Manchester Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 218 verdicts at Manchester Crown Court (Manchester). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Matthew Johns

Possession with intent to supply cocaine and fraudulent evasion of importation of cannabis

November 4, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Matthew Johns, 42, of Lords Street in Salford, travelled to New York for a month-long trip where he packaged and sent parcels containing cannabis from the United States to various addresses in the UK. On May 2, 2025, five suspicious parcels arrived at the Royal Mail office in Manchester and were intercepted by police. The parcels, totaling 4.5 kilos, contained various strains of cannabis (including RS11 and WHM), plastic wraps, stash proof bags, and cannabis plant matter. One parcel was forensically linked to Johns via fingerprints. Further investigation led to a search of his Salford flat on September 30, 2025, where 14.4 kilos of cocaine valued between £180,000 and £315,000 was found. Johns answered 'no comment' during police questioning. He had recently split from his partner, lost his job, and accrued debt, leading to his involvement as a custodian of the drugs for supply.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and fraudulent evasion of importation of cannabis. Prior conviction for possession with intent to supply cannabis, jailed for 1 year and 2 months. Judge Hilary Manley noted the seriousness of the offences justified substantial custody. He was a custodian of the drugs intended for supply. Proceeds of Crime Act hearing set for February 10, 2026.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Mark Twigg

Being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control

November 3, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 8 months imprisonment and banned from owning dogs for 15 years

Mark Twigg, 43, and his partner Joanne Bedford, 37, were looking after untrained guard dogs including Cane Corso, American Bulldog, and Boerboel breeds at Carr Farm in Milnrow, Rochdale, while the owner was on remand in prison. They had signed a contract to care for the eight or nine dogs living in poor conditions with no clean bedding, surrounded by faeces, and not exercised. Despite warnings from an RSPCA inspector about the risk to their children, including a previous bite to their eldest son, they brushed off the concerns. Twigg was responsible for feeding, watering, and mucking out the dogs, and handled complaints when they escaped. On May 15, 2022, while Twigg was at work, Bedford was at the farm with Daniel and their daughter. Daniel entered the dog pen unsupervised and was fatally attacked by the dog Sid, a Cane Corso, suffering puncture wounds to his neck. He died later that afternoon in hospital.

Found guilty of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control. Cleared of gross negligence manslaughter. Responsible for feeding, watering, and mucking out the dogs. Dealt with complaints about the animals escaping. Jailed by Mr Justice Kerr who described the attack as an 'appalling tragedy'.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Joanne Bedford

Being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control

November 3, 2025

Sentence: 3.5 years imprisonment and banned from owning dogs for 15 years

Joanne Bedford, 37, and her partner Mark Twigg, 43, were looking after untrained guard dogs including Cane Corso, American Bulldog, and Boerboel breeds at Carr Farm in Milnrow, Rochdale, while the owner was on remand in prison. They had signed a contract to care for the eight or nine dogs living in poor conditions with no clean bedding, surrounded by faeces, and not exercised. Despite warnings from an RSPCA inspector about the risk to their children, including a previous bite to their eldest son, they brushed off the concerns. On May 15, 2022, Bedford took her three-year-old son Daniel Twigg for a bath and dressed him before going downstairs. Daniel asked to go outside, and while Bedford went upstairs to get shorts, leaving him with her daughter to watch, Daniel entered the dog pen unsupervised. Bedford heard screaming and found Daniel face down with puncture wounds to his neck, covered in blood. He was rushed to hospital but died that afternoon from the horrific injuries inflicted by the dog Sid, a Cane Corso.

Found guilty of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control. Cleared of gross negligence manslaughter. Jailed by Mr Justice Kerr who described the attack as an 'appalling tragedy'. Failed to supervise the child.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Mourad Malki

Rape

October 30, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years

Mourad Malki, also known as Sid Ali Djelid, a 39-year-old serial predator of no fixed abode, committed multiple attacks over five months around Manchester's Canal Street. In February 2024, he lay in wait and raped an extremely drunk woman twice in a doorway after luring her into a car, then stole her phone; she tracked him to Cheetham Hill using Find My iPhone. In June 2024, he approached a male victim outside a bar in The Village, led him to an alleyway on Richmond Street, and aggressively raped him twice before stealing his phone, watch, and gold necklace. In July 2024, he posed as a Good Samaritan to another intoxicated male separated from his partner, led him on a wrong route, pushed him down, raped him, and stole his phone and wallet, with unsuccessful attempts to use the bank card.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of theft; denied five counts of rape but was found guilty; also guilty of one count of theft and one count of fraud; placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Samantha Bailey-Sharp

