Manchester Crown Court Sentencing Results

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kane O'keefe

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

July 1, 2025

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment

Kane O'Keefe, 31, of Minto Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne, was a member of Gregory Bell's organised criminal group involved in supplying Class A and B controlled drugs and money laundering. The gang operated as a wholesaler distributing vast quantities of drugs across the UK using encrypted communications and safe houses.

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

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

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

James Mckerrow

Robbery

June 27, 2025

Sentence: 1 year imprisonment and 3 years on licence

James McKerrow entered a Bury Hospice charity shop on November 26, 2024, pretended to buy a jumper, shoved a 19-year-old volunteer against a wall, told her to shut up, don't say anything, and don't make a noise, then stole £250 from the till and fled. He was arrested the following day and has been in and out of prison since 2008.

Had multiple previous convictions for robbery and theft. Was out of prison for three months before the offence. Judge stated it was a deliberate decision.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Christopher Oates

Child sex offences

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 13 years imprisonment

Christopher Oates was jailed for 13 years after pleading guilty to multiple child sex offences, as detailed in court proceedings.

Steven Lee Junior

Unspecified offences

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

Steven Lee Junior, 39, was sentenced in his absence to 10 years in jail for actions described as 'heartless', though specific details of the crimes were not provided in the text.

Sajid Hussain

Perverting the course of justice

June 26, 2025

Sentence: Imprisonment for perverting the course of justice

Sajid Hussain, a former taxi driver, was jailed for paying someone £600 to evade responsibility for two speeding offences, which occurred while he was employed as a taxi driver.

Fawzi Hamza

Attempted robbery

June 24, 2025

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment

Fawzi Hamza approached a 15-year-old girl from behind at Manchester Piccadilly station on 28 December 2024, grabbed the strap of her handbag, and pushed and pulled her in an attempt to steal it in front of commuters. Members of the public intervened, and he was arrested by British Transport Officers.

Pleaded guilty to attempted robbery. Also ordered to pay a victim surcharge. Of no fixed address.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Edward Rainford

Supply of Cannabis

June 20, 2025

Sentence: Two years imprisonment

Edward Rainford, along with Jay Boyd, operated a boutique cannabis supply network between November 2022 and September 2023. They used mobile phones to discuss and arrange the supply of various cannabis strains, such as Oreo Cookie, Orange Cream, and Wedding Cake. Evidence included chat logs, images of money, and videos of cannabis strains. Police investigations involved surveillance and searches, revealing their roles in buying and selling cannabis on a commercial scale, with meetings and financial discussions observed in public places like a Costa Coffee in Monton, Salford.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis. Had prior convictions for criminal damage, assault, and violence. Judge noted his military service but highlighted his management role in the operation for financial gain.

Sources: dailyrecord.co.uk

Jay Boyd

Supply of Cannabis

June 20, 2025

Sentence: One year and six months imprisonment

Jay Boyd, along with Edward Rainford, participated in a boutique cannabis supply operation between November 2022 and September 2023. They communicated via mobile phones about supplying different cannabis strains, arranged meetings, and handled cash and small quantities of the drug. Police evidence included fingerprints at a searched property on Grasmere Road, Swinton, and items like a list of debtors and packaging materials. Boyd was observed driving near the property and his phone was disconnected shortly after police activity.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis. Was unemployed at the time and involved for financial gain. Expressed remorse and has since become a trained air conditioning engineer.

Sources: dailyrecord.co.uk

Scott Thomson

Murder

June 20, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 18 years

Scott Thomson murdered his flatmate Jamie Murray by stabbing him in the heart with a 19cm kitchen knife during an argument on December 4, 2024, in their shared flat in Wythenshawe. The altercation escalated, leading Murray to stagger outside and collapse in the street, where he died despite paramedics' efforts. Thomson's actions caused immense trauma to Murray's family, including his children who had to identify his body.

Handed the sentence by Judge John Potter; the minimum term includes time already spent in custody; family members expressed profound grief and unforgiveness in court.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Rio Vernardakis

Violent disorder

June 19, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment, suspended for two years

Rio Vernardakis jumped out of a vehicle during an incident on Adelphi Street, Salford, on June 8, 2024, and was involved in a violent fight where he was stabbed. Knives were used in the altercation.

