Liverpool Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 467 verdicts at Liverpool Crown Court (Liverpool). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Nathan Simpson

Conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs

July 18, 2025

Sentence: Part of a combined sentence of 55 years and 5 months imprisonment

Nathan Simpson, using the handle 'Gardenfella', was a key leader in an organised crime group that supplied significant quantities of cannabis (115.283kg), cocaine (10.982kg), and amphetamine (63.44kg). He coordinated with suppliers from Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham areas, stored and distributed drugs, shared control of firearms, and planned drive-by shootings and punishment shootings against rival gang members. The group operated at an industrial level, with arrests made on November 27, 2024, during which drugs, cash, mobile phones, and luxury items were seized.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs; involved in coordinating supply, distribution, and disputes with rival gangs; prior involvement in firearms and planned shootings.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Steven Dodd

Conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs

July 18, 2025

Sentence: Part of a combined sentence of 55 years and 5 months imprisonment

Steven Dodd, using the handle 'Stickygreen', played a key role in the gang's operations by helping to collect, store, and distribute large quantities of cannabis, cocaine, and amphetamine obtained from various sources in the Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham areas.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs; served as a trusted member involved in collecting, storing, and distributing drugs for the group.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Shaun Ashley

Sexual assault of a girl under 13 and sexual activity with a child

July 17, 2025

Sentence: Seven-and-a-half years imprisonment

Shaun Ashley sexually assaulted a girl by touching her vagina on two occasions when she was under 13 and still in primary school, and once more when she was a teenager. The crimes came to light when the victim's mother discovered social media messages between the victim and her boyfriend revealing the abuse. Ashley attempted to bribe the victim with money to ensure her silence and has remained adamant about his innocence despite the jury's verdict.

Found guilty after a trial, showed no remorse, and refused to take responsibility. He has one previous conviction for travelling on a railway without paying a fare and a caution for shoplifting. The judge noted his conduct demonstrated an absence of remorse and that a custodial sentence would be significant punishment.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Laura Greenwood

Sending offensive communications and threatening messages

July 17, 2025

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment

Laura Greenwood, a former Countdown contestant, sent a series of abusive and threatening messages online targeting Channel 4 producer Damian Eadie and presenter Rachel Riley. These included posts on forums accusing Eadie of being a paedophile and editing episodes maliciously, as well as messages via contact forms explicitly threatening to kill Eadie and Riley, sent between December 2023 and July 2024. The threats caused genuine fear for the victims' safety, leading to safeguarding measures. Greenwood was already in prison at the time and claimed the actions stemmed from mental health issues and perceived grievances from her time on the show in 2012-2013.

Admitted to three counts of sending offensive communications and three counts of sending messages threatening death or serious harm. Judge considered mental health factors and substance abuse as mitigating circumstances. Previously serving a two years and eight months sentence for arson and related offences.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Paul Chowles

Theft

July 16, 2025

Sentence: five and a half years imprisonment

Paul Chowles, a former National Crime Agency intelligence officer, stole 50 Bitcoin that had been seized from Thomas White, a dark web drug dealer involved in the Silk Road 2.0 site. The theft occurred in May 2017, when Chowles accessed White's cryptocurrency wallet and transferred the funds to a mixing service to hide his tracks. He was arrested in 2022, and the stolen Bitcoin was valued at nearly £60,000 at the time, though it is now worth around £4.4 million.

Pleaded guilty to one count of theft, one count of transferring criminal property, and one count of concealing criminal property. Was a former National Crime Agency officer dismissed for gross misconduct.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Mark Brockley

Distributing infringing articles and fraudulent evasion of income tax

July 15, 2025

Sentence: five years imprisonment

Mark Brockley advertised and sold pirated subscriptions for streaming Premier League and Champions League matches through the Infinity IPTV platform, generating an estimated £312,000 in profits between October 2014 and May 2019. He failed to declare his income to HM Revenue and Customs and evaded taxes, causing a revenue loss of around £3 million to legitimate services like BT. After a police raid in July 2019, he continued operations briefly before fleeing to France and Spain with his dog. He was arrested in Spain, extradited to the UK, and sentenced following a trial in his absence.

