Preston Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 786 verdicts at Preston Crown Court (Preston, Preston). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

June 2026 10 cases

Jamie Varley

Murder *

Sentence

whole life order

Jamie Varley, a 37-year-old teacher from Blackpool, and his partner John McGowan-Fazakerley adopted 13-month-old Preston Davey in April 2023. Over the following four months, Varley subjected Preston to physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, causing 40 traumatic injuries. On 27 July 2023, Varley claimed Preston had drowned in the bath, but a post-mortem found no evidence of drowning and revealed the injuries were consistent with sexual abuse and forcible penetration. Preston died as a result of a sex attack by Varley. Varley was found guilty of murder and other offences following an eight-week trial at Preston Crown Court.

Convicted of murder, sexual abuse, and child cruelty. Judge described case as of 'extreme gravity' and imposed a whole life order, meaning Varley will never be released.

18 Jun 2026

John Mcgowan-Fazakerley

Allowing the death of a child, child cruelty, and sexual assault *

Sentence

25 years imprisonment

John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was the partner of Jamie Varley. The couple adopted Preston Davey in April 2023. During the four months Preston lived with them, McGowan-Fazakerley failed to protect him from severe abuse and was actively involved in sexual assault and cruelty. Preston suffered 40 injuries and died in July 2023. McGowan-Fazakerley was found guilty of sexual assault, child cruelty, and allowing the death of a child.

Found guilty of sexual assault, child cruelty, and allowing the death of a child. Sentenced alongside Varley.

18 Jun 2026

John Priestley

Indecent assault *

Sentence

three-and-a-half years imprisonment

John Priestley, a former village butcher in Croston, indecently assaulted two girls in the early 1970s. The first victim was 11 when the abuse began, the second was 13. Despite denying the allegations, he was found guilty of seven charges of indecent assault after a trial.

Pleaded not guilty; convicted by a jury of seven counts of indecent assault. Victims were aged 11 and 13 at the time. Will be on the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

15 Jun 2026

Mackenzie Mcpartland

Assault by beating *

Sentence

3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Mackenzie McPartland attacked a group of men in Chorley town centre's Market Walk on Easter Monday. The incident involved violence and the attempted theft of a motorbike. He was charged with multiple offences linked to the attack.

Convicted of attempted theft of a motor vehicle, attempted robbery, using threatening/abusive/insulting words/behaviour with intent to cause fear of violence, and four counts of assault by beating.

15 Jun 2026

Lee Lomas

Rape of a child under 13 *

Sentence

13 years imprisonment

Lee Lomas, 47, preyed on two girls under the age of 13. He raped one victim and incited sexual activity with the other. He was arrested in Blackpool in May 2025 after the victims told their parents. He pleaded guilty to the offences.

Pleaded guilty to rape of a child under 13, inciting sexual activity with a child under 13, and possession of indecent images of children. Also made subject of a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the sex offenders register for life.

12 Jun 2026

Shah Nawaz

Rape and sexual assault *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 13 years and 362 days

Shah Nawaz, 70, from Accrington, targeted two vulnerable women with learning difficulties, befriending them before raping and sexually assaulting them. One victim, in her 20s, was assaulted in his car; the other, in her 40s, was assaulted at his home and her own home. Nawaz initially denied the offences but pleaded guilty after the victims gave evidence at a trial at Burnley Crown Court. He was sentenced at Preston Crown Court on 10 June 2026.

Pleaded guilty to six charges of rape, six charges of sexual assault and two charges of assault by penetration. Described as an 'extremely dangerous, predatory sexual offender' by Judge Robert Altham. Had previous convictions for rape in 1982 and sexual offences in 1988.

10 Jun 2026

Kevin Dawson

Causing death by careless driving *

Sentence

8 months imprisonment suspended for 20 months

On 21 September 2024, Kevin Dawson was driving a silver Mercedes C200 on Oxcliffe Road, Heaton-with-Oxcliffe. After Matthew Isherwood had struck cyclist James Lawley, knocking him into the road, Dawson ran over Lawley. He failed to stop at the scene, later claiming he thought he had hit rubble. Officers intercepted his vehicle on the Bay Gateway and arrested him. He pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving. Claimed he did not know he had struck a person, believing he had hit rubble in the road. Other vehicles ahead of him had negotiated around the cyclist lying in the road, but Dawson did not due to inattention. Also given a 26-week electronic curfew, disqualified from driving for 18 months, and must pass an extended retest.

