Leicester Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 123 verdicts at Leicester Crown Court (Leicester). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Adam Shellard

Rape

October 31, 2025

Sentence: 17 years and 7 months imprisonment with 4-year extended licence

Adam Shellard raped two vulnerable women multiple times in their homes in Leicestershire between 2015 and 2021. Against the first victim, he committed three rapes, two other sexual offences, used controlling or coercive behaviour including violence and strangulation, and racially-aggravated threatening behaviour by threatening to kick her four-year-old daughter down the stairs using a racist term. Against the second victim, he committed three rapes, including while she was sleeping. The attacks caused severe physical, emotional, and psychological harm, leading victims to feel shattered, unsafe, and suicidal.

Found guilty by jury of three rapes and two other sexual offences against first victim, controlling or coercive behaviour including violence and strangulation, racially-aggravated threatening behaviour against victim's four-year-old daughter; three further counts of rape against second victim including while sleeping. Described as having high risk of harm to women and children; sentenced without legal representation.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Liam Keran

Causing Actual Bodily Harm

October 31, 2025

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

On May 9, 2024, at approximately 9pm, Liam Keran, along with Kira Newton and Joanna James, forced their way into a vulnerable woman's flat in Kibworth Harcourt, near Market Harborough. The attack was pre-planned as revenge because the victim had refused to give Newton £10. Keran grabbed the woman around the neck and throttled her until she became dizzy and fell to the ground. While she lay on the floor in the corridor outside her home, Keran stamped on her face and then grabbed her head. The assault ended when Leicestershire Police arrived. The victim, who has a serious medical condition, was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary suffering from blurred vision, headaches, bruises, and cuts to her face, neck, and arm.

Found guilty after trial. Sentenced immediately following the hearing. Had a troubled childhood, witnessed violence at home, started drugs at age 15. Described as not simply a thug and an addict.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Joshua Hawkins

Possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply and dangerous driving

October 27, 2025

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

Joshua Hawkins, 35, of Lakeview Chase, drove a bronze Mazda 3 in De Montfort Street, Leicester, on June 23, 2025, despite being disqualified from driving. He refused to stop for police, sped through city streets including the wrong way up a one-way street, and abandoned the car in Mercury Close. He was later chased on foot from his home in Hamilton and arrested. A search revealed £250,000 worth of crack cocaine, cocaine and heroin in his partner Aliyah Amin's car.

Pleaded guilty to possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply, possession of cocaine with intent to supply, possession of heroin with intent to supply, and dangerous driving.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Aliyah Amin

Possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply

October 27, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Aliyah Amin, 23, of Lakeview Chase, was involved in drug dealing with Joshua Hawkins. Officers found a backpack containing crack cocaine, cocaine and heroin, believed to have a total value of £250,000, in an Audi A4 registered to her. The drugs were discovered following a police chase on June 23, 2025, in Leicester city centre.

Pleaded guilty to possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply, possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possession of heroin with intent to supply.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Kamalpreet Singh

Burglary

October 23, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Kamalpreet Singh, 30, of no fixed address, targeted properties in the Evington area of Leicester throughout April and May 2025. He knocked on doors claiming his pregnant partner needed help to gain entry, then stole phones, purses, cash, and used a stolen bank card for £145.65 in purchases. Incidents included stealing a purse on Norwood Road on April 24, a mobile phone on Ethel Road on May 7 (leaving it at another address where he stole another phone and cash), and an earlier burglary at Higgs Close on April 10. He was arrested on May 9 after a resident noted his car registration, found in possession of crack cocaine. CCTV and doorbell footage linked him to all offences.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary, three counts of fraud by false representation and one count of possession of a class A drug. Targeted elderly and vulnerable victims in their homes using a false story about his pregnant partner needing help.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Charles Isabirye

Rape

October 22, 2025

Sentence: 17 years imprisonment

Charles Isabirye, 48, of Ratcliffe Road, Loughborough, lured four victims from Uganda to Leicestershire under false promises of jobs and accommodation. He raped them between 2022 and later. While on bail, he posted the victims' names on social media, claimed they were colluding with investigating officer DC Sarah Le Boutillier to frame him, and threatened their families to drop the accusations, breaching bail conditions and constituting witness intimidation.

