Manchester Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 349 verdicts at Manchester Crown Court (Manchester). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Cody Mcgiffen

False imprisonment

January 28, 2026

Sentence: 18-month community order

Cody McGiffen, 18, arrived at Kimberley Green's home with Janzib Rigby and a 17-year-old on January 7, 2025, to detain the victim who owed Rigby money. He participated in the 12-hour ordeal where the woman was Tasered, strip searched, falsely imprisoned in two properties, and driven to Saddleworth Moor, causing her severe PTSD and mental health issues.

Found guilty of false imprisonment and kidnap; pleaded guilty to a second count of kidnap; found not guilty of robbery.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Janzib Rigby

False imprisonment

January 28, 2026

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Janzib Rigby, a money lender, preyed upon a vulnerable 28-year-old drug user who owed him money with extortionate interest. On January 7, 2025, he arrived at Kimberley Green's home where the victim had been lured, along with associates. The victim was detained for nearly 12 hours, Tasered multiple times, strip searched, and driven to Saddleworth Moor where she was threatened with abandonment. She was released after police intervention around 11pm.

Pleaded guilty to false imprisonment and two counts of kidnap; found guilty of robbery. Shown 'cold indifference' to victim's plight.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Kimberley Green

False imprisonment

January 28, 2026

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Kimberley Green lured the vulnerable 28-year-old victim into her home on Victoria Street, Oldham, under false pretences on January 7, 2025, knowing she owed money to Janzib Rigby. Green informed Rigby, who arrived with others. She subjected the victim to a degrading strip search upstairs, taking money from her underwear, as part of the 12-hour ordeal involving Taser use, detention in two properties, and a drive to Saddleworth Moor.

Adrian Berki

Burglary

January 24, 2026

Sentence: over 2 years imprisonment

Adrian Berki, 25, broke into homes across Manchester between October 23 and 30, 2025, stealing items including a pressure washer, mobile phone, TV, meat from a freezer, hoover, bank cards, and two electric bicycles worth £1,500. He smashed two CCTV cameras with a brick. Arrested on November 3, 2025.

Alexandra Power

Perverting the course of justice

January 23, 2026

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Alexandra Power, an administrative officer at South Sefton Magistrates' Court, accessed confidential warrant applications for Operation Encanto, a series of 25 search warrants targeting drugs and firearms supply across Merseyside, including addresses linked to Kane Omar and his partner Lois Morley. On July 25, 2023, she photographed and forwarded details to her drug dealer Thomas Roberts, who passed them to Omar, allowing him to remove incriminating material before the planned hearing on July 26, 2023. Power also shared sensitive court information with family and friends, boasting about her access. Her actions were uncovered via phone analysis and an audit, leading to her arrest on July 28, 2023.

Pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice and unauthorised access to computer material. Sentenced by Honorary Recorder of Manchester Nicholas Dean KC. Actions stemmed from drug debt and coercion by Thomas Roberts, but judge noted voluntary misuse of position for personal pleasure.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Dean Cooke

Robbery

January 23, 2026

Sentence: 5 years and 4 months imprisonment

On June 23, 2025, Dean Cooke, 42, from Salford, shouted 'come here, P***' twice at a stranger walking through Silverdale Park in Swinton towards a bus stop on Bolton Road. Cooke attacked the victim with a homemade knuckle-duster fashioned from a snooker ball, hitting him in the head. During the assault, Cooke tried to kick the victim, who grabbed his leg and bit his ear to escape. Cooke picked up the victim's wallet, stealing £130. The victim sustained a graze to the head, cuts to his hands, and a cut on his ear. He has since suffered memory problems, sleep issues, and fear of leaving home. Cooke was arrested the next day and claimed he thought the victim had crack cocaine and was armed with a knife.

Admitted robbery, possession of an offensive weapon, and racially aggravated harassment/alarm or distress. Had not committed an offence for a decade prior but resorted to crime after being attacked and due to drug use. Limited contact with children due to drug use.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Shane Liptrot

Rape

January 23, 2026

Sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum term of 12 years

On June 7, 2025, in the early hours, Shane Liptrot, 26, repeatedly banged on the door of a young woman's home. When she opened the door, he held a Stanley knife, questioned her, and pushed his way inside after she lied about her boyfriend being home. He claimed to be a drug dealer and 'rich', then stated she would be the first person he had sex with after release from prison. He forced himself on her, groped her, pulled her hair, and raped her at knifepoint without a condom, ejaculating inside her despite her pleas. The attack was prolonged and frightening. Liptrot had been released from a five-year jail term for robberies on June 5, 2025, and was arrested the next day. The victim suffered severe trauma, leading to mental health issues, loss of her home, and placement of her children in long-term foster care.

