Liverpool Crown Court Sentencing Results

May 2024 7 cases

Thomas Dean

Wounding with intent *

Sentence

32 months imprisonment

Thomas Dean, 36, of Lancaster Avenue, Whiston, carried out a violent and sustained attack on a woman on November 7 last year outside a shop in Prescot, leaving her with head injuries that required hospital treatment. The incident was captured on CCTV.

Pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and assault by beating. Also given an indefinite restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim.

14 May 2024

Amanda Young

Being in charge of a dog that caused injury while dangerously out of control in a public place *

Sentence

20 months' imprisonment

On 10 February 2024, Amanda Young, 49, was looking after her godson and the XL Bully dog Snoop, owned by her son Lewis Young, in their flat on Wadham Road, Bootle, when an eight-year-old boy came to call and play. The banned breed dog attacked the boy, causing life-changing injuries. Amanda Young was unable to stop the attack. The dog was destroyed at the scene.

Pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog that caused injury while dangerously out of control in a public place.

13 May 2024

Lewis Young

Being the owner of a dog that caused injury while dangerously out of control in a public place *

Sentence

2 years' imprisonment

On 10 February 2024, an XL Bully dog named Snoop, owned by Lewis Young and kept in a flat shared with his mother in Wadham Road, Bootle, attacked an eight-year-old boy who had come to play. The dog, a banned breed, was not registered and had not undergone behaviour training. Lewis Young had taken the dog from a friend a few months prior and claimed he did not know it was banned. The boy sustained life-changing injuries, and the dog was destroyed at the scene.

Pleaded guilty to being the owner of a dog that caused injury while dangerously out of control in a public place.

13 May 2024

Anthony Wilcock

Rape *

Sentence

24 years imprisonment

Anthony Wilcock, 44, of Harvey Avenue in Earlestown, subjected two young girls to years of abuse, including regular rapes and sexual assaults. One victim was abused between ages 12 and 14, and the other between 9 and 15, with incidents involving pinning down and degrading acts.

Convicted of eight counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault. Described as dangerous and predatory with previous convictions for dishonest and violent offences. He will serve two-thirds of the sentence before applying for parole.

9 May 2024

Joel Price

Assault *

Sentence

15 months in prison

Joel Price stabbed a 15-year-old boy in the arm twice during a targeted attack on Mersey Bank Road on November 9 at around 12.25pm. Two males fled the scene on electric bikes. Price was identified through inquiries and arrested three days later.

Pleaded guilty to section 20 assault and possession of a bladed article in a public place. Was 17 at the time of the incident.

9 May 2024

Stephen Carney

Assault, Harassment, and Criminal Damage *

Sentence

8 months imprisonment for harassment and breach of restraining order, and 10 weeks imprisonment for assault, to be served concurrently

On January 23, 2024, Stephen Carney assaulted a woman in St Helens, damaged her mobile phone, bed, and door, and breached a restraining order that had been imposed by Liverpool Crown Court in August 2023, prohibiting him from contacting the victim.

Pleaded guilty to assault, harassment, criminal damage, and breach of restraining order. Restraining order remains in place until May 2028.

8 May 2024

Alan Cherry

Attempted sexual communication with a child *

Sentence

four years and two months imprisonment

Alan Cherry, 67, from St Helens, started a conversation with a 13-year-old child over the internet, inciting the child to engage in sexual activity. He was identified and arrested by police from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit on March 25 this year.

Pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child, attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity, and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

7 May 2024

April 2024 3 cases

Keith Sherwood

Possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply *

Sentence

5 years and 4 months imprisonment

Keith Sherwood was stopped by police on the M62 near junction six for Tarbock Island on April 17, 2024, while driving eastbound. Officers found 13 tightly bound packages containing over 13kg of cocaine in the rear passenger footwell of his car. The cocaine had a purity of 79-84 per cent and was estimated to have a wholesale value of £364,000 to £468,000, and a street value of £523,000 to £1.3 million. He was transporting the drugs as a courier recruited by a friend.

