Mold Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 201 verdicts at Mold Crown Court (Flintshire). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Tomasz Wegner

Being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury

November 25, 2024

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement, banned from keeping dogs for 2 years

On the afternoon of August 31, 2024, in Wrexham city centre, Tomasz Wegner, who was intoxicated, walked his XL Bully dog towards Yasmin Begum, who was with her children. Despite her request to move away due to fear, Wegner followed her aggressively to a shop doorway, where the unmuzzled dog grabbed and dragged her, causing her hijab to fall and leaving teeth marks on her forehead without piercing the skin. Members of the public intervened, re-muzzling the dog and restraining it until police arrived. The victim was psychologically traumatised and developed a fear of dogs; her children were extremely frightened and upset.

Pleaded guilty to possession of a fighting dog and being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury. Six previous convictions for nine offences. Judge noted the dog fed on the defendant's drunken and aggressive behaviour and that he was lucky it did not target vital parts of the victim's body. Destruction order made for the dog.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

Todd Owens

Assault by beating, possession of class A drug, criminal damage

November 20, 2024

Sentence: suspended sentence extended to 2 years operational period, 220 hours unpaid work, £280 compensation, £110 court costs

On November 6, 2024, in Wrexham, Todd Owens, after drinking with partner Emma Phillips, became angry and ripped a drainpipe from a wall on St Mary’s Close. At Ella Thomas’ flat, he punched the door, smashing a glass pane. When Benjamin Purslow opened the door, Owens pushed him and grabbed his neck, causing a scratch, then hit the letterbox before fleeing. Arrested in Chirk car park with cocaine in possession. On September 13, 2025, in Rhyl, Owens, intoxicated, kicked and punched the communal glass door at Natalie Higgins’ block of flats, smashing it, with blood on his knuckles. He admitted drinking whisky and 10 pints of lager but could not recall the incident.

Pleaded guilty to assault by beating, possession of a class A drug, and two counts of criminal damage to property. District Judge Gwyn Jones noted alcohol as a massive problem but commended work with probation team. Suspended sentence from July 2024 for dangerous driving not activated.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

Dale Matthews

Intentional Strangulation

November 20, 2024

Sentence: 2 years and 4 months imprisonment

On October 17, 2024, Dale Matthews, 32, of Elgar Avenue, Malvern, Worcestershire, strangled his former partner Stacey Portman in her Abergele home after she told him she had been speaking to another man. Their on-and-off relationship of about 15 years ended in early 2024, after which he slept in his car outside her home with permission. He entered the house, tried to kiss her, and upon her rejection and mention of another man, followed her and strangled her for about 10 seconds, causing her to black out and vomit. She thought he was trying to kill her and feared for her children's safety.

Pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation. Eight previous convictions for nine offences. Judge noted he exerted unhealthy control and had no regard for her welfare.

Sources: rhyljournal.co.uk

Lee O’Brien

Assault by penetration

November 20, 2024

Sentence: 5.5 years imprisonment plus 3.5 years extended licence and 15-year restraining order

In 2015, Lee O’Brien, then 42, sexually assaulted a victim by penetration after the victim refused his advances and was overpowered. The offence was reported to police in June 2023, leading to O’Brien's arrest and interview in September 2023. The victim suffered significant trauma, impacting his career and mental health, including nightmares and feelings of dirtiness.

Pleaded guilty to assault by penetration. Serving existing 10-year sentence for sexually assaulting a child from 2020. Remorseful with difficult background.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

Robert Nash

Harassment

November 14, 2024

Sentence: 20 months and two weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for two years

Robert Nash, 52, from Abbey Road, Llandudno, threatened his estranged wife Victoria Nash after she initiated divorce proceedings at the start of 2024. The couple separated in 2019. From February to June 2024, Nash sent abusive and threatening messages, including threats to 'take you down with me', 'you’re dead', 'smash up anything of yours', 'come after you and get my revenge', and 'only be happy when I’ve finished you off'. He threatened to cut the gas pipe on her road and said she had 'ruined his life'. Mrs Nash was terrified, prescribed medication, and referred to counselling. Nash admitted he did not take the divorce well and described himself as a functioning alcoholic. He was interviewed by police on June 7, 2024.

Previously admitted charges of harassment, threatening to damage property, and failing to surrender to court bail. No previous convictions. Full of shame and remorse. Struggling with alcoholism and financial difficulties. Issued a domestic abuse protection order banning contact with Mrs Nash for 10 years. To complete a 'building better choices' programme, nine-month alcohol treatment requirement, and 20 days’ rehabilitation activity.

Sources: northwalespioneer.co.uk

Rebecca Louise Jones

Perverting the course of public justice

November 1, 2024

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment

Rebecca Louise Jones, 33, of Trem Engan, Penygroes, Gwynedd, a jealous and insecure woman, made false claims against her partner's former girlfriend over five months, leading to the victim being arrested twice, suspended from work, suffering mental stress including hallucinations about spiders, and considering jumping off a breakwater.