Sentenced as a dangerous offender. Placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. Maintains innocence, lacks remorse, high risk of serious harm. Prior convictions for four offences of robbery against lone women at night.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Gary Holt

Assault

January 22, 2026

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment

On May 9, 2025, Gary Holt, 46, of Burnside Close in Bredbury, along with his girlfriend Louise Blair and Paul Nolan, assaulted Simon Nolan at Holt's home. Holt brutally attacked Simon by kicking and punching him while he was curled up on the floor, following an argument over a £200 debt owed by Simon to Holt. The incident was captured on doorbell footage, and Simon was later found collapsed on Shakespeare Road, suffering severe injuries including a collapsed lung.

Part of a joint enterprise; 32 prior convictions; in custody for 9 months prior to sentencing; struggling with mental health.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Christopher Akrigg

Fraudulent evasion of prohibition on importation of cannabis

January 22, 2026

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

Christopher Akrigg, 50, of no fixed address, was stopped by Border Force officers at Manchester Airport on December 23, 2025, upon arrival from Thailand. He claimed to have no luggage but a suitcase checked in under his name was searched, revealing five vacuum-sealed packages of cannabis weighing 15kg. Akrigg initially denied ownership and knowledge of the contents but later admitted it was his. He was approached in a bar in Thailand by an unknown person offering £5,000 to transport the bag to the UK, which he accepted without considering the consequences.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition of the importation of a class B drug. Remorse expressed; mental health and addiction issues noted; prior personal tragedies including death of mother and separation from wife.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Louise Blair

Assault

January 22, 2026

Sentence: 22 weeks imprisonment, released immediately due to time served

On May 9, 2025, Louise Blair, 47, of Burnside Close in Bredbury, pushed Simon Nolan into a thorn bush outside her home during an altercation over a £200 debt Simon owed to her partner Gary Holt. This was part of a joint enterprise involving Paul Nolan and Gary Holt, leading to Simon suffering lacerations and other injuries requiring hospital treatment.

Part of a joint enterprise; on remand in custody prior to release on bail in November 2025; role limited to pushing the victim into a thorn bush.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Paul Nolan

Assault

January 22, 2026

Sentence: 53 weeks imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 9-month drug rehabilitation programme

On May 9, 2025, Paul Nolan, 43, of Barker Road in Bredbury, dragged his brother Simon to the home of Gary Holt in Bredbury to resolve a £200 debt Simon owed to Holt. When Simon tried to leave, Paul held him back, enabling the assault that followed, including pushing into a thorn bush and a brutal beating. Paul followed and shouted at Simon during the attack, contributing to his severe injuries including a collapsed lung.

Part of a joint enterprise; acted to 'sort out' brother's £200 debt; lacked empathy due to cultural background.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Jack Burrows

Engaging in sexual activity with a person with a mental health disorder

January 21, 2026

Sentence: 2 years and 3 months imprisonment

Jack Burrows, a 35-year-old married father and bank care worker employed by NHS Professionals, met a vulnerable patient with a personality disorder at a mental health unit in Greater Manchester. He gave her his mobile number, embarked on a relationship, and had sex with her twice while escorting her away from her ward, including once in a nearby yard after she went outside for a cigarette. He sent her explicit messages, pictures of his penis, and encouraged her to view him as a potential love interest, discussing risks and offering to take more shifts to spend time with her. The relationship was revealed through messages on her phone after she admitted it to staff. Burrows deleted messages from his phone and initially denied contact, claiming his phone was used by others. The victim stated he took advantage of her vulnerability, causing her anxiety in medical settings.

Admitted two offences of being a care worker who engaged in sexual activity with a person with a mental health disorder contrary to the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for 10 years. No previous convictions. Remorseful and ashamed.