Controlling or coercive behaviour

October 30, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 3 months imprisonment

Samantha Bailey-Sharp, 34, moved in with her frail 67-year-old mother Andrea Bailey-Sharp in her three-bedroom flat in Oldham in August 2022. Over a five-week period, she subjected her mother to abusive and violent behaviour, including punching her to the head, face and arms, holding her down on the sofa, dragging her by the hair, biting her, kneeing her, and threatening to kill her. Incidents included blocking the door to prevent her mother from entering the home on September 9, 2022, forcing her head down and threatening to crush it, and covering her mouth and nose. The mother suffered bruising across her body, lost clumps of hair, and lived in fear, walking on eggshells. She kept a diary of the attacks, and friends and colleagues noticed the injuries, leading to a police report.

Found guilty after trial of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and assault by beating. Diagnosed with personality disorder. Restraining order banning contact with her mum for 7 years.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Shyrone Campbell

Supplying crack cocaine and heroin

October 28, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Shyrone Campbell, 23, of Stanley Grove, Longsight, was involved in the organised supply of crack cocaine and heroin in Longsight and Ardwick, linked to a daylight shooting in December 2023 near the O2 Apollo in Ardwick. The investigation used undercover techniques and led to raids in March 2025.

Convicted of supplying and being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. Police found 47 grams of crack cocaine valued at £4,700, 119 grams of cocaine valued at £4,760, large knives, and £4,640 in cash at his home.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Justin Shaw

Conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin

October 28, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 11 months imprisonment

Justin Shaw, 45, of Dean Road, Gorton, was involved in the organised supply of crack cocaine and heroin in Longsight and Ardwick, linked to a daylight shooting in December 2023 near the O2 Apollo in Ardwick. The investigation used undercover techniques and led to raids in March 2025.

Convicted of conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin, and possession of an offensive weapon.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Kieran Casey

Supplying crack cocaine and heroin

October 28, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Kieran Casey, 22, of Cochrane Avenue, Longsight, was involved in the organised supply of crack cocaine and heroin in Longsight and Ardwick, linked to a daylight shooting in December 2023 near the O2 Apollo in Ardwick. The investigation used undercover techniques and led to raids in March 2025.

Convicted of supplying and being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Kyle Mccabe

Supplying crack cocaine and heroin

October 28, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Kyle McCabe, 20, of Keswick Close, Longsight, was involved in the organised supply of crack cocaine and heroin in Longsight and Ardwick, linked to a daylight shooting in December 2023 near the O2 Apollo in Ardwick. The investigation used undercover techniques and led to raids in March 2025.

Convicted of supplying and being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Baraskos Shaw

Conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin

October 28, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 3 months imprisonment

Baraskos Shaw, 20, of Richmond Grove, Longsight, was involved in the organised supply of crack cocaine and heroin in Longsight and Ardwick, linked to a daylight shooting in December 2023 near the O2 Apollo in Ardwick. The investigation used undercover techniques and led to raids in March 2025.

Convicted of conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin, and possession of an offensive weapon.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Danika Hamilton

Supplying crack cocaine and heroin

October 28, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Danika Hamilton, 37, of Kirkmanhulme Lane, Longsight, was involved in the organised supply of crack cocaine and heroin in Longsight and Ardwick, linked to a daylight shooting in December 2023 near the O2 Apollo in Ardwick. The investigation used undercover techniques and led to raids in March 2025.

Convicted of supplying and being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Gregory Bell

Conspiracy to supply Class A and B controlled drugs and money laundering

October 20, 2025

Sentence: 18 years and 9 months imprisonment

Gregory Bell, operating under encrypted aliases including 'Castlenail', 'Rhinoradio', and 'Wonkyfrog', led a highly organised criminal enterprise that distributed multi-kilos of cocaine, heroin, MDMA, amphetamine, and cannabis on a daily basis across the UK. The group used encrypted mobile phones, spoofed identities, a network of couriers, safe houses in Bury and Alderley Edge, and criminal associates. Evidence included 4kg of cocaine, half a kilo of heroin, £35,000 in cash at one property, and £150,000 in cash at another. Bell managed logistics, authorised deals, collected profits, and laundered money through rental businesses. Arrested in May 2020 with encrypted devices and cash, ready to flee to Spain.