Pleaded not guilty. Found guilty by jury of four counts of rape, three counts of witness intimidation, and breaching a restraining order. Judge Steven Evans noted the defendant presents a serious risk to women and praised DC Sarah Le Boutillier for her professionalism. Subject to a restraining order prohibiting contact with victims and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order post-release.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Barrymore James

Indecent assault

October 20, 2025

Sentence: 24 years imprisonment

Barrymore James began sexually abusing a five-year-old girl in the 1990s, continuing two or three times a week for almost a decade. He forced her to smoke crack cocaine and heroin before some instances of abuse and made her view pornographic material on several occasions. The victim reported the abuse to Leicestershire Police in 2021. James, who denied the allegations, was tried and convicted at Leicester Crown Court.

Found guilty of 12 counts of indecent assault, two counts of sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 years, and two counts of indecency with a child. The victim showed strength in testifying. DC Katie Harris noted the lasting impact on the victim and hoped for closure.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Kacper Ogrodnik

Possession of class A drugs with intent to supply

October 14, 2025

Sentence: 6.5 years imprisonment

On June 25, 2025, Kacper Ogrodnik, 24, of Harvest Close, Beaumont Leys, was driving a red Vauxhall Corsa in the New Parks area of Leicester. Officers from the Roads Policing Unit followed and stopped the vehicle on Dannett Street. Upon exiting, he was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs. He became obstructive, swallowing a SIM card he held in his mouth. A custody search revealed 33 wraps of crack cocaine and seven wraps of diamorphine concealed on his body, valued at £400. While in custody, he assaulted two police officers by punching one and kicking another. He also possessed counterfeit money.

Pleaded guilty on the second day of trial. DC Zaeema Osman highlighted zero-tolerance approach to drug supply and assaults on police.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Unnamed Boy

Manslaughter

October 10, 2025

Sentence: 21 months youth detention

On April 9, 2025, the 17-year-old boy stabbed Louis Howard, 35, in the chest with a Zombie knife during an argument at his home in Braunstone Frith, Leicester. Howard had arrived drunk and high on cocaine, demanding to borrow the boy's mother's phone, leading to a struggle. The boy entered the room and thrust the knife with such force that it punctured Howard's heart and broke a rib, causing internal bleeding and death. The boy's younger siblings witnessed the incident.

Pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the basis of loss of control during murder trial. Prior threats against another woman reported.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Unnamed Mother

Assisting an Offender

October 10, 2025

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment

The mother, in her early 30s, lied to police after the April 9, 2025, stabbing of Louis Howard at her home in Braunstone Frith, Leicester, claiming Howard arrived with the knife already in his chest. She had argued with Howard over lending her phone before her son stabbed him.

Pleaded guilty to assisting an offender by lying to police about the stabbing.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Unnamed Neighbour

Assisting an Offender

October 10, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

The neighbour, in her early 30s, provided the boy with a change of clothes after the April 9, 2025, stabbing of Louis Howard, hid his blood-stained tracksuit bottoms and trainers, and lied to police about not seeing the boy and claiming her CCTV recorded nothing, despite it capturing key audio evidence.

Pleaded guilty to assisting an offender by lying to police and hiding evidence.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

John Raisen

Indecent assault and indecency with a child

October 2, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

John Raisen, aged 76 from North Parade in Sleaford, groomed and abused a 13-year-old girl in Melton Mowbray starting in 1979. He took an interest in her relationships with boys, progressing to inappropriate touching over 15 to 18 months and encouraging sexual activity. The victim reported the abuse to police in 2021, realising it had stolen part of her childhood. Raisen was interviewed but declined to answer questions. Following a trial, he was convicted on September 19, 2025.

Found guilty of 12 counts of indecent assault and 4 counts of indecency with a child. Placed on the sex offender register indefinitely and subject to a lifetime restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim.

