Liverpool Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 1011 verdicts at Liverpool Crown Court (Liverpool). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Date Not Specified 50 cases

John Hamilton

Possessing and downloading indecent images of children *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment

John Hamilton, previously convicted in 2011, was found to have 515 indecent images of children (243 Category A including rape of toddlers aged 2-4 and two boys aged 2-3, 243 Category B, 184 Category C), plus 690 non-indecent images of children under 16, on his old mobile phone handed to police on November 22, 2019. Images created between October 2017 and May 2019. He had a VPN for anonymity and confessed to downloading thousands of Category A images out of boredom between 2016 and 2019, breaching his 10-year SOPO from 2011.

Pleaded guilty to breaching his SOPO and one count of possessing and three counts of downloading indecent images of children. Prior conviction for similar offences in 2011. Judge noted the repugnant nature of the images and the age and vulnerability of the children. New 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and 10 years on Sex Offenders Register.

1 Jan 0001

John Lee

Making, possession and distribution of indecent images of children *

Sentence

32 months imprisonment

John Lee, of Dalemeadow Road, Knotty Ash, Liverpool, kept a collection of 4,781 indecent images of children between July 25, 2017 and May 21, 2020, including 1,041 images and 134 videos of child rape (children as young as two). He shared 14 images (seven videos) via WhatsApp and Kik Messenger with another paedophile, and sent a picture of an 11-year-old girl he knew, stating he wanted to have sex with her. Images discovered after police warrant at his address in May 2019, seizing laptop and phone.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of downloading, one count of possessing and one count of distributing indecent images of children. No previous convictions. Ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same period. Judge noted aggravating features including vulnerability of children and distribution, and mitigating factors including remorse and lack of convictions.

1 Jan 0001

Jason Clarke

Rape *

Sentence

24 years imprisonment, must serve at least 16 years

Jason Clarke subjected three vulnerable youngsters to years of grooming, emotional abuse, sexual attacks and rapes across properties in Merseyside, including raping a child during a bike ride through woodland. Crimes reported years later after one victim spoke out, leading to arrest and charges.

Convicted after trial of 24 counts of sexual abuse including multiple rapes. No mitigation offered. Judge noted lack of remorse despite deprived childhood and own history of abuse. Branded a monster by victims. Sexual harm prevention order and sex offenders register for life.

1 Jan 0001

Jason Hall

Arranging or facilitating a child sex offence *

Sentence

2 years and 8 months imprisonment, of which he will serve half behind bars

Jason Hall, a 55-year-old senior archaeology technician at Liverpool University, engaged in online conversations from March 2018 with undercover officers posing as a mother (Poppy) and her 13-year-old daughter (Natalie) on an adult website and Skype. He discussed and arranged to have sex with the girl while her mother watched, sent explicit images, and travelled to Chester on May 11, 2018, with condoms and an Easter egg, where he was arrested. Police found over 2,000 indecent images of children (102 Category A, 271 B, 1796 C) and extreme porn on his devices, downloaded between 2005 and 2018.

Admitted arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity, attempting to cause a child to look at an image of sexual activity, three counts of downloading indecent images of children, and possessing extreme porn. No previous convictions. Ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register and comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years. Judge noted grooming behaviour and high risk of recidivism.

1 Jan 0001

Jason Jones

Grooming and sexual activity with a child *

Sentence

7 years 6 months imprisonment

Jason Jones, a 31-year-old man from St Helens, groomed a vulnerable teenage girl online, telling her she 'needed him' and building emotional dependency. Meetings began with cuddling and tickling but escalated to kissing and repeated sexual intercourse in his car and a local park in Warrington. He made inappropriate comments about her school uniform. The victim believed she was in love and feared reporting him would ruin his life. Upon arrest, he provided no comment to Cheshire Police.

Pleaded guilty. Judge Robert Trevor-Jones condemned the grooming of a vulnerable teenager. Must serve at least two-thirds before parole. Also placed on sex offender register for life, indefinite sexual harm prevention order, and 10-year restraining order.

1 Jan 0001

Jay Coleman

Possession of indecent images of children *

Sentence

14 months imprisonment

Jay Coleman, aged 22 of Waterfall Drive, continued to download depraved child abuse images within weeks of being spared prison for identical offences. He was arrested again exactly a year after being given a second chance, which he spurned. Despite pledging to no longer own electronic devices to remove temptation, he confessed to his mother 'I've messed up, I've done it again and I'm going to jail' when police arrived.

Pleaded guilty to possession of indecent images of children, two counts of making indecent images, possession of prohibited images of children, breaching a sexual harm prevention order and breaching a suspended sentence. Continued to download child abuse images weeks after being spared prison for similar offences.

