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Liverpool Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 736 verdicts at Liverpool Crown Court (Liverpool). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Liverpool Crown Court
April 2025 9 cases
Daniel Bainbridge-Flatters
Sexual activity with a child *
Sentence
7 years imprisonment
Daniel Bainbridge-Flatters sexually abused a teenage girl as part of a grooming gang over two years, including giving her cocaine on her 15th birthday. The abuse occurred in the Blackrod and Adlington areas, involving plying her with alcohol and drugs. It ended after he stole and crashed a car with her as a passenger, leading to her disclosure of the abuse.
Convicted of four counts of sexual activity with a child and pleaded guilty to supplying cocaine and aggravated vehicle taking.
Cory Barrett
Rape *
Sentence
12 years imprisonment
Cory Barrett abused a teenage girl who was targeted by Ashley Darbyshire, raping her multiple times as part of a group that treated her as a 'human sexual commodity'. The abuse involved plying her with alcohol and drugs and occurred over two years in the Blackrod and Adlington areas.
Convicted of five counts of rape and one of assault by penetration. The sentence was considered within the judge's discretion.
Brandon Harwood
Rape *
Sentence
10 years imprisonment
Brandon Harwood abused a teenage girl as part of a grooming gang, committing rape and attempted rape. The abuse occurred over two years in the Blackrod and Adlington areas, involving plying her with alcohol and drugs and treating her as a 'human sexual commodity'.
Convicted of rape, attempted rape and sexual activity with a child. He is seeking to appeal the length of his sentence.
Ashley Darbyshire
Rape *
Sentence
15 years imprisonment
Ashley Darbyshire used social media to contact and groom a 13-year-old girl, asking for photos of her body and pressuring her into sexual activity in locations such as bushes near Blackrod community centre. He showed no genuine affection, using her to satisfy his sexual urges. The abuse included tying her up and raping her, as part of a catalogue of child sex offences committed against several girls from 2016 to 2018.
Ringleader of a grooming gang; convicted for 19 offences involving five girls, including rape; had a specific sexual interest in young teenage girls and deliberately groomed victims from age 13.
Jordan Highcock
Possession with intent to supply class A drugs *
Sentence
2 years and 4 months imprisonment
Jordan Highcock, 26, of Bracknell Avenue, Kirkby, was reported for dealing drugs while riding an electronic bike dressed as a delivery driver. On February 13, he was stopped on Winwick Road, where drugs and a knife were found in his possession.
Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs and was caught disguising himself as a Just Eat delivery driver while dealing drugs.
James Fitzgerald
Assault by penetration *
Sentence
5.5 years imprisonment
James Fitzgerald assaulted a teenage girl by penetration as part of a grooming gang's abuse over two years. The incidents occurred in the Blackrod and Adlington areas, involving plying her with alcohol and drugs and treating her as a 'human sexual commodity'.
Convicted of assault by penetration.
Jack Poulson
Rape *
Sentence
17 years imprisonment
Jack Poulson was one of the defendants who abused a teenage girl over two years, raping her as part of a grooming gang that plied her with alcohol and drugs. The abuse took place mainly in the Blackrod and Adlington areas, where she was treated as a 'human sexual commodity'.
Convicted of 11 offences, including two counts of rape. He is seeking to appeal the length of his sentence.
Richard Haslam
Rape *
Sentence
16 years imprisonment
Richard Haslam was involved in sexually abusing a teenage girl over two years as part of a grooming gang, raping her multiple times. The abuse took place in the Blackrod and Adlington areas, where she was plied with alcohol and drugs and treated as a 'human sexual commodity'.
Convicted of seven offences, including three counts of rape.
Ross Corley
Sexual activity with a child *
Sentence
2 years and 4 months imprisonment
Ross Corley engaged in sexual activity with a child as part of a grooming gang that abused a teenage girl over two years. The abuse took place in the Blackrod and Adlington areas, involving plying her with alcohol and drugs and treating her as a 'human sexual commodity'.