Sources: lincolnshirelive.co.uk

Mahbubur Rahman

Rape

October 1, 2025

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment

On October 7, 2006, Mahbubur Rahman, then 31, a taxi driver, picked up a 19-year-old Loughborough University student in Leicester shortly after 2.15am. He stopped at a cash machine in Greenclose Lane, then drove to George Deacon Court car park in Chestnut Street, where he raped her in the back of his car. DNA was recovered but unmatched until 2022, when a mouth swab during a burglary arrest matched the profile. Now 50, of Jane Street, Chadderton, Greater Manchester.

Found guilty following trial; DNA match identified him in 2022 after initial evidence in 2006 did not match database.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Donatas Venclovas

Sexual assault

October 1, 2025

Sentence: 7 years and 2 months imprisonment

On Saturday, January 8, 2011, Donatas Venclovas, then 34, assaulted three women in Leicester within about an hour. The first attack at 7.40am in Rutland Street involved grabbing a 25-year-old victim's neck and putting his hand between her legs. He then assaulted a 74-year-old woman at St Nicholas Circle by putting his hand up her skirt and exposing himself. Finally, at 8.50am in Rally Park off Tudor Road, he attempted to rape a 57-year-old woman, pushing her to the ground; she fought back by biting him and screaming until help arrived. He was caught in London in early 2025 after another arrest provided matching DNA.

Admitted one count of attempted rape and three counts of sexual assault. Evaded justice for 14 years until DNA breakthrough in 2025.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Patrick Sweeney

Drug supply

October 1, 2025

Sentence: 20 years and 6 months imprisonment

Patrick Sweeney, of Hinckley Road, Sapcote, near Hinckley, was involved in the supply of more than 10kg of cocaine, as well as cannabis, amphetamine, ketamine, and diazepam. The conviction resulted from five years of investigative work sparked by the 2020 dismantling of the encrypted Encrochat platform, where criminals planned illegal activities. Data from French authorities was shared with the UK's National Crime Agency and then Leicestershire Police, leading to analysis of messages and images by Sergeant Waheed Nagdi's team.

Convicted following analysis of Encrochat data from 2020 international operation. Involved in supply of multiple drugs including over 10kg of cocaine.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Jayesh Khunti

Rape

September 26, 2025

Sentence: 13 years imprisonment

Jayesh Khunti committed rapes and indecent assaults against five vulnerable children aged as young as six between 1984 and 1989. The crimes occurred at homes around Leicestershire, in a shop storeroom, and at the Victoria Centre in Nottingham, where he forced a boy to perform a sex act. Victims reported long-term effects including personality disorders, addiction, and damaged relationships.

Pleaded not guilty but was found guilty by a jury. Judge noted the victims' lifelong suffering and Khunti's responsibility. Defence highlighted his integration into UK society, lack of other convictions, and charitable work.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Dale Parker

Possessing an offensive weapon

September 19, 2025

Sentence: 62 weeks imprisonment

Dale Parker, a 40-year-old homeless man, entered the Tarboush Cafe in Market Street, Loughborough, on June 2, 2025, while visibly drunk and armed with a hammer and a plank of wood, claiming he needed them for protection as he believed he was being chased. On the same week, he stole a crate of cider worth £40 from Morrisons on Maxwell Drive and threw cans at staff during a confrontation. On June 15, 2025, he was seen swinging a metal baseball bat at another man on Jubilee Way, Loughborough, leading to his arrest. He also damaged police property by spitting, urinating, and smearing excrement in a police van and cell.

Admitted to two counts of possessing an offensive weapon, using threatening behaviour towards staff, two counts of criminal damage to police property, and one count of shoplifting. He was in breach of a prior suspended sentence and has a history of similar offences, linked to alcoholism, ADHD, and paranoia.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Carlene Francis

Possessing a blade in public

September 19, 2025

Sentence: 35 weeks imprisonment

Carlene Francis was walking along Regent Street in Hinckley when men outside The New Baron of Hinckley pub spoke to her. She ran across the road, pulled a knife from her bra, and threatened the men with it on the afternoon of May 20. CCTV footage showed her waving the blade and attempting to approach them further, though she was pulled away by a friend. This incident was influenced by her history as a victim of attacks, including domestic abuse and sexual assaults, as well as her struggles with drug addiction and mental health issues.