Head of a highly organised crime group involved in directing the sale and supply of Class A and B controlled drugs and money laundering. Owned 32 houses subject to restraint order. Lived a lavish lifestyle despite no declared income.

Sources: lancs.live

Ian Ogden

Conspiracy to supply Class A and B controlled drugs and money laundering

October 20, 2025

Sentence: 16 years and 8 months imprisonment

Ian Ogden, 36, from Rossendale, was part of Gregory Bell's organised crime group, conspiring to supply Class A and B drugs and engaging in money laundering. He operated under encrypted aliases, handling deals and logistics for the distribution of hundreds of kilos of drugs across the North West. The operation involved safe houses, couriers, and industrial-scale drug trafficking, uncovered through Operation Venetic following the EncroChat takedown.

Used aliases 'Tubbytern' and 'Integralrhino'. Ran his own drug business while conspiring with Bell to supply drugs, arranging deals and managing logistics.

Sources: lancs.live

Paul Brown

Conspiracy to supply Class A and B controlled drugs

October 20, 2025

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

Paul Brown, 51, from Failsworth, was involved in the conspiracy to supply Class A and B controlled drugs as part of Gregory Bell's criminal empire. He distributed drugs on an industrial scale and fled to Spain in 2020 but was located through an international manhunt, arrested in 2024, and extradited to face justice. The operation involved multi-kilo deals of cocaine, heroin, and other drugs across the UK.

Fled the UK in 2020 to avoid prosecution, arrested in Spain in 2024, and extradited back to the UK. Played a key role in drug distribution as a major wholesale customer.

Sources: lancs.live

David Yih

Sexual assault of a child

October 17, 2025

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

David Yih, a 64-year-old married father and window cleaner from Bolton, was convicted of sexually abusing two girls through grooming behaviour, including buying gifts and giving money. The offences occurred when he was in his mid-50s. The first victim broke off contact at 16 and later realised the abuse was wrong; the second victim ended contact after a short period. Reported to police in 2018, the first trial in 2023 ended without verdicts, and the retrial earlier in 2025 resulted in conviction on eight counts. Yih attended the retrial but fled to Morocco via Spain after conviction. Victims' statements described profound trauma, fear, difficulty forming relationships, and loss of childhood innocence.

Sentenced in absence after skipping bail. No relevant previous convictions for sexual offences, but jailed for burglary in 2000. Judge Rachel Smith noted a letter from Yih claiming miscarriage of justice.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Adrian Smith

Attempted Murder

October 17, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum of 12 years

On June 28, 2024, at around 9.30pm, Adrian Smith, 29, of no fixed address, attacked his aunty at a house on Grosvenor Road in Hyde. He had been suffering from deteriorating mental health, hearing voices telling him to kill family members, and had a history of drug use including cannabis, cocaine, and crack cocaine. After closing the curtains and going for a smoke, he returned with a knife and told her 'Sorry, but you are going to have to die tonight.' He stabbed her multiple times in the shoulder, chest, breasts, and arms, attempting to slice her throat. She fought back, grabbing the knife, and he backed away telling her to lie there and bleed out. Police arrived shortly after and arrested him. The victim sustained serious injuries including a stab wound to her sternum, each breast, and two to her left arm, leading to long-term issues.

Found guilty of attempted murder after trial. Long-term emotionally unstable personality disorder. Presents risk to family members. Banned from contacting his aunty for life under restraining order.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Allan Sice

Conspiring to supply and import class A drugs

October 16, 2025

Sentence: 16 years imprisonment

Allan Sice, a 49-year-old father-of-five from Oldham, operated under the EncroChat handle 'LuckyNumberEight' and plotted to import more than 100 kilos of cocaine from South America into the UK, hidden in shipments of bananas from Ecuador, coffee from Colombia, and organic eco-logs. He brokered deals between contacts in Colombia and UK buyers, discussing loads of 100-200 kilos or even 1-2 metric tonnes, though no drugs were actually imported. He fled to Brazil but was arrested in November 2023 and extradited to the UK in March 2025.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiring to supply class A drugs and three counts of conspiring to fraudulently evade the prohibition on the importation of class A drugs. Acted as a middleman in plots to import over 120kg of cocaine using global networks. Extradited from Brazil.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Mobarak Almutairi

Sexual assault and making indecent photographs of children

October 16, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 8 months imprisonment

Mobarak Almutairi committed four years of sick sex offences, including following three young girls into a shop on Market Street and sexually assaulting one of them in February 2025, which he filmed and added to a collection of nearly 4,000 indecent images of children as young as eight, predominantly made by him. The images showed a history of sexual abuse against children both within and outside the UK. He was identified via CCTV, arrested on February 26, 2025, and his devices were seized revealing the offences.

