Liverpool Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 533 verdicts at Liverpool Crown Court (Liverpool). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Anthony Morris

Conspiracy to Murder

September 1, 2021

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment

Anthony Morris drove Aaron Bretherton to a residence on Poplars Avenue in Orford in 2020, where Bretherton fired three shots after posing as a pizza deliveryman, injuring the intended target's stepfather. This was part of a larger plot involving EncroChat communications and organised by Jamie Rothwell.

Drove the accomplice to the scene of the shooting and was involved in the conspiracy.

Sources: warringtonguardian.co.uk

Aaron Bretherton

Conspiracy to Murder

September 1, 2021

Sentence: 22 years imprisonment

Aaron Bretherton posed as a pizza deliveryman and fired three shots at a residence on Poplars Avenue in Orford in 2020, as part of a plot organised by Jamie Rothwell. One bullet hit the floor, and another injured the victim in the lower right leg after travelling through the door. This was in connection with a conspiracy involving EncroChat communications.

Involved in a shooting incident where he posed as a pizza deliveryman and fired shots, injuring the intended target's stepfather.

Sources: warringtonguardian.co.uk

Lucy Thornton

Misconduct in public office

June 25, 2021

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment

Lucy Thornton, a prison officer at HMP Altcourse, formed inappropriate relationships with prisoners Aaron and Haden Whittaker between November 2018 and June 2019. She provided a secret phone number to Aaron, used a burner phone to communicate with him despite warnings, and continued contact via the 'email a prisoner' system after his transfer to another prison. She also spoke to Haden and paid £200 towards Aaron's drug debts. Thornton was suspended after being seen in a play fight with an inmate and was later arrested. She admitted developing mutual feelings with Aaron, and after his release in November 2019, they had a child together in August 2020.

Pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office. Judge Neil Flewitt noted it was a serious concern that compromised her position and that of her colleagues, and emphasised the need to deter other prison officers. She is of former good character and expressed remorse.

Sources: dailypost.co.uk

Edward Stanton

Rape and sexual assault

January 1, 2021

Sentence: 15 years imprisonment

Edward Stanton abused and raped children as young as six in care homes in England, including at St Vincent's home in Formby, between 1976 and 1995. He exploited his position of trust as a carer to target vulnerable young people, including incidents where he pretended to search a victim for cigarettes and sexually assaulted him, as well as assaulting another victim in a bathroom. The abuse caused long-lasting trauma, including depression, relationship problems, and feelings of shame for the victims.

Found guilty of 11 charges including rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault. His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely. He has a history of prior convictions for similar offences.

Sources: dailyrecord.co.uk

Barry Bennell

Child sex offences

October 1, 2020

Sentence: 34 years imprisonment

Barry Bennell, a former football coach, sexually abused young boys aged between nine and 14 while working with youth teams in the North West of England between 1979 and 1992. He groomed victims through his role in football, including at training sessions and his home, which was described as 'football-orientated'. The abuse involved multiple incidents of sexual assault and indecent acts, leading to long-term psychological harm for the victims.

Pleaded guilty to multiple counts of sexual offences against boys. Prior convictions and abuse of young football players were taken into account during sentencing.

Sources: dailymail.co.uk

Vincent Coggins

Conspiracy to supply class A drugs and blackmail

June 1, 2020

Sentence: 28 years imprisonment

Vincent Coggins, 59, co-leader of the Huyton Firm, was arrested in June 2020 following attribution of EncroChat handles to him and other gang members. He managed the domestic supply of cocaine and heroin across Merseyside, England, Wales, and up to Scotland, and led a terrifying blackmail campaign to recover £1m of stolen cocaine from a stash house and punish those responsible.

