Leeds Crown Court Sentencing Results

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

Sisay Beyene

Robbery

November 1, 2024

Sentence: 3 years 6 months imprisonment

On September 16, 2024, just after 6am, Sisay Beyene attempted to steal a bicycle chained to railings on Wood Street in Huddersfield. He was disturbed by the owner, whom he threatened with a hacksaw. After cutting the bike chain, he fled with the bike while continuing to threaten the victim.

Pleaded guilty to robbery. Victim was threatened with a hacksaw during the attempt to steal a bicycle.

Sources: yorkshirepost.co.uk

Bawan Rassoul

Illicit sale of tobacco and vapes

October 21, 2024

Sentence: Confiscation order of £19,354.46 with 7 days imprisonment in default

On December 1, 2022, officers from West Yorkshire Trading Standards inspected Mero’s Mini Market at 254 Lockwood Road, Huddersfield, and seized illicit or counterfeit tobacco products and disposable electronic cigarettes exceeding the maximum permitted tank capacity. Bawan Rassoul, the director of the company, was present during the inspection and later attended court.

Pleaded guilty to offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994, the Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Products Regulations 2015 and the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. Received a conditional discharge for 12 months at Kirklees Magistrates Court.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Brogan Stewart

Preparing Terrorism

October 1, 2024

Sentence: 11 years imprisonment

Neo-Nazi trio Brogan Stewart, Marco Pitzettu, and Christopher Ringrose prepared to carry out a terrorist attack on an Islamic Centre in Leeds, amassing more than 200 weapons including machetes, swords, crossbows, and an illegal stun gun for planned attacks. Ringrose 3D-printed components for a semi-automatic gun.

Neo-Nazi preparing terrorist attack on an Islamic Centre in Leeds; amassed over 200 weapons including machetes, swords, crossbows, and an illegal stun gun.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Christopher Ringrose

Preparing Terrorism

October 1, 2024

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

Neo-Nazi preparing terrorist attack on an Islamic Centre in Leeds; amassed over 200 weapons including machetes, swords, crossbows, and an illegal stun gun; 3D-printed gun components.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Joshua Maynard-Williams

Stalking

October 1, 2024

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

Joshua Maynard-Williams, engaged to another, harassed his ex-partner starting from 2019 after their relationship ended due to his infidelity. He contacted her on social media, threatened her new partner, stalked her, commented creepily on her LinkedIn hiking photo, left a scarf at her mum's shed, and broke into her workplace leaving tealights and a note. He also appeared with a Galaxy chocolate bar, paper, and wine bottle, claiming the chocolate was for her mother.

Harassed a former partner after their relationship broke down due to his cheating; continued contact via social media, threatened her new partner, stalked her in person, left items at her workplace and family home.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Niall Johnson

Rape

October 1, 2024

Sentence: 8 years and 6 months imprisonment

Rapist chef Niall Johnson, aged 18 at the time, raped a 16-year-old girl twice at his home after she stayed there following social media chats. Initially no difficulties, but his behaviour changed; he touched and kissed her against her will, ignoring her repeated 'no's and instructions to stop.

Judge noted the victim told him to stop and he instructed her to 'lie back and enjoy it'; raped her twice despite repeated refusals.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Marco Pitzettu

Preparing Terrorism

October 1, 2024

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Neo-Nazi preparing terrorist attack on an Islamic Centre in Leeds; amassed over 200 weapons including machetes, swords, crossbows, and an illegal stun gun.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Martyn Paul Gilleard

Possession of Terrorism Information

October 1, 2024

Sentence: 3 years and 9 months imprisonment

Leeds man Martyn Paul Gilleard kept a handwritten gun powder recipe at his home, recovered during an intelligence-led search by West Yorkshire Police on May 28, 2024, and investigated further by Counter Terrorism Policing North East.

Admitted possessing information likely useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Sources: leeds-live.co.uk

Ben Tate

Rape

August 23, 2024

Sentence: 19 years imprisonment

Between 2017 and 2021, Ben Tate subjected a teenage girl and a second victim to a campaign of sexual, physical, and mental abuse, including rape. He attacked them while they slept, had sex with them without consent, pinned them down, assaulted them, strangled them, and ignored their pleas to stop. He also manipulated them through threats of self-harm and financial exploitation. The first victim reported the abuse in 2020, but only supported prosecution in 2022 after the second victim came forward. Police gathered statements from friends, family, and digital evidence of messages.

