Manchester Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 130 verdicts at Manchester Crown Court (Manchester). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Colin Hendry

Harassment

July 31, 2025

Sentence: Sentenced for harassment

Colin Hendry, 59, a former Manchester City player, admitted to harassing his ex-partner, leading to his sentencing.

Michael Aspin

Dangerous driving

July 31, 2025

Sentence: Imprisonment

Michael Aspin engaged in a high-speed chase with police in a Nissan Micra, reaching speeds of 70mph, which resulted in his imprisonment.

Reehan Nezir

Manslaughter

July 31, 2025

Sentence: 9 years imprisonment

Reehan Nezir, along with a 14-year-old accomplice, confronted Isaac Brown and his friends in West Bromwich town centre to address a dispute stemming from a robbery earlier that day in Smethwick, where a 12-year-old boy was assaulted and had his jacket stolen. The confrontation escalated, with weapons brandished, leading to a chase to New Square on April 7, 2024, where Isaac Brown was fatally stabbed in the chest. Nezir and the accomplice fled but were arrested the following day.

Admitted to manslaughter, robbery, and possession of an offensive weapon. Had posted messages online threatening to teach the victim a lesson.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Richard Smith

Affray

July 31, 2025

Sentence: Eight months imprisonment

Richard Smith was drinking with family and friends at the Star Inn in Higher Broughton, Salford, on August 23 when Bradley McClenan threw a pint glass at his face, sparking a violent brawl. Smith and others engaged in the fight, which involved punches, thrown pints, and the use of bar stools as weapons. Smith repeatedly struck one man with a bar stool until it broke, then used the broken leg. The altercation resulted in injuries, including wounds to the faces of those involved, and further violence outside the pub before the group dispersed.

Previously convicted for manslaughter in 2001 and served five-and-a-half years. In this incident, he used a broken bar stool leg as a weapon after being hit with a pint glass. Defence argued he was not seeking trouble and it was his first drink of the evening.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Mohammed Ridwan Ali

Entering an aircraft when drunk

July 28, 2025

Sentence: 12 weeks imprisonment suspended for a year, 10 rehabilitation activity requirements, an alcohol treatment programme, and a £250 fine

Mohammed Ridwan Ali, 28, was on a flight from Bangladesh to Manchester Airport on March 6, 2025, where he consumed alcohol, argued with his sister, became abusive towards other passengers, and staggered around the plane. He was restrained in his seat by the crew and met by police upon landing. A half-empty 1.5 litre bottle of rum was found in his bag.

The judge stated, 'I’m not convinced you really understand how inappropriate this behaviour was and I don’t think you are really sorry about it.' Ali had previously been stabbed, suffered cardiac arrests, and self-medicated with alcohol. He pleaded guilty.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Oruno Ododo

Fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of a class B drug

July 25, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Oruno Ododo travelled from Bangkok via Hong Kong to Manchester Airport on February 12, 2025. His suitcase, which contained 20.71 kilos of cannabis worth an estimated £83,000, went missing initially but was later recovered. It was x-rayed and found to have drugs concealed within. On February 15, 2025, he arrived to collect the suitcase, confirmed it was his, and was arrested. He stated he was given the suitcase on the street and coerced into bringing it to the UK, fearing for his safety.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of a class B drug. Claimed he was coerced and feared for his safety. Has prior convictions for battery, drug dealing, and stalking. Judge stated that drugs are a blight on the community and that the defendant likely acted for financial gain, with no confidence in his compliance with court orders.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Lauren Martin

Fraudulent evasion of prohibition on importation of class B drug

July 24, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years, and 100 hours of unpaid work

Lauren Martin flew back from Thailand on April 5, 2025, and was stopped by Border Force officers at Manchester Airport. She claimed her suitcase contained only clothing, but officers discovered 31 vacuum-sealed bags of cannabis weighing 49 kilograms. She told officers she had met two people in Thailand who asked her to take the items back, and she did not check the suitcase. She was arrested and interviewed.

