Leicester Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 212 verdicts at Leicester Crown Court (Leicester). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

November 2025 18 cases

Joshua Idowu

Aggravated burglary *

Sentence

10.5 years imprisonment

On March 2023, at about 3.30am, Joshua Idowu, aged 20 at the time, and three teenage co-accused burst into a home in Harrow Road, Westcotes, Leicester, targeting cash from absent well-paid footballer housemates. The gang ransacked the property, stealing Playstation consoles and designer clothes. The De Montfort University second-year student victim was beaten in his bedroom, kicked, stamped on, leaving a footprint on his forehead and a machete mark on his neck. They boiled a kettle threatening to burn him, interrogated him, then covered him in flour, eggs, milk, and alcohol in the kitchen. The attack was filmed. The victim walked to university to raise alarm as his phone was stolen, along with his laptop containing all university work, leading to dropped grades and ended university career.

Convicted by jury of aggravated burglary. No previous convictions. Suffered from sickle cell disease. Family fled Nigeria due to Boko Haram. Judge criticized denial and obsession with money. Co-accused Ashirie Smith further jailed for life for murder in custody.

24 Nov 2025

The Man

Sexual assault of a child *

Sentence

2 years youth custody suspended for 2 years, 240 hours unpaid work, 3-month curfew 8pm-6am, 35 days probation programmes, Sex Offenders' Register for 10 years

The defendant, aged about 14 at the start, committed sexual offences against his foster sister, aged 11-13, in a Leicestershire village over several years. Offences began with a Truth or Dare game leading to kissing and nudity, escalating to sexual assault, oral rape, assault by penetration, and sexual activity with a child. The victim suffered severe trauma including night terrors, self-harm, and 12 suicide attempts. Parents learned of the abuse when the victim was 13 but did not report it; it came to light in 2024 when she told school staff. The defendant admitted everything in his police interview and had boasted to a friend.

Pleaded guilty to all charges. Judge noted both defendant and victim were young at the time, immaturity and lack of recognition of harm. Glowing references from parents and girlfriend. Full of remorse.

23 Nov 2025

Tony Smith

Conspiracy to burgle *

Sentence

7 years and 6 months imprisonment

Tony Smith, 26, formerly of Green Acre, Needingworth Road, Cambridgeshire, was involved in a crime spree of 16 burglaries between May and July 2025, using stolen vehicles to ram-raid small supermarkets and steal ATMs across five counties including Leicestershire, Dorset, and others. Specific incidents include ramming the Knighton Co-Op on London Road, Leicester, on May 29, 2025, at 3.30am with a Mitsubishi Shogun, stealing the cash machine later found abandoned; and on July 9, 2025, at 4.07am, ramming the Co-Op in Cambridge Road, Whetstone, with a blue Toyota Hilux, colliding with a police car during escape. He was evidentially linked to similar offences in Christchurch, Ludlow, Shillingstone, Uttoxeter, Southampton, Blandford Forum, Shaftesbury, Shardlow, Craven Arms, Gillingham, Ilkeston, and thefts of vehicles and lifting equipment.

Pleaded guilty to conspiring to burgle businesses. Part of a criminal operation involving stolen vehicles and ram-raids across multiple counties. Financial cost to businesses in hundreds of thousands of pounds, plus loss of trade due to repairs.

21 Nov 2025

Sam Cox

Possession with intent to supply cocaine *

Sentence

31 months imprisonment

Sam Cox, 27, of Prestop Drive, Ashby, was living with his grandmother when Leicestershire Police raided the property, uncovering about 6g of cocaine (cut into 0.4g deals worth over £500 street value), about 1g of cannabis, small resealable bags, scales, a phone with details of deals to 27 people over two years, a knuckle-duster, and £4,599 plus 100 euros in cash. Cox confessed to drug dealing upon arrest. He claimed £3,000 of the cash was National Lottery winnings gifted by a relative, but the relative confirmed only £1,000 was gifted. Cox had been using both cannabis and cocaine and was dealing to pay off drug debts.

Admitted possessing a class B drug cannabis, possession with intent to supply of a class A drug cocaine, and possessing a knuckle-duster. Defending counsel noted he was a vulnerable individual with mental health issues, coerced into dealing due to cannabis addiction debt. Judge seized all cash found.

21 Nov 2025

David Azumara

Transferring criminal property *

Sentence

12-month community order with 60 hours of unpaid work

David Azumara, a 21-year-old Leicester university student studying business and marketing, allowed £15,033 to pass through his bank accounts in 2022 as part of a high-value texting scam. Fraudsters sent fake texts to victims pretending to be family members in need, such as children claiming their phone was broken and requesting money transfers. One female victim sent £4,611 in one day, and a married couple paid over £3,680. The money typically ended up as cryptocurrency. Azumara was asked by others to use his accounts, expecting assistance for his university course but received nothing and lost money on transfers. He had no knowledge of the original fraud.