Pleaded guilty to 20 counts of sexual offences. Made subject to a sexual harm prevention order and ordered to sign the sex offender's register for life.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Michael Ogbeide-John

Robbery

October 14, 2025

Sentence: Imprisonment

Michael Ogbeide-John, aged 17, along with Bilal Jama, used alias profiles on Facebook Marketplace to falsely advertise a bike for sale, luring victims to meet for payment, then robbing and attacking them in a series of linked violent robberies, including threats to stab victims.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery, one of attempted robbery, and possession of a bladed article. Sentenced on Tuesday, October 14.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Bilal Jama

Robbery

October 14, 2025

Sentence: Imprisonment

Bilal Jama, aged 17, along with Michael Ogbeide-John, used alias profiles on Facebook Marketplace to falsely advertise a bike for sale, luring victims to meet for payment, then robbing and attacking them in a series of linked violent robberies.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery and one of attempted robbery. Sentenced on Tuesday, October 14.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Matthew Webb

Rape and sexual offences

September 26, 2025

Sentence: 28 years imprisonment and ordered to sign the sex offender register indefinitely

Matthew Webb, aged 34, repeatedly raped and sexually abused a girl under the age of 16, including incidents where he was investigated after the victim reported the abuse. He was arrested at his home in Wythenshawe, where police seized his mobile phone. Further evidence led to additional arrests on suspicion of the same offences. The crimes involved one count of rape of a girl under the age of 13, one count of rape of a girl under 16 on no fewer than five occasions, three counts of rape of a girl under the age of 16, two counts of sexual assault of a girl under the age of 13 by touching, and three counts of making indecent images of a child.

Pleaded not guilty and showed no remorse during interviews where he answered 'no comment' to all questions.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Stuart James

Production of a Class A Drug

September 26, 2025

Sentence: 7.5 years imprisonment

Stuart James operated a drugs lab in a former café on Mitford Street, Stretford, where he produced MDMA tablets on a prolific scale. Police traced a package of class A drugs to his flat on Marsland Road, Sale, discovering over 17,000 ecstasy tablets and 606g of cannabis. They also found production machinery in a Failsworth storage unit, one of which bore his fingerprints and could produce 40,000 to 100,000 tablets per hour. His involvement was linked to clearing significant debts.

Pleaded guilty to producing a class A drug, possessing MDMA with intent to supply, and possessing cannabis with intent to supply. Had racked up over £200,000 in debt. Judge Paul Lawton commented on the risks of engaging in serious organised crime.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Jordan Winstanley

Conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis

September 23, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Jordan Winstanley operated a drugs line in Bury, using street couriers to deliver cocaine and cannabis to customers across the borough. The investigation began in August 2022 after mobile phone analysis linked him to the operation. He boasted to police that he would never be caught, but evidence was found at his home and on his phone. He was arrested, charged, and later pled guilty.

Cameron Rogers

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving

September 23, 2025

Sentence: 1 year and 4 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, 80 hours unpaid work, 5 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and a 2.5-year driving ban

On January 6, 2023, Cameron Rogers drove his partner's car without a driving licence, insurance, or permission, lost control of the vehicle, mounted the pavement, and collided with a lamppost in Wythenshawe, striking a mental health nurse who was walking home from a tiring shift. The nurse suffered serious injuries, including a fractured humerus and a dislocated shoulder, and was left unconscious. Rogers fled the scene but later admitted to driving when questioned by police. The victim reported ongoing fear of crossing roads and distress over being abandoned.

Pleaded guilty to the offence. Judge Sarah Johnston described the decision to drive as 'foolish and criminal' and stated that it should be to his 'eternal shame' for leaving the victim in the road. The defendant expressed remorse and has a stable home life with a young family.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Carl Allan

Conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis

September 23, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 3 months imprisonment

Carl Allan acted as a courier for Jordan Winstanley's drugs operation, distributing cocaine and cannabis across Bury as part of the drugs line investigated by police.