Pleaded guilty to possessing a blade in public. Has a previous conviction for an offensive weapon. Already serving a nine-month sentence for other offences. Judge noted her vulnerability due to past experiences and hoped she would attend rehabilitation.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Neil Whittaker

Rape

September 5, 2025

Sentence: 15 years imprisonment

Neil Whittaker subjected his victim to a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour, including threats of violence, stalking and harassment. He raped her on two occasions, slapped her across the face causing actual bodily harm, and kidnapped her by forcing her to drive with him for miles to confront a man he was jealous of. These crimes occurred in Leicestershire, and while awaiting trial, he tried to pervert the course of justice by contacting the victim through a family member.

Found guilty of coercive and controlling behaviour, kidnap and two counts of rape; pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm and perverting the course of justice; arrested by armed police due to his dangerous nature; attempted to persuade victim not to attend trial.

Sources: nottinghampost.com

Jonathan Knight

Causing death by driving without due care or consideration while under the influence of drugs

August 28, 2025

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment and banned from driving for 13 years and 8 months

Jonathan Knight drove his Audi S3 into cyclist Anthony Smith on July 7, 2023, on Ling Road, Loughborough, while under the influence of drugs, without a license, and uninsured. The collision caused severe head injuries to Mr. Smith, who died at the scene. Knight fled, drove with his head out of the window due to a smashed windscreen, abandoned the vehicle, and set it on fire to destroy evidence. Police found glass fragments on his clothing and used mobile phone data to place him at the scene.

Pleaded no comment in interview. Convicted of causing death by driving without due care or consideration while under the influence of drugs, driving while unlicensed, driving while uninsured, driving a motor vehicle dangerously, and perverting the course of justice. Detective Constable Paul Hicks commented on the detailed investigation and forensic evidence.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Paul Fisher

Making a bomb hoax

August 11, 2025

Sentence: five years and two months imprisonment

Paul Fisher made multiple threatening calls between April 13 and May 5, 2025, claiming bombs had been planted at various locations, including pubs in Boston and Lincoln, Heathrow Airport, St Pancras railway station, Scotland Yard, Birmingham Airport, a hotel in London, and others. These actions led to significant police resources being deployed and public disruption.

Pleaded guilty to eight counts of making a bomb hoax and three counts of wasting police time. Also admitted to threatening to destroy or damage property. Detective Constable Kevin Sharkey commented that such hoaxes disrupt emergency services and infrastructure, hoping the sentence serves as a deterrent.

Sources: lincsonline.co.uk

Helen Brindley-Walker

Conspiracy to sell goods bearing unauthorised trademarks

July 21, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 3 months imprisonment

Helen Brindley-Walker ran an operation selling counterfeit goods, including fake Adidas, Nike, Paco Rabanne, Tiffany, Apple, and Yves Saint Laurent products, through Facebook Marketplace. Complaints about poor quality and refused refunds were made to Leicestershire County Council's Trading Standards team between July 2020 and October 2021. Trading Standards conducted test purchases and seized 3,558 items from her home and storage units. The business had an estimated turnover of at least £480,000.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell goods bearing unauthorised trademarks. Ignored warnings from Trading Standards and claimed to feel threatened by her supplier.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Lisa Mcardle

Conspiracy to sell goods bearing unauthorised trademarks

July 21, 2025

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years

Lisa McArdle assisted in selling counterfeit goods, including fake Adidas, Nike, Paco Rabanne, Tiffany, Apple, and Yves Saint Laurent products, through Facebook Marketplace. The operation received complaints about poor quality and refused refunds between July 2020 and October 2021. Trading Standards seized 3,558 items during searches, with the business estimated to have a turnover of at least £480,000.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell goods bearing unauthorised trademarks. This was her first court appearance, and she had a limited role in the operation, including monitoring the Facebook page, packing orders, and sending them.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Jean Paul Ekombolo