Pleaded guilty. Judge Paul Lawton commented on her naivety and possible pressure from others, and noted she was subject to an electronically monitored curfew and receiving Universal Credit. The judge stated she was capable of rehabilitation.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Kavon Haselden-Hoyle

Attempted Murder

July 23, 2025

Sentence: 35 years imprisonment with an extended licence of five years

Kavon Haselden-Hoyle, along with others, prepared for and carried out a planned attack on Michael Senghore on October 7, 2024, in Gorton. They wore balaclavas and used machetes and a shotgun to ambush him as he walked home, inflicting severe injuries including a gunshot wound that led to the amputation of his leg and damage to his right hand. The attack involved careful planning, as evidenced by CCTV footage showing them gathering before the incident.

Convicted of attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapon with intent to endanger life, and having a bladed article. Judge described the attack as brutal, pitiless and extremely violent.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Kellen Mongeme

Attempted Murder

July 23, 2025

Sentence: 21 years detention in a Young Offender Institution

Kellen Mongeme, along with others, prepared for and carried out a planned attack on Michael Senghore on October 7, 2024, in Gorton. They wore balaclavas and used machetes and a shotgun to ambush him as he walked home, inflicting severe injuries including a gunshot wound that led to the amputation of his leg and damage to his right hand. The attack involved careful planning, as evidenced by CCTV footage showing them gathering before the incident.

Convicted of attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon with intent to endanger life; pleaded guilty to having a bladed article. Also sentenced to two years concurrently for conspiracy to supply class A drugs. Judge described the attack as brutal, pitiless and extremely violent.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

James Elliott

Rape

July 23, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

James Elliott raped a teenager in an incident that had a devastating impact on the victim's life, as she described how it completely ruined her.

Convicted for raping a teenager, with the victim stating that the attack ruined her life.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Dean Jolly

Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm and Strangulation

July 23, 2025

Sentence: 18-month community order, 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and 100 hours unpaid work

On New Year's Eve 2024, Dean Jolly, during a drunken altercation, accused his partner of infidelity and demanded access to her phone. He threw a kettle at her, strangled her by placing his hands around her neck, making it difficult for her to breathe, and hit her with a metal pole after disarming her of a knife she had picked up. She sustained a wound to her scalp and bruises to her back and arms. Both parties had been drinking and using drugs. The couple had been in a turbulent 13-year relationship.

Pleaded guilty to the offences. Judge commented on the need to send a message about such behaviour towards women and noted the defendant's progress while on remand. The defendant has 14 previous convictions for 19 offences, none for violence prior to this, and admitted that drugs impacted his mental health.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Habibur Masum

Murder

July 23, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment

Habibur Masum followed his wife Kulsuma Akter from their home in Oldham and murdered her by stabbing her to death while she was pushing their seven-month-old son in a pram. After the attack, he calmly walked away, leaving the scene.

Described as a violent, jealous, and controlling husband who stabbed his wife to death in broad daylight as she pushed their baby in a pram.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Xarvae Forrester

Attempted Murder

July 23, 2025

Sentence: 26 years imprisonment

Xarvae Forrester, along with others, prepared for and carried out a planned attack on Michael Senghore on October 7, 2024, in Gorton. They wore balaclavas and used machetes and a shotgun to ambush him as he walked home, inflicting severe injuries including a gunshot wound that led to the amputation of his leg and damage to his right hand. The attack involved careful planning, as evidenced by CCTV footage showing them gathering before the incident.

Convicted of attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapon with intent to endanger life, and having a bladed article. Judge described the attack as brutal, pitiless and extremely violent.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Zak Morris

Attempted Murder

July 23, 2025

Sentence: 20 years detention in a Young Offender Institution

Zak Morris, along with others, prepared for and carried out a planned attack on Michael Senghore on October 7, 2024, in Gorton. They wore balaclavas and used machetes and a shotgun to ambush him as he walked home, inflicting severe injuries including a gunshot wound that led to the amputation of his leg and damage to his right hand. The attack involved careful planning, as evidenced by CCTV footage showing them gathering before the incident.