1 Jan 0001

Jay Ferguson

Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order *

Sentence

10 months imprisonment

Jay Ferguson, of Liverpool Road, Huyton, Liverpool, L36, breached his Sexual Harm Prevention Order twice within two or three days of his release from prison on February 26, 2021. He accessed two female-only dating websites (Zoe and Only Women) and used Facebook Messenger to contact his adult niece about money. He was arrested on March 1, 2021, after admitting the breaches at a hearing in March and spending four months on remand.

Admitted two breaches of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Judge David Potter noted deliberate and flagrant breaches within days of release, highlighting Ferguson's criminal record, past rape threats, and assessment as very high risk of reconviction and causing serious harm to children, public, and staff. Spent four months on remand prior to sentencing.

1 Jan 0001

Jeff Knibb

Indecent assault *

Sentence

nine years' imprisonment

Jeff Knibb molested two boys in the 1980s and 1990s, including one boy up to 20 times with an occasion when the victim woke up to find Knibb abusing him while sleeping. The victims described lifelong impacts including contemplating suicide, self-medicating with alcohol, and blaming themselves.

Pleaded guilty to 12 counts of indecent assault and two counts of indecency with a child. Judge David Aubrey QC stated he had 'destroyed their childhood' and 'scarred' his victims 'emotionally and psychologically for the rest of their lives'. Offences committed when Knibb was aged 16 to 21.

1 Jan 0001

Jeffrey Hickey

Rape and indecent assault *

Sentence

11 years imprisonment

Jeffrey Hickey, aged 16, raped and indecently assaulted a 13-year-old girl in the mid-1990s, forcing himself on her. The victim suffered long-term trauma, becoming isolated, impacting her education and employment, and leading to heavy drinking. She reported the offences in 2018 after seeing his prior conviction.

Convicted after trial of two counts of rape and one indecent assault. Initially denied recollection but now accepts guilt. History of violent sexual offences; assessed as high danger to women. Must serve two-thirds before release. Sentenced by Recorder Tom Gilbart.

1 Jan 0001

Joseph Jones

Conspiracy to commit burglary *

Sentence

8 years and 3 months imprisonment

Part of an organised crime group that targeted nine properties across Merseyside between late August and mid-October 2024, breaking into occupied homes at night, stealing car keys and high-value vehicles worth £214,000 total, often driving them in convoy to Blackburn. Linked via CCTV, ANPR, cell siting and telecoms evidence.

Admitted conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to steal motor vehicles. Asked for further offence of theft of Ford Fiesta from Olivia Way in Huyton in July 2025 to be taken into consideration. Sentence adjusted from 8 years due to mathematical error and lack of similar previous convictions.

1 Jan 0001

Jordan Nicholson

Rape *

Sentence

six years in prison

Jordan Nicholson, of Boughey Lane, Leigh, raped two women in their sleep on separate occasions in the summer of 2016. The first victim, aged 21, was asleep at her home when she woke up to find Nicholson raping her. She pushed him away and screamed at him to stop. She reported the incident to Cheshire police a month later, providing social media messages discussing the incident with him and relating to a similar attack on another woman in August 2016. When arrested and questioned, Nicholson denied raping the women, claiming the sex was consensual, and continued lying even when presented with the messages.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of rape at an earlier hearing on July 12, 2019.

1 Jan 0001

Joseph Puravady

Sexual assault *

Sentence

eight months imprisonment

Joseph Puravady, a 59-year-old KFC worker of Clearwater Close, Kensington, Merseyside, followed a female colleague upstairs to a staff room where he knew she would be alone. He approached her from behind, groped her breasts over her clothing, and tried to kiss her neck. She ran away in distress. He later had his adult daughter send a text apologising and seeking forgiveness, but denied the assault, accused the victim of racism and holding a grudge, and continued blaming her even after conviction. The victim suffered significant emotional distress, anxiety, sleep issues, and sought GP help.

Found guilty of sexual assault by a jury at trial. Ordered to sign on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years. Four-year restraining order imposed. Judge noted predatory nature, lack of remorse, blaming victim for racism, and no realistic prospect of rehabilitation despite mitigation including poor health, prior good character, and family support.

1 Jan 0001

Jonathan Harmer

Arson reckless as to whether life is endangered *

Sentence

three years and four months

Jonathan Harmer, a 46-year-old former soldier from Loughton, Essex, drove 200 miles to Merseyside to set fire to the front door of a house after being offered £1,500 by a person called 'Noah'. He was dealing with issues involving drugs and alcohol following his discharge from the armed forces. He targeted the wrong house, setting alight the front door of a Merseyside Police staff member, after being told the occupant had a drug debt. He admitted arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

Former soldier drove 200 miles to commit arson after being offered £1,500; targeted wrong house belonging to a Merseyside Police staff member. Pleaded guilty.