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

July 18, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Jean Paul Ekombolo, aged 28, operated a major drugs line between Leicestershire and London. He was involved in conspiracy to supply cocaine between April 8, 2022, and October 5, 2022. Police executed a warrant at a property in Leicester's Millstone Lane, seizing Class A crack cocaine worth £10,700 and £1,000 in cash. The operation involved intelligence gathering by Leicestershire Police and the Metropolitan Police, resulting in his arrest and guilty plea after court hearings.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. Time served on remand was taken into account.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Christian Mudianga

Conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin

July 18, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 3 months imprisonment

Christian Mudianga, aged 35, operated a major drugs line linking Leicestershire and London. He was involved in conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin between January 11, 2022, and October 5, 2022. Police arrested him at a property in Heathcott Road, Leicester, as part of warrants that seized Class A crack cocaine worth £10,700 and £1,000 in cash. The case stemmed from joint efforts by Leicestershire Police and the Metropolitan Police, leading to his guilty plea after a Newton hearing.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin. Time served on remand was taken into account.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Miguel Figueiredo-Mendes

Conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin

July 18, 2025

Sentence: 6 years and 3 months imprisonment

Miguel Figueiredo-Mendes, aged 28, operated a major drugs line linking Leicestershire and London, primarily in the Coalville area. He was involved in conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin between September 16, 2022, and October 5, 2022. Police executed a warrant at a property in Leicester's Millstone Lane, seizing Class A crack cocaine worth £10,700 and £1,000 in cash. The case involved collaboration between Leicestershire Police and the Metropolitan Police, leading to his arrest and guilty plea after a Newton hearing.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin. Time served on remand was taken into account.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Baram Tofiq

Illegal sales of tobacco products

July 11, 2025

Sentence: Eight months imprisonment and a £20,000 fine

Baram Tofiq, owner of Booze Zone in Loughborough, sold counterfeit and non-compliant tobacco products on multiple occasions, including in October 2021 and December 2022. Officers discovered illicit items during searches, and Tofiq tried to discard evidence by throwing products over a fence into a neighbouring garden. The offences involved selling genuine cigarettes not intended for the UK market and fake copies of brands like Richmond and Lambert & Butler.

Pleaded guilty to 18 offences relating to illegal sales of tobacco products. He had been warned previously and attempted to dispose of evidence.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Claudiu Cristea

Collection of Information Useful to Terrorism

July 6, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 6 months imprisonment

Claudiu Cristea possessed a terrorist document, 'The Anarchist’s Cookbook', which provided instructions on making explosives. He was involved in an online far-right group suspected of planning attacks and claimed his interest was academic, but investigations proved otherwise. He was arrested at his home in February 2024.

Found guilty by a jury after a trial. Made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order lasting 10 years.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Tyler Webb

Encouraging serious self-harm and suicide

July 4, 2025

Sentence: 9 years and 4 months detention order

Tyler Webb met a woman online on a suicide support forum and repeatedly urged her to take her own life and self-harm for his enjoyment. He instructed her on how to do so, threatened to abandon her if she resisted, and expressed disappointment when her attempts failed. She made two suicide attempts, suffered serious physical harm including permanent scars, and required hospitalisation. Webb was arrested in July of the previous year and remanded in custody before being transferred to a psychiatric hospital in November.

Pleaded guilty to encouraging the woman to kill herself and to self-harm. Motivated by sexual deviance. Has severe autism and was given a hybrid order, meaning he will stay in a psychiatric unit but may be transferred to prison if deemed well enough.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Albert Dawidziuk

Rape

July 2, 2025

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment

Albert Dawidziuk physically, mentally, and sexually abused his victim over several years. He gained access to her email and social media accounts, regularly questioned her about her contacts with work colleagues, and demanded photos to prove her whereabouts and companions. The victim reported the abuse, leading to his arrest upon his return to the UK.