Alishia Richards

Assisting an offender

November 1, 2024

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 200 hours unpaid work, 30 days rehabilitation activities, 8 months concurrent for failing to provide iPhone PIN

Alishia Richards knowingly assisted Sam Williams by booking two nights at the Travelodge hotel in Oswestry in November 2023 to help him hide from police after he committed a stabbing in Welshpool. She booked the room in her name, they stayed for two days, and were arrested shortly after checking out. She refused to provide her iPhone PIN to police, and messages showed she was aware of his actions.

Pleaded guilty at first opportunity. Young and naïve, vulnerable to exploitation. Strong personal mitigation and prospect of rehabilitation. No risk to public.

Sources: countytimes.co.uk

Leo O’Regan

Wounding with intent

October 20, 2024

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

On the evening of February 19, 2024, Leo O’Regan, jealous and intoxicated, saw his ex-partner Rebecca Thomas at a pub in Rhyl with Brian Williams, whom he mistakenly believed was her new partner. He sent her insulting messages. As they walked past his home on Brighton Road shortly after midnight, O’Regan emerged armed with a metal wrench, repeatedly striking Williams on the head while shouting threats to kill him, leaving Williams with 10 laceration wounds, confused and barely conscious. Thomas tried to intervene and called police, but O’Regan hit her arm with the wrench, causing three bruises and knocking the phone from her hand. Police found the bloodied wrench in his living room. The attack left Thomas fearing for her life and Williams with reduced mobility, sleep issues, and loss of confidence.

Previously admitted wounding with intent, assault by beating, and possession of an offensive weapon in public. Had five previous convictions for nine offences. Described as a shocking and unjustified revenge attack out of drunken jealousy. Restraining orders imposed for 10 years for both victims.

Sources: rhyljournal.co.uk

Mercedes Harper

Assaulting an emergency worker

October 16, 2024

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment

On July 15, 2024, police were called to a domestic incident at an address in Wrexham where Mercedes Harper, 31, of Crescent Close, was shouting and swearing in the street. She assaulted officers by punching one, pointing in his face, pushing another, and pushing and spitting towards a third. She damaged a police car by striking it with an object and threw a rock towards a window. She threatened to stab officers with a syringe (none found) and kicked an officer the following day when being handcuffed.

Pleaded guilty to five counts of assaulting an emergency worker. Incident occurred while subject to a 13-month suspended sentence, which was reduced but activated to include 28 days for the new offences. Vulnerable individual with mental health and substance issues. Ordered to pay a mandatory surcharge.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

Peter Miller

Attempted sexual communication with a child

October 16, 2024

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

Peter Miller, 42, of Princess Street, Wrexham, contacted what he believed to be two 14-year-old girls named 'Emily' and 'Ella-Mae' via the social media app RamboChat between February and March 2023. The profiles were fake decoys created by adults from the 'Dank Dragon' exposure group. Messages switched to WhatsApp where Miller expressed sexual interest, said he 'loved' Emily and wanted to call her his girlfriend and take her on a date, asked for photos of Ella-Mae in her school uniform and bikini, sent a topless photo of himself, expressed desire to have sex, and sent a pornography link. He was approached by the group on April 1, 2023, in Wrexham and arrested. In interview, he admitted believing the girls were 14 or 15. He had a prior SHPO from February 2021 after conviction for making indecent images of children, plus previous convictions for sexual communication with a child and non-penetrative sexual assault on a child.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted sexual communication with a child and breaching his sexual harm prevention order. Judge Rhys Rowlands described his behaviour as 'disgusting and predatory'. Further SHPO for 10 years. No offences committed since arrest, mental health worsened but skills from probation service preventing reoffending.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

Shaun Lloyd

Burglary other than a dwelling

October 14, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

On April 26, 2024, between 12-1am, Shaun Lloyd broke into Pont Faen Farm in Rhuddlan by damaging the front gate lock, stealing a Suzuki quadbike belonging to 74-year-old Megan Evans, who used it for daily farming duties with her 200 sheep on 112 acres. The theft left Ms Evans scared, jittery, and made her life a misery as tasks took longer without it for three weeks until insurance replacement. CCTV captured the quadbike driven away towards Greenfield with another vehicle. Mobile phone data linked Lloyd to the area, and his phone contained a photo of the quadbike and messages about stealing one to pay a debt.

Admitted burglary other than a dwelling. Has 52 previous convictions for 149 offences. Judge Simon Mills noted his terrible record of offending and the impact on the victim.

Sources: rhyljournal.co.uk

Victoria Dale

Conveying a list A prohibited article into a prison

October 14, 2024

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days

On a date in June 2023, Victoria Dale, aged 40, from Churchill Close in Old Colwyn, visited inmate Christopher Powell at HMP Berwyn in Wrexham. During the visit, she hugged Powell and was seen pulling at the waistband of his trousers to drop a package into it. Prison officers intervened, searched Powell, and found a clingfilm-wrapped package containing 98.6g of cannabis, valued at between £2,175 and £4,350 inside the prison. Dale admitted knowing what she was doing but believed she was helping prisoners have a better time. A Prison Impact Statement noted that such smuggling creates bullying, fosters addictions, and negatively impacts prison rehabilitation efforts.