1 Jan 0001

Jonathan Gaskell

Breaching Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 *

Sentence

eight months in prison

Jonathan Gaskell, director of Gaskell’s (North West) Limited, was responsible for the company's operation of a baling machine at Gaskells Waste Services in Foster Street, Bootle, with a defeated interlock system. On 23 December 2010, worker Zbigniew Galka entered the baling chamber to clear a blockage while the machine was still operational, suffering fatal injuries to both legs. The company continued using the same dangerous machine with defeated safety systems until at least July 2015, putting operators at serious risk.

Pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Sentenced for his part in the death of Zbigniew Galka in 2010 and for continuing to operate the same baling machine in a dangerous manner for up to five years after. Poor maintenance and defeated safety interlocks were aggravating factors.

1 Jan 0001

Jordan Hince

Attempting to meet a child after grooming *

Sentence

two-and-a-half years imprisonment

Jordan Hince, a 22-year-old shop worker from Poplars Avenue, Orford, Warrington, Cheshire, engaged in a seven-day campaign of online grooming in August 2021, pestering eight decoy Facebook profiles purporting to be girls aged 11 to 14 for naked pictures. He sent images exposing himself, urged them to send indecent images, and attempted to meet two for sex, including arrangements with a 14-year-old at Central Station. He was confronted by paedophile hunters who made a citizen's arrest.

Admitted eight counts of attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child, four of attempting to cause a child to look at sexual activity and two charges of attempting to meet a child after grooming. Indefinite sexual harm prevention order and victim surcharge imposed. No previous convictions.

1 Jan 0001

John Woodward

Sexual offences *

Sentence

19 years imprisonment with an extended licence of 4 years

John Woodward, of Brookdale, Widnes, Cheshire, abused two girls and a boy over 27 years, exploiting their vulnerability through grooming, bribes of money, alcohol, and cigarettes. Offences against first victim aged 6-15; against boy aged 14-15 including after showing pornography; against second girl from age 13 including giving whisky, pulling down trousers, hand down trousers, giving vodka and £20, kissing breasts and offering £50 for sex. Continued abusing despite concerns raised to authorities. Victims suffered severe mental health impacts including anxiety, depression, complex PTSD; one took scalding baths to feel clean.

Convicted of 16 sexual offences after trial; maintains innocence. Judge ruled him a dangerous offender of particular concern. Ordered to sign Sex Offenders Register for life, indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and restraining order not to contact victims. Defence noted health issues including testicular cancer, head injury, poor mental health, and self-harming.

1 Jan 0001

John Temple

Possession and distribution of indecent images of children *

Sentence

16 months imprisonment

John Temple, a 54-year-old former barrister and police officer, was found with over 1,000 indecent images of children on a computer he had owned for one month, following a police raid on 19 April 2013 at his home in Satley Plough, County Durham. A third of the images were classified as illegal, depicting young children engaged in sexual activity with other children, adults, and animals. Additional images were found in his pockets and bedside table. Temple pleaded guilty to 19 pornography offences. He had a previous conviction in 2005 for downloading over 3,700 indecent images and was part of a paedophile ring. He received a 16-month custodial sentence, a lifetime Sexual Offences Prevention Order, and was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Pleaded guilty to 19 offences involving possession and distribution of indecent images of children. Second conviction for similar crimes; previously imprisoned in 2005. Judge Clement Goldstone QC described him as a 'sick man' with a 'dark side' and 'perverted interest in pornography'. A lifetime Sexual Offences Prevention Order and lifelong registration on the Sex Offenders Register were also imposed.

1 Jan 0001

John Wadeson

Making and possessing indecent images of children *

Sentence

8 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, 60-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, £500 court costs, Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 5 years, Sex Offenders Register for 10 years

John Wadeson downloaded 142 child sex abuse images between September 2016 and June 2020, including 56 Category A (11 videos showing babies and children as young as newborn to 12 months being raped), 35 Category B (8 videos of boys aged 4-6), 51 Category C (boys as young as 3-4), 35 extreme porn images (2 videos), and 11 prohibited cartoon images. Devices seized from his home in Borron Close, Newton-le-Willows, on June 10, 2020.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of downloading and one of possessing indecent images of children, possessing prohibited images of children and extreme porn. No previous convictions. Positive good character references. Mental health issues and childhood trauma cited in mitigation. Lost nursing career. Judge followed sentencing guidelines, opting for community sentence to provide support and reduce risk.