Convicted following a trial where victims provided evidence under special measures. He will be on the sex offenders register for life and is subject to lifelong restraining orders against both victims. Detective Inspector Kelly Brown highlighted his pattern of behaviour and the traumatic impact on victims.

Sources: yorkshirepost.co.uk

Khang Nguyen

Production of cannabis

August 1, 2024

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

Khang Nguyen, along with three others, was involved in running a sophisticated industrial-scale cannabis farm inside a former bed factory on Quarry Road in Gomersal. The operation included hydroponics systems and living quarters, with cannabis plants worth approximately £2.4 million and additional prepared cannabis worth £1 million discovered during a police raid on July 12, 2024.

Arrested for operating a large-scale cannabis farm; pleaded guilty or was convicted as part of the group.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Hoa Hoang

Production of cannabis

August 1, 2024

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

Hoa Hoang, along with three others, was involved in running a sophisticated industrial-scale cannabis farm inside a former bed factory on Quarry Road in Gomersal. The operation included hydroponics systems and living quarters, with cannabis plants worth approximately £2.4 million and additional prepared cannabis worth £1 million discovered during a police raid on July 12, 2024.

Arrested for operating a large-scale cannabis farm; pleaded guilty or was convicted as part of the group.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Hoai Le Thanh

Production of cannabis

August 1, 2024

Sentence: 3 years and 7 months imprisonment

Hoai Le Thanh, along with three others, was involved in running a sophisticated industrial-scale cannabis farm inside a former bed factory on Quarry Road in Gomersal. The operation included hydroponics systems and living quarters, with cannabis plants worth approximately £2.4 million and additional prepared cannabis worth £1 million discovered during a police raid on July 12, 2024.

Arrested for operating a large-scale cannabis farm; pleaded guilty or was convicted as part of the group.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Thanh Le

Production of cannabis

August 1, 2024

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

Thanh Le, along with three others, was involved in running a sophisticated industrial-scale cannabis farm inside a former bed factory on Quarry Road in Gomersal. The operation included hydroponics systems and living quarters, with cannabis plants worth approximately £2.4 million and additional prepared cannabis worth £1 million discovered during a police raid on July 12, 2024.

Arrested for operating a large-scale cannabis farm; pleaded guilty or was convicted as part of the group.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Nawzad Hama

Violent disorder

July 16, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Nawzad Hama, 46, of Blencarn View, Leeds, was involved in the Harehills disorder, committing a violent disorder offence on July 18, 2024. This incident was part of widespread unrest in Harehills during the evening of July 18 and 19, 2024, which caused significant distress to the community.

Pled guilty to a violent disorder offence committed on July 18, 2024. This is part of a larger investigation into the Harehills disorder, with 23 people convicted in total.

Sources: thetelegraphandargus.co.uk

Bardia Shojaeifard

Murder

June 1, 2024

Sentence: Detained for life with a minimum term of 13 years

Bardia Shojaeifard, who was 14 at the time of the offence, stabbed Alfie Lewis, 15, through the heart in full view of pupils leaving a primary school in Horsforth, West Yorkshire, in November 2023, as Alfie was on his way home from school.

Was 15 at time of sentencing and had a worrying interest in knives. The judge noted he was an outwardly normal boy.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Ian James Franklin

Murder

April 14, 2024

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years

Ian James Franklin attacked Greg Marshall, a 35-year-old father and bare knuckle boxer, with a machete and stabbed him in the heart, resulting in his death. The incident occurred at Franklin's home in Roche Avenue, off Huntington Road, last August, amid a dispute over a £1,000 debt Franklin owed to Jason Daniel Rhodes for cocaine and cannabis. It followed Marshall punching Franklin's partner, breaking her cheekbone. Franklin then armed himself with a knife and stabbed Marshall 13 times in a determined attack, as witnessed on CCTV and described by an eyewitness.

Sobbed in the dock during sentencing. Pleaded not guilty and claimed self-defence. Convicted of murder, wounding Jason Daniel Rhodes, and carrying a knife in public. Seven and a half months already served in jail deducted from the term.