Convicted of attempted murder and possessing an offensive weapon with intent to endanger life; admitted having a bladed article. Judge described the attack as brutal, pitiless and extremely violent.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Kavon Haselden-Doyle

Attempted Murder

July 22, 2025

Sentence: 35 years imprisonment with an extended licence of 5 years

Kavon Haselden-Doyle, along with three others, ambushed Michael Senghore on Hampden Crescent in Gorton on October 7, 2024. He produced a shotgun and shot Mr Senghore at close range as he tried to escape, causing severe injuries that led to the amputation of Mr Senghore's leg and loss of function in his right hand. The attack was unprovoked and involved careful planning, as the defendants were seen together prior to the incident.

Convicted of attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapon with intent to endanger life, and having a bladed article. He will serve two thirds of the jail term (23 years and 6 months) before the Parole Board considers release.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Dennis Van Gestel

Distributing indecent images of children

July 21, 2025

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment

Dennis Van Gestel uploaded indecent images of children to the internet from a house in Wythenshawe in 2020. Police investigations linked the uploads to his IP address, and devices seized contained 185 indecent images, including 77 category A images, the most serious type. He was interviewed by police, released under investigation, and fled to Belgium. An international manhunt ensued, leading to his arrest in Belgium and extradition to the UK via a European Arrest Warrant. The crimes involved distributing, making, and possessing prohibited images of children.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of distributing indecent images of children, three counts of making indecent images of children, and one count of possessing prohibited images of children. Defence noted he returned to Belgium due to job loss and is now alcohol and drug-free after rehab. Sentenced by Judge Paul Lawton.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Khaine Henry-Goodwin

Being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs

July 18, 2025

Sentence: Five years and nine months imprisonment

Khaine Henry-Goodwin was part of the 'Ace' drugs line, supplying class A and B drugs. Police forced entry into his flat and discovered him trying to dispose of white powder, with 169 grams of heroin, 240 grams of cocaine, 108 grams of crack cocaine, and 4,440 grams of cannabis found on site, valued at significant amounts.

Defence stated he was working towards a pro-social, hard-working lifestyle. He was found attempting to flush drugs down the toilet during a police raid.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Javier Watson

Being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs

July 18, 2025

Sentence: 10 years and three months imprisonment

Javier Watson was involved in operating a 'sophisticated' drugs line supplying class A and B drugs, including crack cocaine, heroin, cocaine, and cannabis, in the Wythenshawe and South Manchester area. The line was highly active without needing advertising. Police investigations led to a search of his address where a loaded firearm and items linked to drug supply were discovered.

Represented as a dad-of-three who was a user of drugs and subject to coercion. A loaded Walther pistol and a notebook with drug prices were found during the raid.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Jonathan Levine

Being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs

July 18, 2025

Sentence: Five years and six months imprisonment

Jonathan Levine was connected to the 'Ace' drugs line supplying class A and B drugs. Police investigations revealed the drugs line number was restored on his phone, linking him to the operation that peddled drugs in the Wythenshawe and South Manchester area without marketing.

Mroriseng Motlhatlhedi

Being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs

July 18, 2025

Sentence: Five years and seven months imprisonment

Mroriseng Motlhatlhedi was involved in the 'Ace' drugs line, which supplied class A and B drugs without advertising. He was present during a police raid where large quantities of drugs were found, indicating his role in the organised supply network.

No specific additional details provided, but he was linked to the drugs line operation alongside Khaine Henry-Goodwin.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Shohad Miah

Kidnap

July 15, 2025

Sentence: 9 years imprisonment

Shohad Miah assisted Azizur Rahman in a cocaine-fuelled kidnap plot against an 87-year-old imam in September 2024 in Oldham. The pair abducted the victim from the street, forced him into an Audi, blindfolded him, and carried out a violent assault, including punching, strangling, and hitting him with a stick. The victim was stripped to his underpants and a torn, blood-stained tee shirt and left on a remote country road, resulting in injuries such as a bleed on the brain, a wound to his ear, swelling to his cheekbone, a large bruise to his neck, and a missing tooth.