Found guilty in his absence after fleeing to Europe; judge noted his leading role in the operation and expressed that it was a sophisticated enterprise causing substantial loss; defence argued he played a management role and requested leniency.

Sources: dailypost.co.uk

Jordan Lytollis

Theft and Affray

July 15, 2025

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment and a 4-year criminal behaviour order

Jordan Lytollis conducted a series of planned thefts from JD Sports and Footasylum stores across Merseyside and Greater Manchester between January and March 2025, stealing goods worth thousands of pounds. On February 3, 2025, after being caught shoplifting at a Footasylum store in Liverpool ONE, he armed himself with a metal bar, swung it at staff, threatened to harm them, and damaged property to escape. He used methods like removing security tags and had an accomplice in one incident. His actions involved aggression towards staff and repeated attempts to evade capture.

Pleaded guilty to affray, criminal damage and 10 counts of theft. Judge described him as a 'greedy and violent individual' with 26 previous convictions for offences including burglary and assault. Defence stated he committed crimes to provide for his family and has since sought employment.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Graham Lightfoot

Indecent Assault

July 14, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 9 months imprisonment

Graham Lightfoot indecently assaulted two young girls on numerous occasions when they were aged as young as 11, between 2000 and 2004. One of the victims was also sexually assaulted. The abuses were reported to Cheshire Police in June 2023, leading to an investigation, charges, and his conviction at trial. The victims described the significant impact on their lives.

Denied the charges but was found guilty following a trial. In addition to the prison sentence, he was handed a restraining order preventing contact with his victims. Detective Constable Kelly Mitchell noted that Lightfoot took advantage of two young girls for his own twisted sexual gratification.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Kieran Size

Supply of Crack Cocaine and Heroin

July 10, 2025

Sentence: 40 months imprisonment

Kieran Size was involved in a county line operation in Sefton, supplying crack cocaine and heroin. He was stopped by Merseyside Police on June 6, 2025, where a graft phone was found in his car. The activities spanned from March 6 to June 6, 2025.

Charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin between March 6 and June 6, 2025. Arrested after police found a graft phone in his car. Part of Operation Toxic under Project Medusa.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Chris Beya

Possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence

July 10, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Chris Beya, riding a bike, entered Hatherley Street from Mulgrave Road in Toxteth as people were leaving Al Rahma mosque after afternoon prayers. He dismounted, ran at two men who fled inside the mosque, and then pulled out what appeared to be a firearm before walking away. No firearm was recovered, but an investigation identified him as the perpetrator, leading to his arrest and charging.

Pleaded guilty to being in possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. Detective Inspector John Mullen noted that this was a serious offence causing community concern, and that imitation firearms can cause fear similar to real ones.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Steven Mccracken

Possession with intent to supply Class A drug

July 9, 2025

Sentence: 12 years and 8 months imprisonment

Steven McCracken, 43, of Derby Lane, Stoneycroft, was spotted by officers on patrol and arrested on March 3 on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of cannabis. A search of his address uncovered 10kg of Class A and B drugs, more than £30,000 in cash, three firearms in separate holdalls, and a silencer inside a designer bag. Forensic examination confirmed the weapons were viable.

Sentenced for multiple offences including possession of firearms, ammunition, offensive weapons, and drug supply. Arrested following a police investigation led by Merseyside Police’s Project Medusa team.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Harry Ford

Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs

July 8, 2025

Sentence: 30 months in prison

On April 24, 2025, officers from Widnes Proactive CID executed a warrant at Harry Ford's address on Russell Court in Widnes, after gathering intelligence on a county lines drug dealer. They discovered quantities of heroin and cocaine, along with cash and mobile phones linked to the supply of illegal drugs. Ford, aged 24, was charged and sentenced for his involvement in drug supply operations.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. PC Nicholls of Widnes Proactive CID noted that Ford believed he was operating under the radar but was quickly identified and removed from the streets.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Filip Stasiuk