Received a suspended sentence and must complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Jacob Flavin

Conspiracy to Supply Cannabis, Cocaine, Heroin and Ketamine

June 19, 2025

Sentence: 9 years imprisonment

Jacob Flavin, operating under the alias 'Albus Dumbledore', was a substantial player in a gang supplying wholesale amounts of cannabis. He used encrypted messaging to advertise and sell drugs, including varieties like 'Tropical', 'Gelato' and 'Banana', with prices up to £3,100 per kilo. He was caught on camera collecting cannabis in an Aldi bag and had items seized from his flat, including a Rolex watch and drugs. Over seven weeks in late 2023, the gang supplied around 180kg of cannabis, and he was linked to 3.5kg of cocaine, 2.5kg of heroin and 5kg of ketamine as part of Operation Global.

Pled guilty to four counts of conspiracy to supply cannabis, cocaine, heroin and ketamine. Had six previous convictions, including possession of cannabis with intent to supply. Judge described the harm caused by drugs and noted his candid letter about the consequences of the trade.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Marley Brown

Violent disorder

June 19, 2025

Sentence: 21 months detention

Marley Brown walked towards a car on Adelphi Street, Salford, on June 8, 2024, and attacked those inside, leading to a violent fight where knives were used and someone was stabbed. He was later seen discarding a blade.

Involved in gangland culture; his parents tried to intervene by moving him to Yorkshire. The judge highlighted the dangers of knife crime among young people.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Mckenzie Purtill

Violent disorder

June 19, 2025

Sentence: Three years and eight months imprisonment

McKenzie Purtill was involved in a violent fight on Adelphi Street, Salford, on June 8, 2024. He walked towards a car, punched one of the other men, and participated in a melee where knives were produced and used, resulting in someone being stabbed. He was later seen discarding a blade and has a history of violence.

Pleaded guilty to violent disorder and section 18 wounding. The judge warned him about his violent past and the risk of longer sentences if he continues.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Eddie Rainford

Supply of cannabis

June 19, 2025

Sentence: 24 months imprisonment

Eddie Rainford was involved in a major drug-dealing operation, supplying large quantities of cannabis between November 11, 2022, and September 28, 2023, alongside another individual. He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing, and despite attempts by his partner to keep his identity private, he was sentenced following a court adjournment.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug. Had a significant role in supplying wholesale quantities. Judge Horgan imposed an immediate custodial sentence.

Sources: mirror.co.uk

Cade Toon

Violent disorder

June 19, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment, suspended for two years

Cade Toon jumped out of a vehicle and participated in a violent fight on Adelphi Street, Salford, on June 8, 2024, where knives were produced and used, resulting in injuries.

Received a suspended sentence and must complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 100 hours of unpaid work.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Melissa Burgess

Assaulting an emergency worker

June 18, 2025

Sentence: 100 hours community service

Melissa Burgess, while heavily intoxicated, was removed from a Ryanair flight to Ibiza after an argument with other passengers over seats. On October 21, 2023, at Manchester Airport, she became aggressive towards police, kicking two officers in the leg and spitting in the face of a third during her arrest and restraint, as captured on body-worn camera.

Admitted to three counts of assaulting an emergency worker and one count of being drunk on an aircraft. Judge noted she was violent and behaved like a wild animal but accepted she was deeply ashamed.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Matthew Burgess

Being drunk on an aircraft

June 18, 2025

Sentence: Seven day rehabilitation activity requirement

Matthew Burgess was involved in an argument with other passengers over seat allocation on a Ryanair flight to Ibiza. He was heavily intoxicated and removed from the plane, but cooperated with police at Manchester Airport on October 21, 2023.

Admitted to one count of being drunk on an aircraft and was compliant with police throughout the incident.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Jordan Brook

Fraudulent evasion of prohibition on importation of a class B drug

June 18, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

Jordan Brook, 31, from Eccles, Salford, arrived at Manchester Airport on a flight from Bangkok via Bahrain on April 17, 2025. He was stopped by Border Force officers and admitted to carrying cannabis. Searches revealed 40.5 kilograms of cannabis, valued at £121,000, in two suitcases bearing his name. He claimed he was pressured into the act but did not meet the threshold for duress. Brook is a father-of-two and has struggled with social anxiety while on remand.

Pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. Judge stated that the courts cannot tolerate drug importation and emphasised deterrence. Defendant has three prior convictions, including for dealing cannabis in 2018, for which he received a suspended sentence. He has spent 59 days on remand and expressed relief at being stopped.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Alicia Nkemla

Possession of indecent images of children

June 17, 2025

Sentence: 18-month community order, 140 hours unpaid work, 30 days rehabilitation activity requirements, Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 5 years, and Sex Offenders Register for 5 years

Alicia Nkemla, starting at age 17, sold sexual images of herself online and received hundreds of indecent images of children from men she engaged with via Telegram. A police search of her home in Hulme in October 2023 uncovered these images on her mobile phones. She admitted keeping the images for money and attention, and some chats involved encouraging bestiality.