Alan Entwistle

Conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs

September 19, 2025

Sentence: 10 years and 6 months imprisonment

Alan Entwistle was involved in a sophisticated drug operation that included the storage and distribution of Class A and Class B drugs. Officers raided a property on July 5, discovering 3kg of cocaine in a JD Sports bag, along with other drugs and paraphernalia. Further investigation led to the seizure of additional drugs and adulterants from garages on July 23, with the potential for the operation to yield over £1 million in profits from drug sales.

Prepared drugs for sale and distributed packages to other dealers and safe houses. Of Kennett Road, Wythenshawe.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Lisa Cerven

Conveying cannabis into prison

September 19, 2025

Sentence: 18-week suspended prison sentence for 18 months, 20 rehabilitation activity days, 100 hours of unpaid work, and a three-month curfew from 7pm to 7am

Lisa Cerven, a 37-year-old former carer, was caught on CCTV on March 21, 2023, at HMP Forest Bank in Salford, passing a package containing 35.2g of cannabis resin and 22.5g of cannabis material to a prisoner during a hug in the visitors' lounge. She repeatedly glanced over her shoulder, indicating awareness of her actions, and claimed she believed the package contained only tobacco. She was arrested on June 21, 2023, and admitted to the offence due to threats against her and her son, including smashed windows at her home. The drugs had a street value of £2,000, with higher value inside prison.

The defendant was a vulnerable mum-of-two who acted under threat of violence due to debts. She pleaded guilty, but the case was delayed over two years by police. Judge Peter Horgan cited the delay and her rehabilitation prospects as reasons to suspend the sentence.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Stephen Findley

Conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs

September 19, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 4 months imprisonment

Stephen Findley was part of a £1 million drug gang involved in storing and handling Class A and Class B drugs. On July 5, officers raided his home in Wythenshawe, uncovering 3kg of cocaine in a JD Sports bag, a 1kg bag of cocaine and amphetamine in a black rucksack, and drug paraphernalia such as scales. The operation was described as a sophisticated criminal network that could produce significant profits.

William Riley

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

September 19, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

William Riley was involved in a large-scale drug operation as a street dealer. On July 23, he was observed acting suspiciously with others, leading to the discovery of drugs and adulterants in garages, including 11kg of brown powder and other substances used to cut drugs. The gang's activities included flooding communities with Class A drugs, with potential profits exceeding £1 million.

Rasseika Duncan

Rape

September 18, 2025

Sentence: 11 years imprisonment

Rasseika Duncan met a vulnerable teenage girl in Hyde town centre in late 2022, convinced her to go to his home in Stalybridge, Tameside. He bought cannabis on the way, locked her in a room, and raped her despite her attempts to stop him. Police tracked the victim's phone to the address, leading to his arrest that evening.

Denied charges but was found guilty following a trial. Also handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order. The victim was a vulnerable young girl, and Duncan exploited her in a terrifying situation.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

David O'brien

Attempted murder

September 14, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment

David O'Brien, a convicted rapist, attempted to stab a prison officer in the neck at Ashworth Hospital in October 2022, using an improvised knife. He has a history of violent attacks on fellow inmates, including slashing another inmate's neck and attacking a third with a metal bar. During his court appearance, he made threatening statements towards the judge and officials.

Issued threats to the court and has three prior life sentences for similar offenses; admitted to attempting to murder a prison officer.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Casimiro De Lemos-Francisco

Fraudulent evasion of prohibition on importation of class A drugs

September 12, 2025

Sentence: six years and nine months in prison

Casimiro De Lemos-Francisco was stopped at Manchester Airport on March 30, 2025, after arriving from Barbados. He attempted to smuggle 12.8 kilograms of cocaine, with 84% purity, hidden in the seat and back rest of a mobility scooter he was using, despite not needing it for mobility. The drugs were worth up to £880,000 at street level. A tracking device was found in the scooter's battery compartment, and he had previously made similar trips. He denied knowledge of the drugs initially but later accepted responsibility.