Supply of Class A and B Drugs

July 7, 2025

Sentence: 38 months imprisonment

On June 5, 2025, police stopped a silver Chrysler on Henderson Road in Widnes where Filip Stasiuk was a passenger. The vehicle had a strong smell of cannabis, masked by an excessive number of air fresheners. Stasiuk was found with £270 cash and an iPhone containing messages indicating his active involvement in the illegal supply of cocaine and cannabis. He was arrested and later sentenced, with his prior convictions and ongoing licence conditions taken into account.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs. Was on prison licence for previous drug supply offences and wanted on warrant for an arson offence. Police noted him as a convicted County Lines drug dealer and hoped the sentence would deter such activities.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Odday El-Saddi

Rape

July 7, 2025

Sentence: 17 years in prison

Odday El-Saddi, 48, of Regency Square, Warrington, raped a young child and subjected them to years of sick sexual abuse, attacking his victim on multiple occasions over a three-year period.

Failed to show any remorse and forced the victim to relive the experiences in court. Ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Joel Dever

Sexual activity with a child

July 4, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 3 months imprisonment

Joel Dever met a 14-year-old girl through a social media site and entered into a sexual relationship with her for over a year, frequently reserving hotel rooms in Southport and Liverpool. The offences occurred throughout 2023 and involved exploitation of the schoolgirl. Hotel staff raised concerns about the girl's age, leading to police involvement. He was also involved in arranging or facilitating a child sex offence and making indecent images of a child (category A, B, or C videos).

Pleaded guilty to numerous child sexual offences. Additionally given a lifelong restraining order and must register on the Sex Offender Register for life.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

John Dever

Sexual activity with a child

July 3, 2025

Sentence: Five years and three months imprisonment

John Dever, aged 22 at the time, met a 14-year-old girl on social media in 2023 and engaged in a sexual relationship with her that lasted over a year. He arranged hotel stays across Liverpool and Southport to facilitate the exploitation. Hotel staff noticed concerns about the girl's age and alerted the police, leading to his arrest and conviction.

Pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual activity with a child, arranging or facilitating a child sex offence, and five counts of making indecent images of a child. Also issued with a lifelong restraining order and required to sign the Sex Offender Register for life.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Kevin Marshall

Attempted sexual communications with a child

July 3, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment and a lifelong sexual harm prevention order

Kevin Marshall, a 45-year-old dad-of-three from Hursley Road in Fazakerley, falsely posed as a reverend on social media, posting pictures of himself in a priest's collar and a Moncler coat. He communicated with two decoy 15-year-old girls via Facebook and WhatsApp, making repeated attempts to meet them, booking a hotel stay in Glasgow for April 25, 2025, and sending explicit messages about sexual encounters. He arranged to meet one girl for coffee in the Crosby area and offered to pick up the other in his Volvo. He was confronted and arrested by the paedophile hunter group Saving Children's Futures UK on April 28, 2025, after which he claimed to police that he had done nothing wrong.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted sexual communications with a child and two charges of arranging or facilitating a child sex offence. Judge Simon Medland KC described his actions as grooming children under an imaginative disguise and noted that children should not be sexualised. He has a criminal record including a five-year sentence for blackmail in 2015. Defence stated he was disgusted and embarrassed by his behaviour, attributing it to cocaine misuse after his mother's death in January 2025.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Kieran O'connor

Animal cruelty

July 2, 2025

Sentence: Community order with 26 programme requirement days, £500 costs, £114 victim surcharge, and a 5-year ban from owning animals

Kieran O'Connor picked up his dog, Prince, a brown male bull breed-type dog, and threw him over a fence onto concrete on October 1, 2024, outside his house. This act caused potential pain, suffering, injury, and disease, as he failed to protect the dog from physical abuse and emotional distress. The incident was captured on video, widely shared on social media, and led to charges under the Animal Welfare Act brought by the RSPCA. O'Connor is a self-employed gardener from Parbrook Road in Huyton.