8 Jun 2026

Matthew Isherwood

Causing death by dangerous driving *

Sentence

5 years and 2 months imprisonment

On 21 September 2024, Matthew Isherwood was driving a black Seat Altea on Oxcliffe Road, Heaton-with-Oxcliffe, Morecambe. He struck 81-year-old cyclist James Lawley, who was riding a racing tricycle, causing him to fall into the road. Forensic examination of his phone showed he started his journey at 7:41am and within four minutes had taken and sent a selfie on Snapchat, sent Snapchat messages to three people, viewed photos and videos on Instagram, and sent an Instagram message to a fifth person just seconds before the collision. James Lawley was subsequently run over by a second vehicle and died at the scene. Isherwood was arrested at the scene and later pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. Used his mobile phone repeatedly during the journey, taking a selfie on Snapchat, sending messages, and looking at Instagram seconds before the collision. Sent a message three minutes after saying 'I've just hit someone.' Disqualified from driving for 7 years and 7 months and must pass an extended retest.

8 Jun 2026

Keyvan Manouchehri

Fraudulent trading *

Sentence

20 months imprisonment

Between July 2024 and January 2025, Keyvan Manouchehri operated the Euro Mini Market at 150 St Albans Road in St Annes, Lancashire, where he was involved in selling smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes, hand-rolling tobacco, and illicit vaping products. Trading Standards officers seized more than 3,600 illegal cigarettes, nearly 600 pouches of hand-rolling tobacco, and over 380 oversized vapes worth approximately £74,000. They found hidden storage areas including a locked room above a nearby shop and further supplies in vehicles. The investigation also uncovered instances of underage sales and repeated attempts to mislead officers about identities and activities.

Pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading under the Fraud Act 2006. HHJ Knowles KC DL remarked that Manouchehri had shown a 'brazen disregard for the law' and posed a high risk of reoffending.

4 Jun 2026

Kawan Poormand

Fraudulent trading *

Sentence

12-month community order with 160 hours unpaid work and a curfew

Kawan Poormand worked at the Euro Mini Market at 150 St Albans Road in St Annes, Lancashire, for short periods and was involved in the sale of smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes, hand-rolling tobacco, and illicit vaping products. His involvement was part of the same illegal business run by Keyvan Manouchehri.

Co-defendant; the court recognised his role was limited to short periods working at the shop.

4 Jun 2026

May 2026 4 cases

Bhekisani Matabiswana

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of sixteen and a half years

Bhekisani Matabiswana, 27, of St James Street, Bacup, murdered 37-year-old Luke Harden on November 1st 2025. After an interaction on Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, Matabiswana punched Luke and then kicked and/or stamped on him while he lay defenceless on the ground. Luke died from blunt force trauma to the head and neck. Matabiswana made no effort to help and falsely claimed to police he had found Luke already injured. He was arrested trying to board a flight to South Africa.

Found guilty after trial. No remorse shown. Attempted to flee country. Victim personal statements from parents read to court.

18 May 2026

Joe Mcaldon

Causing death by dangerous driving *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment and 8-month driving ban

On 11 December 2024, Joe McAldon, then aged 17, collected three friends in a Vauxhall Corsa and drove them near Clieves Hill in Aughton, Lancashire. Returning down the hill along Fir Tree Lane, he lost control on a bend and struck a stone wall shortly after 9 pm. Emergency services attended and all four occupants were taken to hospital. Passenger Max Greenhouse, aged 17, died from his injuries shortly after admission. McAldon and the other two boys were treated for serious injuries. A police investigation found McAldon was travelling at 57 mph, significantly exceeding the 40 mph speed limit.

Pleaded guilty to one count of causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Passed his driving test only a few days before the collision. Sentenced at Preston Crown Court.

15 May 2026

Naeem Akram

Sexual assault *

Sentence

12 months imprisonment

Naeem Akram sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl in his Nelson shop, Chapel House Grocers, in November 2023 as she tried to buy chocolate after school. He locked the door; she escaped.

Pleaded guilty to sexual assault.