Admitted two counts of sexual activity with a child.
March 2025 12 cases
Choni Kenny
Misconduct in public office *
Sentence
3 years and 9 months imprisonment
Choni Kenny, a former Greater Manchester Police officer who joined in 2020, engaged in a casual sexual relationship with drug dealer Josh Whelan, 31, and was filmed embracing him at Forest Bank Prison in Salford. She later started a physical but casual relationship with her former schoolmate Rahim Mottley, 27, who was under investigation by GMP. Kenny used her position to access police databases and pass information to both men. She was attracted to both and may have been infatuated with Whelan.
Pleaded guilty to four offences of misconduct in public office and one of conspiracy to commit misconduct. Served 9 months before release.
Iain Barton
Sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder by a care worker *
Sentence
three years' imprisonment
Iain Barton, a 58-year-old support worker at a Merseyside home for people recovering from mental health disorders, engaged in a sexual relationship with a vulnerable younger female client he was caring for. The relationship, which the victim believed was consensual, began a couple of years before December 2022 when Barton left his job. The victim had been admitted to the home following hospital treatment for severe mental health problems. She revealed the relationship to staff in January 2023 and later discovered she was pregnant with Barton's child, after which she supported the prosecution. Barton was arrested in January 2023, answered 'No Comment' to police questions, and the offences caused significant distress to the victim, impacting her mental and physical health.
Pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder by a care worker. A Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order were also imposed.
Graham Roberts
Conspiracy to abstract electricity *
Sentence
Five years and three months imprisonment
Graham Roberts, 47, of Ryton Close, Wigan, was an integral part of a group that illegally diverted electricity to cannabis farms. Working for Elev8 Civils and Utilities Ltd., he performed the physical cable jointing for 54 instances over three years, enabling organised crime gangs to grow cannabis on an industrial scale worth around £7 million.
Skilled worker known as 'Ganny', a cable jointer by trade, responsible for physical fitting of new electric cables from mains to premises. Pleaded guilty to encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence and conspiring to abstract electricity.
Greg Black
Conspiracy to abstract electricity *
Sentence
Three years and nine months imprisonment
Greg Black, 28, of Brookwood Road, Huyton, was part of a group that diverted electricity to cannabis farms by splicing mains cables. As an employee of Elev8 Civils and Utilities Ltd., he supervised and participated in illegal operations across 54 sites over three years, facilitating cannabis production worth around £7 million.
Had a supervisory role and was involved in illegal jointing. Worked for Elev8 Civils and Utilities Ltd. Pleaded guilty to encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence and conspiring to abstract electricity.
Colin White
Conspiracy to abstract electricity *
Sentence
Two years and six months imprisonment
Colin White, 32, of Warnerville Road, Liverpool, used his position at Scottish Power to assist in diverting electricity to cannabis farms. He enabled the group to cut into cables as part of Elev8 Civils and Utilities Ltd.'s operations, involving 54 sites over three years and producing cannabis worth around £7 million, with property from Scottish Power found in his home.
Employed by Scottish Power Energy Networks as a jointers mate, providing unsupervised access to equipment. Pleaded guilty to encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence and conspiring to abstract electricity.
Andrew Roberts
Conspiracy to abstract electricity *
Sentence
Six years imprisonment
Andrew Roberts, 42, of Bell Lane, Wigan, was involved in a sophisticated operation where he and others diverted electricity to cannabis farms run by organised crime gangs. The group used a legitimate company as cover to dig up roads and splice mains cables, affecting 54 sites across the UK over three years, resulting in cannabis production worth around £7 million.
Company director of Elev8 Civils and Utilities Ltd., facilitated works and directed organised gangs to illegal digs. Previously owned an electrical company and referenced jointing cables in messages. Pleaded guilty to encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence, conspiring to steal, and conspiring to abstract electricity.