Dzan Etem

Grievous Bodily Harm

July 2, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and 200 hours of community service

Dzan Etem, then 16 years old, delivered an unprovoked punch to Eisa Abderahman, aged 38 at the time, in Clayton Square on July 2, 2022, during a verbal altercation. The victim suffered life-altering injuries, including a fractured skull and bleed to the brain, leaving him unable to live independently and requiring care. Etem fled the scene but later handed himself in after being identified via social media and recognised by his schoolteachers.

Pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm. No further offences committed since the incident. Judge Andrew Menary urged him to take the chance and showed remorse for his actions.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Daniel Orme

Rape of a child under 13

July 2, 2025

Sentence: 6.5 years imprisonment

Daniel Orme sexually abused his seven-year-old nephew, Jake Porter, by taking him to his bedroom after playing video games and subjecting him to rape and other sexual activities. The abuse occurred when the victim was a child, leading to long-term trauma. Orme was convicted on multiple charges related to the incidents.

Danny Smith

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

July 2, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment

Danny Smith, a prisoner from North Wales, threw a kettle filled with boiling water over his cellmate during a dispute over a vape at HMP Altcourse on July 27, 2023. The victim awoke in intense pain, suffering scalding on his left arm and neck, which resulted in light scarring and a perforated eardrum causing hearing difficulties. Smith pressed an emergency alarm and claimed the victim was going to kill him, leading to a scuffle. He confessed to the assault immediately to prison officers.

Admitted one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Has 65 previous convictions for 123 offences. Judge urged him to seek mental health support and ensure access to medication upon release.

Sources: dailypost.co.uk

Dylan Threlfall

Violent Disorder

July 1, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

Dylan Threlfall, aged 23, from Freshfield Avenue in Atherton, was involved in violent disorder in Southport on July 30, 2024. He threw items including a wheelie bin, bricks, and a concrete slab at police officers and a police van. Cannabis was found at his home during his arrest on April 3, 2025. The disorder followed the stabbing deaths of three children and involved widespread violence and looting.

Admitted violent disorder and possession of cannabis. Previously of good character, training as an electrician, and expecting another child; expressed regret for his actions and their impact on his family.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Keelan Westbrook

Violent Disorder

July 1, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment

Keelan Westbrook, aged 21, from Freshfield Avenue in Atherton, participated in violent disorder in Southport on July 30, 2024. He was seen gesticulating towards police officers and throwing missiles at them while wearing a distinctive bright pink top. The incident was part of riots following the stabbing deaths of three children, involving a large crowd engaging in violence against police and property.

Admitted violent disorder. Previously of good character, aged 20 at the time of the offence, and expecting his first child; had aspirations to join the army but expressed remorse for getting caught up in the events.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Martin Threlfall

Violent Disorder

July 1, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Martin Threlfall, aged 29, from Windermere Road in Ince, Wigan, participated in violent disorder in Southport on July 30, 2024. He threw bricks and a wheelie bin at police officers, smashed a police van windscreen while an officer was inside, and kicked vehicles. A curved sword was seized from his home during his arrest on April 3, 2025. The incident occurred amid riots following the stabbing deaths of three children, involving a crowd of around 1,000 people.

Admitted violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon. Described as having exemplary military service, family bereavement, and neurodivergent issues; expressed remorse and shame for his actions.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Pham Van Cuong

Production of cannabis

July 1, 2025

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment

Pham Van Cuong was found tending to 257 cannabis plants in a house on Beryl Walk in Fazakerley on March 10, 2025. Neighbours reported the property should have been empty, but police discovered it converted for cannabis production across all rooms, with a potential yield of 7kg to 21.5kg. He attempted to hide in the loft when police arrived and claimed he was coerced into working as a 'gardener' due to threats against his family in Vietnam, where he had been smuggled from in 2020.

Admitted one count of production of cannabis. Had a previous conviction for the same offense in Scotland. Judge Stuart Driver KC noted it as a serious aggravating factor and stated that appropriate punishment required immediate custody. He was under pressure and intimidation from third parties who smuggled him into the UK.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

John Sarawanskyj

Murder

June 30, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment

John Sarawanskyj murdered his father Ivan, aged 73, by beating him to death at their home on Braemar Avenue in Southport following a row over a dog called Zeus. He expressed no remorse during the proceedings.