Pleaded guilty. Judge Simon Mills highlighted the severe problems caused by drugs in prison, including corruption and organised crime. Dale has 27 previous convictions for 46 offences, including theft, damage, robbery, and drug-related offences. Described as a vulnerable woman facing her own drug addiction issues.

Sources: northwalespioneer.co.uk

Eddie Duffy

Supply of ketamine and cannabis

October 7, 2024

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 15 rehabilitation activity requirement sessions, 6 months drug rehabilitation order, £187 statutory surcharge

On October 9, 2023, Eddie Duffy was spotted by police on Kelsterton Road, Connah's Quay, with a strong smell of cannabis noted. He walked away and disposed of an item in a bin. Stopped and searched, officers seized his phone, £400, and almost 25g of ketamine. A search of his home found 38g of ketamine, cannabis resin, and scales. Phone messages consistent with selling drugs. Total value of seized drugs around £1,100.

Pleaded guilty at earliest opportunity. No previous convictions. Regrets actions. Suffers from anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Significant role in street-level supply due to drug habit.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

Alex Barwood

Wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent

October 3, 2024

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

On November 28, 2023, at HMP Berwyn, Alex Barwood headbutted and punched prison officer David Pearson after becoming verbally abusive and attempting to barge past during cell return from exercise. The incident, captured on CCTV, occurred while Pearson supervised cleaning tasks. Barwood wedged his foot in the cell door claiming need for laundry access. The assault caused Pearson a severe deviated septum, preventing breathing through the right side of his nose, two black eyes, two weeks with a splint, ongoing breathing issues, anxiety, self-doubt, and social withdrawal. Pearson took three months off work and awaits corrective surgery. Barwood was serving a 31-month sentence for burglary and dangerous driving committed in 2022 at the time.

Admitted wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent. Apologised in pre-sentence report and court. Spontaneous assault cited due to personal difficulties including mild Asperger's, anxiety, and depression. Has 26 previous convictions for 48 offences, including five assaults on emergency workers. Behaviour since release in March 2024 shows realistic prospect of rehabilitation. Judge noted unprovoked behaviour motivated by grievance and history of violence in custody.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

Peter Roberts

Smuggling drugs into prison

October 2, 2024

Sentence: 3 years and 7 months imprisonment

Peter Roberts, aged 59, formerly of Penybryn in Wrexham but now an inmate at HMP Berwyn, attempted twice earlier this year to smuggle drugs including heroin, ketamine, cannabis, and spice into the jail by presenting himself for arrest at Wrexham police station. On the first occasion, drugs were found in his jacket lining and boxers; on the second, hidden in his shoe. Officers located the drugs before he was conveyed to Berwyn.

Pleaded guilty to six offences of trying to smuggle drugs into HMP Berwyn. Judge Simon Mills expressed concerns about prevalent drug smuggling in prisons.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

Ryan Birchall

Breach of suspended sentence

September 23, 2024

Sentence: £500 fine and £150 costs

Ryan Birchall, 31, of Lawson Road, Colwyn Bay, breached the terms of his suspended prison sentence for the third time by missing an unpaid work appointment on August 17, 2024, claiming he 'mislaid the date' or it 'slipped his mind'. The suspended sentence originated from July 2024 for assault by beating and breaching a restraining order. Despite the repeated breaches, Judge Simon Mills did not activate the suspended sentence, citing Birchall's employment in ground maintenance six days a week and caring responsibilities for his daughter, but described the excuse as 'fatuous nonsense' and noted poor compliance.

Breached suspended sentence for the third time by missing unpaid work appointment. Suspended sentence not activated. Ordered to complete outstanding unpaid work hours within two weeks. Plea not specified; barrister argued forgetfulness and highlighted employment and caring responsibilities.

Sources: northwalespioneer.co.uk

Brad Skidmore

Handling stolen goods

September 20, 2024

Sentence: 24 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months

Brad Skidmore, 19, of Moor Street, Brierley Hill, Dudley, advertised a stolen motorbike on Facebook Marketplace, which had been taken by Wayne Price and Neil Shevlin from a home in Bala during their October 2022 stay in Dolgellau. The advert included a background image of a vehicle driven by Glenn Beresford. This handling activity supported the organised crime gang's efforts to sell items from a three-month theft spree in rural Gwynedd valued at over £200,000.

Placed online advert for stolen motorbike from Bala theft; pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods.

Sources: northwaleschronicle.co.uk

Glenn Beresford

Handling stolen goods

September 20, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment, suspended for 21 months

Glenn Beresford, 22, of Chapel Street, Pensnett, Dudley, was called by Wayne Price and Dean Rogerson in September 2022 to collect stolen quad bikes, chainsaws, and a shotgun from properties in Dyffryn Ardudwy. He returned the next day to Dolgellau for more property. His vehicle appeared in the background of a Facebook Marketplace advert placed by Brad Skidmore for a stolen motorbike from Bala. The handling was part of a larger conspiracy involving thefts worth over £200,000 in Gwynedd.

