Liverpool Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 358 verdicts at Liverpool Crown Court (Liverpool). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

James Campbell

Animal Welfare Act offence

May 28, 2024

Sentence: 8 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months; 6-year ban on keeping animals; £200 fine

James Campbell, 50, owned a 21-month-old XL Bully dog named Zeus, which he had since April 2024 but failed to exempt as a banned breed. On or around August 7 and 8, 2023, he abused the dog in the rear yard of his home in Harrowby Road, Birkenhead, by repeatedly hitting her with a baseball bat, hurling bricks at her abdominal area, throwing pans of water, grabbing her by the neck, headbutting her, and punching her. He did not seek veterinary care for the dog's injuries, including significant swelling on her head from a strong hit. The dog exhibited signs of distress and attempts to escape. Zeus was removed by police on August 8, 2023, signed over by Campbell, and euthanised due to legislation on banned breeds.

Admitted one Animal Welfare Act offence. Claimed self-defence due to alleged dog bite, but evidence from videos and witnesses showed repeated abuse. Ordered to complete ten Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days.

Sources: wirralglobe.co.uk

Nathan Kinnear

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

May 27, 2024

Sentence: seven years and four months imprisonment

Nathan Kinnear assisted his father in conspiring to supply cocaine. He was seen with his father on CCTV at a Liverpool Travelodge hotel. Police found a receipt in his possession for Sports Direct bags used to conceal 45 kilograms of cocaine in a vehicle. He attempted to flee from police by jumping out of a window at his girlfriend's house, and searches revealed more than £25,000 in cash at his home. His involvement dated back to at least March 2024.

Pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine. He was assisting his father in the movement and supply of controlled drugs.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

Raymond Kinnear

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

May 27, 2024

Sentence: 17 years imprisonment

Raymond Kinnear was involved in conspiring to supply cocaine, with 45 kilograms of the drug found concealed in Sports Direct bags in a grey Audi A4 registered to him at a storage unit in Liverpool. He was seen with his son on CCTV at a Liverpool Travelodge hotel and had keys to the vehicle. Police searches of his home revealed more than £25,000 in cash and two Rolex watches. The incident was linked to activities from at least March 2024.

Pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine. Described as a career criminal dealing in drugs on a large scale for several years.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

Jack Tyler

Section 18 Assault (Grievous Bodily Harm)

May 23, 2024

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

On December 7, 2024, Jack Tyler, while under the influence of cocaine and cannabis, engaged in a violent altercation at his family home on Cobham Road, Moreton. He punched his mother, Patricia Tyler, in the face, causing blinding pain, black eyes, and frequent vomiting. He then fought with his father, Joseph Tyler, grabbed a knife from his father's pocket, and stabbed him 12 times in the flank, thigh, left chest, armpit, and other areas, leading to a fractured rib, bleeding to the eye, and severe injuries requiring emergency surgery and critical care at St Mary's Hospital in Warrington. Tyler fled the scene but was arrested 12 hours later, claiming self-defence, though the judge determined his actions exceeded this. The incident stemmed from a deteriorating relationship and prior violence, leaving both victims with lasting physical and psychological effects, including mobility issues, constant pain, and fear for safety.

Pleaded guilty to Section 18 Assault (Grievous Bodily Harm) and causing Actual Bodily Harm. Has 23 previous convictions for various offences. Judge Garrett Byrne noted the acts were truly shocking, acknowledged childhood trauma and mental health challenges, but stated the violence went beyond proportionate self-defence.

Sources: wirralglobe.co.uk

Shane Philbrook

Rape and Sexual Assault

May 22, 2024

Sentence: 5.5 years imprisonment, plus a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and to sign the sex offenders register for life

In May 2023, Shane Philbrook befriended a 13-year-old girl on Snapchat and, during their first in-person meeting two days later, raped and sexually assaulted her. Nine months later, in February 2024, he sexually assaulted another victim, who was 16 years old, at a youth club.

Found guilty after a trial. DC Shanaz Kone commented on his sexual interest in underage girls and welcomed the custodial sentence. DC Louise Warburton praised the victims for their strength and hoped they could move forward.

Sources: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

Gavin Butters

Fraud

May 19, 2024

Sentence: 33 months imprisonment

Gavin Butters, 27, of no fixed address but from Yorkshire, committed courier fraud by having an accomplice pretend to be a police officer over the phone to elderly victims, including a man from St Helens. He visited them to collect bank cards under false pretences and stole nearly £10,000 in jewellery from one couple.

Pleaded guilty to nine counts of fraud. A restraining order banning contact with some victims for 10 years was imposed.

Sources: sthelensstar.co.uk

Jennifer Coleman

Being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control

May 16, 2024

Sentence: £300 fine and £1,000 compensation, plus £650 costs and £120 victim surcharge

On May 31, 2024, Jennifer Coleman's two dogs, Wilbur and Mistletoe, both Italian Spinones, attacked John Hudson, 71, and his son's dog on Leasowe Beach. The dogs jumped at Mr. Hudson, knocking him onto rocks and causing a cut to his eyebrow and injuries to two fingers. He shouted for Coleman to control the dogs, but she walked away, swearing. The incident occurred in a popular area frequented by families and other dog walkers.

Found guilty of two offences of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control. A contingent destruction order was imposed, requiring restrictions such as walking the dogs separately, using head collars, obtaining insurance, and attending training sessions.

Sources: wirralglobe.co.uk

Thomas Dean

Wounding with intent

May 14, 2024

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.