Sentenced for drug conspiracy and a blackmail campaign to recover stolen cocaine. Focused on domestic operations in the UK.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Lewis Turner

Conspiracy to supply cocaine and MDMA

May 1, 2020

Sentence: 6 years and 9 months imprisonment

Lewis Turner, nephew of the Cullen twins, took over a drug supply operation in Warrington after previous members were jailed, flooding the area with high-purity cocaine and MDMA, turning over thousands weekly. He used violence and threats to maintain control, including assaulting a debtor, and recruited family members like his girlfriend to manage debts and supply drugs. The operation had links to the Cullens via suppliers and members like John Large.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and MDMA in May 2020. Later ordered to pay back over £50,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Described as arrogant with acts of serious violence to assert authority.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Daniel Chadburn

Burglary

September 13, 2019

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Daniel Chadburn repeatedly broke into the home of a disabled elderly pensioner in Widnes over five nights in September 2019 while the victim slept. On one occasion, the pensioner woke to find Chadburn watching television in the living room and asked him to leave. Chadburn returned on September 2, 2019, to steal cash and cigarettes. More money was stolen on subsequent nights. Plainclothes Cheshire Police officers staked out the home on September 6, 2019, witnessing Chadburn attempting to enter through a window at 10.20pm and 10.40pm. At 3.20am, he entered the house, resisted arrest, fled, but was chased and apprehended. The victim knew Chadburn as someone who pestered him for money and cigarettes.

Ordered to pay a £181 victim surcharge. Pleaded that he stole to pay off a drugs debt. Described as a deplorable offender targeting a vulnerable victim.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Thomas White

Drug trafficking

April 1, 2019

Sentence: Five years and four months imprisonment

Thomas White, a former university dropout, operated the Silk Road 2.0 dark web site under pseudonyms such as 'Dread Pirate Roberts 2' and 'St Exo', facilitating the sale of drugs, computer hacking tools and other illegal items, with transactions worth around $96 million. He lived a lavish lifestyle in a luxury apartment in Liverpool city centre, paid for with illicit gains, and his devices contained hundreds of images of child abuse, hacked data from organisations like the FBI and NASA, and evidence of his intent to profit from paedophile activities. The site operated from November 2013 to March 2014, and he was arrested in November 2014 after investigators tracked drug parcels to a rented mailbox.

Pleaded guilty to drug trafficking, money laundering and making indecent images of children. NCA officer involved in his investigation later stole from him.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Kunwar Patton

Sexual assault and sexual activity with a child

September 24, 2018

Sentence: 8 years and 9 months imprisonment

Kunwar Patton, aged 51 at the time, sexually abused a teenage girl by taking indecent photographs of her, putting her into poses, making lewd comments, blackmailing her with the images to engage in further activity, physically moving her if she refused, selecting underwear for her to wear, and repeatedly touching her exposed breasts. On two occasions, including when she was 15, he more seriously sexually assaulted her. The abuse occurred while he was a governor at two Everton schools.

Pleaded guilty to taking eight indecent photographs and possessing 110 indecent photographs in the least serious category. Found guilty of two offences of sexual assault and two of sexual activity with a child. Former governor of Beacon Primary School and the North Liverpool Academy.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Kiria Hughes

Fraud

July 1, 2018

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment, suspended for 1 year

Kiria Hughes, bookkeeper at Barton Park Nursing Home in Southport, admitted to fraud and false accounting in support of David Barton's scheme to defraud elderly residents. Her role involved handling falsified documents and financial transactions that enabled the theft of around £4m from vulnerable wealthy individuals over 18 years.

Admitted fraud and false accounting. Worked as bookkeeper at Barton Park Nursing Home.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Rosemary Booth

Conspiracy to defraud

July 1, 2018

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Rosemary Booth, general manager at Barton Park Nursing Home in Southport, conspired with David Barton to defraud elderly residents. Over 18 years, she assisted in exploiting vulnerable wealthy individuals, including pressuring victims like Katy Willey in her final days and participating in the isolation and financial manipulation schemes that stole around £4m from residents.

Convicted of two counts of conspiracy to defraud. Served as general manager of Barton Park Nursing Home.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

David Barton

Fraud

July 1, 2018

Sentence: 17 years imprisonment

David Barton, a crooked care home owner, defrauded and exploited wealthy elderly residents at Barton Park Nursing Home in Oxford Road, Southport, over 18 years from 1997 to 2013. He groomed six vulnerable residents, became their next of kin, obtained power of attorney, and manipulated their wills to steal around £4m. Tactics included threats, flattery, false rumours, and hiring psychics for 'magic spells'. Specific victims included Katy Willey and her husband Gordon, from whom he stole over £1m and attempted to claim £10m from their estate after isolating them from family; and Ronald Ward-Howlett, from whom he stole £831,000 by preying on his emotions and threatening to dispose of his ashes improperly. Barton liquidated victims' assets, sold them inflated luxury cars like Rolls Royces for £500,000 each, and stole vehicles back via inheritance. He lived luxuriously with flash cars and 19 properties funded by the fraud.