Collected stolen goods from theft sites in Dyffryn Ardudwy and Dolgellau; vehicle pictured in background of online advert for stolen motorbike; pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods.

Sources: northwaleschronicle.co.uk

Niall Lloyd

Handling stolen goods

September 20, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment, suspended for 21 months

Niall Lloyd, 27, of Windsor Crescent, Broseley, was called by Wayne Price and Dean Rogerson in September 2022 to collect stolen quad bikes, chainsaws, and a shotgun from Dyffryn Ardudwy. He returned to Dolgellau the next day and later joined Price, Rogerson, and Taylor for a brief visit to move more stolen items including those from homes targeted in early September. The handling facilitated the disposal of goods from Gwynedd thefts totaling over £200,000.

Collected stolen goods from Dolgellau and other sites; pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods.

Sources: northwaleschronicle.co.uk

Liam Griffiths

Handling stolen goods

September 20, 2024

Sentence: Community order with 60 hours unpaid work

Liam Griffiths, 32, of Swan Street, Pensnett, Dudley, participated in handling stolen goods as part of the organised crime group's operations following thefts in rural Gwynedd from August to October 2022. The gang stole high-value agricultural machinery and property worth over £200,000, with members collecting and selling items across North Wales and West Mercia. Specific details of Griffiths' role in collection or sale not detailed, but sentenced alongside others for handling.

Martin Joyce

Affray

September 16, 2024

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 180 hours unpaid work, community behaviour order for 2 years

Martin Joyce, 28, of Portishead Drive, Milton Keynes, initiated the brawl by travelling to Leighton Arches caravan site in Welshpool in February 2024, standing outside Martin Gallagher's caravan and calling him out for a fight after a prior dispute on Instagram page Traveller Beef in December 2023. This led to shouting, relatives crowding around, a mass brawl with projectiles thrown and weapons brandished, prompting an armed police response and arrests. Joyce was armed with a baseball bat.

Pleaded guilty to affray and possessing a baseball bat. Sentenced by Judge Simon Mills. Victim surcharge applies. Weapons forfeited and destroyed.

Sources: countytimes.co.uk

Martin Stokes

Affray

September 16, 2024

Sentence: 58 weeks imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 150 hours unpaid work

Martin Stokes, 25, of Leighton Arches, participated in the mass brawl at the caravan site in Welshpool in February 2024, which erupted after Martin Joyce called out Martin Gallagher for a fight, leading to shouting, relatives crowding, projectiles thrown, weapons brandished, and an armed police response with arrests.

Admitted affray. Sentenced by Judge Simon Mills. Victim surcharge applies. Weapons forfeited and destroyed.

Sources: countytimes.co.uk

James Deeney

Breach of suspended sentence

September 16, 2024

Sentence: £200 fine and £150 costs

James Deeney, 64, from Frederick Street, Rhyl, admitted breaching his two-year suspended sentence imposed in September 2023 for fraud by false representation. The breach involved failing to attend a review hearing in April 2024, completing only 9 of 120 hours of unpaid work, and missing appointments without excuse. Personal circumstances included losing his wife to cancer in October 2023, a subsequent breakdown, heavy gambling leading to losses over £100,000 funded by pension, inheritance, and savings, an altercation in Abergele in February 2024 resulting in being struck with a baseball bat and nearly losing a finger, a car running over his foot, and fleeing to Spain and hotels in the UK out of fear.

Breached suspended sentence for fraud by failing to attend review hearing and complete unpaid work; spared activation of 2-year suspended sentence; ordered to continue with remaining unpaid work.

Sources: rhyljournal.co.uk

Patrick Gallagher

Affray

September 16, 2024

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days

Patrick Gallagher, 59, of Leighton Arches, was involved in the mass brawl at the caravan site in Welshpool in February 2024, stemming from ill feeling between Martin Joyce and Martin Gallagher, where Joyce arrived seeking a fight, leading to shouting, a crowd of relatives, projectiles thrown, weapons including a bladed article brandished by Patrick Gallagher which caused unlawful wounding by contacting someone's hand, resulting in an armed police response and arrests.

Admitted affray, unlawful wounding, and possessing a bladed article in a public place. The blade made contact with someone's hand. Sentenced by Judge Simon Mills. Victim surcharge applies. Weapons forfeited and destroyed.

Sources: countytimes.co.uk

Isus Hristov

Assault

September 11, 2024

Sentence: Two years and eight months imprisonment

Isus Hristov assaulted the victim on multiple occasions, including punching them in the face, kicking them to the body, whipping them with a phone charger, cutting them across the head with a mini screwdriver, and hitting them on the head with a hairdryer. These incidents caused the victim to sustain cuts and bruises. He was arrested in June 2024 and answered no comment during questioning.