Pleaded guilty to the offence. Involved due to a complicated backstory with a woman he met online, from whom he expected financial gain. Had recently been released from prison in Portugal and was in significant debt. Judge noted it was a relatively sophisticated operation and that he was not an innocent dupe.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Ray Ostrowski

Importation of cannabis

September 11, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment

Ray Ostrowski, while intoxicated on holiday, agreed to transport two suitcases containing 27 kilograms of cannabis. He was apprehended at Manchester Airport on August 13, 2025, after border force officials discovered the drugs. He admitted knowing the contents but claimed he did not pack them and was influenced by others who threatened him when he had second thoughts. The incident involved organised criminal activity.

Defendant claimed he was exploited while drunk on holiday and felt threatened to proceed, despite being promised £10,000. He had no previous convictions and expressed shame for his actions. Judge Joanne Woodward noted his involvement contributed to drug-related harm in society.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Simon Mitchell

Wounding with intent

September 11, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Simon Mitchell attacked his neighbour, Richard Adams-Burton, with a Samurai sword during a dispute over Mr. Adams-Burton's dog disturbing Mitchell's enjoyment of his garden. The incident occurred on April 10, when Mitchell shouted at Mr. Adams-Burton's wife, then confronted and struck Mr. Adams-Burton three times, causing a deep cut to his arm and a fractured humerus bone. Mr. Adams-Burton spent three days in hospital and reported ongoing impacts on his work and daily life.

Pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and having a bladed article in a public place. Suffered from complex PTSD, expressed remorse, and had undergone anger management courses in prison. Judge noted he snapped due to alcohol and unprocessed family bereavements.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Bradley Else

Fraudulently evading a prohibition

September 10, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, plus 120 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation activity

Bradley Else was caught smuggling 22 kilograms of cannabis hidden in his suitcase after returning from a fishing trip in Thailand. He was initially arrested at Manchester Airport on June 4, 2025, for a separate alleged assault, then rearrested when Border Force officers discovered the drugs. He claimed he was paid £200 to bring back the suitcase for an unknown person, but the judge determined he knew it contained cannabis.

The defendant pleaded guilty and was described by the judge as someone who acted stupidly and opportunistically, not part of an organised crime group. He has previous convictions, including for possession of a class B drug, and had already spent three months in custody awaiting sentence.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Imran Khaliq

Possessing criminal property

September 10, 2025

Sentence: conditional discharge for twelve months

Imran Khaliq was observed by National Crime Agency officers receiving a bag containing £21,385 in cash from Steven Martin, a key figure in a drug gang, in the car park of McDonald's in Trafford Park on June 14, 2016. The cash was proceeds from drug trafficking linked to a larger operation involving the importation of cocaine, heroin, and cannabis. Khaliq denied knowledge of the money initially but later admitted to possessing criminal property. He had been on bail for nearly a decade before sentencing.

Had 13 previous convictions, including for perverting the course of justice and driving while disqualified; health deteriorated significantly while on bail for almost a decade; excused from appearing in the dock due to being in a wheelchair.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

John Ahern

Indecent Assault

September 9, 2025

Sentence: 19 years imprisonment

John Ahern, aged 73, indecently assaulted two boys as children, manipulating them by building trust through conversations about topics like music and taking them on trips. The abuses occurred at various locations, including houses and public places across Manchester, Bolton, and Tameside. The victims, now grown men, reported the incidents in March 2019, leading to a complex investigation and his conviction.

Found guilty by a jury of eight counts of indecent assault and a further sex crime charge; showed no remorse and denied the incidents throughout the proceedings; victim impact statements highlighted the lasting effects on the victims.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

David O’Brien

Attempting to cause grievous bodily harm

September 8, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of four-and-a-half years

David O’Brien attacked a prison officer at HMP Manchester on October 3, 2022, by arming himself with an improvised weapon made from a piece of cutlery and striking the officer in the neck. The attack was pre-planned and motivated by perceived betrayal, resulting in a minor injury that did not require treatment. The officer reported profound effects, including anxiety, flashbacks, and sleep disturbances.

The defendant interrupted court proceedings with outbursts, threatened staff, and has prior convictions including three life sentences for attempted murder. He was classified as a dangerous offender due to the risk of further serious harm.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Garmyan Hama

Outraging public decency

September 3, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment

Garmyan Hama, 36, targeted two teenage girls by staring at them and having his hands down his trousers while moving them up and down in a park in east Manchester on March 28. The girls, aged 15 and 16, were walking home from school and felt uncomfortable as they had to pass him. He continued staring as they left the park. He was identified through social media posts about suspicious behaviour and was arrested. The judge highlighted that he was simulating masturbation in front of the schoolgirls.