Showed no remorse after beating his father Ivan to death and was unanimously found guilty.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Ian Thompson

Burglary

June 30, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Ian Thompson crept into a woman's bedroom while she was sleeping and rifled through her belongings as part of a string of break-ins. The victim, a mother, woke up believing it was her husband returning from work, but instead found Thompson glaring at her, leaving her heart pounding and cowering under the covers for what felt like a lifetime. This occurred in the early hours, and he was involved in additional burglaries on Buttermere Gardens on November 4 and Desmond Grove on November 5.

Admitted five counts of burglary and asked for two further offences to be taken into consideration in sentencing. The victim described the incident as 'petrifying'.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Daniel Williams

Inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent

June 30, 2025

Sentence: five years and four months imprisonment

Daniel Williams attacked his cellmate, Boniface Kutara, at HMP Liverpool on September 8, 2023, by pouring boiling sugar water over him while he slept and then repeatedly punching him in the face and body. The attack stemmed from a dispute over milk rations and television choices, leaving Kutara with burns covering nine per cent of his body, permanent scarring, damaged skin pigment, and issues with hearing, vision, flashbacks, and nightmares.

Admitted one count of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent. Has five previous convictions for offences including threats with an offensive weapon and battery. Judge Katherine Pierpoint noted his temper and urged him to address it to avoid future imprisonments, considering his age and first adult prison experience.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Barbara Peters

Conspiracy to convey a prohibited list B article into a prison

June 30, 2025

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment

Barbara Peters, a 57-year-old prison officer at HMP Altcourse, smuggled illicit items including alcohol, tobacco, mobile phones, and other contraband into the prison on at least 15 occasions between March and June 2023. She was paid approximately £9,000 and acted under threats and blackmail from inmates. The smuggling involved hiding items in her bra and meeting associates outside the prison, such as in car parks, to receive the contraband. She was arrested on June 6, 2023, at her new workplace and provided detailed admissions during interviews.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to convey a prohibited list B article into a prison. Judge noted her vulnerability, manipulation by inmates, and payments received, but highlighted the seriousness of the offense. She has no prior convictions and was sentenced with regret due to her circumstances.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Callum Crofts

Rape of a child under 16

June 30, 2025

Sentence: 15 years imprisonment

Callum Crofts, 22, of King Street, Southport, abused five children through multiple sexual offences that occurred between February 2023 and March 2024. These included the rape of a child under 16, seven counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, three counts of engaging in sexual communications with a child, one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, one count of sending a photograph of genitals to cause alarm, distress or humiliation, and three counts of making indecent photographs of a child (categories A, B and C).

Pleaded guilty to 11 offences against children after being found guilty of rape of a child under 16 in a trial. Detective Constable Lindsey Harris noted that Crofts acted only to satisfy his own depravity and showed no regard for the victims' emotional impact.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

David Roberts

Burglary

June 27, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 2 months imprisonment

David Roberts broke into a mosque in Warrington while worshippers were present, stealing a jacket and a mobile phone after trying on shoes; broke into Widnes Foodbank by smashing a rear window, leaving the area covered in blood and stealing food; broke into St Alban's Church in Bewsey the next day, triggering an alarm and stealing cash from the priest's quarters where he was found hiding in the bath; and committed another burglary on Foregate Street in Chester. These crimes were motivated by his drug habit.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary, criminal damage, and failing to surrender to bail. Has a £200-a-day drug habit, a history of 58 previous convictions, and a troubled childhood. Judge noted his mental health problems and prolific offending.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Lee Nichols

Unlawful wounding

June 27, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

Lee Nichols attacked a 72-year-old deaf man in retribution after being told to 'f*** off' when begging in a pub. The incident began around 9pm on October 28, 2024, in the Clairville pub on Wallasey Road, Liscard, Wirral. Nichols became aggressive, took a picture on the victim's phone as an intimidation tactic, and later punched the victim at a bus stop, breaking his glasses and causing him to fall. He then stamped on and repeatedly kicked the victim to the legs and ribs, resulting in injuries including a broken finger. The victim required two days of hospital treatment at Arrowe Park Hospital.

Pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding. Has 124 previous convictions, including violence. Judge described the attack as wholly unprovoked and unwarranted.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Michael Flanagan

Attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm

June 27, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Michael Flanagan began a short-term relationship with Shannon Johanson in October 2024, but it ended due to his paranoid and jealous behaviour. On November 23, 2024, he entered her home uninvited while armed with a knife and threatened to stab her and others, believing she was seeing another man. The following day, during an argument in his car, he drove erratically at high speed, ignored her pleas to stop, and deliberately crashed into a tree on Kirklake Road near Formby, intending to cause serious injury. She escaped with minor injuries despite the crash occurring at around 60mph in a 30mph zone.

Pleaded guilty to the charges. Diagnosed with ADHD and this is his first custodial sentence. Judge noted he intended to cause really serious injury and highlighted aggravating factors such as the domestic context and his prior convictions.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Lewis Tucker

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

June 27, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment and a five-year restraining order

Lewis Tucker entered the victim's home on Stonehill Street in Anfield around 3am on March 28, 2025, where he threatened her by saying, 'You're all going to be dead. I'm going to be a terrorist now, and I'm going to burn your house down,' referencing her past as a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. He armed himself with a knife from the kitchen, repeatedly punched and kicked her even after she fell to the ground, and continued the attack despite his mother's intervention. He then damaged the property by breaking the TV, ripping out the fireplace, smashing drinking vessels, and throwing a traffic cone through the front window.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage. Suffered from a relapse of psychotic symptoms, diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and ADHD, and likely has ASD. Had a difficult upbringing and 13 previous convictions for 31 offences.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Michael Linfoot

Sexual activity with a child

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 11 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months

In 2018, Michael Linfoot, along with Callum Hesketh, picked up a 15-year-old girl and her friend in a white van in exchange for alcoholic drinks. They drove to Rivington and parked, where Linfoot raped the victim while Hesketh recorded the acts. Afterwards, the girls were returned to Adlington.

Peter Melia

Engaging in Controlling or Coercive Behaviour

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 2.5 years imprisonment and a 5-year restraining order

Peter Melia engaged in a pattern of domestic abuse against his girlfriend starting in July 2021, involving control over her social media, clothing, and social interactions. Incidents included striking her during sex refusals around Christmas 2022, punching her on holiday, backhanding her in Poland over a Facebook like, and on January 7, 2024, grabbing her throat, punching her, strangling her, and attempting to bite her nose after discovering she was vaping. He has prior convictions for similar offences against another partner.

Pleaded guilty to engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and intentional strangulation. Expressed remorse in court, stating it was the biggest mistake of his life and has stopped drinking. Judge hoped he would learn from the experience.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Thomas Rae

Sexual activity with a child

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 11 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months

In 2018, Thomas Rae arrived at the scene in Rivington on a motorbike after being summoned by Callum Hesketh. He approached the van and orally raped the 15-year-old victim during the ongoing assault.

Jack Hartley

Supply of cocaine and cannabis

June 26, 2025

Sentence: five years and eight months imprisonment

Jack Hartley used an Instagram account under the name 'Harry Pothead' to sell cocaine and cannabis. On May 1, 2025, police searched his mother's home on Kremlin Drive in Tuebrook and found 722.64g of cocaine hidden in a cement mixer, along with £935.35 in cash, scales, snap bags, and a note with login details. Hartley attempted to destroy mobile phones linked to the account by smashing them and flushing them down the toilet. He was out on licence at the time and had previously been subject to a serious crime prevention order from Preston Crown Court in February 2022, which he failed to comply with.

Pleaded guilty to the charges. Counsel stated he is wasting his life and aims to prove himself upon release. This is his third conviction for drug trafficking offences.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Callum Hesketh

Sexual activity with a child and making indecent videos

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months

In 2018, Callum Hesketh contacted a 15-year-old girl via social media, proposing a threesome which she declined. He persisted with calls and messages, video calling her to request sexual poses while he masturbated. Later, he picked up the victim and her friend in a van, drove to Rivington, and recorded sex acts on his phone during the assault, broadcasting them with the caption 'GANG BANG OUT HERE'. Three more men arrived, and the incident involved multiple perpetrators.