Aidan Doran
Conspiring to abstract electricity *
Sentence
3 years' imprisonment
Aidan Doran, 27, of Ormskirk Road, Wigan, was a groundsman responsible for exposing the cable to be jointed, before filling and/or tarmacking the holes to make the work appear legitimate. The gang diverted electricity to supply cannabis farms run by organised crime gangs, including some from Albania, across 54 sites up and down the country over three years, extracting £253,980 worth of electricity enabling production of cannabis worth around £7 million.
Pleaded guilty to encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence believing it to be in contravention of S45 of the Serious Crime Act and conspiring to abstract electricity.
Aiden Doran
Conspiracy to abstract electricity *
Sentence
Three years imprisonment
Aiden Doran, 27, of Ormskirk Road, Wigan, participated in a scheme to illegally divert electricity to cannabis farms. As part of Elev8 Civils and Utilities Ltd., he handled groundwork including exposing cables and making the work appear legitimate, across 54 sites over three years, resulting in cannabis worth around £7 million.
Involved in groundwork, such as exposing and filling cables. Worked for Elev8 Civils and Utilities Ltd. Pleaded guilty to encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence and conspiring to abstract electricity.
Jack Sherry
Conspiracy to abstract electricity *
Sentence
One year and ten months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months
Jack Sherry, 20, of Keats Avenue, Wigan, was involved in groundwork for a group that illegally diverted electricity to cannabis farms. Operating under Elev8 Civils and Utilities Ltd., the operation covered 54 sites over three years, allowing organised crime gangs to produce cannabis worth around £7 million.
Involved in groundwork tasks. Worked for Elev8 Civils and Utilities Ltd. Pleaded guilty to encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence and conspiring to abstract electricity.
Lewin Charles
Conspiracy to abstract electricity *
Sentence
Two years and eight months imprisonment
Lewin Charles, 22, of Stanhope Drive, Roby, was part of a criminal operation where he helped divert electricity to cannabis farms by performing groundwork tasks like exposing cables. The group, operating under Elev8 Civils and Utilities Ltd., affected 54 sites over three years, enabling the production of cannabis worth around £7 million.
Involved in groundwork, such as exposing cables. Worked for Elev8 Civils and Utilities Ltd. Pleaded guilty to encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence and conspiring to abstract electricity.
Ross Mcginn
Conspiracy to abstract electricity *
Sentence
Five years and four months imprisonment
Ross McGinn, 33, of Midway Road, Huyton, Merseyside, was a director of Elev8 Civils and Utilities Ltd. He facilitated a group that illegally diverted electricity to cannabis farms by splicing mains cables to supply houses, warehouses, and disused shops. The operation involved 54 instances over three years, enabling the production of cannabis worth around £7 million and extracting £253,980 worth of electricity.
Facilitator for the works, arranging and directing other members to illegal digs. Pleaded guilty to encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence, conspiring to steal, and conspiring to abstract electricity.
James Nielson
Stalking *
Sentence
65 weeks imprisonment
James Nielson, 41, from Bootle, stalked his former lover for three weeks in December 2024, bombarding her with 37 messages, following her to work, banging on her door at night, leaving a note exposing their 12-year affair to her husband, honking his car horn outside her home, and tailing her in his black Volkswagen Golf while banging on her car bonnet. The stalking arose from his demand for DNA tests regarding the paternity of two of her three children born during their on-off relationship. He was arrested after she called police during one incident.
Pleaded guilty to stalking, driving while disqualified, and driving without a licence. Breached 12-month suspended sentence for cannabis supply and production by committing these offences and failing to follow curfew. Banned from driving for 115 weeks. Restraining order for 7 years barring contact with victim.