Pleaded guilty to outraging public decency. Judge noted that he was targeting schoolgirls and did not understand the seriousness of his behaviour. He has already served the sentence while on remand and will be released immediately. A five-year restraining order was imposed, preventing contact with the victims and banning him from the park.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

James Bardsley

Theft by employee

September 3, 2025

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 150 hours unpaid work, 12-month alcohol treatment requirement, 6-month mental health treatment requirement, and £15,000 compensation

James Bardsley, an IT worker at Oliver James Associates in Manchester city centre, stole laptops from his employer over a period of about two years by deleting records from the asset register and selling them online for personal gain. The thefts, worth approximately £67,765 and involving around 100 items, were discovered almost by chance when a staff member noticed a missing laptop, leading to an investigation that included CCTV footage and website records. Bardsley was arrested, confessed to the crimes, and cited financial pressures from having three young children and a partner on maternity leave as contributing factors. The offences represented a gross breach of trust in his role.

Pleaded guilty to theft by employee; expressed genuine remorse; under significant financial pressure due to family circumstances; no previous convictions; judge noted addictive behaviour and mental health deterioration.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Gary Lindley

Fraudulent evasion of prohibition on importation of a class B drug

September 2, 2025

Sentence: 58 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, 120 hours of unpaid work, and 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days

Gary Lindley, a window cleaner from Chorley, Lancashire, was caught at Manchester Airport on June 29 after arriving from Bangkok via Dubai. He was carrying a suitcase that he believed contained £9,000 in cash to settle debts from a car accident in Thailand, but it actually held 20.76 kilos of cannabis valued at nearly £62,000. He smiled upon realising he had been duped and provided a full account to police during an interview.

Pleaded guilty to the charge; described as being manipulated and used in an unusual situation; had been remanded in custody prior to sentencing.

Sources: lancs.live

Ahmad Alshamary

Conspiracy to supply class A drugs

September 2, 2025

Sentence: Three years imprisonment

Ahmad Alshamary was caught on covert CCTV footage dealing crack cocaine in Piccadilly Gardens on September 12, 2024, as part of Operation Vulcan, a police initiative to combat drug-related criminality. He was observed passing items to known drug users in broad daylight. Following his arrest on Hilton Street that same day, he was held on remand, which allowed him time to reflect on his actions.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and possession with intent to supply class A drugs. The judge considered the 'scourge of drug dealing in Piccadilly Gardens' and noted that the defendant was dealing with individual customers. Defence mentioned he was using cocaine to self-medicate for mental health issues and had reflected on the harm caused during remand.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Nathan Wright

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

September 1, 2025

Sentence: 31 months imprisonment

Nathan Wright, 34, of Bebbington Close, Sale, attacked two Metrolink workers after they tried to wake him and remove him from a tram terminating at Old Trafford stop on March 23, 2024, due to engineering works. He punched an off-duty tram driver, Mark Bentham, to the cheek, causing him to lose his glasses, and then assaulted customer service worker John Wijnhoven, hitting him several times to the face and body, knocking him unconscious. Wright threw ballast stones at Wijnhoven, hitting him on the back of the head and causing a cut, and then kicked him to the head. He fled but was caught by police hiding in a garden. Wijnhoven suffered swelling and a black eye and required hospital treatment.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault by beating and possessing cannabis. He has 71 previous offences, including for violence, and was under the influence of alcohol at the time. Defence noted he is full of regret, had gambling problems, and is now sober while on remand.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

John Boniface

Manslaughter

August 30, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 4 months imprisonment

John Boniface stabbed his brother Paul Hinds in the back of the neck with a kitchen knife during a drunken argument on December 25, 2015, at Boniface's home in Bradford, Manchester. The injury severed Hinds' spinal cord, leaving him paralysed from the chest down and leading to life-altering complications, including vulnerability to infections. Hinds died from pneumonia in May 2022 as a direct result of these complications.

Pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Had no previous convictions prior to the incident. Judge noted the act was not pre-meditated but arose from a dispute fuelled by alcohol, and the defendant showed remorse and assisted the victim.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Joshua Sannoh

Assault

August 29, 2025

Sentence: Suspended sentence

Joshua Sannoh was involved in an incident characterised by hostility, where his actions were deemed unacceptable, leading to his sentencing.