Pleaded guilty to a transferring criminal property charge against the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Did not benefit from the scam and lost money; described as a victim to an extent. Judge noted that if jailed, the sentence would be very short indeed.

21 Nov 2025

Cory Heritage

Causing death by careless driving *

Sentence

27 months imprisonment

On January 22, 2024, shortly before midnight, Cory Heritage, who had been drinking alcohol and smoking cannabis, was driving a Ford EcoSport on Barlestone Road in Bagworth, near Coalville, with his uncle Jason Farmer in the passenger seat. Heritage drove too quickly around a bend, lost control, causing the vehicle to flip and crash into a tree, resulting in Jason Farmer's death. Upon arrival of Leicestershire Police, Heritage lied, claiming Farmer was driving, and later attempted to destroy evidence by hiding and washing his clothes. Forensic examination of the airbags confirmed Heritage was the driver. No charges for drink or drug driving were brought due to errors in blood sample paperwork.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving. Prior convictions include three for driving while disqualified, one for drink-driving, and one for failing to provide a specimen. Will serve half the sentence in custody and be disqualified from driving for 4 years, requiring an extended retest thereafter.

19 Nov 2025

Jamie George

Rape *

Sentence

3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Jamie George, then 16, met the victim at a Halloween party in Nottingham in 2023. They exchanged messages on Snapchat, leading to him visiting her home in Leicester in January 2024. Despite her clear refusal of sex, he used emotional blackmail, mentioning his struggles and self-harm, and spotted her self-harm scars to manipulate her. After initially leaving, he returned claiming his train was cancelled due to weather. In her bedroom, he pestered her, strangled her with one then two hands when she resisted, engaged in 'play fighting' to overpower her, sexually assaulted her, and raped her while lying on top of her. He was six foot tall and heavy, preventing her escape. The attack occurred in her bedroom where she should have felt safe, causing her to self-harm, be unable to sleep in her bed for six months, and suffer ongoing mental health impacts affecting her college work and self-view.

Found guilty at trial. Pleaded not guilty. Will serve sentence in a young offenders institution. Indefinite restraining order banning contact with victim. Must sign onto sex offenders register for life. Defence requested significant discount due to age (16 at time of offence). Judge noted manipulation, exploitation of vulnerabilities, and significant psychological harm to victim.

19 Nov 2025

Ian Mitchell

Supply of class A drugs *

Sentence

18-month sentence, suspended for two years with a two-year drug rehabilitation requirement

On September 19, 2024, in Rectory Place, Loughborough, police observed groups of young men waiting for Ian Mitchell to deliver cocaine and heroin. He approached them, completed the drug exchange, and was subsequently stopped by officers who seized £60 in cash and his mobile phone, linking him to a big, sophisticated drug operation. Mitchell, aged 39, from Gladstone Street, Loughborough, had relapsed into heroin addiction three years prior following his mother's death, leading to job loss and involvement in the drug supply chain to fund his habit.

Pleaded guilty to two charges of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. No previous convictions for supply. Relapse due to mother's death. Judge warned it was a final chance.

14 Nov 2025

Liam Rennie

Causing serious injury by driving while disqualified *

Sentence

36 months imprisonment

On May 4, 2025, in the early hours, Liam Rennie, 35, of Victoria Road, Whetstone, lost control of an Audi RS3 while driving erratically on Station Road, Stoney Stanton, near Hinckley, after leaving a nightclub. Despite being banned from driving and uninsured, he was chauffeuring a friend on a first date with the victim, a mother of three. Rennie had consumed lager, tequila shots, and cocaine, testing over twice the alcohol limit and positive for cocaine. The car smashed into a VW T-Roc, ramming it into a Ford Transit van and demolishing a garden wall. The Audi's engine burst into flames. The victim suffered severe injuries including shattered breastbone, three broken spine bones, internal organ damage, a litre of blood in her chest cavity, and her liver shunted into her chest; she was airlifted to hospital, spent three weeks there, took six months off work, quit her job, and now lives in fear of her torn aorta rupturing.

Pleaded guilty to causing serious injury while driving while disqualified and driving without insurance. Previous convictions for drink-driving in 2021 (14-month disqualification) and careless driving, failing to report an accident, and no insurance last year (6-month ban). Disqualified from driving for 40 months and required to undergo extended retest.