1 Jan 0001

John Smith

Sexual activity with a child *

Sentence

four years and six months imprisonment with extended three years on licence

John Smith, 29, formerly of School Way, Speke, Liverpool, used Snapchat to groom a young teenage boy, exchanging messages, FaceTiming, meeting up to kiss, touching the boy's genital area, asking for genital pictures, and sending a video of himself performing a sex act. The abuse was halted when the victim's sister called. Smith blocked the boy after the family found out. The victim suffered significant emotional distress.

Admitted four counts of sexual activity with a child, meeting a child following sexual grooming, sexual communication with a child and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Branded a dangerous offender by Recorder Ian Unsworth QC. Previously jailed for 18 months in 2019 for sexual communication with three boys.

1 Jan 0001

Julie Morris

Rape and child sexual abuse offences *

Sentence

13 years and four months' imprisonment

Julie Morris, 44, of Hindley, a deputy headteacher and safeguarding lead at St George's Central C of E Primary School in Wigan, and her partner David Morris met on dating app Plenty of Fish in 2016. They filmed themselves abusing and raping a girl under the age of 13 on Sandfield Road, Eccleston, St Helens, WA10, including Julie giggling during the abuse. They exchanged 175,000 pages of sexually explicit messages over three years and set up a group chat with the victim discussing abuse. Devices seized showed recordings of rape and sexual abuse. They attempted to evade police by heading to the Lake District in a camper van with £10,000.

Admitted two counts of rape, nine of inciting a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity, two of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, three counts of taking indecent images of a child, one of engaging in sexual communication with a child and one of possessing indecent images of a child. Given indefinite sexual harm prevention order and must sign sex offenders' register for life. Judge Andrew Menary described the case as demonstrating human depravity with no depths.

1 Jan 0001

Kevin Howard

Indecent assault on a girl and gross indecency with a child *

Sentence

17 years imprisonment with an additional three years on licence

In the 1970s, Kevin Howard preyed on three children in the Wirral, forcing two to perform sex acts on him and repeatedly abusing a third child severely. He was convicted of two counts of gross indecency with a child and 16 counts of indecent assault on a girl.

Convicted after trial of 18 counts of sexual offences. No previous convictions. Must sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. Judge Denis Watson, QC, categorised harm to one victim as severe.

1 Jan 0001

Kaylum Forrester

Child sex offences *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Kaylum Forrester, 34, from Huyton, engaged in sexual online communications with someone he believed to be a child. Arrested as part of NWROCU's Operation Meteor, his electronic devices were seized and found to contain over 800 indecent images of children. He pleaded guilty to child sex offences.

Pleaded guilty to child sex offences. Issued a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

1 Jan 0001

Keir Dean

Breaching sexual harm prevention order *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Keir Dean was found in possession of three mobile phones capable of storing digital images (two iPhones and one Samsung) and two bags of cannabis at an address he was present at on September 20. This breached his 10-year sexual harm prevention order prohibiting such devices. No incriminating material found on phones. He initially denied ownership of the phones.

Pleaded guilty to breaching sexual harm prevention order and possessing cannabis. Second breach of 10-year order imposed in July 2018 for sexual activity with a child. Previously sentenced to 2 years in March 2020 for first breach.

1 Jan 0001

Keiran Alderton

Attempting to meet a child after sexual grooming *

Sentence

2 years and 2 months imprisonment

Keiran Alderton, using the username 'HornyScouser78', engaged in sexual communication with a decoy profile of a 13-year-old girl on Kik Messenger from June 5, 2020. He arranged to meet her at McDonald's on June 10, 2020, bought three Kinder Eggs, and was arrested outside B&M in Hunts Cross. Police found 347 indecent images of children on his iPhone, including 35 of the most serious category depicting children being raped, with the youngest aged five.

Admitted offences at the earliest opportunity. No previous convictions. Ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years and adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years. Judge noted high risk of serious harm to children and significant concerns about sexual preoccupation and denial.

1 Jan 0001

Kieran Mckechnie

Supply of heroin and crack cocaine *

Sentence

two years imprisonment

Kieran McKechnie, of Anders Drive in Kirkby, was seen driving in the Manchester Road area of Southport at around midday on February 10 2026 when a female passenger exited the car and approached a house before returning to the vehicle. Officers suspected a drug deal and stopped the 37-year-old. He was found with a phone belonging to the 'Lil T' drugs line which had sent messages offering heroin and crack cocaine to 106 recipients over the previous 10 days. McKechnie operated the phone for five days, completing approximately 10 to 12 drug drops each day. He also had £275 cash. He admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine and was jailed for two years.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine. Labelled a persistent offender. Previously convicted of dangerous driving, assault and other offences. Acting to pay off drug debt after threats to family.