Sources: dailypost.co.uk

James Saxon

Controlling and coercive behaviour

January 20, 2026

Sentence: 2 years and 3 months imprisonment

James Saxon, 29, from Ludlow Road, Stockport, subjected his victim to a prolonged and escalating pattern of controlling and coercive behaviour, intimidation, and abuse over a three-year period. He isolated the victim from friends and family, monitored their movements, used threats and intimidation, locked her in a room, and punched a wall in A&E after her miscarriage in January 2025. His drug use, including cocaine, cannabis, and steroids, intensified his paranoia, aggression, and erratic behaviour. In March 2025, he pursued the victim in his vehicle, leading to his arrest. He breached bail by contacting her via social media. The abuse caused the victim to lose a pregnancy due to stress and fear, and included threats to crash the car with both inside, resulting in neck injury from physical assault.

Pleaded guilty. Handed a five year restraining order against the victim. Showed no remorse, laughing during interview and court.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Wayne Scott

Being drunk on an aircraft

January 19, 2026

Sentence: 23 weeks imprisonment

On September 8, 2025, during a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Manchester, Wayne Scott, 47, of Willowdale, Hull, became heavily intoxicated, verbally abusive, and argumentative, initially with his father who was also on board. He used foul language towards other passengers, including families with children, causing visible worry. After being asked to calm down, he stumbled down the aisle in a boxing stance as if about to throw punches. Cabin crew restrained him with cable ties on his hands and a seat belt on his legs until police arrived at Manchester Airport upon landing.

Pleaded guilty. No previous convictions. Judge Tom Gilbart noted the behaviour was abhorrent and caused considerable concern to passengers. Defence highlighted personal crises including stepfather's death, father's cancer diagnosis, and marriage breakdown.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Usama Al-Sari

Rape

January 16, 2026

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment with an extended licence period of 8 years

On September 9, 2025, Usama Al-Sari, 28, threatened a woman in Heaton Mersey park, Stockport, with an imitation gun, demanding her phone and ordering her to have sex with him. He guided her to a wooded area, grabbed her by the neck, threatened to kill her, grabbed her breasts, and orally raped her. The victim ran away to a nearby pub for help. Al-Sari called 999 to hand himself in, admitting he had a pellet gun and tried to force the girl to do things. He was arrested the same day and showed police where he stashed the gun.

Admitted his behaviour. Suffered from compulsion and had sought help from GP for urges to rape, torture and kill women but received no substantial support.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Richard Jones

Conspiring to make a counterfeit of a currency note with intent

January 15, 2026

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment

Richard Jones, 31, from Oldham Road, Springhead, was involved as a middle man in a sophisticated conspiracy to produce counterfeit currency between September and December 2020. He invested a significant sum of his own money but was duped by co-conspirators connected to serious organised crime. He sought to recruit others. His involvement was uncovered after police seized a co-conspirator's phone. Arrested in August 2025, he was at large briefly and sentenced separately by magistrates for drink driving in the interim.

Pleaded guilty. Has 13 previous convictions including for dishonesty and violent offending. Served equivalent time on remand and expected to be released soon. Judge commented on his supportive partner and daughter, urging him to grow up.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Michael Labinjo

Wounding

January 15, 2026

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment with 3 years on extended licence

Michael Labinjo, 35, of no fixed address, slashed his ex-partner's arm with a knife during an argument over money in their home in February 2020. He pushed her to the floor, spat in her face, took £20, and then used the knife after she tried to retrieve the money. She self-administered first aid but required hospital treatment after escaping. He was arrested on March 25, 2021, but due to delays, his first court appearance was in December 2024 and trial in October 2025. In the interim, starting summer 2024, he entered a relationship with a second woman, whom he stalked, assaulted by dragging her from bed and kicking her, threatened to kill, and threatened to disclose a private image. She felt trapped due to fear.

Declared a dangerous offender. Pleaded guilty to wounding, stalking, common assault, criminal damage and threatening to disclose a private image. Judge Tom Gilbart commented on delays in the justice system allowing further offences.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Derico Smith

Dangerous driving

January 14, 2026

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment, disqualified from driving for 2 years and 4 months

On the evening of November 6, 2023, Derico Smith was driving a hired white Mercedes on Moss Lane East, Manchester, when he overtook a vehicle at significant speed exceeding the 20 mph limit on a wet road with a sweeping bend. He was travelling behind and alongside Rio Haughton's BMW. Shortly after overtaking, Haughton's vehicle lost control and collided with a white Toyota, resulting in the death of passenger Aliya Mulla, aged 25. Smith stopped briefly but left the scene before police arrived. Expert analysis estimated his speed at around 58 mph. He had been in custody since September 2025 for breaching licence terms of a previous sentence.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving. Reduced by one-third for guilty plea. Expected to serve around 50% of sentence. Previous convictions noted but irrelevant to this offence. Left the scene but accepted responsibility as driver. No connection to the fatal collision.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Syed Raza Rizvi