Found guilty of kidnap, section 20 assault, intentional strangulation, and perverting the course of justice.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Azizur Rahman

Kidnap

July 15, 2025

Sentence: 11 years and 16 weeks imprisonment

Azizur Rahman, enraged by an imam performing a ritual exorcism on his stepson, conspired with Shohad Miah to kidnap the 87-year-old victim from the streets of Oldham in September 2024. The pair, under the influence of cocaine, bundled the victim into an Audi, blindfolded him, and subjected him to a sustained and violent beating, including repeated punching, strangling, and hitting with a stick. The victim was then stripped to his underpants and a torn, blood-stained tee shirt and abandoned on a remote country road, where he sustained injuries such as a bleed on the brain, a wound to his ear, swelling to his cheekbone, a large bruise to his neck, and a missing tooth.

Found guilty of kidnap, robbery, section 18 assault, intentional strangulation, and perverting the course of justice. Had 20 previous convictions and was serving a suspended sentence for drink driving at the time.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Rawal Rehman

Causing death by dangerous driving

July 12, 2025

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment

Rawal Rehman struck and killed three-year-old Louisa Palmisano while driving dangerously in Manchester city centre on February 22. He fled the scene initially and was arrested the next day, having binged on cocaine prior to the crash.

Was under the influence of cocaine and had visited massage parlours before the incident; the case will stay with the prosecutor forever due to its impact.

Sources: lancs.live

Toby Collens

Kidnap and Section 20 Wounding

July 11, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 10 months imprisonment

Toby Collens and Brodie Smith kidnapped Mark Williams on Christmas Day 2024, driving him to nearby woods where they beat him severely and attempted to set him alight. They also attacked him at his flat in Little Hulton, punching him, calling him derogatory names, threatening to cut his ear with scissors, and cutting chunks of his hair. The victim suffered nine rib fractures, a collapsed lung, and fractures to his nose and cheek, requiring 33 days in hospital, including intensive care.

Pleaded guilty to section 20 wounding, kidnap, and perverting the course of justice. Lawyers noted remorse and guilty plea as mitigation.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Brodie Smith

Kidnap and Section 20 Wounding

July 11, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 9 months imprisonment

Brodie Smith and Toby Collens kidnapped Mark Williams on Christmas Day 2024, driving him to nearby woods where they beat him severely and attempted to set him alight. They also attacked him at his flat in Little Hulton, punching him, calling him derogatory names, threatening to cut his ear with scissors, and cutting chunks of his hair. The victim suffered nine rib fractures, a collapsed lung, and fractures to his nose and cheek, requiring 33 days in hospital, including intensive care.

Pleaded guilty to section 20 wounding and kidnap. Lawyers noted remorse, guilty plea as mitigation, and that the incident followed a dispute where the victim would not return his coat.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Edward Taylor

Fraudulent evasion of prohibition on importation of a class B drug

July 11, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, 180 hours of unpaid work, and 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days

Edward Taylor, 20, of Old Shoreham Road, Hove, flew to Thailand and returned to Manchester Airport on April 16 with two suitcases containing 39.53 kilos of cannabis, valued at nearly £120,000. He attempted to smuggle the drugs after his debts overwhelmed him and was caught by Border Force officers when he could not open his suitcases. He has taken full personal responsibility and expressed regret, with a pre-sentence report indicating a very low risk of reoffending.

Pleaded guilty to the offense. No previous convictions. Hoped to earn £10,000 to pay off debts. Judge noted that drug importation is a particular issue currently.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Dean Johnstone

Murder

July 10, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum of 17 years and 6 months

Dean Johnstone repeatedly stamped on Karen Youdell's head and body after she arrived at a home where he was residing, leaving her in a coma from which she died 10 months later. The incident occurred in the early hours of July 29, 2023, and involved dragging her body and enlisting others to cover up the crime.

Pleaded guilty to murder. Judge described the behaviour as callous and cruel in the extreme.

Sources: dailyrecord.co.uk

Glenn Nelson

Perverting the course of justice

July 10, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Glenn Nelson suggested placing a bottle of cider next to Karen Youdell's body to make it appear she was excessively drunk and unknown to them, as part of the cover-up following her murder on July 29, 2023.