1 Jan 0001

Kenny Dickson

Sexual assault *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Kenny Dickson was convicted of sexual assault and sentenced to four years' imprisonment at Liverpool Crown Court in 2011. Following his release, he was subject to sex offender notification requirements, which he breached in September 2019 by failing to return to approved premises in Carlisle, leading to a recall to prison.

Sentenced for sexual assault. He subsequently breached sex offender notification requirements in 2019, leading to a prison recall.

1 Jan 0001

Kiernan Mcaleny

Assaulting an emergency services worker *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment

Kiernan McAleny barricaded himself inside a flat armed with a knife during a four-hour stand-off with police. He lunged at an officer with the weapon and threatened to cut his own fingers off.

Admitted two counts of assaulting an emergency services worker, racially aggravated harassment and breaching a suspended sentence order.

1 Jan 0001

Kyle Griffiths

Distribution of indecent images of children *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment

Kyle Griffiths took part in extremely disturbing WhatsApp conversations fantasising about raping a baby as if he were the father, and shared child rape videos and images. Police raided his home in Middleton Drive, Prescot, Merseyside, on July 6, 2020, seizing his Samsung phone which contained 47 Category A indecent images (including 13 videos of babies and toddlers being raped), 41 Category B and 28 Category C images, plus 1,616 prohibited cartoon images, downloaded between October 2019 and July 2020. He distributed Category A, B and C images to others on April 2 and 5.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of downloading, one count of possessing and three counts of distributing indecent photos of children, plus one count of possessing prohibited images of children. No previous convictions. Ordered to comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and sign on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

1 Jan 0001

Lance Buruka

Rape *

Sentence

18 years imprisonment with an extended year on licence

Married father-of-five Lance Buruka, formerly of Heathgate, Skelmersdale, but now of Partridge Close, Birchwood, Warrington, Cheshire, molested a young child before raping her at least seven times. He denied the rapes, forcing the victim to give evidence at trial. The Rwandan and Congolese national has previous convictions including assault on a former partner in 2011 and a suspended sentence for a driving offence.

Found guilty of seven counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 following a trial. Pleaded guilty to two separate sexual assaults and alternative charges. Designated an offender of particular concern. Must sign on the Sex Offenders Register and comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life. Judge Neil Flewitt, QC, noted lack of insight and high risk of reoffending.

1 Jan 0001

Jamie Hart

Failing to comply with Sex Offenders Register notification requirements *

Sentence

8 months imprisonment

Jamie Hart, a convicted rapist on the Sex Offenders Register for life, was released from prison on 8 February 2022 but failed to notify police of his address within three days as required. He ignored multiple police contacts and warnings between 11 February and 21 February 2022, claiming attempts to attend closed stations and hospital stay, but did not comply. Arrested on 16 March 2022 without providing address or interview.

Admitted failing to comply with notification requirements. Pleaded guilty, entitling him to one third discount. Aggravated by 24 previous convictions including three prior breaches. Judge noted persistent and deliberate non-compliance.

1 Jan 0001

Jamie Martin

Downloading and possessing indecent images of children *

Sentence

20 months in prison

Jamie Martin, of Eastbank Street, Southport, Merseyside, collected 129 indecent images of children over a six-year period from January 14, 2014 to May 12, 2020, including 22 Category A images (nine videos of child rape), 13 Category B (four videos), and 90 Category C (nine videos). He also possessed a prohibited image of a child and extreme pornography depicting intercourse with a dead dog. He was active in a network of sex offenders and shared files online.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of downloading and one count of possessing indecent images of children, one count of possessing a prohibited image of a child, and one count of possessing extreme pornography. No previous convictions. Ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register and comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order indefinitely.

1 Jan 0001

James Navickas

Sexual assault and assault by penetration *

Sentence

three and a half years imprisonment

James Navickas, 28, of Joules Close, Walton, Liverpool, sexually assaulted a woman who was heavily intoxicated and incapable of giving informed consent after they had been drinking together. He performed a sex act on her which she had previously stated she found abhorrent. She woke in pain with hazy memory, confronted him, and they exchanged texts where he admitted his actions, called it rape, expressed remorse, and begged her not to report it. He was arrested, initially gave no comment, but later admitted the offences.

Admitted sexual assault and two counts of assault by penetration. Pleaded guilty at earliest opportunity. Previous good character, genuine remorse shown in text messages. Ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and restraining order made.