6 May 2026

Scott Dagg

Attempted murder *

Sentence

24 years imprisonment

On 26th April 2025 at around 5.37pm, Scott Dagg stabbed a man in his 30s in the chest outside a property in Swift Close, Blackburn, as revenge for a prior altercation. Dagg was found with blood on his face nearby on Barbara Castle Way. The knife was recovered wrapped in a towel. Dagg sent voice notes from his phone stating his intent to kill the victim and regret at not succeeding.

Unanimously found guilty by jury following trial. Boasted in voice notes about the offence, expressing regret that the victim did not die.

6 May 2026

April 2026 8 cases

John Crossley

Attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

John Crossley, 44, of Leyland Road, Burnley, sent multiple sexually explicit messages in November 2025 to someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. The recipient was actually an adult member of a paedophile hunter group who alerted police. Crossley was arrested in November 2025.

Pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child and attempting to cause/incite a female child under 16 to engage in sexual activity. Issued with a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

27 Apr 2026

Marian Anitescu

Assisting an offender *

Sentence

Not stated

Marian Anitescu assisted Cristinel Gogalea following his knife attack in Preston in July 2025.

Jailed for assisting an offender.

18 Apr 2026

Cristinel Gogalea

Attempted murder *

Sentence

30 years imprisonment

Cristinel Gogalea, aged 22, attacked a man in his 40s at a flat in Preston in July 2025. The victim answered his door during the night and was assaulted inside his home with a knife, leaving him seriously injured. He required hospital treatment and surgery. Gogalea was linked to the scene through mobile phone and CCTV evidence and arrested shortly afterwards when a vehicle was stopped in the area.

Admitted attempted murder. Sentence includes an extended licence period.

18 Apr 2026

Rebeca Anitescu

Assisting an offender *

Sentence

Not stated

Rebeca Anitescu assisted Cristinel Gogalea following his knife attack in Preston in July 2025.

Jailed for assisting an offender.

18 Apr 2026

Peter Vernal

Arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered *

Sentence

9 years custody and 5 years on licence

Peter Vernal torched a Dacia Sandero car parked on the driveway of a house on Summerville Avenue, Staining, near Blackpool, on 21 July 2025, in a deliberate attack due to mistaken identity. The intended target was an address in the same street, and the car belonged to a man in his late 80s. The owner was awoken around 10.30pm by the fire starting near the front wheel, just a metre from the front door where two elderly people were asleep. An improvised Molotov cocktail was used, and the fire was extinguished by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. Vernal purchased a petrol can and three litres of petrol at a garage near the M55 junction shortly before the attack, with his vehicle seen leaving the garage at 10.22pm and arriving in Summerville Avenue around 10.33pm. He was arrested in Fleetwood the following day.

Found guilty by a jury after a trial. Sentenced by Judge Ian Unsworth KC.

15 Apr 2026

Jamie Higginson

Burglary *

Sentence

37 months' imprisonment

Jamie Higginson, 28, of no fixed address, burgled a flat above a restaurant in Poulton-le-Fylde in April 2025, stealing hundreds of bottles of alcohol valued at around £5,000. He was arrested after attempting to sell the alcohol to an off-duty police chief inspector in a supermarket car park. In February 2026, he burgled Harlequin Games on Manchester Road, Preston, smashing a side window to steal stock valued between £20,000 and £30,000. A few days earlier, he had been verbally abusive to staff at the shop, kicked the door dislodging it from the frame, and damaged a window.

Pleaded guilty to burglary of a dwelling (flat in Poulton-le-Fylde), burglary of Harlequin Games, and criminal damage. Subject to a restraining order banning him from attending Harlequin Games.

15 Apr 2026

George Jacob

Section 20 wounding *

Sentence

20 months in prison

On 22nd November 2023, during a routine stop in Lancaster, George Jacob and another man were spotted in possession of an electric motorbike. The police officer seized the motorbike, but Jacob became violent, shouting and pushing the officer before running away. Jacob then returned armed with a brick and threw it through the driver's side window of the police car, hitting the officer in the face. The officer suffered severe concussion, two chipped teeth, a laceration to the face, and had glass removed from his face. Jacob was arrested and charged with wounding with intent, criminal damage, and assaulting an emergency worker.

Pleaded guilty to Section 20 wounding, police assault and criminal damage.