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving

January 14, 2026

Sentence: 2 years and 6 months imprisonment, disqualified from driving for 3 years and 3 months

On December 23, 2023, Syed Raza Rizvi, driving a black VW Golf R excessively fast on Cromwell Road in Salford, overtook queuing cars on the wrong side of the road, passed through a red light, and struck pedestrian Preeti Dhunna, who was crossing properly after looking both ways. Witnesses described his driving as maniacal and feared he would kill someone. Rizvi hit Ms Dhunna, sending her flying into the air, causing a brain bleed, fractures to her pelvis, vertebrae, and left ankle. She was placed in an induced coma, required a breathing tube, and spent five weeks in hospital. At the scene, Rizvi claimed she stepped out without looking and was aggressive towards bystanders. Video footage confirmed Ms Dhunna's proper crossing. Ms Dhunna's life was profoundly changed, losing independence, suffering ongoing pain, and fearing roads.

Pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Judge noted defendant's aggressive and arrogant behavior at the scene and lack of genuine remorse. Prior convictions for breach of public order (2023) and assault (2024). Defendant expressed remorse in court but initially blamed the victim.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Natalie Yarwood

Money Laundering

January 8, 2026

Sentence: 18-month suspended prison sentence, 100 hours unpaid work, 20 days rehabilitation activity

Natalie Yarwood, 37, of Buxton Avenue in Ashton-under-Lyne, laundered £55,000 between June and August 2019 as part of a sophisticated timeshare fraud led by Sean Thompson and Caroline Preston. The scam preyed on vulnerable elderly timeshare holders in Spain, falsely convincing them they were entitled to compensation and inducing them to hand over money for supposed professional fees or court requirements in Spain. Yarwood permitted her bank account to be used for laundering the proceeds.

Pleaded not guilty but convicted after trial. No previous convictions. Described as a single mum working at Shoezone, oblivious to the true scale of the fraud, and at the bottom end of the operation. Judge warned she would be jailed if she fails to complete the sentence.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Jordan Gouldmartin

Sexual assault of a child under 13

January 8, 2026

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Jordan Gouldmartin, 31, of Ludlow Drive, Leigh, sexually assaulted a boy under the age of 13. The victim courageously came forward, enabling Greater Manchester Police to fully investigate the horrific incident.

Found guilty of sexually assaulting a boy under the age of 13. Made subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a lifetime restraining order against the young victim. Required to serve two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole. On release, subject to a five-year licence period.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Katy Lowe

Money Laundering

January 8, 2026

Sentence: 2 year prison sentence suspended for 2 years, 150 hours unpaid work

Katy Lowe, 51, of Spa Close in Reddish, laundered £103,000 between September and November 2018 as part of a sophisticated timeshare fraud led by Sean Thompson and Caroline Preston. The scam targeted vulnerable elderly timeshare owners in Spain, convincing them they were entitled to compensation and tricking them into paying large sums for fake fees. Lowe allowed her bank account to be used to receive and launder the dirty money, claiming she was persuaded by a neighbour and only received money for household bills, food, and nappies.

Pleaded not guilty but convicted after trial. Judge noted her involvement in heartless scam but accepted modest sums received. Prior conviction in 1997 for attempting to obtain property by deception. Described as having a traumatic life with anxiety and depression.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Roger Ward

Theft

January 6, 2026

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Roger Ward, the treasurer of the Fourth Church of Christ, Scientist, in Manchester city centre, secretly transferred approximately £39,743 from the church's bank account to his personal account between July 2024 and November 2024. He claimed the funds were invested in cryptocurrency but was scammed, losing the church's money along with an additional £16,000 of his own. The theft has put the church, a registered charity with over a century of presence in the city, at risk of closing due to financial loss. Ward had sole access to the account as a volunteer trustee since 2017 and initially lied about a £1,693 transfer being reimbursement for legal advice on gift aid. He was interviewed by police in November 2024, answered no comment, and the case was transferred from magistrates to crown court.