Sources: gazetteherald.co.uk

Andrew Richardson

Aggravated Burglary

August 7, 2023

Sentence: 11 years and 4 months imprisonment

Andrew Richardson participated in a group of six masked men who forcibly entered a house in Selby on March 24, 2022, armed with weapons including a crowbar, metal poles, and an axe handle. The intruders aimed to steal drugs from the victim, who was attacked during the raid. One raider was fatally stabbed by the victim in self-defence. Richardson was arrested and admitted his involvement in the crime.

Pleaded guilty to the offence before the trial. Judge noted his previous convictions and that he would serve two-thirds of the sentence in prison before release on licence.

Sources: yorkpress.co.uk

Daniel Welford

Aggravated Burglary

August 7, 2023

Sentence: 13 years imprisonment

Daniel Welford was part of a group of six masked men who broke into a house in Selby on March 24, 2022, armed with weapons including a crowbar, metal poles, and an axe handle. The group forced entry into the property in the early hours, intending to steal drugs from the victim. Welford allegedly struck the victim on the head with a crowbar during the raid. The victim fought back, resulting in the death of one raider. Welford was arrested later that day and convicted of the offence.

Found guilty after a week-long trial. Had previous convictions, including for carrying a knife, burglary, and theft. Judge noted the offence was well-organised and at the top of the sentencing guidelines category.

Sources: yorkpress.co.uk

Max Jackson

Aggravated Burglary

August 7, 2023

Sentence: 13 years imprisonment

Max Jackson was involved in a group of six masked men who raided a house in Selby on March 24, 2022, equipped with weapons such as a crowbar, metal poles, and an axe handle. The group burst into the property to steal drugs, with Jackson driving them there in his Honda Civic. Evidence linked him to the crime through DNA on a bag of drugs and blood traces in his vehicle. The victim was attacked, and one raider died during the confrontation. Jackson was arrested and convicted following the trial.

Found guilty after a week-long trial. Had previous convictions for carrying a knife, burglary, and theft. Described as the 'taxi driver' who transported the group to the victim's house in his Honda Civic. Judge commented on the well-organised nature of the crime and the defendants' prior records.

Sources: yorkpress.co.uk

Ermal Biba

Conspiracy to Supply Class A and Class B Drugs

August 1, 2023

Sentence: 13 years and 6 months imprisonment

Ermal Biba, as the leader of a North Yorkshire drug-running gang, operated a county lines drugs network in Harrogate, conspiring to supply class A and class B drugs. The group was investigated by North Yorkshire Police, leading to the discovery of assets including a house in Albania. He was sentenced for his role in the conspiracy.

Leader of the gang; ordered to repay £108,566.07 under the Proceeds of Crime Act or face an additional 2 years; benefited £4,542,888.91 from criminal activities.

Sources: darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk

Adam Sarkowski

Conspiracy to Supply Class A and Class B Drugs

August 1, 2023

Sentence: 4 years and 7 months imprisonment

Adam Sarkowski was an accomplice in a North Yorkshire drug-running gang that operated a county lines drugs network in Harrogate, conspiring to supply class A and class B drugs. The group was subject to an investigation by North Yorkshire Police.

Accomplice in the gang; received a confiscation order in 2024 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Sources: darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk

Allaman Tatariku

Conspiracy to Supply Class A and Class B Drugs

August 1, 2023

Sentence: 7 years and 1 month imprisonment

Allaman Tatariku was a key accomplice in a North Yorkshire drug-running gang that operated a county lines drugs network in Harrogate, conspiring to supply class A and class B drugs. The gang was investigated by North Yorkshire Police with assistance from the Crown Prosecution Service.

Key accomplice in the gang; received a confiscation order in 2024 as part of the Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings.

Sources: darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk

Klajdi Lleshi

Conspiracy to Supply Class A and Class B Drugs

August 1, 2023

Sentence: 6 years and 3 months imprisonment

Klajdi Lleshi was an accomplice in a North Yorkshire drug-running gang that operated a county lines drugs network in Harrogate, conspiring to supply class A and class B drugs. The investigation involved North Yorkshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Accomplice in the gang; received a confiscation order in 2024 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Sources: darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk

Anthony Pounder

Conspiracy to defraud

July 16, 2023

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

Anthony Pounder was involved in a conspiracy to defraud vulnerable elderly householders across North Yorkshire, where the gang defrauded victims of a total of £1.2 million by convincing them to overpay for building work that was often unnecessary or substandard.