1 Jan 0001

James Knowles

Rape *

Sentence

25 years imprisonment with 1 year extended licence

James Knowles abused a girl aged between five and 10, raping her on no less than 60 occasions and committing indecent assaults, several decades ago in Liverpool. The victim reported to police in the 1990s but was turned away; she came forward again in 2018.

Found guilty after trial of six counts of rape and three counts of indecent assault. No previous convictions. Age and terminal ill health (heart condition, kidney failure) taken into account with downward adjustment. Judge stated he is likely to die in prison.

1 Jan 0001

James Mercer

Possessing indecent images of children *

Sentence

12 months imprisonment

James Mercer, of Ashburn Avenue, Tower Hill, Kirkby, collected nearly 2,000 'appalling' child rape and abuse images, downloading 1,997 indecent images of children (368 Category A - the most serious involving child rape, 323 Category B, 1,306 Category C) and seven prohibited cartoon or animated images of a child over a near three-year period between May 16, 2018 and March 17, 2021. This followed a 2013 Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) after a previous offence, though he was not in breach of it. Officers discovered the images during a routine check.

Pleaded guilty to possessing 1,997 indecent images of children (368 Category A, 323 Category B, 1,306 Category C) and seven prohibited images of a child. Previous convictions taken into account. Subject to indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) and must sign on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

1 Jan 0001

James Smith

Attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming *

Sentence

2 years and 3 months imprisonment

James Smith, of Halliday Close, Birchwood, Warrington, Cheshire, targeted decoy profiles posing as 13-year-old 'Bekki' on SayHi (June to October) and 14-year-old 'Darcie' on Jaumo (September to November), engaging in sexual conversations, sending a penis photo, joking about grooming, and arranging to meet Darcie at Manchester Oxford Road station on November 5 (did not attend). Confronted by paedophile hunter group Cobra on November 11. Believed he was communicating with underage girls.

Admitted attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming and two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. No previous convictions but caution for sexual assault in 2005. Mitigation included death of father, health issues (COPD and skin disorder), genuine remorse. Judge gave 25% credit for guilty pleas, noted clear intention but no actual child harmed. Ordered to sign Sex Offenders Register for 10 years and indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

1 Jan 0001

James Farquhar

Breaching the Sex Offenders Register requirements *

Sentence

nine months imprisonment

James Farquhar, a previously convicted rapist who served 12 years for repeatedly raping a teenage girl, breached the terms of the Sex Offenders Register by applying for a passport in November 2019 without notification, flying to the Philippines for a month's holiday the following March, and later spending a week on the Greek island of Cos a few weeks before his police interview in November 2020, again without notifying police.

Pleaded guilty to three offences of breaching the Sex Offenders Register requirements. Judge Garrett Byrne noted flagrant disregard of notification requirements designed to manage risk to the community. Defendant claimed mistaken belief he did not need to notify authorities. In ill health and awaiting open heart surgery.

1 Jan 0001

Heath Colwyn

Making and distributing indecent images of children *

Sentence

9 months imprisonment

A 33-year-old family man who downloaded child porn from the internet. Arrested after police investigating a West Midlands man discovered that he had sent images to Colwyn. On March 22, 2005, police seized two laptop computers and 21 floppy discs from his home on Cornwall Way, Ainsdale, Southport, Merseyside, PR8, finding a total of 488 indecent images of children aged between about nine to 15 years (277 lowest category, 89 serious category involving sex with adults). Emails showed he distributed images to others in the UK. Offences committed two and a half years prior to sentencing.

Pleaded guilty to 26 offences of making indecent images of children and five of distributing them. No similar previous convictions. Judge David Aubrey, QC, said viewing such images perpetuates child abuse.

1 Jan 0001

Helen Spree

Misconduct in public office *

Sentence

5 years 3 months imprisonment

Helen Spree, 63, chairwoman of the Independent Monitoring Board at HMP Liverpool, engaged in inappropriate relationships with inmates, including Dylan Westall, over a 20-month period. She smuggled cannabis, mobile phones, SIM cards, and chargers into the prison, and provided information on cell searches and prison officer deployments. She also attempted to influence adjudications and paid money into an inmate's account. A search of her home found custom-made pillows with Westall's face and a matching tattoo. She was arrested in August 2021.

Pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office, conspiracy to supply cannabis, and conspiracy to convey prohibited items into prison. Had no previous convictions. Judge accepted she was manipulated but noted her intelligence and awareness of corruption risks.