Pleaded guilty to theft. Judge noted prior convictions for benefit fraud and a streak of dishonesty in his character. Barrister appealed for non-custodial sentence citing family circumstances and being scammed in cryptocurrency investment.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Leslie Smith

Rape

January 5, 2026

Sentence: 33 years imprisonment

Leslie Smith sexually abused multiple child victims over two decades, including the rape of a boy as young as five or six, and the rape of a girl aged between six and eight. One victim complained to police in 2000, but through his wife, Smith pressured the child to retract the allegation. The victim reported again in 2002 but was disbelieved. Additional victims came forward as adults. His wife Lynda Smith was actively involved in the abuse of several victims and charged with sexual offences and perverting the course of justice, but died before trial. Smith was convicted by jury in August 2025 of multiple counts including rape, buggery, indecent assault, and indecency with a child against six child victims.

Maintains innocence, no remorse expressed. Pleaded not guilty and convicted after trial. Will serve two-thirds before parole eligibility. Suffering from multiple health conditions.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Hasnain Ahmed

Sexual assault of a child under 13

January 5, 2026

Sentence: 2.5 years imprisonment

Hasnain Ahmed, from Levenshulme, abused a vulnerable girl starting from when she was 11 years old over a period of two years between 2016 and 2018. He repeatedly coerced her into sexual acts without her consent. The victim came forward to police in April 2021, stating that Ahmed took her childhood and changed the course of her entire life. Ahmed was 17 at the time he committed the escalating crimes.

Found guilty of four counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 by touching, one count of sexual assault of a child under 13 by penetration, and two counts of causing/inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. Also handed a restraining order and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, both for 10 years.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Lee Stewart

Murder

December 28, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment with minimum 16 years and 363 days

Lee Stewart, 55, murdered partner Clare Burns, 51, on April 7, 2025, in her Collyhurst flat by inflicting blunt force head and neck injuries. Burns had previously reported abuse to police a month earlier but provided limited details. Stewart did not assist her after the assault.

Kevin Draper

Manslaughter

December 28, 2025

Sentence: 11 years imprisonment

Kevin Draper, 55, killed neighbor Jack O'Brien, 27, in his Siddow Common, Leigh home in December 2024 by stabbing him during a confrontation. O'Brien entered briefly, left the door open with friends outside, re-entered, and the door slammed shut. Friends tried to break in as O'Brien emerged, collapsed, and said he was stabbed.

Jordan Downs

Murder

December 28, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment with minimum 21 years

Jordan Downs, 32, and Paul Simmons murdered drug addict Michael McCann, 35, in Bolton after McCann tried to steal drugs from them. Downs armed himself with a kitchen knife and stabbed McCann in the leg during a street fight outside Simmons' flat. Both were involved in the joint attack on the unarmed victim.

Found guilty of murder and perverting the course of justice by disposing of knife.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Marcin Majerkiewicz

Murder

December 28, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment with minimum 34 years

Marcin Majerkiewicz, 42, murdered housemate Stuart Everett, 67, in their Salford home on Worsley Road, Winton, by repeatedly hitting him over the head. He then dismembered the body with a hacksaw in the bedroom and dumped parts in bags at locations including Kersal Dale, Linnyshaw Colliery Woods, Blackleach Country Park, Chesterfield Close, and Boggart Hole Clough. Arrested after CCTV recognition about a month later.

Paul Simmons

Murder

December 28, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment with minimum 20 years

Paul Simmons, 49, and Jordan Downs murdered Michael McCann, 35, in Bolton after McCann attempted to steal drugs. Simmons armed with a wooden stick joined Downs, who stabbed McCann in the leg during a street confrontation outside his flat. The attack left McCann fatally wounded.

Haroon Ishtiaq

Fraud by false representation

December 19, 2025

Sentence: 23 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months, 200 hours unpaid work, 10 days rehabilitation activity, £2,000 compensation

Between October 26, 2021, and June 8, 2023, Haroon Ishtiaq, director of Greater Manchester Football Club, submitted five fraudulent grant applications to the Football Foundation using fake invoices for floodlights. Three grants totaling £22,789 were approved, but floodlights cost only £1,164 to £2,328. He transferred £15,300 to his personal account for day-to-day living expenses. The final two applications were rejected due to suspicions. This led to limited funding for other clubs and a self-referral to the Charity Commission.

Pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation, use of a false instrument with intent it be accepted as genuine and acquiring criminal property. Judge noted lack of genuine remorse and developing pattern of fraud. Prior claims of no personal benefit retracted at the last minute.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Cameron Warburton

Blackmail

December 15, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 130 hours unpaid work, 20 days rehabilitation activity, £350 court costs

Cameron Warburton, 30, of Portside Close, Salford, met the victim on a dating app. They exchanged sexual messages, pictures, and videos. The victim provided his phone number and address, expecting sexual relations. Warburton then demanded money for sex, and upon refusal, threatened to share the videos unless paid £250. After being blocked, he continued demands via email, warning the victim he would 'regret it'. Police were called, leading to arrest.

Pleaded guilty to blackmail. Judge Elizabeth Nicholls noted the conduct was vindictive and unacceptable, ill health does not excuse it. Banned from contacting victim for 5 years under restraining order. At time of offence, diagnosed with fibromyalgia, financially and emotionally struggling; now married and runs a pub.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Aiden Hopkins

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

December 12, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 9 months imprisonment

Aiden Hopkins, 31, of no fixed address, from Gosport, Hampshire, acted as a courier making nine trips between Manchester and Gosport from March to June 2024 to transport drugs for the Manchester-based gang, which supplied his local crime group. He was arrested on June 13, 2024, with Class A drugs hidden in his vehicle. The gang's £1.8m operation involved wholesale supply of cocaine and other drugs across the UK.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. This sentence is consecutive to a prior 48-month sentence handed down at Southampton Crown Court in August 2024 for related drug and firearm offences.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Anthony Hunt

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

December 12, 2025

Sentence: 11 years and 3 months imprisonment

Anthony Hunt, 40, of Rudston Avenue, Moston, brother of Thomas Hunt, played a very significant role in the operation, including exchanges of drugs and cash. He was arrested at a safe house flat in Crumpsall on October 4, 2024, where 11kg of high-purity cocaine worth £308,000-£352,000 was found, along with a press and adulterants. The gang ran a £1.8m wholesale drugs racket from March to October 2024.

Admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine and possession with intent to supply diamorphine. Judge noted he is beginning to appreciate the damage his drug dealing is having on his family. His DNA was found on gloves at the Crumpsall flat.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Graham Sykes

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

December 12, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 3 months imprisonment

Graham Sykes, 63, of Moston Lane, acted as a trusted courier, making 18 trips nationwide to transport drugs and cash for the gang. He was stopped on the Woodhead Pass with nearly 1kg of cocaine. The operation involved wholesale supply of Class A drugs valued at £1.8m across the UK between March and October 2024.

Admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine and producing cannabis. Former HGV driver who made 18 separate trips for the group; stopped on Woodhead Pass with just under 1kg of cocaine. Judge noted he must have had awareness of the operation's scale.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Dylan Robinson

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

December 12, 2025

Sentence: 12 years and 6 months imprisonment

Dylan Robinson, 33, of Fallows Avenue, Middleton, cousin and right-hand man to Thomas Hunt, directed couriers, orchestrated supply to other crime groups, and conducted exchanges. He was central to the day-to-day running of the £1.8m wholesale drugs operation supplying cocaine, heroin, amphetamine, and ecstasy across the UK from March to October 2024.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, possession with intent to supply both MDMA and diamorphine, and possession of ammunition without a firearms certificate. Described as logistics controller and hands-on in day-to-day operations; £61,000 cash, drugs, and storage keys found at his home. Has prior convictions.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Robert Earnshaw

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

December 12, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Robert Earnshaw, 29, of Eastwood Road, New Moston, partner of Thomas Hunt's daughter, ran his own localised drug dealership linked to the conspiracy. Analysis of his phone revealed flare messages to drug users advertising availability of drugs. The overarching operation was a £1.8m wholesale drugs racket supplying Class A drugs across the UK from March to October 2024.

Admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine and producing cannabis. Judge described his involvement as unbelievable given he was a trained builder working as a legitimate courier at the time.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Rachel Blackburn-Stanley

Participating in the activities of an organised crime group

December 12, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment suspended for 9 months

Rachel Blackburn-Stanley, 35, of Rudston Avenue, Moston, partner of Anthony Hunt, helped by driving him to and from the group's drug-storage locations and to conduct two exchanges with Stanley Ainsley. She also drove Anthony Hunt to a safe house flat in Crumpsall where he met Lisa Prescott before police raids on October 4, 2024. The gang's operation involved a £1.8m wholesale drugs racket from March to October 2024.