Found guilty of two counts of rape, one count of assault by penetration, one count of sexual assault, and one count of engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour. Also made subject of an indefinite restraining order.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Colin Robson-Durrance

Attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child

July 1, 2025

Sentence: Two years imprisonment, suspended for two years, and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order

Colin Robson-Durrance communicated with a decoy account on Snapchat that posed as a 13-year-old boy, encouraging the 'boy' to perform sexual acts on himself, sending explicit videos, and asking if the boy would meet up. He became suspicious and stopped the contact. He was arrested in January 2025 and pleaded guilty in July 2025.

Pleaded guilty to the offences; no previous convictions; considered a vulnerable person; sentence was deemed unduly lenient by the Court of Appeal but not increased due to unusual circumstances.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Richard Bates

Failure to comply with environmental orders

July 1, 2025

Sentence: £500 fine, £500 costs, and £200 victim surcharge

Richard Bates, a council tenant on New Street in Melton, allowed his garden to become overgrown with rubbish and vegetation, leading to a rats' nest. Despite repeated warnings and a fixed penalty notice from Melton Borough Council starting in September 2024, he failed to act, prompting the council to clear the garden themselves at a cost exceeding £1,150.

Failed to attend court; ignored multiple notices from Melton Borough Council to clear rubbish and overgrown vegetation.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Claudiu Stefan Cristea

Possessing a terrorist document

June 25, 2025

Sentence: 5.5 years imprisonment

Claudiu Stefan Cristea was found in possession of 'The Anarchist’s Cookbook', a document providing instructions on manufacturing explosives, weapons, and drugs. He was part of the online far-right group 'Einsatz14', suspected of planning a terrorist attack in Leeds. He was arrested at his home in Queens Road, Knighton, Leicester, in February 2024, following an intelligence-led investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East.

Claimed his interest in far-right ideology was for academic purposes, but was involved in an online chat group sharing racist and anti-Semitic views and suspected of planning a terrorist attack.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Kevin Joseph

Dangerous Driving

June 24, 2025

Sentence: 12-month suspended sentence for 18 months, 20 days on programmes, 12 sessions on a mental health treatment course, £150 court costs, and a 2-year driving ban

Kevin Joseph stole a delivery van that was parked in Netherhall, Leicester, with keys in the ignition, and led police on a 20-minute chase through countryside and areas including Northfields and Belgrave. He drove dangerously, jumping red lights, overtaking aggressively, mounting the kerb, and crashing into an ambulance in Highfields. The incident occurred in December of the previous year, and he claimed he stole the van to raise £800 for his mother to move house.

Pleaded guilty to stealing a vehicle, dangerous driving, driving without a full licence, and driving without insurance. Judge noted it was a prolonged course of dangerous driving but cited potential for rehabilitation.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Rohith-Reddy Kananala

Possession of Criminal Property

June 20, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

Rohith-Reddy Kananala pretended to be a fraud investigator and contacted eight victims aged between 79 and 88 years old over a few days in March, tricking them into withdrawing and sending him approximately £30,000 through the post to help fund fraud enquiries related to their accounts. The money was delivered to his home address on Kimberley Road, where he signed for the packages under the name 'William' and filmed himself counting it. He was identified and arrested by detectives from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit.

Pleaded guilty to possession of criminal property and attempted possession of criminal property. Police found around £3,000 at his address and will seek to recover the rest through the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Randy Ayor

Rape

June 19, 2025

Sentence: 25 years imprisonment

Randy Ayor, 22, raped and assaulted two women after being acquitted of a similar charge. He tricked the first victim into going to his flat, where he raped her multiple times and strangled her. For the second victim, while on bail, he raped and strangled her, falsely imprisoned her, caused actual bodily harm, assaulted her by beating, and engaged in controlling or coercive behaviour, including dictating her movements and isolating her from family and friends.

Pleaded guilty to one count of strangulation. Sentenced as a dangerous offender with an extended licence period of three years.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Gagandeep Gulati

Rape

June 19, 2025

Sentence: 9 years imprisonment

Gagandeep Gulati, then aged 19, encountered an intoxicated and vulnerable woman in Leicester city centre on September 23, 2024, took her to a secluded location in Castle Gardens, and raped her. He filmed the attack, shared videos with others, and later claimed to police that he was the victim and that she forced him. The filming was seen as an aggravating factor to give a false impression of consent.