There had been 'hostility' between them, but what he did next was unacceptable.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Christopher Barlow

Murder

August 29, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum of 20 years

Christopher Barlow, 62, murdered Mariann Borocz, 55, in his home in Bolton on or around December 14, 2024. He likely suffocated her, then stripped her clothes, dragged her naked body into his shed, and disposed of her belongings in a neighbour's bin. Her body was discovered nine days later after a missing persons search, with a red mark on her neck noted by a pathologist. Barlow lied to police and others to conceal the crime, showing no remorse.

Found guilty after a three-week trial; pleaded not guilty but his account was rejected by the jury. Judge John Potter noted that Barlow viciously attacked the victim and went to significant lengths to cover up the crime. Defence mentioned his prostate cancer diagnosis in 2018.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Thomas Burnett

Racially aggravated harassment

August 28, 2025

Sentence: 18-month community order with a nine-month alcohol treatment requirement and ten days of rehabilitation activity requirement

Thomas Burnett approached two strangers, Samuel Olubode and Isaac Adeboyega, at Manchester's Piccadilly Train Station on April 21, 2025, while they were sitting in a public area. He made derogatory comments about their skin colour, repeatedly used racial slurs, told them to 'f*** off' and 'go back to your own country', and threatened to cut one of their heads off. He refused to leave when asked and was found in possession of a Stanley knife and lock knife after being detained by police following a brief chase. He had been homeless at the time and had prior mental health issues.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of racially aggravated intentional harassment and one count of having an article with a blade or point. No relevant previous convictions; judge noted he needs support for mental health and alcohol issues.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Paul Gairns

Possession of heroin with intent to supply

August 26, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 7 months imprisonment

Paul Gairns was spotted outside the Bradford Inn pub near the Etihad Stadium in July 2025. Police approached him, and he attempted to flee but was apprehended. A search revealed he was carrying a Kinder egg containing 2.09g of heroin, along with cash, a burner phone, car keys, and cards. He denied the offence in interview, claiming he thought he was buying cocaine. Gairns has a history of drug dealing, including a 2019 conviction for conspiring to supply drugs while in prison, and he had previously absconded from prison.

The defendant has an appalling record for drug dealing offences. The judge, Recorder Paul Hodgkinson, urged him to change his ways, stating he is 47 years old and needs to stop his criminal behaviour.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Kiala Wyles

Importing class B drugs

August 26, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment suspended for 2 years and a 12-month community payback scheme

Kiala Wyles, a 22-year-old care home worker from Stirling, Scotland, was promised £10,000 to transport nearly 80 kilos of cannabis from Thailand. She flew from Edinburgh Airport, enjoyed a three-week holiday in Thailand, and was caught by Border Force officials upon arrival at Manchester Airport via Dubai on July 24, 2025. Officials discovered 30.28 kilos of cannabis, valued at £79,000 wholesale, in 26 vacuum-sealed packages inside her two suitcases. She claimed ignorance of the contents and was under financial pressure, with a history of substance abuse and mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and personality disorder.

Pleaded guilty to importing class B drugs. Judge noted genuine remorse, troubled childhood, and a realistic prospect of rehabilitation. She had spent a month in custody and has previous convictions but none for drug offences.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Claire Gilbert

Stalking

August 25, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment and an indefinite restraining order

Claire Gilbert catfished her best friend for nearly 15 years by posing as a man named Carl Murphy and fabricating a network of fictional family members, including a daughter named Katie Jones. She tricked the victim into believing she was in a relationship with 'Carl', leading to the victim sending sexual texts, pictures, money, gifts, and letters. Gilbert fabricated stories of 'Carl's attempted suicide, the death of his mother, and 'Katie's serious illnesses, such as meningitis requiring finger amputations. She also committed fraud by taking out credit cards in the victim's name, accumulating debts, and used voice-changing apps and multiple SIM cards to maintain the deception. The victim suffered psychological torture, financial loss, and a breakdown as a result.

Pleaded guilty to stalking and admitted to four offences of fraud. Judge Bernadette Baxter described the actions as wicked, with a high degree of planning over a long period, intended to maximise distress, and noted a lack of remorse.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

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