Pleaded guilty. Judge considered her difficult childhood and decided not to imprison her. The proceedings had a positive and sobering effect.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Abdul Bahadir

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

June 16, 2025

Sentence: 11 years and 6 months imprisonment

Abdul Bahadir was involved in supplying huge quantities of heroin and cocaine, acting as a courier to deliver drugs and move money across the country, hiding them in a secret car compartment. He was stopped by police on the M61 on July 28, 2020, where cocaine, mixing agents, and digital scales were found. At his home in Oldham, police recovered over £157,000 in cash, a vacuum packing machine, digital scales, and luxury designer clothing.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Originally the gang's accountant, he later became a courier, using EncroChat handles 'TupacDon' and 'Simonsays', and managed stash houses.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Chelsea Blanton

Drug Smuggling

June 16, 2025

Sentence: 17 months imprisonment

Chelsea Blanton, 29, from Texas, travelled from Saudi Arabia to Malaysia and then to Manchester via Heathrow. She was stopped by Border Force officers on May 7, 2025, at Manchester Airport with 28 kilos of cannabis hidden in 15 vacuum-sealed packages across her two suitcases, with a wholesale value of £80,000. She made a false claim about her visit initially but later admitted the offence, stating she did it for a payment of $8,500 to address her financial difficulties. She expressed remorse and highlighted her history of trauma, including the violent death of her father and past domestic violence. She has a 12-year-old child and a good work ethic, having worked two jobs to support her family.

Pleaded guilty to drug smuggling. Judge Tom Gilbart noted her naivety, lack of coercion, and personal difficulties including trauma and financial issues. No previous convictions in the UK, but admitted to a prior assault conviction in the United States.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Husnain Ali

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

June 16, 2025

Sentence: 8 years and 11 months imprisonment

Husnain Ali was part of a gang supplying huge quantities of heroin and cocaine across the country using EncroChat. He acted as the accountant, handling money packaging and storage. He was arrested on July 28, 2020, during a police stop on the M61, where he was a passenger in a car with a secret compartment containing drugs.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. He took over as the gang's accountant, counting and packaging money for delivery and storage, and used EncroChat handles on occasions.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Mohammed Omayr

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

June 16, 2025

Sentence: 16 years and 4 months imprisonment

Mohammed Omayr, using EncroChat handles, supplied huge quantities of heroin and cocaine across the country. He directed couriers to move drugs and money, hiding them in secret car compartments. Police seized nearly £25,000 in cash, designer clothing, a watch, and a black Lamborghini Urus worth over £200,000 from his home in Chorlton. He was arrested on July 28, 2020, after an investigation into the gang's activities.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. He was responsible for the sale, distribution, returns, testing, storage, and payments for a huge amount of class A drugs, and directed couriers.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Usman Alam

Supply of Cocaine and Cannabis

June 16, 2025

Sentence: 6 years and 3 months imprisonment

Usman Alam was involved in the supply of wholesale amounts of cocaine and cannabis over a four-year period from 2018 to 2022, as evidenced by text messages on three mobile phones found during a raid on his home on January 5, 2022. The phones revealed his involvement in drug production across England and street-level dealing in Greater Manchester. His bank account received £370,216 with no legitimate income. Additionally, in 2024, he assaulted a dealer working for him by headbutting and striking him with a knife handle, causing cuts, after accusing him of stealing cannabis. He also made threats to shoot and bomb the victim's relatives.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, being concerned in the supply of cannabis, possession of cannabis with intent to supply, Section 20 assault (grievous bodily harm without intent), and making threats to kill. Detective Inspector Richard Castley noted that Alam amassed nearly £400,000 through illegal drug operations and demonstrated violence by assaulting someone he suspected of stealing from him.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Moyed Mustafa

Possession with intent to supply cocaine, heroin, and MDMA; Conspiracy to supply cannabis

June 12, 2025

Sentence: four years imprisonment

Moyed Mustafa attempted to evade police on foot after his car was stopped in January 2023. He was found in possession of MDMA, cocaine, and heroin. A search of his home on Thorncombe Road, Whalley Range, uncovered large amounts of these drugs. Further investigation revealed his involvement in a conspiracy to supply cannabis to prisoners.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine, heroin and MDMA, and being involved in a conspiracy to supply cannabis.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Wahaab Mushtaq

Kidnapping

June 10, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Wahaab Mushtaq, along with Hassan Khan and Mohammed Kateb, kidnapped Safwan Fiaz on April 24, 2024, in Rochdale. They grabbed him in a bear hug, bundled him into a car, drove him around, punched him, and made threats to strip him naked. The victim sustained injuries including a black eye, cuts, and swelling. The group lost their nerve after discussing whether a bystander would call the police and eventually let him go at a dead end.