Recruited by a friend as a one-off courier. Police welcomed the sentence, noting it as a significant drug recovery and a deterrent to drug dealing.

17 Apr 2024

Thomas Doran

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving and assaulting an emergency worker *

Sentence

4 years and 6 months imprisonment

On 25 February 2023, Thomas Doran, 40, of Poplar Terrace in Keighley, drove a white transit van eastbound on the A18 after drinking nine pints of stout at a pub one mile from the collision site. Accompanied by a man and a 41-year-old woman known to him, he pulled into the path of an oncoming vehicle, causing the van to spin and the rear doors to open. The woman, seated on a makeshift seat without a seatbelt, was ejected and suffered extensive head injuries. Doran assaulted a paramedic providing lifesaving care and failed a roadside breath test, being almost twice over the limit. He refused a blood alcohol sample. CCTV confirmed his intoxication and actions.

Found guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and assaulting an emergency worker. Described as 'selfish and senseless' by police.

9 Apr 2024

Jake Duffy

Supply of cannabis *

Sentence

9 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months with 180 hours unpaid work and up to 10 days rehabilitation activity requirement

In December 2022, evidence from a black iPhone recovered near the scene of an assault on Sam Searson showed Jake Duffy's involvement in supplying cannabis between December 7 and 20. The phone, attributed to him via selfies and social media, contained messages sourcing cannabis for sale, advertising to customers, tick lists for up to £2,000 owed, references to wages for others, and pictures of large cash amounts. Duffy made no comment in a November 2023 interview. He was sentenced in April 2024 but breached the order by missing unpaid work and probation appointments and displaying poor attitude towards staff.

Suspended sentence for being concerned in the supply of cannabis. Breached order by missing appointments and showing poor attitude; ordered to complete additional 15 hours community service. Judge warned to improve attitude.

1 Apr 2024

March 2024 10 cases

James Blundell

Rape *

Sentence

14 years and five months imprisonment

James Blundell raped and sexually abused young boys after grooming them with money and sweets. He had previous convictions for attempting to incite children into sexual activity and possessing indecent images, with the new offences occurring despite a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.

Pleaded guilty to multiple sexual offences, had a prior suspended sentence for similar crimes, and breached a sexual harm prevention order.

31 Mar 2024

Graham Jones

Rape of a child *

Sentence

21 years imprisonment with 5 years extended licence

Graham Jones subjected a child to a campaign of sexual offending in Warrington during the 1980s, starting when she was primary school age. The offences included four rapes, one involving a knife threat in Orford Park where he grabbed her, pushed her to the ground, raped her, and fled after being disturbed. Other incidents involved indecent assaults while she was injured and in agony, exposing himself and performing sex acts nearby with risk of detection, inappropriate touching under clothing, and attempting to force her into sexual conduct in Parr Hall toilets amid a crowd. He threatened terrible consequences if she told anyone, stealing her childhood and breaking her spirit, leading to lifelong trauma including self-harm and suicidal ideation.

Convicted of 22 sexual offences including rape of a child, indecent assault of a child, and gross indecency with a child, relating to 42 separate incidents. Jury reached unanimous guilty verdict after trial. Poor record for exposing himself and performing sex acts in front of women and children. Must serve at least two-thirds before parole consideration. Judge noted offences aggravated by multiplicity, victim's vulnerability, duration, and threats. Presents continuing significant risk of serious harm.

22 Mar 2024

Joanne Sharkey

Manslaughter *

Sentence

Two years imprisonment, suspended for two years, plus 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a 12-month mental health treatment requirement

In 1998, Joanne Sharkey secretly gave birth to a full-term newborn baby at her home in Croxteth, Liverpool. Due to a depressive illness that substantially impaired her judgement and self-control, she covered the baby's nose and mouth to quieten him, leading to his death. She then placed the body in bin bags and discarded it in a wooded area off Camp Road in Warrington, where it was discovered on March 14, 1998, by a dog walker. The case remained unsolved for years until a DNA breakthrough in 2022 identified her as the mother.

Pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility and concealment of birth. Judge noted her lengthy postnatal depression, that the offence was not planned or premeditated, and that compassion was warranted, with no useful purpose in immediate imprisonment.