Admitted to perverting the course of justice by suggesting to place a bottle of cider next to the victim to mislead authorities.

Sources: dailyrecord.co.uk

Lisa Johnstone

Perverting the course of justice

July 10, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Lisa Johnstone assisted in dragging Karen Youdell's body into the house and outside, and helped place a bottle of cider next to her to suggest she was drunk, as part of covering up the murder that occurred on July 29, 2023.

Admitted to perverting the course of justice by helping to cover up the crime, including moving the body and contacting others for assistance.

Sources: dailyrecord.co.uk

Wembadive Onokoko

Importation of a Class B drug

July 10, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, 200 hours of unpaid work, and 5 rehabilitation activity requirement days

Wembadive Onokoko, 21, was stopped by Border Force officers at Manchester Airport after arriving on a flight from Thailand via Doha on May 27. He attempted to pass through the 'nothing to declare' lane with a suitcase containing 15 kilos of cannabis in 25 vacuum-sealed packages. He initially denied knowledge of the drugs, claiming he only brought clothes, and asked if the process would take long as he had six hours. He was arrested and interviewed at Ashton police station.

Pleaded guilty. Expressed genuine remorse, had a good work record, and was under financial pressure as a new dad.

Sources: mirror.co.uk

Yvonne Johnstone

Perverting the course of justice

July 10, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 3 months imprisonment

Yvonne Johnstone helped drag Karen Youdell's body outside, placed a bottle of cider next to her, and lied to paramedics and emergency operators by claiming they did not know her and that she was drunk, as part of covering up the murder on July 29, 2023.

Admitted to perverting the course of justice by helping to move the body and lying to emergency services about not knowing the victim.

Sources: dailyrecord.co.uk

Usman Ghani

Theft

July 9, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order and 80 hours of unpaid work

Usman Ghani, working as cleaning staff on Aer Lingus aircraft at Manchester Airport, participated in stealing alcohol, cigarettes, and other items from planes to New York. The events unfolded between July 29 and August 4, 2023, with covert footage capturing him in discussions and actions to access secured containers.

Pleaded guilty to theft. Assisted in the thefts, with discussions about tools and items, as part of a group that exploited their positions. Judge commented on the systematic and trust-breaching nature.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Shawn Bailey

Theft

July 9, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order and 80 hours of unpaid work

Shawn Bailey, a subcontracted cleaning staff member on Aer Lingus planes at Manchester Airport, stole alcohol, cigarettes, and other items from aircraft to New York. The events occurred between July 29 and August 4, 2023, with covert recordings showing him investigating containers and participating in the thefts.

Pleaded guilty to theft. Checked weights of containers and discussed thefts with colleagues, indicating ongoing involvement. Judge described the crimes as systematic and a breach of trust.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Roman Mahmood

Theft

July 9, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order and 80 hours of unpaid work

Roman Mahmood, working as cleaning staff on Aer Lingus aircraft at Manchester Airport, stole items including alcohol and cigarettes from planes operating between Manchester and New York. The thefts took place between July 29 and August 4, 2023, as part of a pattern captured on secret cameras.

Pleaded guilty to theft. Participated in the group thefts from aircraft, with evidence of systematic behaviour. Judge noted the overall breach of trust.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Richard Armer

Theft

July 9, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order and 100 hours of unpaid work

Richard Armer, a cleaning staff member for a subcontracted company on Aer Lingus planes at Manchester Airport, stole items including Pringles by using tools to break security seals. The thefts occurred between July 29 and August 4, 2023, as part of broader stock losses from aircraft flying between Manchester and New York, with video evidence showing his active role.

Pleaded guilty to theft and was involved in selling stolen goods. Judge described the offences as systematic and noted the high level of trust placed in the defendants.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Mark Hicks

Theft

July 9, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order and 80 hours of unpaid work

Mark Hicks, a cleaning staff member subcontracted to Aer Lingus planes at Manchester Airport, stole alcohol, cigarettes, and other products from aircraft flying to New York. The thefts happened between July 29 and August 4, 2023, with footage capturing him in discussions and actions to access secured items.