Originally sentenced to 6 years, increased as unduly lenient; claimed victim forced him but was found guilty; placed on sex offenders register for life.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Jonathan Peter Brooks

Attempted Murder

June 9, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years, plus 6 years for arson and 18 months for possessing a knife, all to run concurrently

Peter Brooks, a 61-year-old plastic surgeon, cycled to Graeme Perks' house in Halam, near Southwell, doused the property with petrol from his garage, intending to set it on fire, and stabbed Mr Perks, causing life-threatening injuries to his liver, intestines, and pancreas. The attack occurred after Brooks wanted Mr Perks 'out of the way'. Mr Perks, aged 65 at the time, had recently retired, and the incident followed a series of legal proceedings including a mistrial and aborted trials.

Brooks was convicted after a trial where he was voluntarily absent due to a hunger strike. The judge described the crimes as 'appalling' and noted Brooks set off on a 'murderous expedition'. Defence argued he showed remorse and had done good in the world, requesting a chance for reform.

Sources: nottinghampost.com

Peter Brooks

Attempted Murder

June 9, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years

Peter Brooks cycled to Graeme Perks' home in Halam, near Southwell, Nottinghamshire, on January 14, 2021, during a COVID lockdown. Dressed in camouflage and armed with a crowbar, petrol, matches, and a knife, he smashed through the conservatory, stabbed Mr. Perks multiple times causing life-threatening injuries to his liver, intestines, and pancreas, and doused the ground floor and stairs with petrol in an attempt to set the house on fire, endangering Mr. Perks' wife and son. The attack was motivated by Brooks' hatred for Mr. Perks, who had provided evidence against him in disciplinary proceedings that could have led to Brooks losing his job.

Convicted after a trial; was voluntarily absent from proceedings due to hunger strike; defending counsel described it as a single act of violence and noted he is beginning to show remorse, with a history of good works.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Ilyas Rauf

Fraud by False Representation

June 6, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

Ilyas Rauf engaged in 'ghost broking' by selling worthless car insurance policies, pocketing £61,763 from August 2016 to January 2020. He provided forged employment letters to secure discounted premiums, affecting 52 fraudulent policies that left victims uninsured and at risk of fines and vehicle seizures. He shared £11,977 of profits with his son.

Pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation, breaching the Financial Services and Markets Act and transferring criminal property.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Amer Ilyas

Money Laundering

June 6, 2025

Sentence: 16 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, with 100 hours of unpaid work

Amer Ilyas assisted his father in a fraud scheme by helping recruit customers through social media for worthless car insurance policies. He received £11,977 from the criminal profits between September 2019 and June 2020, contributing to a scam that left dozens of victims uninsured.

Karl Rose

Sexual assault on a girl under 13

June 5, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Karl Rose, 27, of no fixed abode, abused a girl under 13 in the East Leicester area in October and November of the previous year. He was arrested in early January after the child reported the incidents to Leicestershire Police. Evidence included messages where he apologised to the girl's family, leading to his guilty plea for multiple sexual offences.

Pleaded guilty to the charges after initially denying them. Made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Unnamed 15-Year-Old Boy

Manslaughter

June 5, 2025

Sentence: 7 years detention

On September 1, 2024, the boy pushed, kicked, and punched 80-year-old Bhim Kohli in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town, near Leicester, while racially abusing him. The attack was unprovoked and resulted in Mr Kohli's death the following day in hospital.

Aged 14 at the time of the offence. Denied involvement but convicted by jury of manslaughter; cleared of murder. Judge commented the attack was wicked.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Kamaljeet Singh

Sexual Assault

June 3, 2025

Sentence: 1 year and 3 months imprisonment

On December 2, 2024, Kamaljeet Singh boarded an Arriva bus at Leicester's Haymarket Bus Station while intoxicated and sat next to an 18-year-old woman who was travelling to school. Over approximately 20 to 30 minutes, he repeatedly placed his hand on her thigh, sexually assaulting her, and at one point laid his head on her shoulder while laughing with his friends who were making comments about her. The victim attempted to create distance by using her bag and moving away, but she was trapped in a window seat. A woman sitting nearby intervened, after which Singh left the bus. This incident caused significant distress to the victim, affecting her daily life, relationships, and sense of safety in public.