February 2025 6 cases
John Whitfield
Attempted rape *
Sentence
Life imprisonment with minimum term of 4 years 137 days
John Whitfield, 37, of Layton Close, Birchwood, Warrington, grabbed a woman from behind at around 1.55pm in July 2024 while she was in a park in Warrington with her young son. She had spotted him shortly before with a friend, but he left and returned alone five minutes later. He forced her into a wooded area, sexually assaulted her and attempted to rape her. She fought back by kicking and biting him while her son screamed nearby, managed to escape, grabbed her son and fled, also taking Whitfield's phone which he had dropped. The victim sought help from another woman who called the police. Whitfield was traced via his phone, arrested hours later, and charged.
Pleaded guilty to attempted rape, sexual assault and assault by penetration. Indefinite licence upon release and indefinite restraining order imposed.
Sean Garner
Owner of a dog which caused injury while dangerously out of control *
Sentence
12 years imprisonment
On February 24, 2025, shortly after 6pm, 84-year-old John McColl wandered onto the driveway of Sean Garner's home in Warrington, Cheshire, after leaving the pub. Garner's XL bully dog, Toretto, weighing 7st 4lb, attacked Mr McColl in a 45-minute savage assault, causing catastrophic facial injuries. The dog, which had no food in its stomach, began eating Mr McColl alive while he remained conscious in absolute agony. Neighbours attempted to intervene using items like a spirit level and walking stick. Armed police shot the dog 10 times and a second dog in the house. Mr McColl died from his injuries about a month later. Garner had moved into the home three weeks prior, falsely telling the landlord he owned only one French bulldog despite having a micro bully and two XL bullies, a banned breed. He claimed the dog was secured in a shed with a padlock, but prosecution called this absurd. The prosecution alleged a catalogue of failures by Garner causing the dog to be dangerously out of control.
Found guilty after trial of being the owner of a dog which caused injury while dangerously out of control. Pleaded guilty to two counts of owning an XL bully without an exemption certificate. Judge noted lack of remorse due to offensive lies. Previous convictions for driving and drugs offences.
Terence Rice
Conspiracy to supply class A drugs *
Sentence
5 years and 2 months imprisonment
Terence Rice, 36, of Bearwood Road, Tower Hill, Kirkby, supplied crack cocaine and heroin through a drugs supply telephone line called the ‘kyle line’ in Merseyside, North Wales and Lancashire between 1 October and 25 November 2024.
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
Lee Harrison
Conspiracy to supply class A drugs *
Sentence
5 years imprisonment
Lee Harrison, 27, of Liverpool Road, Huyton, supplied crack cocaine and heroin through a drugs supply telephone line called the ‘kyle line’ in Merseyside, North Wales and Lancashire between 1 October and 25 November 2024. He was the boyfriend of murder victim Ashley Dale, killed in her Liverpool home on August 21, 2022, where he was the intended target due to a drugs feud. The 2024 drugs line was different from the one linked to the 2022 murder.
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin and possession with intent to supply cocaine. Career drug dealer with links to organised crime, the Hillsiders gang. Did not assist police in Ashley Dale murder investigation and fled the UK post-murder.
Mariyan Grudev
Rape and attempted rape *
Sentence
Life imprisonment with minimum term of 14 years
Mariyan Grudev, a convicted sex offender, committed two sexual assaults on women walking home from nights out in Warrington town centre. On 22 December 2019, he raped a woman in the early hours after approaching her and asking her to come back to his house; she later woke up on the tarmac in the road. On 29 July 2023, he attempted to rape a 19-year-old woman by grabbing her from behind, covering her mouth, and forcing her into bushes, but she fought back and escaped. He was linked to both via DNA and CCTV evidence, arrested on 30 July 2023, and targeted vulnerable lone women.
Pleaded guilty to attempted rape on 7 September 2023; found guilty of rape by jury on 11 July 2024. Restraining orders imposed preventing contact with the two victims. Minimum term reduced by 555 days for time on remand.