Pled guilty to six counts of assault. Has two previous convictions, including possession of a knife and cocaine in October 2024, which breached a suspended sentence. Described as a young and immature man with a difficult childhood, drug addiction from age 15, and complex mental health issues. A statutory surcharge was ordered.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

John Burden

Conspiracy to supply drugs

September 8, 2024

Sentence: 9 years imprisonment and £5,522.43 confiscation

John Burden, aged 31 from Sherborne Avenue, Halewood, Merseyside, was involved in a conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs into North Wales. The gang operated for approximately 12 months between 2022 and 2023. He supported his cousin, Josh Burden, in the enterprise, including organising the buying and selling of drugs. Police recovered over £195,000 in cash, more than 1kg of cocaine, nearly 2kg of amphetamine, almost 22 grams of ketamine, and over 1.3kg of cannabis during the operation.

Part of a gang involved in drug supply; pleaded guilty as part of Operation Blue Triumph; ordered to pay back from ill-gotten gains.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

Adam Yaseen

Robbery

September 2, 2024

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Adam Yaseen attempted to burgle two properties in Wrexham on November 7 by trying to enter via front doors, as captured on Ring doorbell footage. On November 12, he robbed Ann-Marie Davies around 5pm on Empress Road, grabbing her handbag with force, causing her to spin, fall into a parked car, hit her head, and sustain serious injuries including a fracture to her left thigh bone and fractures to her lower spine. She required 10 days in hospital, surgery with plates and wires, morphine for pain, and physiotherapy. Yaseen was identified and arrested shortly after, with the handbag recovered at his home.

Pleaded guilty to robbery and two counts of attempted burglary. Has a diagnosis of schizophrenia that likely impacted his ability to think clearly. Prior convictions include a non-dwelling burglary. Judge Simon Mills noted that the victim's subsequent death, though unrelated, marred her final months.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

Callum Woods

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

August 15, 2024

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment

On August 14, 2023, while serving time at HMP Berwyn in Wrexham, Callum Woods approached fellow inmate Michael Cullen at the servery hatch and kicked him in the face, followed by kneeing and punching him to the head. After Cullen fell to the floor, Woods continued the assault, joined by Max Hinchcliffe and a third male. The victim suffered a broken nose and fractures to his eye sockets, with initial concerns of a brain bleed requiring hospital scans.

Found guilty after trial. Represented himself in court and expressed remorse, stating he had completed courses to improve his temperament. Sentence to run consecutive to ongoing custodial term.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

Max Hinchcliffe

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

August 15, 2024

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment

On August 14, 2023, while serving time at HMP Berwyn in Wrexham, Max Hinchcliffe joined Callum Woods and a third male in assaulting fellow inmate Michael Cullen after Woods had initially kicked and punched him to the ground. Hinchcliffe claimed no intent to harm and suggested the attack stemmed from a grievance, taking matters into their own hands. The victim suffered a broken nose and fractures to his eye sockets, with initial concerns of a brain bleed requiring hospital scans.

Entered a guilty plea on the day of trial, receiving minimal credit due to the late stage. Described his involvement as fleeting compared to co-defendant, based on a grievance he was unwilling to detail. Sentence to run consecutive to ongoing custodial term.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

Alec Lavelle

Escaping from lawful custody

August 14, 2024

Sentence: 18 weeks imprisonment

Alec Lavelle was arrested on January 15 on suspicion of assault, strangulation, and witness intimidation. As an officer reached for handcuffs, he ran off and climbed over a high fence, remaining at large until late February.

Admitted escaping from lawful custody. Judge Rhys Rowlands noted his lengthy history of offending. His lawyer mentioned work available as a roofer upon release and no evidence of premeditation or violence in the escape.

Sources: rhyljournal.co.uk

William Ward

Acquiring criminal property and dangerous driving

August 13, 2024

Sentence: Three years imprisonment (two years for acquiring criminal property and one year for dangerous driving), and disqualified from driving for three and a half years

William Ward was involved in a fraud scheme between March and May 2019, where an 85-year-old man, Mr. Shuttleworth, was approached by men offering unnecessary home improvements, including jet washing his drive, re-doing his patio, and roof work. Mr. Shuttleworth paid a total of £92,600, with £21,500 transferred into Ward's bank account. Ward denied involvement initially but was charged. He evaded authorities until February 19, 2024, when he was spotted driving a blue BMW on the M1. He fled from police at speeds up to 160mph, threw a bag of white powder from the vehicle, drove through a red light, and provided false details upon arrest.

Pleaded guilty to four counts of acquiring criminal property. Has 17 convictions for 32 previous offences, including burglary, fraud, and motoring offences. Judge Rhys Rowlands noted a significant delay in charges due to Ward's actions and described his driving as grossly extreme with dangerous manoeuvres.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

Nathan Giblin

Possession with intent to supply

August 12, 2024

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

Nathan Giblin was stopped by police in the car park of The Plough in St Asaph on November 11, 2023, where he was found in possession of 40.6g of cocaine and 1.42g of ketamine, along with £530 in cash and scales. A search of his home revealed additional items including crystals, mobile phones, and bags containing powder. The total value of the seized drugs was estimated at up to £3,120. He had previously been given a suspended sentence in April 2024 for this offence but breached it by not completing 120 hours of unpaid work, only partially completing rehabilitation activities, and failing to comply with drug rehabilitation requirements.