20 Mar 2024

Cornneliu Mihai Magureanu

Violent disorder *

Sentence

18 months in prison

Cornneliu Mihai Magureanu participated in violent disorder in Liverpool city centre on August 3, 2023, where he watched a crowd throw missiles at police, then threw a rock at the police line and shouted at officers.

Pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Was captured on CCTV throwing a rock at police officers and shouting towards them.

20 Mar 2024

Kevin Clark

Violent disorder *

Sentence

five years in prison

Kevin Clark travelled from Wigan to Southport and participated in violent disorder on July 30, 2023, where he threw multiple bricks and rocks at police officers for a prolonged period, demonstrating extreme aggression and injuring an officer.

Pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Threw bricks and rocks at officers, causing grievous bodily harm to an officer who required surgery, physiotherapy, and was left with scars.

20 Mar 2024

Katie Carter

Smuggling cannabis into prison *

Sentence

imprisonment

On April 20, 2023, Katie Carter visited her imprisoned partner Paul Cordingley at HMP Altcourse, bringing Nike React trainers with hollowed-out soles containing cannabis resin. The contraband was detected by X-ray. Her relationship with Cordingley was described as the catalyst for her involvement in crime.

Previously received 18-month suspended sentence on April 4, 2023, for two class A drug supply offences; breached by smuggling cannabis into prison.

15 Mar 2024

Craig Irvine

Theft *

Sentence

12-month community order and 200 hours of unpaid work

Damien Rigby and Craig Irvine committed a series of thefts at Superbowl UK in St Helens. The thefts occurred on May 19, 2024, July 16, 2024 (stealing £324), August 14, 2024 (stealing £435.50), August 25, 2024 (stealing £439.50), and September 23, 2024.

Pleaded guilty to five offences of theft. Ordered to pay compensation.

11 Mar 2024

Damien Rigby

Theft *

Sentence

20 weeks imprisonment

Damien Rigby and Craig Irvine committed a series of thefts at Superbowl UK in St Helens. The thefts occurred on May 19, 2024, July 16, 2024 (stealing £324), August 14, 2024 (stealing £435.50), August 25, 2024 (stealing £439.50), and September 23, 2024.

Pleaded guilty to five offences of theft. Offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified due to flagrant disregard for people and their property. Ordered to pay compensation.

11 Mar 2024

Andrew Sherry

Indecent assault and sexual assault *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Andrew Sherry, a founding member of the Karate Union of Great Britain and ninth dan black belt who established the Red Triangle karate club in Everton, was convicted of indecently assaulting one boy aged under 16 in the mid-1980s and four offences of sexual assault against an older teenager in the early 2010s. He retired in March 2022 following a police investigation.

Convicted of indecently assaulting one boy and four counts of sexual assault against an older teenager. Sentenced to sign the sex offenders' register for 10 years. Conviction later quashed by the Court of Appeal.

1 Mar 2024

Michael Smith

Rape *

Sentence

22 years imprisonment

Michael Smith, formerly of Mackets Lane in Halewood, subjected his victim to a catalogue of sexual abuse over several years, beginning when she was seven years old. He insisted she kiss him and gave her money, between a few pounds and up to £40, for obeying his demands. He also allowed her to buy clothes online using his credit card. The abuse escalated to indecent assaults, instructing her to perform sex acts, showing her pornography and suggesting they replicate it, and raping her on multiple occasions. The victim suffered from depression, nightmares, and attempted overdose as a result, stating that Smith ruined her life.

Found guilty by a jury of 20 child sexual offences. He maintained his innocence and had no previous convictions. Judge Robert Trevor-Jones noted that he had groomed the victim and developed a pattern of sexual abuse. He was in advanced stages of prostate cancer, which made serving the sentence difficult.