14 Apr 2026

Roy Green

Historical sexual offences against children *

Sentence

21 years imprisonment

Roy Green committed a series of historical sexual offences against male children aged 8 to 14 in the Accrington area of Lancashire between 1994 and 1999. The abuse was reported by a victim in 2023, prompting a police investigation that uncovered additional victims. Green pleaded guilty to 32 charges in December 2025. At sentencing at Preston Crown Court on 2 April 2026, a victim impact statement described the profound and enduring psychological harm inflicted. Green was sentenced to 21 years' imprisonment.

Pleaded guilty to 32 charges of historical sexual offences against male children. Victim impact statement read out in court detailing lasting psychological harm. Born 21 July 1944, residing at Sovereign Drive, Milton Keynes. Investigation by Lancashire Police following reports in 2023.

2 Apr 2026

March 2026 20 cases

Anthony Croft

Kidnap and sexual assault *

Sentence

life imprisonment with minimum 8 years before parole

Anthony Croft attacked his teenage victim after latching on to her in bars in Blackpool town centre in June 2025, buying her drinks and following her around even after she tried to get away from him. As she walked home in the early hours, he approached her again in the Claremont area of North Shore, having followed her all the way from town. When they approached an alleyway, he pounced on her and dragged her into an alcove in the alleyway where he sexually assaulted her. She fought him off and ran to a nearby house for help. The incident was captured on CCTV, described by the judge as some of the most chilling he had ever seen. Croft was identified through facial recognition and arrested in Liverpool. He had been released from prison a month before the assault after serving 21 years for child rape.

Described by judge as one of the most dangerous sex offenders in the country. Prior conviction for child rape, served 21 years.

19 Mar 2026

Ben Slaney

Sexual offences against a child *

Sentence

17 years imprisonment with 1 year extended licence

Ben Slaney, 33, of Portland Road, Blackpool, abused a girl starting from the age of six over a three-year period while she was in primary school. The abuse included multiple incidents of sexual touching, sexual assault by penetration, and making category A and B images of children. The victim reported the abuse, but Slaney claimed she was lying, forcing her to testify in court. The jury convicted him on all counts. The crimes had a severe psychological impact on the victim, who is now a teenager.

Found guilty by jury of seven sex offences. Described as a scheming, manipulative, and dangerous individual with no remorse. Offender of particular concern; release eligibility after two-thirds of term determined by Parole Board. Judge noted sordid sexual interest in children and deflection of responsibility onto victim.

18 Mar 2026

Carl Barnes

Making indecent images of children and publishing an obscene article *

Sentence

30 months imprisonment

Carl Barnes, 46, of Princes Road, Walton-le-Dale, engaged in disturbing online activities from November 2024 until September 2025, including while on bail. He contacted men on online platforms, falsely claiming to have a wife and child, and shared images of an underage girl from Instagram while making obscene comments about smelling her underwear and suggesting sexual acts with her. In one instance, he asked a man if he would 'sniff the knickers' of a young girl and later escalated to explicit propositions. The recipient reported him to police, leading to his arrest and seizure of devices. Analysis revealed indecent images of children, including a four- or five-year-old being raped and a nine-year-old in school uniform. Additional conversations showed his interest in prepubescent children, referencing interactions with a 13-year-old and stating 'the younger the better'.

No previous convictions. Made subject to sexual offences notification requirements indefinitely and a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years. Pleaded not specified, but mitigation included recent depression, alcohol and cocaine abuse, which the judge dismissed as excuses.

18 Mar 2026

Jason Brown

Assault by penetration *

Sentence

6 years and 10 months imprisonment

Jason Brown, from Accrington, took advantage of a woman he knew in June 2024 after she had a couple of drinks and dozed off on a sofa. The victim woke to find the lower part of her clothing had been removed and Brown was assaulting her. She reported the attack a few days later, leading to a Lancashire Police investigation.

Pleaded guilty to two offences of assaulting a female by penetration. The defendant admitted that his victim had been unable to consent to sexual activity.

17 Mar 2026

Spencer Farley

ABH *

Sentence

12 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 200 hours unpaid work, 120 day alcohol monitoring requirement

On December 13, 2024, at the Fleece pub in Penwortham, Spencer Farley, 20, of Oswald Road, Ashton-on-Ribble, joined the victim's table with William Moon and asked about his school. After the victim refused to engage, a fight broke out in the conservatory where chairs were thrown, a glass was broken, and a pint of beer was thrown over the victim's head. Farley admitted punching the victim once. The victim suffered bruising to his face and chest, cuts to his forehead and nose, and swelling to his lip, resulting in a permanent scar on his forehead.