14 Nov 2025

Craig Thompson

Controlling or coercive behaviour and stalking involving fear of violence *

Sentence

12 months imprisonment

Craig Thompson, a married man in his mid-40s from Norman Street, off Narborough Road in Leicester, began an affair with an 18-year-old woman in April 2024. During the relationship, which lasted until October 2024, he exerted complete control over her through coercive and abusive behaviour, including sending up to 45 abusive messages daily accusing her of cheating, leaving insulting voice messages, threatening self-harm, and threatening to harm her pet dog to ensure compliance. This made her feel worthless and depressed, severely impacting her mental health. The victim reported a minor assault to Leicestershire Police in September 2024 but initially declined prosecution upon discovering she was pregnant with his child. After she ended the relationship in October 2024, Thompson stalked her with threatening messages involving fear of violence. She reported him again, leading to charges. Thompson denied the offences, but was found guilty at a two-day trial in his absence after failing to appear on the second day. The victim gave birth to their child in May 2025 and expressed ongoing fear of Thompson finding her and harming her or the child.

Found guilty in absence after failing to attend second day of trial. Pleaded not guilty initially. Barrister requested delay for appeal consideration, but Thompson decided against appealing. Indefinite restraining order imposed banning contact with victim. Judge noted lack of remorse and insight, described behaviour as disgraceful and appalling. Mitigating factors included childhood trauma from father's death at age 8 and personality disorders exacerbated by substance misuse.

14 Nov 2025

Balvinder Singh-Gill

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs *

Sentence

7 years and 6 months imprisonment

Balvinder Singh-Gill, 43, formerly of Deancourt Road, Leicester, was part of a cocaine ring led by Kuldip Singh-Hayre and Navjot Singh Sandhu, distributing multiple kilos of cocaine with a street value of more than £1 million between January and June 2020 across Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. The gang used the EncroChat encrypted service for communications, which was dismantled in 2020 by international agencies. He was tried and found guilty last month.

Found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs after trial.

12 Nov 2025

Paul Lipscombe

Child rape *

Sentence

28 years and one month imprisonment

Paul Lipscombe, a 51-year-old former NHS executive from Rothley, groomed and abused six girls aged 12 to 15 via Snapchat, using aliases 'Dom Woodmore' and 'George'. He raped a 12-year-old girl and committed sexual assaults and other offences against victims aged 14 and 15. He distributed category A child abuse images, including those of his victims, to up to 14 other paedophiles and operated a commercial website producing AI child abuse images for profit, earning over £3,700. Police found over 17,000 child abuse images on his devices after his arrest in April 2024. One incident involved a 15-year-old girl from Lincolnshire who ran away to meet him; he took her to a hotel in Birstall near Leicester for sex while claiming a business trip. Abuses included forcing sex acts causing pain, use of sex toys and bondage, striking a victim, and attempts to make children drink alcohol. Even in prison, he wrote a fictional story about child rape.

Pleaded guilty to 34 charges including 21 counts of sexual activity with a child, seven indecent child image charges, three sexual assaults on girls under 13, two rapes of girls under 13, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. No previous convictions. Suffered with ADHD and autism. Described by Judge Keith Raynor as 'devious, scheming and manipulative' and 'highly dangerous'. Must serve at least 18 years and two months before possible release. Subject to Sexual Harm Prevention Order and indefinite restraining order banning contact with victims.

11 Nov 2025

Gurwinder Singh

Causing grievous bodily harm with intent *

Sentence

7 years and 6 months imprisonment, disqualified from driving for 12 years

Gurwinder Singh drove his car into a crowd of people in De Montfort Street, Leicester city centre, in the early hours of Saturday, May 31, 2025, during a private event, injuring six victims (four men and one woman with serious injuries requiring hospital treatment, plus one from a preceding fight). The car fled the scene but was found hours later in Margaret Street with number plates removed to evade capture. Singh handed himself in at Keyham Lane police station on the evening of May 31, 2025.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. DC Jamie Anderson noted the profound impact on victims from impulsive behaviour.

7 Nov 2025

Govinder Singh

Grievous Bodily Harm and Wounding with Intent *

Sentence

10 years imprisonment

Govinder Singh, 28, of Gwendolen Road, Evington, Leicester, drove his Volkswagen car into a group of people fighting outside a club on De Montfort Street shortly after midnight on May 31, 2025, after being called by his brother who had been ejected from the venue. He injured four men and one woman with life-altering injuries, including fractures to the spine, a bleed on the brain, and a 5cm wound to the head. One victim was his cousin. He then exited the car, assaulted people, drove away to park near his house, hid the licence plates, and lied to police about the car's use. Victims reported suffering anxiety, pain, and trauma.