Pleaded guilty to sending sexualised social media messages and making indecent videos of a child.

Sources: lancs.live

John Carmichael

Drink driving

June 25, 2025

Sentence: £500 fine, £400 to Crown Prosecution Service, £200 surcharge, and 10 points on driving licence

On September 11, 2024, John Carmichael was found in charge of a Ford Focus in the St Helens Linkway Tesco car park while having 81 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35 micrograms. He was also in possession of the class B drug cannabis and did not have valid insurance for the vehicle.

Pled guilty to three offences. Not disqualified due to mitigating circumstances, including loss of employment, potential loss of accommodation, and impact on his and his family's health.

Sources: sthelensstar.co.uk

Lee Houghton

Attempted Robbery

June 24, 2025

Sentence: 34 months imprisonment

On March 25, 2025, Lee Houghton, while intoxicated and begging in a café at the Liverpool University Dental Hospital, became aggressive and punched security guard John Baxter in the head when asked to leave. He then approached Kim Harries, a woman in her 60s using walking sticks, outside the hospital, attempted to snatch her prescription medication by shouting and pushing her, causing her to fall and sustain injuries including bruising and swelling to her knee and elbow. He was arrested the following day and later stripped naked in custody while insulting his solicitor.

Admitted attempted robbery and assaulting an emergency services worker. Has 51 previous convictions, including offences of dishonesty. Judge warned him to 'get a grip of his life' and address issues with drugs and alcohol, or face longer sentences.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

David Croke

Robbery

June 24, 2025

Sentence: 25 months imprisonment

On January 4, 2025, David Croke entered a convenience store on Whitefield Road in Anfield, approached the employee at the counter, and threatened him with a knife, claiming he would take items from the shop. He placed detergent and washing products worth £25.46 into a bag but was unable to leave after the employee lowered the shutters. Croke begged to be released, confessed he was not armed, and threatened the victim before attempting to escape through the staff toilet, where he was locked in until police arrived.

Pleaded guilty to robbery. Has a history of drug and alcohol addiction, which motivated the offence to fund his addictions. Previous convictions include a six-year sentence for robbery in 2014. Judge noted aggravating factors such as prior convictions and attempts to dissuade the victim from reporting.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Keiron Pickett

Making indecent images of children

June 20, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order

Keiron Pickett, a 24-year-old teaching assistant, secretly filmed upskirt videos of Year 7 girls at his school between September 2023 and January 2024. He stored six such videos on his iPhone, along with 62 indecent images (including category A material), 28 category B images, 192 category C images, and handwritten notes about his students. His account was flagged on Instagram on September 9, 2024, leading to his arrest. He panicked during arrest and threatened self-harm but provided his phone password. The crimes involved abusing his position of trust with vulnerable children who had complex learning needs.

Pleaded guilty to operating equipment under clothing without consent, taking indecent images of children, five counts of making indecent images, and possession of cannabis. No previous convictions. Judge commented on the abuse of his position of trust and the impact on victims.

Sources: dailyrecord.co.uk

Richard Mellor

Conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine

June 20, 2025

Sentence: 14 years and 18 months imprisonment

Richard Mellor organised and directed the supply of 48.5kg of cocaine and 21.5kg of heroin via the EncroChat platform, using the handle 'Wonky Kite'. He kept detailed ledgers of his activities. After the network was infiltrated in 2020, he fled to Spain but was arrested on August 25, 2024, and extradited to the UK. He has three children and a grandchild, and was involved in volunteering for football and boxing.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine. No previous convictions. Described as a model prisoner and involved in community work, including as a health and wellbeing mentor. Judge noted his remorse and previous good character.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Michael Kelly

Rape and Sexual Assault

June 19, 2025

Sentence: 21 years imprisonment and 1 year on licence

Michael Kelly, a 66-year-old man, targeted children as young as eight over approximately a decade in the Wirral and Worcestershire areas. He sexually assaulted and raped multiple victims, including forcing a girl to strip during games of hide and seek in exchange for access to his phone and using threats to keep them silent. Victims reported suffering from nightmares, flashbacks, feelings of worthlessness, and long-term emotional trauma.