Ewan Blair
Rape and Sexual Assault *
Sentence
10 years imprisonment
Ewan Blair, a 20-year-old criminology student at Liverpool University, sexually assaulted two female students in autumn 2023. He met the first victim in a bar in Liverpool city centre, appeared friendly, and persuaded her to let him go to her accommodation where he became aggressive and sexually assaulted her despite her protests. Less than a fortnight later, he met the second victim in the smoking area of student accommodation, invited her to his room, pulled her in, and raped her several times over a few hours, telling her to 'look pleased' upon release. Both victims reported to police; Blair claimed consent but was convicted following a trial starting 9 December 2024. He had prior assault convictions and a history of misogynistic behaviour.
Found guilty of four counts of rape, one count of sexual assault, and one count of assault by penetration against one victim, and one count of sexual assault against the other victim. Denied all charges initially. Previous convictions for assault. Restraining orders imposed to prevent contact with victims.
January 2025 6 cases
Andrew Mcintyre
Inciting violent disorder *
Sentence
7.5 years imprisonment
Andrew McIntyre established a Telegram channel named 'Southport Wake Up' and shared content inciting violent disorder and criminal damage following the Southport knife attack on July 29, 2024. He posted messages urging people to 'rise up' and warned others to 'stand in our way', with his phone and car present in the area during the disorder on July 30, 2024. He congratulated those involved in the disorder and shared information about immigration advisers. Police arrested him on August 8, 2024, finding a knife in his car and weapons along with a copy of Hitler's Mein Kampf at his home in Rufford, near Ormskirk.
Pleaded guilty but delayed his plea; motivated by racial hatred; incited violence and possessed a knife; appeal against sentence was dismissed.
David Kellard
Non-compliance with Improvement Notice *
Sentence
Fined £13,867
David Kellard, along with Phillip Range and Roach Estates and Property Management Ltd, allowed tenants to live in a 'house of horrors' at a property on Goodison Road in Walton. Serious issues discovered in July 2023 included damp and mould, a leaking roof, broken gutters, structural collapse, exposed wiring, an open fuse box with live wiring, intermittent electrical supply, and a defective fire door. The kitchen ceiling has since collapsed. An Improvement Notice was served ordering resolution by February 2024, but an inspection in March 2024 found non-compliance and further deterioration.
Found guilty of non-compliance with an Improvement Notice. Described as 'slum' conditions by District Judge Wendy Lloyd.
Phillip Range
Non-compliance with Improvement Notice *
Sentence
Fined £13,867
Phillip Range, along with David Kellard and Roach Estates and Property Management Ltd, allowed tenants to live in a 'house of horrors' at a property on Goodison Road in Walton. Serious issues discovered in July 2023 included damp and mould, a leaking roof, broken gutters, structural collapse, exposed wiring, an open fuse box with live wiring, intermittent electrical supply, and a defective fire door. The kitchen ceiling has since collapsed. An Improvement Notice was served ordering resolution by February 2024, but an inspection in March 2024 found non-compliance and further deterioration.
Found guilty of non-compliance with an Improvement Notice. Described as 'slum' conditions by District Judge Wendy Lloyd.
Ryan Finlay
Supply of cocaine and possession of cannabis *
Sentence
3 years and 9 months imprisonment
Ryan Finlay, a 29-year-old from Huyton, was the controller of a County Lines operation transporting illegal narcotics from Liverpool to Inverness. He posted drugs to Inverness and was arrested after officers found cocaine and cannabis at his address. The joint investigation by Police Scotland and Merseyside Police uncovered his role in the supply of cocaine and possession of cannabis.
Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of cannabis. Part of a County Lines operation between Liverpool and Inverness.
Hannah Conlan
Possession of crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply *
Sentence
20 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 25 days, 6-month drug rehabilitation requirement, 12-month mental health treatment requirement
On April 26, 2023, at around 8.15pm, Hannah Conlan was detained with Richard Senior in Morrisons supermarket in Southport after being observed selling drugs outside Victoria Park to known users. She had 11 wraps of crack cocaine in her bra, £175 cash, and a mobile phone. Further search found 16.99g of crack cocaine and 12.8g of heroin. Previously concealed 93 wraps of crack and 39 of heroin inside her body.