Sentence increased from 7.5 years by the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme following referral by Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC MP. Pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm and wounding with intent. Also banned from driving for 12 years.

7 Nov 2025

Julia Wandelt

Harassment *

Sentence

Convicted of harassment; restraining order imposed

Julia Wandelt, 24, from Lubin in south-west Poland, falsely claimed to be Madeleine McCann, who vanished aged three in Portugal in 2007. She harassed Kate and Gerry McCann by sending emails, voicemails, bombarding their friends with disturbing messages, and turning up at their home in Rothley, Leicestershire. She possessed unpublished photographs of the McCann and Payne families. During the incident at the home, she approached Kate McCann emotionally but was refused and threatened to involve police. DNA evidence confirmed she is not Madeleine. She continued to insist she was Madeleine even in court.

Found guilty of a summary offence of harassment but not guilty of stalking. Judge Mrs Justice Cutts described her pestering and badgering of the McCanns as unwarranted and unkind. Posed a significant risk of future harassment. No jail time mentioned, maximum possible six months.

7 Nov 2025

Karen Spragg

Involvement in harassment case *

Sentence

5-year restraining order

Karen Spragg, co-defendant of Julia Wandelt, was involved in the situation surrounding Wandelt's false claim to be Madeleine McCann. Although found not guilty of stalking and harassment, she was deemed to have enjoyed the drama and was therefore subjected to restrictions to protect the McCann family.

Found not guilty of stalking and harassment but made subject to a restraining order. Judge Mrs Justice Cutts stated she became involved and enjoyed the drama, seeing Wandelt as the victim rather than the McCanns.

7 Nov 2025

Nathan Kennedy

Conspiracy to commit fraud *

Sentence

16 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years

Nathan Kennedy, 29, of Mellerstain Walk, Leicester, was involved in a sophisticated fraud scheme targeting a couple in Kent. In December 2021, the couple received a spoofed call from someone pretending to be from their bank, displaying the bank's name on their phone. The caller obtained a one-time passcode and access to their joint bank account by instructing them to review transactions and delete their banking app. The fraudsters then used the victims' identification documents to purchase a Range Rover costing over £37,000 from a car dealer in Birmingham. Kennedy was identified as the suspect who attempted to purchase a Mercedes for £10,289 the following day using the same fraudulent method. The dealer became suspicious and challenged the purchaser, who claimed it was a family purchase, but the transaction was halted, preventing the sale.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud. The judge described the fraud as very sophisticated.

3 Nov 2025

Harry Lunn

Conspiracy to commit fraud *

Sentence

2 years and 3 months imprisonment

Harry Lunn, 31, of New Romney Crescent, Leicester, was involved in a sophisticated fraud scheme targeting a couple in Kent. In December 2021, the couple received a spoofed call from someone pretending to be from their bank, displaying the bank's name on their phone. The caller obtained a one-time passcode and access to their joint bank account by instructing them to review transactions and delete their banking app. The fraudsters then used the victims' identification documents to purchase a Range Rover costing over £37,000 from a car dealer in Birmingham. Lunn was identified as being involved in the transactions for both the Range Rover and a subsequent attempted purchase of a Mercedes for £10,289 the next day. The dealer became suspicious of the second transaction, preventing the sale, and reported the fraud after discovering the Range Rover payment was fraudulent.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud. The judge described the fraud as very sophisticated.

3 Nov 2025

October 2025 15 cases

Adam Shellard

Rape *

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.

31 Oct 2025

Liam Keran

Causing Actual Bodily Harm *

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.

31 Oct 2025

Joshua Hawkins

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

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.

27 Oct 2025

Aliyah Amin

Possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply *

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.

27 Oct 2025

Kamalpreet Singh

Burglary *

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.

23 Oct 2025

Charles Isabirye

Rape *

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.

22 Oct 2025

Barrymore James

Indecent assault *

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.

20 Oct 2025

Kacper Ogrodnik

Possession of class A drugs with intent to supply *

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.

14 Oct 2025

Unnamed Boy

Manslaughter *

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.

10 Oct 2025

Unnamed Mother

Assisting an Offender *

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.

10 Oct 2025

Unnamed Neighbour

Assisting an Offender *

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.

10 Oct 2025

John Raisen

Indecent assault and indecency with a child *

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.

2 Oct 2025

Mahbubur Rahman

Rape *

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.

1 Oct 2025

Donatas Venclovas

Sexual assault *

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.

1 Oct 2025

Patrick Sweeney

Drug supply *

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.

1 Oct 2025

September 2025 4 cases

Jayesh Khunti

Rape *

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.