Breached suspended sentence by failing to attend probation appointments without reasonable excuse and not completing required unpaid work or rehabilitation activities. Judge Rhys Rowlands noted his total non-compliance and stated that the court had no option but to re-sentence.

Sources: rhyljournal.co.uk

Ann Railey

Assault by beating of an emergency worker

August 1, 2024

Sentence: 16 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, with 25 days rehabilitation activity and six months drug rehabilitation requirements

On March 5, police officers attended an abandoned building on Kinmel Street in Rhyl following reports of drug use and found Ann Railey inside. She was told she would be detained for a drug search. Railey resisted, launching at PC Thomas Rushton, kicking out and striking PC Karina Harris with a hard kick, and assaulting PCSO Jonathan Gibbons. Body-worn footage showed her being restrained, during which she threatened officers and refused to co-operate. She had £40 worth of amphetamine in her hand at the time.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker, one count of common assault of an emergency worker, and possession of a class B drug. She has 55 previous convictions. The judge noted the original sentence was excessive as the incident lasted less than two minutes and caused no significant harm to officers.

Sources: rhyljournal.co.uk

Cara Smith

Controlling and Coercive Behaviour

July 29, 2024

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

Cara Smith, from Dog Lane, Kelsall, Chester, engaged in a prolonged pattern of controlling and coercive behaviour towards her husband, starting around 2018, exacerbated by alcohol consumption. This included multiple physical assaults such as biting, kicking, punching, burning his chest with a cigarette in August 2023, and throwing a fireplace companion set at him in February 2024, resulting in bruises, cuts, and severe sleep deprivation due to her digging into his back after his spinal surgery. The victim became isolated from friends and family, and he expressed fear for his life.

Admitted to controlling and coercive behaviour and two charges of assault causing bodily harm. Judge stated that only an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate. Has already served 127 days, with at least half to be served on licence, and a 10-year restraining order was imposed.

Sources: chesterstandard.co.uk

Timothy Field

Causing death by careless driving

July 24, 2024

Sentence: To be determined

Timothy Field, 81, was involved in an incident at the Tesco superstore car park in Pool Road, Newtown, on March 18, 2023, where he drove a Dodge muscle car and caused the death of David Christopher Lumb through careless driving. The circumstances were described as very tragic and sad, and the Crown Prosecution Service accepted his plea to the lesser charge after careful consideration. Field is a wheelchair user and will be sentenced at a later date.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving; interim driving disqualification imposed; represented by Owen Edwards KC; surrendered driving licence after the incident.

Sources: countytimes.co.uk

Christopher Davies

Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm

July 21, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Christopher Davies, in a jealous rage fuelled by cocaine and alcohol, attacked his then-partner Danielle Bowen at their home in Prestatyn. On December 20, 2024, he repeatedly struck her in the head and face while she was asleep in bed, accusing her of infidelity. Three weeks earlier, on November 30, 2024, he strangled her by grabbing her throat with both hands after she stopped him from driving while intoxicated. After his arrest, he contacted her repeatedly, making her feel guilty. The incidents were described as degrading and frightening by the judge.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation. No previous convictions. Judge Paul Hobson imposed a five-year restraining order and required completion of a 26-session programme, 180 hours' unpaid work, and 120 days' alcohol abstinence. Sentence suspended due to guilty plea and insight shown.

Sources: rhyljournal.co.uk

Lucas Partyka

Blackmail

July 15, 2024

Sentence: 68 months in custody, with half to be served on licence

Lucas Partyka was involved in a collision causing injury by dangerous driving on July 3, 2023, on the A5152 in Rhostyllen, where he fled the scene and two occupants sustained injuries. On October 14, 2024, he committed fraud by false representation, using a false identity to hire tools including a lawnmower and leaf blower, resulting in a £1,685 financial loss plus hire costs. On October 21, he assisted in a burglary at Starbucks on Holt Road, causing approximately £5,000 in damage using pliers and a screwdriver, and stole items worth £68.50. Earlier that morning, he attempted a burglary at Londis in Wrexham, causing damage to the door and lock, which left the owner scared. He also engaged in blackmail by selling a laptop to a vulnerable adult for £200, then making repeated threats to demand more money, including suggesting the victim sell his television, and searching the victim's home.

Defender stated it is his client's goal to become a productive member of society and role model to his children. Judge noted the blackmail incident exacerbated the victim's condition and there was no clear end in sight for their suffering.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

John Evans

Blackmail

July 15, 2024

Sentence: 40 months in custody, with half to be served on licence

John Evans engaged in blackmail by selling a laptop to a vulnerable adult for £200 and then demanding additional payments through threatening behaviour, including appearing at the victim's home with a knife and threatening to cut the dog's head off if not paid. He and another individual searched the victim's home, took their mobile phone and television as payment, leaving the victim feeling incredibly scared for their safety.