Originally sentenced to 21 years in July 2018, reduced to 17 years on appeal. Found guilty of five fraud offences, three counts of theft, false accounting, and transferring criminal property. Judge Steven Everett described the crimes as 'the most brazen I have ever come across'. Longest trial in Liverpool Crown Court history, lasting from May 8, 2017, to June 11, 2018.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Chelsey Harwood

Carrying out illegal teeth-whitening treatment

July 1, 2018

Sentence: Fined £11,000, plus £7,500, £180 victim surcharge, and £3,422.98 costs

Chelsey Harwood advertised and performed illegal teeth-whitening services despite being warned it was unlawful unless done by dental professionals. She was exposed by the ECHO in January 2018 amid concerns of potential damage to customers' teeth and was caught by undercover investigators from the General Dental Council, whom she berated when their identity was revealed. This offence occurred just one year after she was jailed for conning taxpayers out of £25,000.

Did not attend sentencing; judge noted her income was comparable to commercial crime, with potential earnings of £2,500 per week or £10,000 per month.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Carl Cavanagh

Conspiracy to cause an explosion and to burgle commercial premises

April 30, 2017

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment

Carl Cavanagh participated in a gang's operations from February 2015 to February 2016, which involved blowing up cash machines using gas in various locations including Huyton, Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Thames Valley, and Scotland. The gang stole around £500,000 and used high-speed stolen vehicles to flee from police, employing tactics like hiding cars in a modified lorry.

Convicted of conspiracy to cause an explosion and to burgle commercial premises; part of the organised gang involved in planning and executing the raids.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Anthony Conroy

Conspiracy to cause an explosion and to burgle commercial premises

April 30, 2017

Sentence: 11 years imprisonment

Anthony Conroy was part of a gang that carried out multiple raids between February 2015 and February 2016, targeting cash machines in Huyton, Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Thames Valley, and Scotland. They used gas explosions to access the machines, stole approximately £500,000, and evaded capture by driving stolen sports cars at excessive speeds and using a lorry to transport and hide vehicles.

Convicted of conspiracy to cause an explosion and to burgle commercial premises; involved in the gang's activities, including reconnaissance and execution of raids.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Anthony White

Conspiracy to cause an explosion and to burgle commercial premises

April 30, 2017

Sentence: 16 years imprisonment

Anthony White was involved in a gang that conducted raids between February 2015 and February 2016, targeting cash machines in Huyton, Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Thames Valley, and Scotland. The group caused gas explosions to access ATMs, stealing approximately £500,000, and escaped in stolen sports cars at high speeds, using modified vehicles like a Scania lorry to conceal their operations and evade police pursuits.

Acted as an efficient deputy to the ringleader; convicted of conspiracy to cause an explosion and to burgle commercial premises; lost appeal against sentence.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Andrew White

Conspiracy to cause an explosion and to burgle commercial premises

April 30, 2017

Sentence: 19 years imprisonment with an extended 2 years on licence

Andrew White led a gang that conducted a series of raids between February 2015 and February 2016, targeting at least 13 cash machines across locations including Huyton, Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Thames Valley, and Scotland. The gang used oxyacetylene gas to cause explosions at ATMs, stealing around £500,000, and fled in stolen high-performance sports cars like Audi RS4s and Mercedes AMGs, reaching speeds up to 150mph to evade police. They utilised stolen vehicles, including a Scania lorry modified to hide cars and equipment, and were tracked by detectives from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit.

Described as the ringleader and a clever, determined and dangerous criminal; coordinated raids from prison while on remand; convicted of conspiracy to cause an explosion and to burgle commercial premises.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Gary Carey

Conspiracy to cause an explosion

April 30, 2017

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

Gary Carey was involved in a gang that conducted raids on cash machines between February 2015 and February 2016 in areas including Huyton, Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Thames Valley, and Scotland. The gang used gas to explode ATMs, stealing approximately £500,000, and relied on stolen high-speed vehicles and a modified lorry to evade police during chases.