26 Sep 2025

Dale Parker

Possessing an offensive weapon *

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.

19 Sep 2025

Carlene Francis

Possessing a blade in public *

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.

19 Sep 2025

Neil Whittaker

Rape *

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.

5 Sep 2025

August 2025 3 cases

Jonathan Knight

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

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.

28 Aug 2025

Paul Fisher

Making a bomb hoax *

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.

11 Aug 2025

Dean Final

Rape *

Sentence

11 years and 8 months imprisonment

Dean Final, 32, moved to Leicester in October 2023 after prior assaults in Lancashire. He met a woman online, suffocated her by placing hands over her mouth and nose, and raped her twice. The crimes were reported after she told a family member.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, controlling or coercive behaviour including suffocation, and prior Lancashire offences of controlling and coercive behaviour, non-fatal strangulation, three counts of causing actual bodily harm, and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. Subject to 18-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and indefinite restraining order.

5 Aug 2025

July 2025 10 cases

Helen Brindley-Walker

Conspiracy to sell goods bearing unauthorised trademarks *

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.

21 Jul 2025

Lisa Mcardle

Conspiracy to sell goods bearing unauthorised trademarks *

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.

21 Jul 2025

Miguel Figueiredo-Mendes

Conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin *

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.

18 Jul 2025

Jean Paul Ekombolo

Conspiracy to supply cocaine *

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.

18 Jul 2025

Christian Mudianga

Conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin *

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.

18 Jul 2025

Baram Tofiq

Illegal sales of tobacco products *

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.

11 Jul 2025

Claudiu Cristea

Collection of Information Useful to Terrorism *

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.

6 Jul 2025

Tyler Webb

Encouraging serious self-harm and suicide *

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.

4 Jul 2025

Albert Dawidziuk

Rape *

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.

2 Jul 2025

Colin Robson-Durrance

Attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child *

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.

1 Jul 2025

Disclaimer: The information on this page is compiled from publicly available court records and published media reports. It is provided strictly for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as a definitive record of any individual's criminal history or legal status.

Offence names marked with an asterisk (*) reflect descriptions used in media reporting and may not correspond to the formal legal charge or indictment. Sentencing details are as reported and may be subject to subsequent appeal, variation, or correction by the courts.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The presence of a name on this page does not imply guilt, and some listed individuals may have had convictions overturned, sentences reduced, or charges withdrawn after the date of publication.

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90 Wellington St, Leicester LE1 6HG, Leicester, LE1 6HG, United Kingdom

+441162225700

Wheelchair accessible parking, Wheelchair accessible entrance

Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 17:00

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About Leicester Crown Court

Leicester Crown Court, located in Leicester, is a Crown Court that handles serious criminal cases including murder, rape, robbery, and other indictable offences. With 212 sentencing records in our database, it is one of the Crown Courts serving the Leicester area. Crown Courts sit with a judge and jury, and have the power to impose the full range of sentences available under UK law.

The court can be found at 90 Wellington St, Leicester LE1 6HG, LE1 6HG.

Accessibility provisions at this court include wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible parking.

For enquiries about cases heard at this court, you can contact the court by telephone on +441162225700.

All sentencing information published on this page has been sourced from publicly-available records and verified by our editorial team. If you believe any information is inaccurate or should be removed, you can submit a removal request directly from the relevant listing above.

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Leicester Crown Court Sentencing Results

Joshua Idowu

The Man

Tony Smith

Sam Cox

David Azumara

Cory Heritage

Jamie George

Ian Mitchell

Liam Rennie

Craig Thompson

Balvinder Singh-Gill

Paul Lipscombe

Gurwinder Singh

Govinder Singh

Julia Wandelt

Karen Spragg

Nathan Kennedy

Harry Lunn

Adam Shellard

Liam Keran

Joshua Hawkins

Aliyah Amin

Kamalpreet Singh

Charles Isabirye

Barrymore James

Kacper Ogrodnik

Unnamed Boy

Unnamed Mother

Unnamed Neighbour

John Raisen

Mahbubur Rahman

Donatas Venclovas

Patrick Sweeney

Jayesh Khunti

Dale Parker

Carlene Francis

Neil Whittaker

Jonathan Knight

Paul Fisher

Dean Final

Helen Brindley-Walker

Lisa Mcardle

Miguel Figueiredo-Mendes

Jean Paul Ekombolo

Christian Mudianga

Baram Tofiq

Claudiu Cristea

Tyler Webb

Albert Dawidziuk

Colin Robson-Durrance

About Leicester Crown Court

Nearby Courts

Leicester Magistrates Court

Loughborough Magistrates Court

Nottingham Magistrates Court

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Derby Crown Court

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