Defender claimed no direct threats were made, despite his chaotic past lifestyle and bad record. Judge noted the blackmail incident exacerbated the victim's condition and there was no clear end in sight for their suffering.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

Royston Lloyd

Threatening to destroy or damage property in a way likely to endanger life

July 14, 2024

Sentence: 2 years' imprisonment, suspended for 2 years

Royston Lloyd left Heineken bottles containing accelerant on the doorsteps of two women, Chloe Mitchell in Penmaenmawr and Penny Taylor in Colwyn Bay, on October 23, 2023. He also left notes reading 'Next time, you’ll need 999 to put it out' and sent a text message stating he was driving to Penmaenmawr with two petrol bombs. This caused the victims to feel terrified; Ms Mitchell took the day off work and installed fire safety equipment, while Ms Taylor moved house, stayed in a hotel for five days, declared herself homeless, and lived in a caravan before finding a new home. She continues to suffer from anxiety, depression, and sleep issues.

Pleaded guilty to threatening to destroy or damage property in a way likely to endanger life. Has nine previous convictions for 21 offences. Judge Nicola Jones commented that he had terrified the victims and advised him to stop taking drugs. He must complete 20 days' rehabilitation activity, a 12-month mental health treatment requirement, six months' drug rehabilitation requirements, and 100 hours' unpaid work.

Sources: northwalespioneer.co.uk

George Davies

Assault by touching

July 1, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

On September 14, 2024, George Davies kissed a girl under 13 on the lips for about 12 seconds, during which she felt his tongue. The girl tried to pull away and fall to the floor, but he caught her and told her not to tell anyone, threatening that he would get into trouble. After the incident was reported, Davies attempted to downplay it, claiming it was a quick peck and not sexual, and asked for police not to be involved to avoid prison. The victim felt disgusted, and her mother reported significant mental health impacts on the family, with the girl receiving counselling for the trauma caused by his predatory actions.

Pleaded guilty to assaulting a girl under 13 by touching. Has a previous conviction for attempted rape in 1993. Judge Rhys Rowlands described the behaviour as disgusting and predatory. Defence highlighted his frailty, limited mobility, and personal losses, including the death of his wife in 2023 and his son to cancer.

Sources: rhyljournal.co.uk

Michael Witter

Engaging in sexual communication with a child

June 12, 2024

Sentence: Two years imprisonment, suspended for two years, plus 20 days rehabilitation activity, 120-day alcohol abstinence, 80 hours unpaid work, and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order

Michael Witter engaged in sexual communication with three teenage children. In one case, a teenager initially told him she was 16, and they met in Colwyn Bay before she disclosed she was younger. He was arrested on November 8, 2024, and gave no comment during his police interview.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of engaging in sexual communication with a child. No previous convictions. Has issues with alcohol, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Judge Simon Mills warned him that his actions were wrong and urged him not to reoffend.

Sources: northwalespioneer.co.uk

Daniel Olczyk

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

June 5, 2024

Sentence: 36 weeks imprisonment

Daniel Olczyk assaulted his wife, Monika Olczyk, in January 2024 while under the influence of alcohol, throwing a glass at her and headbutting her on the forehead, causing extreme pain and a bruise that lasted a week. On March 20, 2024, he followed her upstairs, kicked the door open, verbally abused her, grabbed her by the hair, and prevented her from leaving, leading to her reporting the incidents to the police. The relationship was described as toxic due to his daily alcohol consumption.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Failed to take responsibility for his actions and blamed his wife. Also subject to a five-year restraining order. Judge noted his alcohol abuse and lack of remorse.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

Tarran Wilkes

Theft

June 5, 2024

Sentence: 12-month community order and £160 compensation

Tarran Wilkes participated in an overnight crime spree on January 7, 2023, involving the theft of Makita tools from a van in Ford, Shropshire, and a Vauxhall Insignia from Llanfair Caereinion, near Welshpool. She drove away in a Nissan X-Trail containing the stolen tools, wearing pink bedroom slippers, and was stopped by police in Westbury, near Shrewsbury. She provided varying accounts during her arrest and was linked to the crimes through mobile phone data. The thefts caused victims significant distress, including paranoia and health impacts.

Pleaded guilty to stealing tools and a car. Judge Simon Mills noted she was easily influenced, not the main planner, and has turned her life around by moving away from negative influences and staying off cocaine.

Sources: countytimes.co.uk

Joseph Rothwell

Controlling and coercive behaviour

June 2, 2024

Sentence: 19 months imprisonment

In the summer of 2023, Joseph Rothwell engaged in a pattern of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his then-partner Louise Roberts in Conwy. This included threatening to murder her and burn down her home during an argument in early July, calling her derogatory names, accusing her of infidelity, and threatening to 'snap her neck'. On July 17, 2023, he sent a voice recording threatening to 'smash her mum's head' and murder her. On August 1, 2023, he locked her in a bedroom, pinned her to the bed, struck her face multiple times, and pinned her to the floor while threatening to kill her. These actions led to a significant decline in Ms. Roberts' mental health, causing her to feel self-conscious, lose confidence, and avoid going out alone.

Pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour. Had 28 previous convictions. Judge Simon Mills described his behaviour as 'truly dreadful' and stated that adequate punishment required immediate custody. A seven-year restraining order was imposed for the victim's protection.

Sources: northwalespioneer.co.uk

David Alfie Williams

Affray

May 28, 2024

Sentence: 32 months imprisonment

On December 22, 2023, David Alfie Williams attended an address in Bodlyn, Acrefair, demanding a cigarette. He smashed a living room window, climbed in through another window, and threatened a group of five people, including making threats to stab one individual. The group locked themselves in the bathroom out of fear as he stabbed the door multiple times with a kitchen knife and banged on the window. He was later apprehended by police after a short foot chase, where he resisted arrest, damaged a police vehicle, and spat at a police officer. He has 32 convictions for 63 offences.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage, one count of affray, and one count of common assault of an emergency worker. Breached a suspended sentence from October of the previous year. Judge Rhys Rowlands noted his 'unenviable history of offending' and that the behaviour was 'totally inappropriate' with a profound effect on victims.

Sources: leaderlive.co.uk

Matthew Parrott

Causing death by dangerous driving

May 22, 2024

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment and a 6.5 year driving ban

On November 27, 2023, Matthew Parrott was driving a Honda Civic on the A458 in Middletown, near Welshpool, when he overtook a bus by crossing double white lines on a stretch of road with hidden dips and a 50mph limit. This dangerous manoeuvre led to a head-on collision with Margaret Lee's red Ford Fiesta, causing her catastrophic injuries and death later that day at a hospital in Stoke-on-Trent. Parrott was able to exit his vehicle, but Lee had no chance to avoid the impact.

Admitted causing death by dangerous driving. Expressed genuine remorse and is unlikely to reoffend, as per character references. Judge noted it was a momentary error but dangerous.

Sources: countytimes.co.uk

Tyler Lewis

Carrying a knife

May 14, 2024

Sentence: Five days of rehabilitation activity

In November 2023, police received a report of two males arguing on Wellington Road in Rhyl, with one seen with a knife. Officers found Tyler Lewis sitting on a wall; he refused to comply with police instructions and began removing his clothes. A knife with his DNA on it was discovered nearby. He had been spared jail initially but breached conditions due to reasons including poor weather and lengthy sessions.

Admitted breaching a suspended sentence by not attending a probation appointment in February; previously sentenced to four months' imprisonment suspended for a year-and-a-half; mental health has improved and he is no longer taking cocaine.

Sources: rhyljournal.co.uk

Alison Wells

Theft

May 8, 2024

Sentence: additional 10 days’ rehabilitation activity and six-month drug rehabilitation requirement

Alison Wells stole a mobile phone belonging to Keith Gough, which contained irreplaceable pictures of his late wife, whom he had been with for 34 years until her death in 2003. The phone was not recovered, resulting in the loss of those photos as well as images from a holiday to Costa Rica. Additionally, Wells displayed unacceptable behaviour towards probation staff during a rehabilitation appointment on March 25, leading to a breach of her suspended sentence.

Admitted to unacceptable behaviour during a rehabilitation activity requirement appointment on March 25. Judge Timothy Petts decided not to activate the suspended prison sentence, noting that she is making small steps and that custody would undo her progress. She must comply with the order to avoid further issues.

Sources: rhyljournal.co.uk

Gareth Lewis

Gross indecency with a boy under 16

May 7, 2024

Sentence: 3.5 years imprisonment, with half to be served in custody and the remainder on licence, and a lifelong restraining order

Gareth Lewis committed three counts of gross indecency with a boy under the age of 16 in the early 1990s in Yorkshire. The victim was seven years old when the abuse began and reported it in 2015. Lewis denied the offences initially, skipped his trial in 2016, and remained at large for nine years before being arrested and admitting the offences. The victim suffered from crippling anxiety and depression, stating that Lewis robbed him of his childhood and destroyed his trust in people.

Pled guilty to the offences. Expressed genuine remorse in a letter to the court. Has 74 previous offences, with one prior conviction for indecent assault on a child when he was a teenager.

Sources: northwalespioneer.co.uk

Sam Williams

Wounding with intent

April 17, 2024

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment

Sam Williams stabbed Marshall Carter in the chest and slashed his face with a knife during an attack in the early hours of 23 November in Welshpool. The incident followed a dispute over a £50 debt, with Williams sending threatening messages and hiding in bushes before attacking when Carter opened his door at his home in Foundry Lane. Carter suffered significant blood loss, required treatment at a trauma centre to remove blood from his lung, and continues to deal with nerve damage and psychological effects.

Pleaded guilty to Section 18 wounding with intent and possessing a knife in a public place. Judge described him as a dangerous offender with a history of similar offences, including a prior conviction for GBH in 2019, and imposed an extended sentence with a parole board to assess release after eight years.

Sources: countytimes.co.uk

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