1 Jan 0001

Ian Kaufman

Making indecent images of a child *

Sentence

2 years and 8 months imprisonment

Ian Kaufman, a paedophile football coach, catfished a 16-year-old girl from Scotland on Snapchat by pretending to be a 17-year-old boy. He sent her pictures taken from the internet of a male penis and used software (Mobizen) to save videos and pictures she sent, including her using a sex toy and fondling her breasts around February 2020. Police raided his home on East Dam Wood Road, Speke, Liverpool, after information about uploading indecent images via Kik. They found a concealed phone, other indecent images of children (including category A videos of a two-year-old), cartoons of child rape and bestiality. He sent her money and a necklace.

Admitted possession of category A, B and C images, possessing an image of extreme pornography, attempting to take indecent photographs of a child and making indecent images of a child. No previous convictions. Judge noted grooming as aggravating feature but considered disabilities, early admissions and difficult childhood. Must sign Sex Offenders Register for life and adhere to Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.

1 Jan 0001

Ian Watson

Arranging and facilitating the commission of a child sexual offence *

Sentence

five years imprisonment

Ian Watson, of Churchfields in St Helens, was caught by police making arrangements online to meet a nine-year-old boy in Cheshire to engage in sexual activity with the child. Watson was making the arrangements with another adult online, but what he did not know was that his accomplice was actually a police officer from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit.

Found guilty of arranging and facilitating the commission of a child sexual offence. Arrested on March 30, 2020.

1 Jan 0001

George Brusby

Attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and arranging a child sex offence *

Sentence

27 months imprisonment

George Brusby, 26, from Warrington, initiated online contact with a decoy posing as a 13-year-old girl on a dating site in January 2023. Despite being told she was 13, he continued conversations, moved to WhatsApp, sent explicit photos including an image of his penis, and arranged to meet her at his home. On 26 February 2023, members of a paedophile hunter group confronted him at his address, live-streaming the event. Police arrested him. Brusby pleaded guilty to attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and arranging the commission of a child sex offence.

Pleaded guilty to attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and arranging the commission of a child sex offence. Judge Katherine Pierpoint rejected suspension, stating: 'You told the author of your pre-sentence report that you do not have a sexual interest in children, but in my judgement, you clearly have a sexual interest in children.' Sentenced to 27 months immediate imprisonment, ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years, and comply with a sexual harm prevention order for the same period.

1 Jan 0001

Gary Mcbride

Making and distributing indecent images of children *

Sentence

9 months imprisonment

Gary McBride, a 35-year-old former Merseyside Police constable, used his computer to download and distribute indecent images of children. The offences emerged during an investigation into another suspect for indecently assaulting a teenage girl, when police discovered email exchanges between McBride and that suspect containing child pornography. On 3 November 2004, police raided his home in Bootle, Merseyside, seizing two computers. Forensic analysis confirmed he had downloaded and distributed the images. He admitted to six charges of making indecent images and six charges of distributing a total of 40 such images. At sentencing on 20 May 2005 at Liverpool Crown Court, Judge Maureen Roddy imposed a nine-month prison term and ordered him to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Pleaded guilty to six charges of making indecent images and six charges of distributing indecent images. Placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years. The court noted a difficult divorce as context but not mitigation.

1 Jan 0001

Gary Mulligan

Attempted rape *

Sentence

11 and a half years' imprisonment

In 2005, Gary Mulligan, then 51, targeted a drunk teenage girl in St Helens, Merseyside. While she dozed off after watching a horror film, he put on a pornographic film and made sexual advances. She woke astonished and protested as he attempted to rape her, sexually assaulted her, and committed assault by penetration. The victim fought him off and fled. She reported it in 2018 after confiding in a friend.

Unanimously found guilty after a five-day trial of attempted rape, causing a child to look at an image of sexual activity, two counts of sexual assault and two counts of assault by penetration. Ordered to sign on the Sex Offenders Register for life. Previous good character and impact of COVID-19 taken into account. Must serve two thirds (seven years and eight months) before release on licence.

1 Jan 0001

Glyn Thomas

Rape *

Sentence

19 years imprisonment

Glyn Thomas, aged 68 at the time of trial, was convicted of a series of horrific sexual offences against two young girls in Merseyside. The offences, which included 11 counts of rape, six counts of indecent assault, five counts of sexual assault, and two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, involved forcing one victim to mimic scenes from pornographic DVDs, using objects to inflict deliberate pain, repeated rapes, and indecent assaults. The second victim was repeatedly molested under the pretence of checking for lumps. Both victims came forward independently to Merseyside Police in 2015. Thomas denied all allegations, accusing the victims of lying, but a jury convicted him on all counts at Liverpool Crown Court. He was sentenced in October 2017 and died of pneumonia at HMP Holme House on 23 November 2025.