Admitted participating in the activities of an organised crime group. Ordered to complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. Judge noted low risk of re-offending and her hopes to start studying in the future.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Lisa Prescott

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

December 12, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment suspended for 1 year

Lisa Prescott, 40, of Henry Street, Leigh, ex-partner of James Close, assisted in continuing the drug business while Close was on remand. She met Anthony Hunt at the Crumpsall safe house flat on October 4, 2024, just before police raids. The flat contained 11kg of high-purity cocaine. The operation was a £1.8m wholesale drugs racket operating from March to October 2024.

Admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine. Ordered to carry out 100 hours unpaid work and 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days. Judge noted realistic prospect of rehabilitation but concern over associations; her DNA found on gloves with cocaine traces. No longer in relationship with James Close.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Thomas Lockwood

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

December 12, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment suspended for 1 year

Thomas Lockwood, 60, of Kentford Drive, Collyhurst, served as the group's product tester after accruing a £7,000 debt to Thomas Hunt through his addiction. His health issues and steps to address addiction influenced the suspended sentence. The gang's operation was a £1.8m wholesale supply of cocaine and other Class A drugs across the UK between March and October 2024.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. Ordered to complete 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a nine-month drug rehabilitation requirement. Involved due to £7,000 drug debt; suffers from kidney failure and is a long-standing Class A addict.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Stanley Ainsley

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

December 12, 2025

Sentence: 8 years and 7 months imprisonment

Stanley Ainsley, 58, of Birch Street, Gorton, was involved as a trusted courier and storage man for the organised crime gang led by Thomas Hunt. Some 6.4kg of amphetamine, just under 220g of cocaine, and a little over 35g of diamorphine, as well as £4,205 in cash, were found at his home in Gorton. The gang operated a £1.8m wholesale drugs racket supplying cocaine, amphetamine, heroin, and ecstasy across the UK between March and October 2024.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, possession with intent to supply diamorphine and amphetamine. Acted in part to feed his drug addiction, but involvement went well beyond that.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Shannon Gandy-Feeney

Fraudulent evasion of a prohibition by bringing a controlled substance into the UK

December 11, 2025

Sentence: 1 year and 8 months imprisonment

Shannon Gandy-Feeney, 24, from Griffe Head Road, Bradford, was stopped by Border Force officers at Manchester Airport on August 16, 2025, upon returning from a 10-day trip to Thailand. She claimed ignorance of the suitcase codes, leading officers to use bolt cutters to open two suitcases containing just under 30kg of cannabis, valued at £76,000 wholesale and £300,000 street value. She was in drug debt and agreed to transport the drugs for a £7,000 reward to settle her debts, though she claimed no knowledge of the contents or value despite the suitcases' weight. She refused to answer questions post-arrest and has a history of drug and alcohol issues, anxiety, depression, and a troubled background.

Pleaded guilty at a pre-trial hearing. No previous convictions apart from a caution in April 2025 for assault on an emergency worker. Judge noted her young age, addiction issues, and potential for rehabilitation but deemed the case too serious for non-custodial sentence.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Mandy Hendry

Fraudulent evasion of importation of cannabis

December 10, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years; 25 days rehabilitation activity; 250 hours unpaid work

Mandy Hendry, 35, from Flanshaw Drive, Wakefield, was stopped by Border Force at Manchester Airport earlier in 2025 after arriving from Thailand via Doha. She admitted to having cannabis in her large pink suitcase, which contained just over 20kg of the class B drug valued at £53,390. She had been promised a free holiday, flights, and £8,000 to transport the drugs. Hendry had recently left an abusive relationship, with her former partner jailed earlier that year for domestic violence. She previously worked with children with special educational needs but could no longer due to trauma.

Pleaded guilty to fraudulent evasion of importation of cannabis. Mitigating factors included vulnerability, recent abusive relationship, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and low risk of reoffending. Judge Tom Gilbart noted naivety but emphasized deterrence.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Manzorr Hussain

Child sexual abuse

December 9, 2025

Sentence: 30 years imprisonment

In the late 1990s in Bury, Manzorr Hussain, aged 54 from Manchester Road, Bury, targeted and groomed five vulnerable girls aged around 13. He plied them with drink and drugs, manipulated them, and subjected them to repeated sexual abuse, including rape and indecent assault, treating them as objects for his sexual gratification. The abuse occurred at various locations, including metres from one victim's home, and involved passing the girls to other men. The case was opened by a brave victim coming forward after over two decades.