Pleaded guilty to theft. Searched containers with colleagues and was part of the systematic thefts. Judge emphasised the breach of trust in their roles.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Jonathan Etchells

Theft

July 9, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order and 100 hours of unpaid work

Jonathan Etchells, a cleaning staff member subcontracted to Aer Lingus aircraft at Manchester Airport, stole items including alcohol, cigarettes, and perfumes from planes operating between Manchester and New York. The incidents took place between July 29 and August 4, 2023, amid significant stock losses, with footage showing him breaking security seals and joking about the thefts as part of a group effort.

Pleaded guilty to theft and was involved in selling stolen goods. Judge highlighted the systematic nature of the crime and the breach of trust invested in the defendants.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Katie Moran

Theft

July 9, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order and 80 hours of unpaid work

Katie Moran, a subcontracted cleaning staff member on Aer Lingus planes at Manchester Airport, stole alcohol, cigarettes, and perfumes from aircraft flying between Manchester and New York. The thefts took place between July 29 and August 4, 2023, with cameras recording her searching containers and discussing the stolen goods with colleagues.

Pleaded guilty to theft. Joked about the thefts and admitted to having stolen items at home, indicating repeated involvement. Judge noted the crime's systematic escalation and breach of trust.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Dylan Nelson

Theft

July 9, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order and 80 hours of unpaid work

Dylan Nelson, employed as cleaning staff on Aer Lingus aircraft at Manchester Airport, stole products such as alcohol and cigarettes from planes flying to New York. The thefts happened between July 29 and August 4, 2023, captured on covert cameras showing him assisting in breaking seals and discussing the stolen items.

Pleaded guilty to theft. Participated in stealing items from aircraft, with evidence of group involvement in the systematic thefts. Judge emphasised the breach of trust.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Connor Brooks

Theft

July 9, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order and 80 hours of unpaid work

Connor Brooks, a cleaning staff member subcontracted to work on Aer Lingus aircraft at Manchester Airport, stole items such as alcohol, cigarettes, and Pringles from planes flying between Manchester and New York. The thefts occurred between July 29 and August 4, 2023, as part of a larger pattern of stock loss valued at €1,290.10 during that period, with covert cameras capturing him breaking seals and discussing previous thefts.

Pleaded guilty to theft. Involved in stealing items from aircraft, with comments indicating repeated offences. Judge noted the crime was systematic and breached trust.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Ciaran Lynch

Theft

July 9, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order and 100 hours of unpaid work

Ciaran Lynch, employed as cleaning staff for Aer Lingus aircraft at Manchester Airport, stole items such as alcohol and cigarettes from planes to New York. The incidents occurred between July 29 and August 4, 2023, as evidenced by covert cameras showing him breaking into storage and participating in group thefts.

Pleaded guilty to theft and was involved in selling stolen goods. Judge highlighted the systematic theft and the defendants' abuse of trust.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Suaiel Riaz Haider

Rape

July 7, 2025

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment

Suaiel Riaz Haider groomed and abused a 15-year-old girl in the 2000s when he was 19 years old. He picked her up from school, provided her with food, cigarettes, and alcohol, leading to a relationship that quickly turned sexual. He made derogatory comments towards her, escalating to sexual offences. The victim came forward in 2021, and he was convicted after a trial.

Pleaded not guilty and was found guilty by a jury. Must follow a lifelong sexual harm protection order and has signed the sex offender's register for life.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

John Belfield

Murder

July 5, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment

John Belfield, along with two others, lay in wait for Thomas Campbell at his home in Greater Manchester in July 2022. They tortured him to death in a brutal attack motivated by a bitter love triangle. Belfield fled to South America after the murder but was eventually apprehended and extradited back to the UK to face trial.