Found guilty of 24 sexual offences after a trial. No previous convictions. Suffers from Parkinson's disease, colitis, and depression. Served in the armed forces for six years. Judge stated that his offending ruined lives and that he represents a danger of causing serious sexual harm to children, with no remorse shown.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Michael Oakes

Violent disorder

June 19, 2025

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

Michael Oakes was part of a 1,000-strong mob involved in violent disorder in Southport on July 30, 2024, the day after three children were murdered. He threw missiles at unprotected police officers, who were deployed near a mosque, resulting in injuries to 50 officers. He was seen on CCTV throwing objects, searching for more missiles, and attempting to break a paving slab while under the influence of alcohol.

Pleaded guilty to violent disorder. The judge noted his involvement caused serious fear, distress, and disruption in the community. He has previous convictions including battery, theft, criminal damage, and drug offences, and was non-compliant with court orders. His partner is expecting their first child, and he has been engaging with drug services and caring for his grandmother.

Sources: wigantoday.net

Rachel Wilson

Fraud by abuse of position

June 18, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 2 months imprisonment

Rachel Wilson, employed as head cashier at Liverpool Legal Services Ltd for 16 years, engaged in a four-year campaign of fraud by making 89 fraudulent payments totalling £13,529.25 into her own accounts and fabricating cheques worth £196,000 for fictitious office expenses. This was discovered by a colleague during her holiday in August 2024, and she confessed during a disciplinary hearing and police interview. The crimes occurred between April 2020 and 2024, involving abuse of her trusted position to steal over £200,000.

Pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position. The judge considered her remorse, lack of prior convictions, and personal circumstances, including funding her husband's drug habit under pressure, as well as her ongoing rehabilitation for anxiety and depression.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Matthew Bushell

Breaching a sexual harm prevention order

June 17, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment

Matthew Bushell, a 52-year-old convicted sex offender subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order from 2014, breached the order by deleting his internet history on 356 occasions on his phone and 125 times on his tablet. He searched for terms related to online sex chats, pornographic websites, and escort services on Viva Street. This occurred shortly after his release from prison on June 3, 2024, at his home on Cobden Road in Southport. He confessed during police interview that he deleted the history because he was scared and thought he could get away with it, and he has been recalled on licence from a previous 16-month sentence for similar breaches.

Admitted to breaching a sexual harm prevention order. Has nine previous convictions for 19 offences, including prior breaches. Judge remarked that this was not his first offence and highlighted his awareness of the order's requirements. Defence noted issues with alcohol abuse and his understanding of the need to avoid further trouble.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Edward Jarvis

Drug trafficking

June 17, 2025

Sentence: 25 years in prison

Edward Jarvis was sentenced to 25 years in prison for his instrumental role in the Huyton Firm's drugs trade success, which involved drug-related activities.

Kenneth Mcnabb

Indecent Assault

June 16, 2025

Sentence: Six-and-a-half years imprisonment

Kenneth McNabb sexually assaulted a boy in his early teens on two occasions in the 1990s in Skelmersdale, involving placing the victim's hand on his own penis and instructing the boy to perform a sex act, claiming it was to teach him. The victim suffered long-term effects, including suicidal thoughts and nightmares. McNabb also possessed and made indecent images of children, including five category A images, three category B, three category C, and prohibited computer-generated images, while breaching a lifelong sexual offences prevention order. He used VPN software to hide his online activities.

Judge David Swinnerton berated him for wearing two poppies to court, viewing it as an attempt to curry favour, and noted his expressions of remorse rang hollow due to repeated opportunities to change. He has prior convictions, including a five-year sentence in 1999 for sexually assaulting two girls, and offences related to indecent images in 2011, 2014, and 2021. Defence highlighted alcohol as a factor in his offending and his concerns about losing accommodation and health issues, including PTSD from an armed robbery.

Sources: lancs.live

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