1 Mar 2024

February 2024 3 cases

Adam Williams

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with a minimum of 31 years

Adam Williams was involved in the drive-by shooting of Rikki Berry on July 17, 2024, outside a property on Quarryside Drive in Kirkby. He drove a black Ateca Cupra that travelled alongside the electric bike used by the gunman. The three men had performed a reconnaissance of the scene beforehand and were in contact via telephone. Rikki Berry was shot four times, three of which struck him, leading to his death despite paramedics' efforts. Williams was arrested at a rural property in Shropshire after hiding in undergrowth.

Pleaded not guilty initially but changed his defence during the trial. Identified as the driver of the car in the convoy.

14 Feb 2024

Connor Walsh

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with a minimum of 30 years

Connor Walsh was involved as a passenger in the car during the drive-by shooting of Rikki Berry on July 17, 2024, outside a property on Quarryside Drive in Kirkby. The car travelled in convoy with the electric bike used by the gunman. The three men had been in contact beforehand and performed a reconnaissance of the scene. Rikki Berry was shot four times, leading to his death.

Pleaded not guilty initially but changed his defence during the trial, naming Smith as the gunman. Identified as the passenger in the car.

14 Feb 2024

Not Stated

Stalking and breach of restraining order *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment

The 41-year-old man stalked two separate victims in 2023 following the end of a relationship with one. Offending included multiple emails and phone calls to one victim, and using the second victim's details to sign her up to various newsletters, websites, services, counsellors, and charities. He breached a previous indefinite restraining order by entering prohibited locations, reported by the victim. Upon arrest, he accepted the offending, claiming it was due to love for the victims and consideration of self-harm. Previous restraining order revoked; new indefinite restraining orders with stringent conditions issued for both victims.

Pleaded guilty to stalking and breach of restraining order. Prosecution argued highest culpability due to disregard for the restraining order and serious persistent offending. Previous conviction in 2020 for stalking with indefinite restraining order issued.

1 Feb 2024

January 2024 6 cases

Charles Dilworth

Conspiracy to import class A drugs *

Sentence

9 years and 9 months imprisonment

Charles Dilworth, 25, from Liverpool, was part of an organised crime group involved in a £250m drugs conspiracy importing more than two tonnes of class A drugs from South America to the UK. Between May 3 and September 21 2023, the gang transported drugs in an empty trailer from France, Belgium and Holland via the Eurotunnel to a farm in Deeside, North Wales, where they were removed from a concealed space, sorted into boxes and bags for onward supply. Customers met at a nearby service station or Pinfold Lane to collect drugs. Police intervened on September 20, 2023.

Original sentence of 7 years and 6 months quashed and increased by the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

1 Jan 2024

Jamie Menagh

Conspiracy to import class A drugs *

Sentence

9 years and 9 months imprisonment

Jamie Menagh, 31, from Liverpool, was part of an organised crime group involved in a £250m drugs conspiracy importing more than two tonnes of class A drugs from South America to the UK. Between May 3 and September 21 2023, the gang transported drugs in an empty trailer from France, Belgium and Holland via the Eurotunnel to a farm in Deeside, North Wales, where they were removed from a concealed space, sorted into boxes and bags for onward supply. Customers met at a nearby service station or Pinfold Lane to collect drugs. Police intervened on September 20, 2023.

Original sentence of 7 years and 6 months quashed and increased by the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

1 Jan 2024

Jon Fairclough

Conspiracy to import class A drugs *

Sentence

9 years and 4 months imprisonment

Jon Fairclough, 37, from Liverpool, was part of an organised crime group involved in a £250m drugs conspiracy importing more than two tonnes of class A drugs from South America to the UK. Between May 3 and September 21 2023, the gang transported drugs in an empty trailer from France, Belgium and Holland via the Eurotunnel to a farm in Deeside, North Wales, where they were removed from a concealed space, sorted into boxes and bags for onward supply. Customers met at a nearby service station or Pinfold Lane to collect drugs. Police intervened on September 20, 2023.

Original sentence of 7 years quashed and increased by the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

1 Jan 2024

David Hague

Conspiracy to import class A drugs *

Sentence

14 years imprisonment

David Hague, 51, from Doncaster, was part of an organised crime group involved in a £250m drugs conspiracy importing more than two tonnes of class A drugs from South America to the UK. Between May 3 and September 21 2023, the gang transported drugs in an empty trailer from France, Belgium and Holland via the Eurotunnel to a farm in Deeside, North Wales, where they were removed from a concealed space, sorted into boxes and bags for onward supply. Customers met at a nearby service station or Pinfold Lane to collect drugs. Police intervened on September 20, 2023.