Sentenced in a previous hearing in January. Found with 11 wraps of crack cocaine hidden in her bra, £175 cash, and a ringing mobile phone. Strip search revealed additional drugs. A previous court hearing indicated she had 93 wraps of crack and 39 of heroin concealed inside her body.
Axel Rudakubana
Murder and Attempted Murder *
Sentence
Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 52 years
Axel Rudakubana carried out a mass stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party on Hart Street, Southport, on July 29, 2024, where he killed three young girls and injured eight other children, as well as two adults. He specifically targeted women and girls, saved the precise address in his phone to remember the location, booked a taxi to arrive at the end of the event, and used a knife he had purchased online weeks earlier.
Admitted to the sadistic murders and attempted murders.
December 2024 17 cases
Kieran Salkeld
Unlawful wounding without intent and affray *
Sentence
27 months imprisonment
On December 23, 2023, at 11.45am, Kieran Salkeld and Jake Duffy ambushed cyclist Sam Searson on Highfield Road, Rock Ferry. Salkeld approached Searson from behind after a vehicle pulled up, leading to a struggle outside 75 Highfield Road. Salkeld pushed Searson into the front garden and began assaulting him. Duffy joined in, and together they punched, kicked, and stamped on Searson's head multiple times while he was on the ground. Searson briefly fought back but was overpowered. The attack lasted around a minute and was captured on Ring doorbell footage. Searson suffered injuries to his ribs, forearm, and a large laceration to his head requiring glue and steri-strips. He was treated at Arrowe Park Hospital but declined to cooperate fully with police.
Pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding without intent and affray. Has 24 convictions for 30 offences including assaults, affray, drug dealing and public order offences.
Jamie Coggins
Assisting an offender *
Sentence
4 years' imprisonment
Jamie Coggins, 28, supported Connor Smith and Martin Wilson in the planning and clean-up operation after the murder of Nyle Corrigan on 12 November 2020. Evidence including telephone data and CCTV showed his association with the defendants before and after the murder.
Convicted of assisting an offender; acquitted of murder and possession of a firearm with intent.
Martin Wilson
Murder *
Sentence
Life imprisonment with minimum term of 32 years
Martin Wilson, 37, conspired with Connor Smith to kill Nyle Corrigan, 19, over a £20 drugs debt amid an increasing feud. On 12 November 2020, they lay in wait for Nyle on Boode Croft, Stockbridge Village, Merseyside, armed with a 9mm Glock pistol, wearing gloves and masks purchased that night. As Nyle cycled past, they called out to him and shot him in the back, fatally wounding him. They escaped on his bike, leaving him to die, and disposed of the firearm and clothing. The murder was captured on CCTV.
Convicted of murder and conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life.
Michael Hobson
Section 20 Grievous Bodily Harm *
Sentence
1 year and 3 months imprisonment
On May 24, 2024, Michael Hobson, 50, and his co-defendant Jodie Murray, 42, went to the victim's address and carried out an assault. Hobson struck the victim, a man in his 50s, over the head with an ornament, causing a fractured eye socket, cheekbone, head injury, and memory loss. The victim suffered both physical and psychological harm, including sleep disturbances and heightened anxiety.
Pleaded guilty to Section 20 grievous bodily harm. Made subject to a three-year restraining order.
Connor Smith
Murder *
Sentence
Life imprisonment with minimum term of 32 years
Connor Smith, 26, conspired with Martin Wilson to kill Nyle Corrigan, 19, over a £20 drugs debt. On 12 November 2020, they lay in wait for Nyle on Boode Croft, Stockbridge Village, Merseyside, armed with a 9mm Glock pistol, wearing gloves and masks. As Nyle cycled past, they called out to him and shot him in the back, fatally wounding him. They escaped on his bike, leaving him to die. The murder was captured on CCTV. Smith fled to Spain after the murder but returned voluntarily in May 2023.
Convicted of murder and conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life.