Convicted of conspiracy to cause an explosion; not convicted of burgling commercial premises; part of the organised gang.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Nanu Miah

Conspiracy to cause an explosion and to burgle commercial premises

April 30, 2017

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum of 9 years

Nanu Miah participated in a gang's criminal activities between February 2015 and February 2016, involving explosions at cash machines across Huyton, Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Thames Valley, and Scotland. The group stole roughly £500,000 by blasting ATMs and escaped using stolen sports cars at high speeds, with operations supported by a converted lorry for hiding equipment and vehicles.

Convicted of conspiracy to cause an explosion and to burgle commercial premises; lost appeal against sentence; described as highly intelligent and resourceful.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Michael Galea

Conspiracy to cause an explosion and to burgle commercial premises

April 30, 2017

Sentence: 15 years imprisonment

Michael Galea was involved in a series of gang raids from February 2015 to February 2016, where cash machines in locations such as Huyton, Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Thames Valley, and Scotland were targeted with gas explosions. The gang stole about £500,000 and fled in high-performance stolen cars, utilising a modified Scania lorry for concealment and quick getaways from police.

Convicted of conspiracy to cause an explosion and to burgle commercial premises; recognised as a skilled and determined member of the gang.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Liam Wall

Gang-related offenses

January 1, 2017

Sentence: sent to prison

Liam Wall, a gang member, was sent to prison in 2017 for unspecified crimes related to gang activity. He subsequently escaped from prison, prompting a high alert for the public.

David Norris

Placing a hoax bomb with intent

April 1, 2016

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment

On January 28, 2016, David Norris, aged 74, entered the offices of marine insurance firm Groves, John and Westrup on Tithebarn Street, Liverpool, carrying a black hold-all containing a realistic fake bomb with a flashing red light and attached mobile phone. He presented it at reception with a note demanding evacuation, sparking a major security operation including armed police, evacuations, road closures, and bomb disposal involvement. Norris falsely claimed bombs at Liverpool Lime Street station and Liverpool John Lennon Airport. The incident stemmed from a 20-year grudge over a denied £168,000 insurance claim following the sinking of his boat Arctic Penguin on the same date in 1988.

Admitted a charge of placing a hoax bomb with intent. Judge Clement Goldstone, QC, described actions as bizarre and result of a two-decade grudge causing fear and disruption.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

John Paul Mccoy

Conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary

December 18, 2015

Sentence: 17 years and nine months imprisonment

On August 7, 2013, a gang including John Paul McCoy broke into Karl Allen's house on Woodrock Road, Woolton, in a targeted burglary. Allen, then 23, was stabbed, suffering horrific injuries that caused his heart to stop for several minutes. He remained in intensive care for four weeks, resulting in brain damage, confinement to a wheelchair, and the need for 24-hour care. He is now described as almost childlike, with life-changing physical and psychological injuries. The gang disguised themselves and their vehicle. McCoy attempted to evade arrest by fleeing onto a roof in Walton, leading to a nine-hour standoff before his arrest.

Sentenced for conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary, assaults on two police officers, and breach of bail. Had dozens of prior convictions including for other burglaries and assaults. Judge noted the victim suffered life-changing injuries, brain damage, and is wheelchair-bound and dependent on others.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Dale Cregan

Murder

June 21, 2013

Sentence: life imprisonment

Dale Cregan murdered David Short, 46, and his son Mark, 23, and policewomen Nicola Hughes, 23, and Fiona Bone, 32, in 2012. He was transferred from Ashworth hospital to Aintree Hospital in a high-security operation.

Karl Mccluney

Murder

July 1, 2009

Sentence: 15 years imprisonment

Karl McCluney attacked two-year-old Demi Leigh Mahon by kicking, punching, and biting her in July 2008 at a house in Eccles, Salford, while babysitting her on his 15th birthday. The assault caused 68 injuries and severe brain damage, leading to her being placed on life support for two days before it was switched off with her parents present.