Original sentence of 9 years and 4 months quashed and increased by the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

1 Jan 2024

Kane Omar

Conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs *

Sentence

imprisonment for conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs

Kane Omar, 28, of Alfred Street in Wavertree, used the EncroChat handle 'Shallow Zoo' while living in Malaga, Spain, from February 2020 to direct the supply of class A and B drugs including 12kg of cocaine, 3kg of heroin, and 0.5kg of cannabis in the North West. He organised, bought, and sold drugs on a commercial scale, directing others. The account was shared with associates including Rhys Nze on limited occasions. He returned to Merseyside, found employment, but was arrested following the EncroChat hack in early 2020. He went on trial in January 2024 and was cleared of firearms trafficking.

Pleaded guilty. Cleared of firearms charge. Judge Stuart Driver KC noted leading role in dealing approximately 5kg of class A drugs on a commercial scale, part of broader conspiracy involving larger quantities, aggravated by use of EncroChat and prior conviction for possession of class B drug with intent to supply.

1 Jan 2024

Joseph Morley

Conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis *

Sentence

12 years imprisonment

Joseph Morley used the EncroChat handle 'IndelibleOsprey' to engage in conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis as part of the broader EncroChat drug network exposed in early 2020.

Admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis using EncroChat handle 'IndelibleOsprey'. Father of Kane Omar's girlfriend.

1 Jan 2024

December 2023 6 cases

Diane Mansell

Fraud and money laundering *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Gary Mansell and his wife Diane abused their power of attorney over his vulnerable parents, Fred and Enid, for three and a half years, defrauding them of over £117,000. After the parents moved into their home in October 2017 following Fred's fall and Enid's dementia, the couple sold the family home for under value, converted their garage using the proceeds, isolated the parents, fed them poorly, and made over 100 unauthorized bank withdrawals. They spent on luxury holidays in Jamaica and Cape Verde, dental work, a gold BMW, and designer handbags, leaving the parents with just 28p.

Convicted of fraud and money laundering. Judge David Swinnerton described their actions as a 'despicable display of greed and vanity'. Pleaded not guilty but found guilty. Challenging conviction and sentence on appeal. Lawyer noted she was 'the glue' for her family but hoped she would reengage post-prison.

31 Dec 2023

Gary Mansell

Fraud and money laundering *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Gary Mansell and his wife Diane abused their power of attorney over his vulnerable parents, Fred and Enid, for three and a half years, defrauding them of over £117,000. After the parents moved into their home in October 2017 following Fred's fall and Enid's dementia, the couple sold the family home for under value, converted their garage using the proceeds, isolated the parents, fed them poorly, and made over 100 unauthorized bank withdrawals. They spent on luxury holidays in Jamaica and Cape Verde, dental work, a gold BMW, and designer handbags, leaving the parents with just 28p.

Convicted of fraud and money laundering. Judge David Swinnerton described their actions as a 'despicable display of greed and vanity'. Pleaded not guilty but found guilty. Challenging conviction and sentence on appeal.

31 Dec 2023

Sarah Williams

Misconduct in a public office *

Sentence

18 months in prison

Sarah Williams, a former prison officer at HMP Altcourse, engaged in illicit relationships with multiple prisoners, including Elias Morgan, starting from early 2020. She communicated with them using mobile phones found in cell searches, leading to her arrest on July 8, 2020. An investigation by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit's anti-corruption department revealed her misconduct, which involved accessing unauthorised data.

Pled guilty to three counts of misconduct in a public office and one count of causing a computer to perform a function with intent to secure unauthorised access to data. She had relationships with multiple prisoners at HMP Altcourse.