Convicted of seven counts of rape and seven counts of indecent assault following a four-week trial. No remorse shown. Prior role as market trader used to groom victims.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Paul Field

Burglary and criminal damage

December 9, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 5 months imprisonment

On July 25, 2025, Paul Field, 54, of Fotherby Drive, Blackley, knocked on the front door of a homeowner's house, wearing a red and blue hoodie. He then went to the back, climbed through the kitchen window, and went upstairs where the woman was. He asked if it was 'number seven' before she fled in terror. A neighbour intervened and told him to leave. Later that same day, while intoxicated, Field threw stones at another house, kicked the front door, drank from a can, and hurled a concrete slab, causing £2,666 in damage. The owners felt unsafe and vulnerable in their home.

Pleaded through a letter of apology read in court. Has 30 previous convictions for 84 offences, mostly burglary. Suffered from mental health issues including emotionally unstable personality disorder, suicidal ideation, and long history of substance abuse. Judge noted lack of respect for property owners.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Imtiaz Ali

Child sexual abuse

December 9, 2025

Sentence: 28 years imprisonment

In the late 1990s in Bury, Imtiaz Ali, aged 53 from Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe, Bury, along with his cousin Manzorr Hussain, targeted and groomed five vulnerable girls aged around 13. They plied the victims with alcohol, drugs, money, and lifts in cars, tricking them into believing they were in relationships before subjecting them to systematic sexual abuse, including rape and indecent assault. The abuse had profound, lasting impacts on the victims' lives over more than two decades. The investigation relied on victims' detailed recollections of locations and historical records.

Convicted of five counts of rape, five counts of indecent assault, and one count of attempted indecent assault following a four-week trial. No remorse shown. Worked with cousin to groom victims using his role as market trader.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Abdulrahman Omar Salim

Section 18 wounding and possession of a bladed article

December 4, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 6 months imprisonment

On April 17, 2025, at about 2pm, Abdulrahman Omar Salim, 19, of no fixed address, was accused by Nabeel Ahmed, who was working in his father's convenience store on Cheetham Hill Road, of throwing a rock at the shop window, causing a loud bang. After the accusation, Omar Salim threatened to stab Mr Ahmed, reached into his jacket, broke free from restraint, and swung a knife, slicing the edge of Mr Ahmed's hand and finger. Members of the public helped detain him until police arrived. The prosecution could not prove he threw the rock.

Pleaded guilty. Carried knife for protection after previous stabbing. Has ADHD and autism, described as immature at the time. Eight-month remand in prison served as a wake-up call. Judge noted the incident was avoided by pure luck rather than design.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Daniel Nosey

Conspiracy to supply class A and class B drugs

December 3, 2025

Sentence: 9 years and 7 months imprisonment

Daniel Nosey, aged 33, of Stoneleigh Street, Oldham, contributed to a conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine, heroin, MDMA) and class B drugs (amphetamine) by locating storage addresses and supporting the logistical operations of the network led by Bobby Vernon and Darren Rae.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine, heroin and MDMA) and conspiracy to supply class B drugs (amphetamine). Found addresses for drug storage and assisted with logistics.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Jack Tolley

Conspiracy to supply class A and class B drugs

December 3, 2025

Sentence: 9 years and 7 months imprisonment

Jack Tolley, aged 33, of Beaufont Drive, Oldham, served as the operations manager in a conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine, heroin, MDMA) and class B drugs (amphetamine). He managed deliveries, participated in meetings with Bobby Vernon and Darren Rae, and brought drugs to his girlfriend Rebecca Kenworthy's home where 26 kilos of cocaine were later found.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine, heroin and MDMA) and conspiracy to supply class B drugs (amphetamine). Acted as operations manager, handling deliveries of cash and drugs, and attending meetings.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Gerald David

Conspiracy to supply class A drugs

December 2, 2025

Sentence: 12 month community order and 150 hours unpaid work with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days

Gerald David, 55, of Whittaker Lane, Rochdale, partner of Jennifer Kenworthy, permitted the storage of drugs at their home as part of the enterprise. The group dealt 26 kilos of cocaine, 52 kilos of amphetamine, 154 tablets of MDMA, 390 grams of heroin, and over a kilogram of mixing agent.

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