Found guilty of murder. Judge described the attack as 'savage'. He was 15 years old at the time, lost his temper while babysitting, and had a history of difficulties managing emotions. He was released after serving his sentence, with conditions including living at a designated address and an exclusion zone.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Joey Barton

Assault and affray

May 1, 2008

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment

In May 2008, during a boozy night out in Liverpool city centre with his brother Andrew and cousin Nadine Wilson, Joey Barton, aged 25, got into a row in McDonald's after being taunted about his brother Michael, who was jailed for the racist murder of Anthony Walker. Barton attacked a man outside in the street and then punched 16-year-old Jordan Spencer in the mouth after mistakenly thinking he had slapped Wilson.

Pleaded guilty to assault and affray following a violent incident outside McDonald's after being taunted about his brother.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Alfie Lewis

Conspiracy to supply ecstasy

January 1, 1998

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment

In 1997, Alfie Lewis was charged with conspiracy to supply ecstasy related to his role as head of security at the Cream nightclub in Liverpool. It was alleged that he used his position to smuggle drugs into the club, allowing dealers to trade despite the club's anti-drugs policy. The operation involved running a major drugs-peddling scheme inside the nightclub while he simultaneously supported charitable causes in the community.

Convicted of conspiracy to supply ecstasy. Served as head of security at Cream nightclub and was accused of masterminding a drugs smuggling operation into the club.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Peter Sullivan

Rape and Murder

January 1, 1987

Sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years

Peter Sullivan was convicted of the rape and murder of 21-year-old Diane Sindall, who was attacked while walking through Birkenhead in the early hours of August 2, 1986. He was arrested on September 23, 1986, denied legal advice during initial interviews, and claimed he was beaten by police with truncheons under a blanket and threatened with additional charges to force a confession. Despite learning difficulties, he was not provided an appropriate adult. Crucial DNA evidence later identified another unknown perpetrator.

Conviction quashed in May 2025 after 38 years in prison due to new DNA evidence proving innocence. Claimed police beatings and coercion during interrogation. Miscarriage of justice acknowledged by Merseyside Police.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

William Fish

Murder

August 4, 1876

Sentence: Death by hanging

William Fish lured seven-year-old Emily Agnes Holland into his barbershop on March 28, 1876, under the pretense of running an errand. He raped her, then killed her by cutting her throat and dismembering her body with a cut-throat razor. He disposed of her body parts by wrapping them in newspaper, burning some in his fireplace, and hiding others in a chimney and drains. The crime was solved when dogs led police to the remaining body parts in his shop.

Pleaded guilty to murder but attempted to claim insanity; jury rejected the plea after deliberation.

Sources: lancs.live

Leon Cullen

Conspiracy to supply firearms, ammunition and cocaine

January 1, 0001

Sentence: 22.5 years imprisonment

Leon Cullen, alongside his brother Anthony, headed an organised crime group that operated a major drugs and guns network in Warrington, supplying cocaine and other drugs with monthly profits of at least £300,000. The gang possessed a large cache of firearms, the largest ever seized by Cheshire Constabulary, used violence for control, and was involved in attacks including shootings and grenade incidents.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply firearms, conspiracy to possess ammunition and conspiracy to supply cocaine. Linked to gun and grenade attacks; spent two years on the run before arrest in Dubai.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Anthony Cullen

Conspiracy to supply firearms and cocaine

January 1, 0001

Sentence: 27 years imprisonment

Anthony Cullen, as part of the Cullen twins' organised crime group, ran a large-scale drug importation and supply scheme involving cocaine, turning over at least £300,000 a month. The gang used violence to intimidate and control others and stashed weapons including an AK-47 assault rifle, pump action shotgun, automatic pistols, and revolvers, which were hired out to other gangs and linked to shootings across the north west, including Bootle in 2015.

For conspiracy to supply firearms and cocaine. Arrested while trying to flee the country.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Anthony Morgan

Conspiracy to supply cocaine and MDMA

January 1, 0001

Sentence: 6 years and 2 months imprisonment

Anthony Morgan collaborated with Lewis Turner to supply cocaine and MDMA in Warrington, expanding the operation by involving his grandmother, who stored £150,000 worth of cocaine at her home, and his girlfriend and her sister, who delivered drugs. The gang used violence to collect debts and operated after the Cullen group's collapse, with ties to higher criminal networks.

Partner in crime with Lewis Turner; involved in recruiting family members including his nan, girlfriend, and her sister to prepare, store, and supply drugs.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

No sentences found matching your search.