21 Dec 2023

Mark Rooney

Assault *

Sentence

74 weeks imprisonment

Mark Rooney, from Rock Ferry, brutally attacked two women. He assaulted his first victim when they were on holiday, forced himself into their home while armed with a baseball bat and threatened to share private images of her. The woman was hospitalised after suffering physical attacks. While on bail for these offences, Rooney attacked another woman, throwing a can of beer at her, threatening to burn her face with a barbeque, hitting her in the face with a phone, and knocking her unconscious, resulting in a split lip and broken arm.

Original sentence of 42 weeks increased by the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme on December 20, 2023.

20 Dec 2023

Karl Mathers

Fraud *

Sentence

10 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months

Matthew Wright, 54, and Karl Mathers, 50, both from Liverpool, ran Northgate Property Associates Ltd since 2013 to collect rental income on a rented property. In May 2020, Wright applied for a £30,000 Covid Bounce Back Loan on behalf of the firm. Two days later, they withdrew the full amount from the company account, transferring £21,500 to their joint account and £7,450 to Wright’s personal account. The next day, they moved £30,000 from their joint account to Wright’s mother’s account. They also withdrew another £1,600 from the company for unrelated expenditure. Within six days, they applied to dissolve the company without informing the bank, breaching legal obligations.

Sentenced for failing to inform the bank they had applied to dissolve the business.

19 Dec 2023

Matthew Wright

Fraud *

Sentence

14 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months

Matthew Wright, 54, and Karl Mathers, 50, both from Liverpool, ran Northgate Property Associates Ltd since 2013 to collect rental income on a rented property. In May 2020, Wright applied for a £30,000 Covid Bounce Back Loan on behalf of the firm. Two days later, they withdrew the full amount from the company account, transferring £21,500 to their joint account and £7,450 to Wright’s personal account. The next day, they moved £30,000 from their joint account to Wright’s mother’s account. They also withdrew another £1,600 from the company for unrelated expenditure. Within six days, they applied to dissolve the company without informing the bank, breaching legal obligations.

Sentenced for fraud and failing to inform the lending bank that the business was to be dissolved. Sentences to run concurrently.

19 Dec 2023

November 2023 2 cases

Jonathan Kay

Perverting the course of justice *

Sentence

Two years and six months imprisonment

Jonathan Kay received sensitive information from Natalie Mottram about the EncroChat hack and passed it on to others, potentially undermining Operation Venetic, a major investigation into organised crime. He was the partner of Leah Bennett and was involved in the leak, leading to his arrest on June 12, 2020, along with the recovery of £200,000 in cash from his home.

Admitted perverting the course of justice.

3 Nov 2023

Natalie Mottram

Misconduct in public office *

Sentence

Three years and nine months imprisonment

Natalie Mottram, a Cheshire Police intelligence analyst, abused her position by disclosing sensitive information about Operation Venetic to Jonathan Kay. This involved unauthorised checks on police systems and passing on details of the EncroChat hack, which could have compromised an international investigation into organised crime. She was arrested on June 12, 2020, after being caught in a surveillance operation.

Admitted misconduct in public office, perverting the course of justice, and unauthorised access to computer material.

3 Nov 2023

September 2023 2 cases

Kevin Lawton

Burglary and attempted burglary *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

On June 28, 2023, Kevin Lawton broke into a home on Mimosa Road in Wavertree at around 3.30am, but nothing was stolen. Later the same day, at around 6.45am, a Volkswagen Golf was stolen overnight from a home on Tulip Road. Lawton was identified on CCTV footage and arrested.

Jailed for burglary and attempted burglary. Breached licensing conditions after release and is now wanted on recall to prison.

15 Sep 2023

Stelian Trandafir

Theft from a shop *

Sentence

12-month conditional discharge, plus £85 costs and £26 surcharge

On February 13, 2023, Stelian Trandafir stole sports clothing valued at £139.98 from Sports Direct in St Helens. He appeared in court, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced accordingly.

Pleaded guilty to theft from a shop. Stolen goods were recovered, and no compensation was ordered.