Liam Cowley
Rape *
Sentence
18 years imprisonment with 5 years extended licence
Liam Cowley, 32, of no fixed abode, entered a pregnant woman's home in Liverpool multiple times using a stolen key, blackmailing her with threats to involve social services and take her children. He headbutted, punched, strangled, and kicked her, smashing her phone to prevent calling for help. While her children slept upstairs, he took knives from the kitchen, threatened her life, and raped her twice during an hours-long attack. The victim fled with her children to a mobile phone shop and called police. Cowley was arrested but fled to Norfolk, using the alias Tommy Lee King, where he assaulted a 19-year-old girlfriend multiple times, including strangling and punching her. He was rearrested after his identity was discovered.
Found guilty on three counts of rape, four counts of intentional strangulation, and making threats to kill; pleaded guilty to two counts of assault and one breach of bail. Defence claimed unverified conditions like ADHD and brain injury, but no evidence found. Described as dangerous; has participated in courses while in custody.
Lewis Davies
County lines drug conspiracy and child exploitation *
Sentence
8 years imprisonment
Lewis Davies participated in a county lines drug operation in Newton-le-Willows and St Helens areas between February and April 2024, with Keane Mulligan and Graham McEvoy, supplying class A drugs by exploiting vulnerable children as runners. The children, some as young as 15, were coerced into dangerous transactions, available at all times including late at night, facing risks from non-paying addicts, rival gangs, and drug exposure, for £50-£100 daily pay. The nascent operation was estimated to potentially generate £1m annually if unchecked. Police action started with a drug find on April 4, 2024.
Pleaded guilty to drug offences and exploitation of children. Sentenced by Judge Dennis Watson KC; concurrent sentences applied. Aggravated by quantity of drugs and length of offending. Part of a total of over 24 years for the three men.
Paul Mockett
Conspiracy to import cocaine *
Sentence
13.5 years imprisonment
Paul Mockett was involved in an organised crime group that plotted to import 1.3 tonnes of cocaine from Sierra Leone, concealed in flour. He set up BH Supplies Ltd to facilitate the purchase of chemicals for cutting the drugs and participated in communications about the operation, including hiring labour to unload the shipment.
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import cocaine. Expressed concerns about the plan and was involved in setting up a company to purchase cutting agents.
Paul O'shea
Conspiracy to supply cocaine *
Sentence
6 years imprisonment
Paul O'Shea was involved in an organised crime group that supplied cocaine, including multiple handovers with Darren Schofield and others. He was observed exchanging bags containing cocaine and cash in locations such as a pub car park and near a GP practice, and was linked to messages on Signal coordinating drug drops.
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. Known as 'Doc' and involved in handovers of cocaine.
Neil Maguire
Conspiracy to supply cocaine *
Sentence
11 years and 4 months imprisonment
Neil Maguire was part of an organised crime group involved in supplying cocaine, including trading 8.5kg worth around £300,000 via EncroChat. He participated in handovers, such as delivering a bag containing half a kilogram of cocaine at a Beefeater pub and moving chemicals and drugs to various addresses.
Pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply cocaine. Used the handle 'Holy Book' on EncroChat and was involved in trading cocaine.
James Byott
County lines drug conspiracy and child exploitation *
Sentence
12 years imprisonment
James Byott, of Heriot Street, Kirkdale, controlled a county lines drug operation in Newton-le-Willows and St Helens areas between February and April 2024, directing Keane Mulligan, Graham McEvoy, and Lewis Davies to supply class A drugs using vulnerable children as runners. Byott sent 'flare' messages advertising the drugs. The runners faced constant danger from addicts, rivals, and drugs, with the operation exploiting children as young as 15 due to their vulnerability. Police probe began after a drug seizure on April 4, 2024, leading to disruption of the line estimated to yield £1m yearly.
Pleaded guilty. Sentenced by Judge Dennis Watson KC as the gang boss controlling the drug line. Aggravated by role at the top of the hierarchy and exploitation of vulnerable children.
