's house, where she was found by police and paramedics. CCTV footage showed further assault, including kicking her while she was on the floor, leaving her with lasting physical and emotional trauma, such as constant pain and flashbacks.

Called 999 admitting to stabbing his girlfriend; the victim suffered serious injuries and described having 'no life' due to the attack; PC Becky Thompson noted the victim's courage and emphasised that domestic abuse should not be tolerated.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Regan Townley

Assault

August 12, 2025

Sentence: 36 months imprisonment

Regan Townley assaulted a man in the Black Bull pub in Brighouse on March 8, 2024, by punching him twice during an unprovoked attack, causing the victim to fall unconscious with significant injuries including a laceration to the right eye, bruising to both eyes, and abrasions to the lips and face. Additionally, on August 15, 2024, he broke into his friend's home, grabbed the victim by the throat, threw him to the ground, strangled him nearly to the point of passing out, and punched and kicked him, resulting in injuries such as a burst lip, red marks on the neck, broken teeth, a burst nose, and a bloodshot eye. The incidents were aggravated by his history of drug abuse and prior convictions.

Pleaded guilty to both sets of offences. Claimed excessive self-defence. Issues with alcohol and crack cocaine addiction contributed to offending. Judge noted the seriousness, stating it could have resulted in manslaughter.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Jonathan Brook

Arson with intent to endanger life

August 11, 2025

Sentence: 9 years imprisonment

Jonathan Brook, 31, of Blackmoorfoot Road, Huddersfield, attacked a shop worker at a Co-Op in Huddersfield on February 5, 2025, punching him without provocation. Later that day, he went to a newsagents in Huddersfield, threatened the shopkeeper by saying, 'You're a little guy, I'll smash your teeth in,' poured petrol around the store and on the complainant's clothes, set it alight, and subjected the victim to a vile racist rant. The shop was engulfed in flames, and Brook was heard saying, 'You not dead yet?' before fleeing.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, arson with intent to endanger life, and a racially aggravated public order offence. Had a difficult childhood with abuse from his father, attended a special needs school, diagnosed with ADHD in 2002, and was on the child protection register at age 13.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Christian Armstrong-Holmes

Grievous Bodily Harm

August 11, 2025

Sentence: 2 years suspended sentence

Christian Armstrong-Holmes followed his ex-partner to her parents' home on February 23rd, 2025, amid a dispute exacerbated by his drug and alcohol use. He stabbed his father-in-law eight times with a knife during a confrontation, where the victim attempted to protect his family. Armstrong-Holmes was arrested with class A drugs in his van, and the victim expressed compassion, noting Armstrong-Holmes' decline and desire for him to get better.

Mitigating factors included his mental health deterioration, out-of-character behaviour due to relationship breakdown and substance abuse. He had prior convictions and was on bail at the time of the offence.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

George Davies

Assault on emergency worker

August 6, 2025

Sentence: 4 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 100 days alcohol abstinence requirement, and £500 compensation

George Davies, 33, of Grafton Street, Castleford, had been given a community order on October 25 of the previous year for harassing a woman. After leaving court, he drank cider and engaged in a drunken rampage, throwing bricks at his ex-partner's windows while shouting threats, including that he would 'chop her up'. He also shouted football chants, followed a neighbour's daughter, and attacked police officers by throwing beer cans and a piece of wood, missing one officer by inches. He was arrested after resisting and assaulting officers, and footage showed him in a shirtless, aggressive state.

Had nine previous convictions including assault and criminal damage; was struggling with alcohol addiction and personal losses such as the death of his mother and grandmother; completed 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a six-month alcohol treatment programme from a prior community order.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Cameron Rowley

Assisting an offender

August 5, 2025

Sentence: 24 months suspended sentence

Cameron Rowley, 24, of Derwent Road, Holmfirth, assisted Morgan Rowley in relation to a disorder in Holmfirth on February 16, 2024, involving shots fired and a chase with weapons.

Found guilty of assisting an offender (Morgan Rowley); includes 20 hours of rehabilitation and 250 hours of unpaid community work.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Cole Brooke

Possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence

August 5, 2025

Sentence: 64 months imprisonment

Cole Brooke, 22, of Holmclose, Holmfirth, was in a car involved in a disorder in Holmfirth on February 16, 2024, where he possessed and fired a gun towards others during a chase, with the bullet striking a nearby building and no injuries reported.

Pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and violent disorder.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Morgan Rowley

Possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence

August 5, 2025

Sentence: 48 months imprisonment

Morgan Rowley, 25, of Poppy Gardens, Meltham, was involved in a disorder in Holmfirth on February 16, 2024, where he and another individual chased occupants of a car, with one brandishing a gun that was fired and the other a machete, during a fight that endangered bystanders.

Found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence; admitted violent disorder and threatening another with a bladed article.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Louis Morgan

Assisting an offender

August 5, 2025

Sentence: 24 months suspended sentence

Louis Morgan, 24, of West Avenue, Honley, assisted Marshall Wilkinson in relation to a disorder in Holmfirth on February 16, 2024, involving shots fired and a chase with weapons.

Found guilty of assisting an offender (Marshall Wilkinson); includes 20 hours of rehabilitation and 250 hours of unpaid community work.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Marshall Wilkinson

Possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence

August 5, 2025

Sentence: 48 months imprisonment

Marshall Wilkinson, 21, of Broadlands Road, Meltham, participated in a disorder in Holmfirth on February 16, 2024, chasing occupants of a car while one of the pair brandished a gun that was fired and the other a machete, resulting in a violent confrontation.

Found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and violent disorder.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Ondrej Sidelka

Possessing information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism

August 1, 2025

Sentence: Three-year extended sentence, comprising two years in custody and one year extended licence

Ondrej Sidelka, from Elwyn Road, Bradford, hoarded terrorist documents on his Google Drive and Dropbox, including manuals on making firearms and explosives, and a video from ISIS on preparing high-explosives from household ingredients. He was arrested in November 2022 for an unrelated offence, and authorities discovered racist, homophobic, anti-Semitic, and neo-Nazi materials. A 3D printer was found at his home, but it was not capable of use. The Crown alleged terrorist motivation, while the defence argued insufficient evidence.

Pleaded guilty on the fifth day of trial. Described as an immature young man with confused ideology, interest in airsoft weapons and gaming, and no evidence of taking steps beyond collecting documents. Psychiatric assessment noted he is untrusting and inadequate.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Charlotte Donoghue

Producing Cannabis

July 24, 2025

Sentence: Community order

Charlotte Donoghue was involved in the production and possession of cannabis with intent to supply. A cannabis growing system with a dozen plants and 2.5 kilos of harvested cannabis were found at her address in Harley Green, Pudsey.

Admitted to two counts of possessing or acquiring criminal property, producing cannabis, and possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Ashley Roberts

Rape

July 24, 2025

Sentence: 26 and a half years imprisonment with an extended licence period of five years

Ashley Roberts kidnapped and sexually abused a woman when she was a young girl, subjecting her to a series of violent acts. The crimes included seven offences of rape, two counts of sexual assault, kidnap, grievous bodily harm, intentional strangulation, and two counts of threats to kill. He was also found guilty of child neglect related to another victim. The victim reported fighting to stay alive during the ordeal and continuing to experience trauma.

Found guilty after a trial of 14 offences, including refusing to take accountability. Issued with a restraining order and required to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Timothy Meerun

Supply of Cocaine and Ketamine

July 24, 2025

Sentence: 10 years and 8 months imprisonment

Timothy Meerun was a key player in supplying multi-kilo quantities of cocaine, ketamine, and cannabis in Leeds between March and June 2020. He was responsible for at least three kilos of cocaine and 22 kilos of ketamine. He was arrested in February 2021 with £20,000 in cash intended for a drug deal. A search revealed a half-kilo block of high-purity cocaine, a purity testing kit, more than £113,000 in cash across linked addresses, high-value watches worth £300,000 in a safety deposit box, and a cannabis growing system with a dozen plants and 2.5 kilos of harvested cannabis at his partner's address.

Admitted to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, concerned in the supply of ketamine, producing cannabis, possession with intent to supply cannabis, seven counts of possessing or acquiring criminal property, and one count of money laundering.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Thomas Murray

Grievous bodily harm

July 22, 2025

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

Thomas Murray joined in a group attack on another inmate in the gym at HMP Wetherby in November 2023, where the victim was punched, kicked, stamped on, and stabbed more than 20 times with improvised weapons.

Jovani Harriott

Grievous bodily harm

July 22, 2025

Sentence: 38 months imprisonment

While serving a life sentence for murder, Jovani Harriott and others attacked another inmate in the gym at HMP Wetherby in November 2023. They used improvised weapons to stab the victim more than 20 times across his arm, lower back, and head while he was on the ground, in a group assault that lasted under a minute.

Pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm and possession of a knife while in prison. At the time of the offence, he was 18 years old and is set to undertake an anger management course, with potential for change before his release eligibility in his 30s.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Jakele Pusey

Grievous bodily harm

July 22, 2025

Sentence: 32 months imprisonment

While serving a life sentence for murder, Jakele Pusey and others attacked another inmate in the gym at HMP Wetherby in November 2023. They used improvised weapons to stab the victim more than 20 times across his arm, lower back, and head while he was on the ground, in a group assault that lasted under a minute.

Pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm and possession of a knife while in prison. At the time of the offence, he was 16 years old and had not yet engaged with psychiatrists, but has since started to make progress.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Stephen Wraith

Indecent assault

July 22, 2025

Sentence: 11 years imprisonment with a 12-year extended sentence, including a one-year extended licence period

Stephen Wraith, aged 71, groomed and sexually abused a girl starting when she was eight or nine years old in Dewsbury. The abuse involved at least ten occasions of indecent assault, including masturbating in her presence, giving her items like Troll Dolls, and using emotional blackmail such as crying to manipulate her. This occurred over several years and has had a profound and ongoing impact on the victim's life, causing severe anxiety, depression, self-harm, and difficulties in relationships.

Convicted after trial; previously of good character, contributed to the NHS for 20 years, and the offence involved an abuse of trust; sentencing considered the impact on his family.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Reo-Leigh Hardwick

Dangerous Driving

July 19, 2025

Sentence: 23 months imprisonment

Reo-Leigh Hardwick, 18, engaged in a crime spree starting in April of the previous year, stealing a Porsche, Audi, and BMW. He advertised the stolen vehicles online and recorded videos of himself driving dangerously at speeds exceeding 90mph in 30mph zones, as well as riding a motorbike without a helmet. The offences were uncovered through videos on his phone and online advertisements. He had prior convictions and expressed feeling 'immortal' during the acts.

Had a significant criminal record including previous convictions for burglaries, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of drugs, and dangerous driving. Mitigating factors include family support, a desire to impress peers, and financial motivation. He was assessed as a medium risk of reoffending and can be managed in the community.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Richard Sykes

Conspiracy to import cannabis

July 18, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 5 months imprisonment

Richard Sykes was part of a criminal network that conspired to import cannabis by posting it from California. The operation involved filling out false customs forms and sending over 260 parcels to the UK, with the drugs sold in Yorkshire and Humber, valued at around £800,000.

Admitted conspiracy to import cannabis. Involved in the organised importation scheme from California.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Ryan Armitage

Conspiracy to import cannabis

July 18, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years

Ryan Armitage was part of an organised crime group that imported cannabis from California via the post. They used delivery apps to track parcels containing the drug, which were falsely labelled and had a combined street value of £800,000 upon arrival in the UK.

Admitted conspiracy to import cannabis. Sentence includes 150 hours of unpaid work.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Michael Fitzell

Breach of Criminal Behaviour Order and Misuse of Public Communications

July 18, 2025

Sentence: 1 year imprisonment, suspended for 2 years

Michael Fitzell, 58, of Keldregate, Huddersfield, made 53 calls to emergency services over 24 days between April 21 and May 14, 2025, causing annoyance and breaching a criminal behaviour order imposed on October 29, 2024. The calls involved begging to be arrested and imprisoned due to his mental health struggles, despite the order prohibiting contact with West Yorkshire Police except in genuine emergencies.

The defendant has a history of mental health issues and previous convictions for similar offences. His barrister noted his difficult upbringing and that he was engaging in adult services and voluntary work before his remand. The judge warned that continued offending would lead to longer imprisonment.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Karl Callaghan

Conspiracy to import cannabis

July 18, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 10 months imprisonment

Karl Callaghan was involved in a conspiracy to import cannabis from California to the UK. The group bought high-grade cannabis in the US, packaged it as clothing, and sent it through the post. Over 260 parcels were sent, with a street value of approximately £800,000, which were distributed across Yorkshire and Humber.

Admitted conspiracy to import cannabis. Part of a group that imported drugs via post from California.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

James Laycock

Conspiracy to import cannabis

July 18, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years

James Laycock conspired to import cannabis by sending it through the mail from California. The group bought the drugs in the US, packaged them deceptively, and distributed them in Yorkshire after over 260 parcels arrived, with a total value of £800,000.

Admitted conspiracy to import cannabis. Sentence includes 200 hours of unpaid work.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Jon Paul Sharp

Conspiracy to import cannabis

July 18, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 5 months imprisonment

Jon Paul Sharp engaged in a conspiracy to import cannabis from California to the UK. The scheme included buying cannabis in the US, disguising it in parcels labelled as clothing, and tracking them for collection, resulting in drugs worth £800,000 being distributed in the region.