3 Sep 2023

August 2023 3 cases

Jordan Ellis

Blackmail *

Sentence

six years in prison

Jordan Ellis targeted a vulnerable victim dealing with drug issues, pressuring him via Snapchat to send bank details and subsequently stealing his wages. He engaged in a prolonged campaign of blackmail against the victim and his family, making threats to burn down their house and business, pretending to be a police officer, and using multiple phones and identities. This occurred between July 2022 and March 2023, resulting in the theft of £11,417.36, which Ellis spent on gambling. The actions had a severe impact on the victims' mental health, including suicidal thoughts.

Admitted three charges of blackmail and one of theft. Judge described the actions as 'wicked and insidious' and noted a history of 16 previous convictions for violent and acquisitive crimes, including fraud, theft, and robbery.

12 Aug 2023

Constantin Lupo

Inflicting grievous bodily harm *

Sentence

8 months imprisonment

On June 11, 2023, Constantin Lupo caused £8,734 worth of damage to five slot machines at Buzz Bingo in Warrington by using a bar stool. When a man tried to intervene and prevent further damage, Lupo assaulted him with a lock knife, resulting in multiple injuries including cuts to the back of the head, arms, and legs. Lupo was restrained by staff and members of the public until Cheshire Police arrived and arrested him.

Convicted following a four-day trial. Maintained innocence but found guilty of criminal damage, inflicting grievous bodily harm, and possession of a knife in public. DC Stephan Wolstenholme of Cheshire Police commented that the victim was violently attacked during an attempt to stop Lupo's rampage.

5 Aug 2023

Lennox Smith

Rape and Sexual Assault *

Sentence

6 years and 9 months imprisonment

Lennox Smith committed serious sexual offences, including two counts of rape and sexual assault, against a woman at an address in St Helens between May and June 2023. The victim described the profound impact on her life, including feeling disrespected, physically weak, and alone, despite support from family and services.

Pled guilty to two counts of rape and sexual assault. Issued with an indefinite Restraining Order not to contact the victim and placed on the Sex Offender register for life.

1 Aug 2023

July 2023 2 cases

James Anthony Elliott

Rape *

Sentence

8 years imprisonment and an indefinite restraining order

James Anthony Elliott raped an 18-year-old woman inside a house in Birkenhead in August 2022. The incident involved a serious sexual assault, and the victim was supported by specially trained officers throughout the investigation and trial. Elliott was identified and convicted after a lengthy and complex process, which included reliving the experience in court.

Found guilty following a three-day trial that commenced on July 7. Detective Constable Andy Littler from Merseyside’s Unity Team noted the case's complexity and praised the victim's dignity, emphasising that violence against women and girls will not be tolerated.

14 Jul 2023

Alan Hayden

Unlawful money lending *

Sentence

10 months imprisonment

Alan Hayden, 54, from West Derby, operated an illegal money lending scheme between 2021 and 2022, targeting vulnerable people by charging 100% interest on short-term loans. He used threats and intimidation to enforce repayments, with victims describing his aggressive behaviour once they fell behind.

Admitted to running an unlawful money lending business. Described as a 'Jekyll and Hyde' character by victims, who reported he didn't care how they obtained money for repayments and threatened them when they struggled.

4 Jul 2023

June 2023 1 case

Tyler Rogers

Voyeurism *

Sentence

16 months imprisonment

In June 2023, Tyler Rogers used a hidden camera to secretly film nude women in the changing rooms of Crosby Leisure Centre. This incident led to his conviction and sentencing, demonstrating a pattern of voyeuristic behavior despite prior interventions.

Pleaded guilty to voyeurism charges. He was already a registered sex offender with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order in place, which he violated. The court noted his history of similar offenses and the risk he poses to young girls.

1 Jun 2023

April 2023 1 case

Jack Jeremy Wymer

Conspiracy to supply drugs *

Sentence

10 years and 3 months imprisonment

Jack Jeremy Wymer, operating under the EncroChat handle 'ItchyTrain', was involved in a high-level drug dealing operation, supplying commercial quantities of cannabis, heroin, and cocaine. He exchanged messages about drug sales, including photos of a kilo block of heroin, wads of cash, and a burned-out Spanish villa used for cannabis growing. He also had links to criminals involved in shootings, such as an incident where a man was shot in the legs. Police raids uncovered ammunition at his home and precursor chemicals for MDMA and amphetamines at his parents' home, along with cash and tick lists.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin, cocaine, ketamine and cannabis, and being concerned in the production of MDMA and amphetamines, as well as possessing ammunition without a certificate. Failed to attend appointments after release.