Brian Sheridan
Child sex offences *
Sentence
16 years imprisonment
Brian Sheridan, of Birch Green in Skelmersdale, sexually abused a young girl on dozens of occasions starting when she was as young as six. He paid the victim to perform sex acts, incited her to have sex with another man, kept highly sexualised photographs on his walls, and encouraged other children to wear sexualised costumes. No criminal charges were laid in respect of other complainants. The victim described being broken and becoming a shell of her former self.
Convicted of 18 child sex offences encompassing 31 separate incidents of abuse. Judge Garrett Byrne noted no regret, remorse or empathy shown by the defendant. Died in prison on 26 December 2024 aged 85.
Carl Dilks
Conspiracy to supply cocaine *
Sentence
8 years and 8 months imprisonment
Carl Dilks, a former professional boxer, was involved in supplying cocaine as part of an organised crime group. He acted as a 'commodities broker' for drugs, using the handle 'Cherry Vape' on EncroChat, and directed collections and deliveries of cocaine and cash.
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. Previously a professional boxer with a minor criminal history.
Graham Mcevoy
County lines drug conspiracy and child exploitation *
Sentence
8 years imprisonment
Graham McEvoy was involved in a county lines drug operation in Newton-le-Willows and St Helens areas between February and April 2024, alongside Keane Mulligan and Lewis Davies, supplying class A drugs to addicts by coercing vulnerable children to act as runners. Analysis of a seized phone showed the operation's structure, with runners effecting transactions at all hours in dangerous situations. The operation exploited children due to their age and circumstances, placing them at risk from addicts, rivals, and drugs. Police intervention began after finding drugs on a teenage boy on April 4, 2024, and approaching McEvoy the next day.
Pleaded guilty to drug offences and exploitation of children. Sentenced by Judge Dennis Watson KC; concurrent sentences applied. Aggravated by quantity of drugs and length of offending.
David Jones
Supply of cocaine *
Sentence
3.5 years imprisonment
David Jones was involved in the supply of cocaine as part of an organised crime group. He was arrested with nearly 1kg of a cutting agent and participated in handovers, including meetings with Darren Schofield. Group chats revealed issues with equipment and his perceived lack of experience in drug preparation.
Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine. Frustration was expressed in group chats about his inexperience.
Darren Schofield
Conspiracy to import cocaine *
Sentence
20 years imprisonment
Darren Schofield, known as 'Thor', led an organised crime group that plotted to smuggle 1.3 tonnes of cocaine worth £140 million into the UK from Sierra Leone, hidden in a shipment of flour. The drugs were intercepted at the Port of Felixstowe in June 2022. Schofield coordinated the importation, including handovers of cocaine and cash in locations such as a Beefeater pub car park and outside a GP practice. He used encrypted communications and was involved in drug mixing at a property in Kirkdale.
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import cocaine. A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing ordered him to forfeit £155,930.26, with prior convictions and gang involvement noted.
Darren Wetton
Supply of cannabis *
Sentence
12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months
Darren Wetton was involved in supplying cannabis, including couriering quantities to locations such as Norwich and Glasgow. He admitted to transporting cannabis in exchange for his own supply and was found with class B drugs during a search of his home.
Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis. Made admissions during trial about couriering cannabis.

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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Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts Derby Square, The, Liverpool L2 1XA, Liverpool, L2 1XA, United Kingdom
+441514737373
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 17:00

About Liverpool Crown Court

Liverpool Crown Court, located in Liverpool, is a Crown Court that handles serious criminal cases including murder, rape, robbery, and other indictable offences. With 736 sentencing records in our database, it is one of the Crown Courts serving the Liverpool 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 Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts Derby Square, The, Liverpool L2 1XA, L2 1XA.

Accessibility provisions at this court include wheelchair accessible entrance.

For enquiries about cases heard at this court, you can contact the court by telephone on +441514737373 or visit the official court website for further information.

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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