Admitted conspiracy to import cannabis. Part of the group that facilitated the drug importation via post.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Jordan Lilliu

Conspiracy to import cannabis

July 18, 2025

Sentence: 4-month night curfew and 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement

Jordan Lilliu was convicted for his role in conspiring to import cannabis from California. The operation involved travelling to the US to purchase the drug, mailing it to the UK in disguised parcels, and distributing it, with the total importation estimated at £800,000 in street value.

Joseph Morton

Conspiracy to import cannabis

July 18, 2025

Sentence: 1 year and 11 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years

Joseph Morton was involved in importing cannabis from California through the postal system. The group sent over 260 parcels containing the drug, falsely declared as clothing, with a total street value of £800,000, which were then sold across Yorkshire and Humber.

Admitted conspiracy to import cannabis. Sentence includes 250 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of rehabilitation activity requirement.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Callum Kitchen

Conspiracy to import cannabis

July 18, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years

Callum Kitchen participated in a scheme to import cannabis from the US by mailing parcels from California. The operation involved purchasing the drugs overseas and distributing them in the UK, with more than 260 packages sent and a street value of £800,000.

Admitted conspiracy to import cannabis. Sentence includes 150 hours of unpaid work.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Dane Martin

Conspiracy to import cannabis

July 18, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 7 months imprisonment

Dane Martin participated in a plot to import cannabis from the US West Coast to Yorkshire. Members of the group travelled to California to purchase the drugs, which were then mailed to the UK disguised as clothing, with parcels tracked and collected across the region, totalling a street value of £800,000.

Admitted conspiracy to import cannabis. Was part of an organised group that oversaw the export from California.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Daniel Kaye

Conspiracy to import cannabis

July 18, 2025

Sentence: 300 hours of unpaid work

Daniel Kaye was involved in a conspiracy to import cannabis from the US West Coast. The group used the postal service to send over 260 parcels containing the drug, which were falsely declared and later sold in the UK, amounting to a street value of £800,000.

Lawrence Mafauae

Supply of heroin and cocaine

July 17, 2025

Sentence: 6 years and 1 month imprisonment

Lawrence Mafauae was involved in supplying Class A drugs, including heroin and cocaine, and possession of cannabis with intent to supply. He was arrested after being seen carrying a heavy bag containing cannabis worth £7,000 into a flat in Batley on January 22, and was driving an Audi A3 with Prenda Malungo as a passenger.

Admitted to being concerned in the supply of heroin and cocaine, as well as possession of cannabis with intent to supply, between November 30, 2024, and January 19, 2025. Had long-standing connections to urban street gangs in Leeds.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Rio-Leigh Hardwick

Burglary

July 17, 2025

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment in a young offenders institute

Rio-Leigh Hardwick, 18, of Mardale Crescent in Seacroft, was involved in handling stolen vehicles, dangerous driving, and burglary. These offences involved antisocial activities, including the use of quad bikes, which disrupted communities in Leeds. He was apprehended and convicted, leading to his sentencing at court.

Convicted of handling stolen vehicles, dangerous driving, and burglary. Also subject to a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order prohibiting riding quad bikes or similar devices, associating with specified individuals, wearing face coverings like ski masks in public, and possessing tools such as bolt cutters or hammers that could be used for vehicle theft. Sergeant Edel Fox from the Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team commented on the impact of antisocial behaviour and the commitment to tackling it.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Prenda Malungo

Possession of cannabis with intent to supply

July 17, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment

Prenda Malungo was arrested after being spotted carrying a heavy bag containing cannabis valued at £7,000 into a flat in Batley on January 22. He was later picked up in an Audi A3 driven by Lawrence Mafauae and was connected to drug supply activities.

Admitted to possession of cannabis with intent to supply. Recalled to prison for previous offences and had connections to urban street gangs in Leeds.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

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

Mckenzie Dicicco

Manslaughter

July 16, 2025

Sentence: six years and eight months imprisonment

Mckenzie Dicicco hit James Hitchcock from behind while he was eating at Burger King at York station after a nonsensical argument on December 15, 2024. The two men did not know each other prior to the incident. Dicicco was drunk, had been thrown out of a pop-up bar earlier, and deliberately confronted Hitchcock despite attempts to de-escalate. Hitchcock, a 32-year-old married father-of-one and goalkeeper for Barton Town FC, suffered a fatal head injury and died in hospital three days later.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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