1 Apr 2023

February 2023 1 case

Kevin Mannion

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with a minimum of 23 years

Kevin Mannion, 45, stabbed his girlfriend Elinor O'Brien, 22, in the groin during a rageful attack at his apartment in the Great Northern Tower, Manchester, on August 16, 2022, after she questioned him about seeing other women. This followed previous assaults during their eight-month relationship.

Convicted of murder. He had previous convictions for violence and was described as a controlling thug.

1 Feb 2023

January 2023 2 cases

Joshua Kehoe

Assault *

Sentence

8 years imprisonment

Joshua Kehoe, of Cretan Road, Liverpool, and George Harper terrorised the Manor Farm pub in Rainhill during an 18th birthday party to which they weren’t invited. They knocked a customer out before kicking his unconscious body, punched a man on crutches at the bar, thumped the licence holder so hard with a wine bottle his nose was left disfigured, and Kehoe grabbed someone demanding money or they would be stabbed. The landlord suffered a fractured skull, fractured nose, fractured left cheekbone; another employee a dislocated shoulder requiring surgery; a customer on crutches required three stitches to his head.

Original sentence of 4 years quashed and increased by the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. Additional 4 years on licence.

1 Jan 2023

George Harper

Assault *

Sentence

5 years and 4 months imprisonment

George Harper, 30, of Holland Street, Liverpool, and Joshua Kehoe terrorised the Manor Farm pub in Rainhill during an 18th birthday party to which they weren’t invited. They knocked a customer out before kicking his unconscious body, punched a man on crutches at the bar, thumped the licence holder so hard with a wine bottle his nose was left disfigured, and Kehoe grabbed someone demanding money or they would be stabbed. The landlord suffered a fractured skull, fractured nose, fractured left cheekbone; another employee a dislocated shoulder requiring surgery; a customer on crutches required three stitches to his head.

Original sentence of 2 years and 8 months quashed and increased by the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

1 Jan 2023

August 2022 1 case

Anthony Saunderson

Drug Conspiracy *

Sentence

35 years imprisonment

Anthony Saunderson, a major organised crime boss known as 'Jesse Pinkman' or 'James Gandolfini' to associates, was involved in importing £19 million of cocaine from Argentina and running an amphetamines factory. He produced and supplied drugs on an industrial scale from a lab at a premises on the England/Wales border and a storage unit in Aintree, Merseyside. This led to his conviction after law enforcement cracked the Encrochat network in 2022.

Convicted for drug dealing and conspiracy, with evidence from the Encrochat system revealing his activities and relationship with Kerri Pegg. He had previously served a 10-year sentence for similar offences.

1 Aug 2022

Thomas Dean

Amanda Young

Lewis Young

Anthony Wilcock

Joel Price

Stephen Carney

Alan Cherry

Keith Sherwood

Thomas Doran

Jake Duffy

James Blundell

Graham Jones

Joanne Sharkey

Cornneliu Mihai Magureanu

Kevin Clark

Katie Carter

Craig Irvine

Damien Rigby

Andrew Sherry

Michael Smith

Adam Williams

Connor Walsh

Not Stated

Charles Dilworth

Jamie Menagh

Jon Fairclough

David Hague

Kane Omar

Joseph Morley

Diane Mansell

Gary Mansell

Sarah Williams

Mark Rooney

Karl Mathers

Matthew Wright

Jonathan Kay

Natalie Mottram

Kevin Lawton

Stelian Trandafir

Jordan Ellis

Constantin Lupo

Lennox Smith

James Anthony Elliott

Alan Hayden

Tyler Rogers

Jack Jeremy Wymer

Kevin Mannion

Joshua Kehoe

George Harper

Anthony Saunderson

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