Found guilty of kidnapping after a trial. No remorse shown and continued to deny guilt. Part of a joint venture described as a targeted attack.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Hassan Khan

Kidnapping

June 10, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Hassan Khan, along with Mohammed Kateb and Wahaab Mushtaq, kidnapped Safwan Fiaz on April 24, 2024, in Rochdale. They grabbed him in a bear hug, bundled him into a car, drove him around, punched him, and made threats to strip him naked. The victim sustained injuries including a black eye, cuts, and swelling. The group lost their nerve after discussing whether a bystander would call the police and eventually let him go at a dead end.

Found guilty of kidnapping after a trial. No remorse shown and continued to deny guilt. Part of a joint venture described as a targeted attack.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Mohammed Kateb

Kidnapping

June 10, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Mohammed Kateb, along with Hassan Khan and Wahaab Mushtaq, kidnapped Safwan Fiaz on April 24, 2024, in Rochdale. They grabbed him in a bear hug, bundled him into a car, drove him around, punched him, and made threats to strip him naked. The victim sustained injuries including a black eye, cuts, and swelling. The group lost their nerve after discussing whether a bystander would call the police and eventually let him go at a dead end.

Found guilty of kidnapping after a trial. No remorse shown and continued to deny guilt. Part of a joint venture described as a targeted attack.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Nathan Hulme

Coercive and Controlling Behaviour

June 4, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment

Nathan Hulme, fuelled by alcohol and drugs, subjected two vulnerable women to repeated physical and emotional abuse from July 2022 to March 2024. This included punching, strangling, slapping, throwing objects, smashing belongings, making derogatory comments, tracking their whereabouts, and engaging in coercive control. Specific incidents involved assaults in various locations, such as at home, in a car, and during a holiday in Greece, where his behaviour led to them being ejected from a hotel.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm and one count of criminal damage. Found guilty of further charges including coercive and controlling behaviour and strangulation after trial. Defence cited issues with alcohol and drugs following exit from the Army, and judge noted lack of genuine remorse.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Nadeem Mohammed Begum

Murder

May 16, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 18 years

Nadeem Mohammed Begum strangled his daughter-in-law, Mashal Ilyas, at the family home on Oxford Road in Atherton on October 9, 2024, following ongoing conflicts over her household role in an arranged marriage. He subjected her to asphyxiation for one to three minutes, likely using his hands and arm, after losing his temper during an argument. Evidence, including phone activity, DNA under her fingernails, and a post-mortem report, contradicted his claim that she fell down the stairs. She was found unconscious with neck injuries and died as a result.

Pleaded not guilty and denied involvement despite overwhelming evidence. Judge Elizabeth Nicholls described him as a 'tyrant' and 'egotistical and domineering male'. Mitigation noted his role as head of the household and absence of premeditation, but he had a history of anger problems.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Edward Nesbitt

Importing cannabis

May 15, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

Edward Nesbitt, 36, from Sandown Road in Northern Ireland, was arrested at Manchester Airport after arriving on a flight from Amsterdam. He picked up a suitcase containing 23 kilograms of cannabis that had been left on the luggage carousel by another individual. This was part of a drug importation scheme, and he was sentenced for his role in the offence.

A former boxer and dad-of-two who took an offer he could not refuse, involving picking up a suitcase at the airport.

Sources: lancs.live

Robert Emmerson

Sexual assault and indecent exposure

May 1, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment

Robert Emmerson carried out a series of sexual assaults on university students aged 18 to 24 between November 2023 and April 2024, including chasing them, grabbing them in a bear hug, pinning them down, and groping them in an underpass on the Mancunian Way. He also exposed himself and masturbated to schoolgirls as young as 13 and 16 in Wythenshawe. The attacks involved significant violence in locations chosen to avoid detection, and he showed no remorse, smiling and laughing during the crimes. Despite prior arrests and bans, his behaviour escalated, leading to convictions for five counts of sexual assault and seven counts of indecent exposure.

Sentence was increased after the Court of Appeal quashed the original sentence as unduly lenient; he pleaded not guilty and was found guilty by a jury; described as a danger to the public with a history of obsessive behaviour and prior arrests.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

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