Pleaded not guilty but convicted on all counts of multiple rapes, indecent assaults, sexual assaults, and causing a child to engage in sexual activity against two young girls. Sentencing judge described crimes as 'truly horrifying'. Died in custody in 2025.

1 Jan 0001

Graham Draper

Sexual activity with a child *

Sentence

3 years 4 months imprisonment

Graham Draper, a 31-year-old former scout leader and police community support officer from Thornton, Merseyside, groomed and sexually abused a 13-year-old girl over an 18-month period when he was 22 years old. He initiated contact online, sending messages that became sexual, picked her up in his car, kissed her, took her to his house, and drove her to various locations across Merseyside for sexual intercourse on multiple occasions. He gave her money and alcohol, professed love, and promised they would run away together when she turned 18. He told her he was in the police, as he was a PCSO at the time. The victim reported the abuse in 2020, and Draper admitted to the allegations. She described long-lasting mental health issues. He pleaded guilty to eight counts.

Pleaded guilty to eight counts including sexual activity with a child by kissing, causing a child to watch sexual activity, and multiple counts of sexual activity with a child. Judge Andrew Menary QC remarked that there was grooming behaviour and dismissed claims of immaturity.

1 Jan 0001

Gregory Witham

Attempted rape *

Sentence

16 years imprisonment

Gregory Witham molested his young victim on multiple occasions, repeatedly attempting to rape her and engaging in sexual activity with her, including touching her genitalia under her clothing and inciting her to perform a sex act on him. This caused severe psychological harm, leading her to self-harm and write 'I want to die' on a school computer, which prompted discovery by teachers.

Found guilty after trial, having denied wrongdoing and blamed the victim. No previous convictions. Ex-Navy serviceman. Judge noted complete lack of remorse.

1 Jan 0001

Graham Lewis

Theft *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment

Graham Lewis, former chief executive of Everton Football Club's charity Everton in the Community, stole £5,000 from the charity's accounts. He claimed the money was provided by Manchester Metropolitan University for staff research training in Shanghai, but was found guilty of one count of stealing after a three-day trial. A finance clerk was duped into cashing the cheque on his behalf.

Pleaded not guilty. Defence argued for a suspended sentence, describing the offence as 'a moment of madness'.

1 Jan 0001

Harris Polak

Fraud *

Sentence

45 months imprisonment

Harris Polak, a 54-year-old businessman, contracted by Cancer Relief UK, Clatterbridge Cancer Research, and Cerebral Palsy Care for Children to undertake supermarket collections between 2007 and 2011. He employed a team of fundraisers but failed to declare amounts collected to the charities, keeping over £213,000 of the funds for himself.

Pleaded guilty to defrauding charities. Wife Reva Polak was accused of aiding and abetting but was let off after his guilty plea. He was a prominent member of Liverpool's Childwall Synagogue.

1 Jan 0001

Harry Gilbertson

Murder *

Sentence

life imprisonment with a minimum term of 13 years

On 25 November 2021, 14-year-old Harry Gilbertson stabbed 12-year-old Ava White in the neck with a knife after an argument over a Snapchat video. Ava and her friends were near the Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool waiting for the Christmas lights switch-on. Gilbertson and his friends started filming the girls for Snapchat. When Ava asked them to stop, she ran towards the group, and Gilbertson stabbed her. He laughed and fled, disposing of the knife and his coat. He later bought butter, claiming it was for crumpets. Ava was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital but died at 10:16 pm. Gilbertson was arrested that night in Toxteth with three other boys.

Found guilty of murder. Claimed self-defence. Had initially denied the murder, blaming another boy.

1 Jan 0001

Graham Wortley

Conspiracy to defraud *

Sentence

6 years in prison

Graham Wortley and Robert Ware carried out a sophisticated mortgage scam over three and a half years. They encouraged loan firms to give short-term bridging loans against properties they had purchased, then sent forged documents to HM Land Registry to remove mortgage protections, allowing them to refinance or sell the properties to others, including wealthy investors from Saudi Arabia. This caused extensive damage, with one company losing £3 million and a solicitors firm going into administration.

Found guilty of conspiracy to defraud after a six-year-long investigation. Liverpool-based.

1 Jan 0001

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.

We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any court, government body, or law enforcement agency. While we endeavour to ensure the accuracy of all information, we accept no liability for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this data. If you believe any entry is inaccurate, outdated, or should be removed, please submit a removal request using the icon on the relevant entry or contact us directly.

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Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts Derby Square, The, Liverpool L2 1XA, Liverpool, L2 1XA, United Kingdom

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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 1011 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.

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Liverpool Crown Court Sentencing Results

John Hamilton

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Glyn Thomas

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About Liverpool Crown Court

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