He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud and was part of a nine-man gang. He is currently on licence supervision from this sentence.

Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk

Lucas Akins

Death by careless or inconsiderate driving

April 24, 2023

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment

Lucas Akins crashed into cyclist Adrian Daniel with his Mercedes G350 in Huddersfield on March 17, 2022, causing catastrophic head injuries that led to Daniel's death 10 days later. Akins was 36 years old and resided in Heys Road, Thongsbridge at the time.

Pleaded guilty to death by careless or inconsiderate driving. Also disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Sources: thecomet.net

Vincent Joseph Morgan

Fraud and theft

January 1, 2022

Sentence: Jailed for life

In 2022, Vincent Joseph Morgan conned a 102-year-old Dunkirk veteran by offering to do his gardening, then stole the veteran's commemorative war medal and used his bank card to steal thousands of pounds from his bank account. This incident led to his sentencing, though specific details of the crime's execution and circumstances are limited in the provided text.

Convicted of murder by a majority verdict after nearly 11 hours of jury deliberation. Also convicted unanimously of causing actual bodily harm on two previous occasions. Judge will decide minimum term before parole eligibility.

Sources: gazetteherald.co.uk

Richard Prendergast

Causing grievous bodily harm with intent

October 14, 2020

Sentence: seven-and-a-half years imprisonment

Richard Prendergast, along with Kevin Hyden, attacked Roy Whiting in his cell at Wakefield prison on November 8, 2018, using makeshift weapons including pieces of wood with a screw and another screw, stabbing and punching him multiple times while shouting insults such as 'you f***ing nonce' and 'stab him, get him in the neck'. Whiting suffered puncture wounds to his head, neck, and upper body.

Additional sentence while already serving a life term for murder; admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Kevin Hyden

Causing grievous bodily harm with intent

October 14, 2020

Sentence: seven-and-a-half years imprisonment

Kevin Hyden, along with Richard Prendergast, attacked Roy Whiting in his cell at Wakefield prison on November 8, 2018, using a screw as a weapon to stab and punch him multiple times while shouting insults such as 'you f***ing nonce' and 'stab him, get him in the neck'. Whiting suffered puncture wounds to his head, neck, and upper body.

Additional sentence while already serving a life term for murder; admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent and later boasted about the attack.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Gheorghita Lacatus

Burglary

March 27, 2018

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

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

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

Sources: ripongazette.co.uk

Ghulam Hussain

Preparation of terrorist acts

August 4, 2017

Sentence: six years imprisonment

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

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

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Anthony Joseph Davey

Burglary

July 31, 2017

Sentence: 32 months imprisonment

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

Christopher Downes

Burglary

July 31, 2017

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

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

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

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Nathan Stapleton

Burglary

July 31, 2017

Sentence: 32 months imprisonment

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

Kieran Rayner

Burglary

May 4, 2017

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

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

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

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Luke Kenny

Unlawful wounding

March 15, 2017

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

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

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

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Raphael Hunte

Aggravated Vehicle Taking

January 5, 2017

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

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

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

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Trevor Fox

Possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear

January 5, 2017

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

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

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

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Lisa Marie Maguire

Concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine

September 5, 2016

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

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

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

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Martin Bell

Manslaughter

December 1, 2014

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 12 years

Martin Bell fatally attacked Gemma Simpson at his Harrogate flat on May 5, 2000. He repeatedly struck her with a hammer during an argument, which he claimed involved a perceived threat to his children. He then stabbed her, drowned her in a bath by filling it with water and tying her hands, dismembered her body after several days, and buried it. Gemma was reported as a missing person for 14 years until Bell confessed at Scarborough Police Station.

Pleaded guilty to manslaughter with diminished responsibility. Ordered to serve a total of 11 years and 205 days due to time spent on remand.

Sources: thestrayferret.co.uk

Lee Tansey

Armed robbery

June 1, 2011

Sentence: 11 years imprisonment

Lee Tansey and his accomplices committed three armed robberies in 2009, targeting a bank in Darwen, Lancashire, stealing £43,000; a security van in Elland, near Halifax, stealing £175,000; and a HSBC bank in Huddersfield, stealing £300,000. They used weapons like a machete, crowbar, and sledgehammer, and engaged in a high-speed chase with police, driving dangerously across the Pennines before abandoning the vehicle in Manchester.

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