The judge stated that Belfield wanted the victim to suffer and took pleasure in his pain. He was one of three men involved and had attempted to evade justice by fleeing to South America.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Louisa De Marco

Fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of a class B drug

July 4, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment

Louisa De Marco, a 53-year-old former Asda manager and mother from Broadway, Bradford, was involved in a scheme to smuggle 31.25 kilos of cannabis into the UK. She had her flights to Thailand paid for by others and was promised £10,000 for successful smuggling. On May 8, she was stopped by Border Force officers at Manchester Airport upon arrival from Thailand via Abu Dhabi. She denied ownership of two suitcases containing the drugs and claimed they held tobacco. During police interview, she admitted meeting someone in Thailand who offered her money to bring cannabis into the UK and refused to provide her phone's PIN. She was assessed as unfit to work due to physical and mental health issues and was receiving benefits at the time.

Pleaded guilty. The judge, Recorder Sarah Griffin, stated that De Marco knew exactly what she was involving herself in and had entered the scheme with her eyes wide open. Defence argued she faced financial difficulties, lost her job due to the Covid pandemic, and experienced intimidation from handlers who threatened to cancel her flights.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Declan Devine

Assault

July 1, 2025

Sentence: Two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years

Declan Devine chased an Uber driver across a Tesco car park in a violent incident after the driver attempted to cancel the fare, resulting in the victim sustaining injuries including bruising, swelling, and a nose injury.

Chased an Uber driver across a Tesco car park after the driver tried to cancel the fare; the victim was treated in hospital for bruising and swelling to both eyes and an injury to the nose.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Tony Drewitt

Sexual activity with a child

July 1, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

Tony Drewitt, aged 77, groomed and engaged in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl over a one-year period while she was 14, denying her youth. Some of the offending occurred in the Oldham area. He was 69 at the time they met.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child. Made to sign the sex offenders register for five years and has an indefinite restraining order.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Clint Baker

Conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life

June 30, 2025

Sentence: 10 years and 4 months

Clint Baker was recruited by Kyle Bent to carry out a firebombing on Bent's ex-partner's mother's home as an act of revenge. On February 23, 2024, Baker and another individual were caught on CCTV making Molotov cocktails, pouring petrol on parked cars, and setting a fire outside the home in Tameside. They shouted threats and caused limited damage, with no injuries reported.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life; acted for financial gain; his lawyer described the fire as lame and slow-burning.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Kyle Bent

Conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life

June 30, 2025

Sentence: 1 year and 4 months for assault and perverting the course of justice, plus an extended 11 years imprisonment and 4 years on licence

Kyle Bent was in a violent and controlling relationship with his ex-partner for over three years. He assaulted her during a holiday in Jamaica, causing facial injuries that required stitches, and later threatened to kill her. After she reported him, he attempted to persuade her to retract her statement. From prison, he conspired to firebomb his ex-partner's mother's home by recruiting Clint Baker. The attack involved making Molotov cocktails and setting fire to cars outside the home on February 23, 2024, while a child was inside, though damage was limited.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life, assault, and perverting the course of justice; judge described his actions as deliberate criminality; was using drugs at the time and has remained clean in custody.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

David Waterhouse

Supply of Class A drugs

June 28, 2025

Sentence: 11 years imprisonment

David Waterhouse, operating under the EncroChat handle 'Golden Lad', was involved in a major cocaine trafficking and money laundering operation. He was evidenced to have supplied 224kg of cocaine and laundered more than a million pounds. He was arrested on February 21 at his home in Steps Meadow, Smallbridge, Rochdale, where officers recovered drug paraphernalia including scales and bags. This operation was uncovered through Operation Venetic, targeting criminals using the EncroChat service.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and money laundering. He was identified as a key figure in supplying multi-kilo quantities of Class A drugs and was involved in laundering more than a million pounds.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Matthew Brierley

Supply of Class A drugs

June 28, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Matthew Brierley was involved in the supply of 7kg of cocaine and the laundering of £61,500 between May 5, 2020, and June 12, 2020. He supported David Waterhouse in a major cocaine trafficking and money laundering operation, with his role revealed through EncroChat messages. He was arrested on February 21 at Waterhouse's home address.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and money laundering. He acted as a trusted courier for David Waterhouse and was involved in supplying 7kg of cocaine and laundering £61,500.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

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