Sources: sthelensstar.co.uk

Joel Price

Assault

May 9, 2024

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.

Sources: wirralglobe.co.uk

Anthony Wilcock

Rape

May 9, 2024

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.

Sources: sthelensstar.co.uk

Stephen Carney

Assault, Harassment, and Criminal Damage

May 8, 2024

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.

Sources: sthelensstar.co.uk

Alan Cherry

Attempted sexual communication with a child

May 7, 2024

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.

Sources: sthelensstar.co.uk

Keith Sherwood

Possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply

April 17, 2024

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.

Sources: sthelensstar.co.uk

James Blundell

Rape

March 31, 2024

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.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Graham Jones

Rape of a child

March 22, 2024

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.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Cornneliu Mihai Magureanu

Violent disorder

March 20, 2024

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.

Sources: leighjournal.co.uk

Joanne Sharkey

Manslaughter

March 20, 2024

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.

Sources: leighjournal.co.uk

Kevin Clark

Violent disorder

March 20, 2024

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.

Sources: leighjournal.co.uk

Craig Irvine

Theft

March 11, 2024

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.

Damien Rigby

Theft

March 11, 2024

Sentence: 20 weeks imprisonment

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.

Sources: leighjournal.co.uk

Michael Smith

Rape

March 1, 2024

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.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Connor Walsh

Murder

February 14, 2024

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.

Sources: sthelensstar.co.uk

Adam Williams

Murder

February 14, 2024

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.

Sources: sthelensstar.co.uk

Sarah Williams

Misconduct in a public office

December 21, 2023

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.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Natalie Mottram

Misconduct in public office

November 3, 2023

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.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Jonathan Kay

Perverting the course of justice

November 3, 2023

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.

Stelian Trandafir

Theft from a shop

September 3, 2023

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.

Sources: warringtonguardian.co.uk

Jordan Ellis

Blackmail

August 12, 2023

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.

Sources: sthelensstar.co.uk

Constantin Lupo

Inflicting grievous bodily harm

August 5, 2023

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.

Sources: warringtonguardian.co.uk

Lennox Smith

Rape and Sexual Assault

August 1, 2023

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.

Sources: sthelensstar.co.uk

James Anthony Elliott

Rape

July 14, 2023

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.

Sources: wirralglobe.co.uk

Alan Hayden

Unlawful money lending

July 4, 2023

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.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Tyler Rogers

Voyeurism

June 1, 2023

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.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Jack Jeremy Wymer

Conspiracy to supply drugs

April 1, 2023

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.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Kevin Mannion

Murder

February 1, 2023

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.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Anthony Saunderson

Drug Conspiracy

August 1, 2022

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.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Jonathan Gordon

Conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm

June 1, 2022

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum of 24 years and 8 months

Jonathan Gordon was recruited by Philip Waugh to throw acid on Nathan Simpson's face to blind him and his girlfriend, in exchange for payment. He arranged for the collection of acid from Robert Brazendale and planned the attack, including surveillance of Simpson's home. Gordon had previously carried out an acid attack on another individual, Lee Deakin, in April 2019, and discussed methods to ensure the acid caused permanent damage.

Agreed to carry out acid attacks and was involved in organised crime activities as an enforcer for the 'Deli mob'.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Mark Hills

Failing to comply with environmental permit conditions

March 22, 2022

Sentence: Eight months imprisonment

Mark Hills was involved in managing MWM Recycling Ltd, where illegal waste operations occurred, including storing and burning waste at the Redfern Street site in Bootle, despite the revocation of the environmental permit.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to comply with environmental permit conditions. He was responsible for the day-to-day running of MWM Recycling Ltd.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Patricia Hills

Failing to comply with environmental permit conditions

March 22, 2022

Sentence: One year imprisonment

Patricia Hills controlled MWM Recycling Ltd, operating a waste yard on Redfern Street in Bootle, where rubbish was illegally stored and burned. The Environment Agency revoked the company's environmental permit due to breaches, but operations continued, putting communities at risk.

Pleaded guilty to five offences, including failing to comply with environmental permit conditions and knowingly permitting the deposit of controlled waste. Later ordered to pay £250,000 under Proceeds of Crime Act or face up to three years in jail.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Anthony Morris

Conspiracy to Murder

September 1, 2021

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment

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

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

Sources: warringtonguardian.co.uk

Aaron Bretherton

Conspiracy to Murder

September 1, 2021

Sentence: 22 years imprisonment

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

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

Sources: warringtonguardian.co.uk

Lucy Thornton

Misconduct in public office

June 25, 2021

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment

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

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

Sources: dailypost.co.uk

Edward Stanton

Rape and sexual assault

January 1, 2021

Sentence: 15 years imprisonment

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

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

Sources: dailyrecord.co.uk

Barry Bennell

Child sex offences

October 1, 2020

Sentence: 34 years imprisonment

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

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

Sources: dailymail.co.uk

Thomas White

Drug trafficking

April 1, 2019

Sentence: Five years and four months imprisonment

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

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

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Rosemary Booth

Conspiracy to defraud

July 1, 2018

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

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

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

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Chelsey Harwood

Carrying out illegal teeth-whitening treatment

July 1, 2018

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

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

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

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

David Barton

Fraud

July 1, 2018

Sentence: 17 years imprisonment

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

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

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Kiria Hughes

Fraud

July 1, 2018

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment, suspended for 1 year

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

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

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Michael Galea

Conspiracy to cause an explosion and to burgle commercial premises

April 30, 2017

Sentence: 15 years imprisonment

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

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

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

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