Pleaded guilty to sexual assault and failing to comply with notification requirements. Judge Timothy Spencer KC noted that the offending was aggravated by prior convictions for exposure and being on the sex offenders register. He emphasised the need for Singh to address his alcohol problem to prevent further offences.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Jason Pettifer

Sexual Assault by Penetration of a Child Under 13

June 3, 2025

Sentence: 18 years imprisonment plus 16 months for another offence

Jason Pettifer sexually abused two girls, one aged eight and the other ten, in February 2022. He targeted and groomed mothers with children, assaulting the victims without their knowledge of each other's experiences until one disclosed it to a family member. He was also sentenced for a similar unrelated case in Derbyshire from 2024.

Found guilty after a trial; issued with a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order, both lasting 10 years

Sources: derbyshiretimes.co.uk

Gareth Wignall

Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16

June 3, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and registration on the sex offenders register

Gareth Wignall, a 41-year-old dad-of-two, contacted what he believed was a 14-year-old girl on social media in late August 2024, moving conversations to WhatsApp and Telegram. He sent explicit pictures of himself, pornographic videos, and made sexual comments, including offers to take her to school and remove her clothing. The girl was a decoy created by vigilante group Justice Reborn. Wignall was confronted by the group while attending an under-16s football match near his home on September 2, 2024, where he made admissions. He was arrested, and police were involved.

Pleaded guilty to the charges. Judge noted he was at a low ebb due to relationship breakdown and warned against repetition. Defence argued he does not pose a significant threat.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Ashirie Smith

Murder

May 30, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17.5 years

Ashirie Smith, aged 19, entered the cell of Mahir Abdulrahman at HMP Fosse Way in Leicestershire on August 20, 2024, and carried out a violent attack by kicking and stamping on the victim's head and neck. This resulted in fatal injuries, including a bleed at the base of the brain and fractures to the ribs. The victim had previously expressed safety concerns and was serving a sentence for a sexual offence. Smith was caught on CCTV entering and leaving the cell.

Found guilty of murder. The attack was described as a serious, sustained assault on a fellow inmate in prison.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Thierry Robinson

Manslaughter

May 30, 2025

Sentence: 11 years imprisonment

Thierry Robinson, aged 21, entered the cell of Mahir Abdulrahman at HMP Fosse Way in Leicestershire on August 20, 2024, alongside Ashirie Smith, and participated in a violent assault by kicking and stamping on the victim. This led to the victim's death from injuries, including head and neck trauma, exacerbated by the victim's pre-existing health conditions such as tuberculosis.

Found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. He was involved in the same prison attack as Ashirie Smith.

Sources: standard.co.uk

William Heggs

Computer Misuse and Data Protection Offences

May 9, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

William Heggs, a former special constable with Leicestershire Police, accessed and photographed sensitive material on his personal phone, including body-worn footage of William Harty as he lay dying from head injuries on October 25, 2021, in Bedale Drive, Leicester. He also shared graphic details of a woman's injuries from a road traffic collision, footage of a police officer falling, and details of a man convicted of a sexual offence, among other breaches, over a six-month period between July and December 2021.

Pleaded guilty to 11 computer misuse and data protection offences. Judge noted he was immature, had autism and ADHD, and breached well-understood boundaries despite extensive training.

Sources: standard.co.uk

William Morritt

Conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of a Class A drug

April 11, 2025

Sentence: £367,301.91 confiscation order

William Morritt was involved in a drug smuggling operation that imported Class A drugs hidden in a lorry full of raspberry sorbet from Belgium. The drugs, including 39kg of cocaine and 18kg of heroin, were seized in Bilsthorpe, Nottinghamshire, in 2017 as part of one of the largest seizures by Nottinghamshire Police.

Ordered under the Proceeds of Crime Act; had benefited by £2,384,655.93 from criminal activities.

Sources: derbyshiretimes.co.uk

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