Apologised to victim through barrister. Judge noted family support, employment, and prospect of rehabilitation.

17 Mar 2026

William Moon

ABH *

Sentence

9 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 200 hours unpaid work, alcohol monitoring requirement

On December 13, 2024, at the Fleece pub in Penwortham, William Moon, 20, of Eskdale Road, Leyland, joined the victim's table with Spencer Farley and asked about his school. After the victim refused to engage and told them to go home, Moon picked up a pint and emptied it on the victim's head, leading to a fight in the conservatory where chairs were thrown and a glass was broken. The victim stood up and removed his jacket; he reported being struck with a glass and wooden chair, though Moon did not admit to this. The victim suffered bruising to his face and chest, cuts to his forehead and nose, and swelling to his lip, resulting in a permanent scar on his forehead.

Apologised to victim through barrister. Judge noted family support, employment, and prospect of rehabilitation.

17 Mar 2026

Jareice Mitchell-Monteith

Conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs *

Sentence

7 years imprisonment

Jareice Mitchell-Monteith, based in Bradford, was involved in the 'Pabz' drugs line that peddled Class A drugs across Blackpool, with the gang rife with violence and weapons.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs.

13 Mar 2026

Joshua Gill

Conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs *

Sentence

9 years imprisonment

Joshua Gill was part of the 'Pabz' drugs line gang operating in Blackpool, involved in the supply of Class A drugs like heroin and cocaine, with a hierarchy controlling the deal line phone for instructions on drug and cash movement.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs.

13 Mar 2026

Joshua Purcell

Conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs *

Sentence

2 years and 3 months detention

Joshua Purcell, the youngest member, was sentenced to detention for his role in the 'Pabz' line's supply of Class A drugs in Blackpool, acting as a runner in the operation.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs.

13 Mar 2026

James Howson

Conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs *

Sentence

6 years and 9 months imprisonment

James Howson contributed to the 'Pabz' deal line's supply of Class A drugs in Blackpool, handling communications with street dealers and runners for drug exchanges.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs.

13 Mar 2026

Jack Chetwyn

Conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs *

Sentence

3 years and 6 months imprisonment

Jack Chetwyn was a member of the 'Pabz' drugs ring, involved in the street-level supply of heroin and cocaine in Blackpool, with the group investigated for violence.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs.

13 Mar 2026

Lewis Feehan

Conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs *

Sentence

10 years imprisonment

Lewis Feehan was a key member of the 'Pabz' drugs line gang that supplied heroin and crack cocaine across Blackpool, coordinating street-level drug runners. The operation involved violence, weapons, and clashes with rival gangs, investigated by Lancashire Police between 2024 and 2025.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs.

13 Mar 2026

Maxi-Watford-Stock

Conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Maxi-Watford-Stock was involved in the preparation and sale of heroin and crack cocaine through the 'Pabz' line in Blackpool, part of a violent gang with rival disputes.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs.

13 Mar 2026

Adrian Fitzgerald

Sexual assault *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

On January 28, 2026, Adrian Fitzgerald, 63, of no fixed address, exposed himself in Market Place, Poulton, at around 11am. Fifteen minutes later, he entered a premises on Chapel Street, exposed himself again to a woman inside, and sexually assaulted her. The victim fought back, threatened to call police, but he replied 'Go on then.' She forced him out. He was identified, arrested, and charged with two counts of exposure, sexual assault, breach of sex offender notification requirements, and breach of sexual harm prevention order.

Pleaded guilty. Registered sex offender who breached court-ordered conditions including sex offender notification requirements and sexual harm prevention order.

13 Mar 2026

Alan Adams

Conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs *

Sentence

7 years imprisonment

Alan Adams was part of the 'Pabz' organised crime group supplying heroin and cocaine in Blackpool, clashing with rivals and using a strict hierarchy for operations.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs.

13 Mar 2026

Ellis Matthews

Drugs offences *

Sentence

26 months imprisonment

Ellis Matthews was arrested within weeks of returning to Lancashire from Thailand on suspicion of drugs offences. She had previously been detained in a Thai immigration prison for overstaying her visa and deported without her son. The charges relate to possession, supplying, and being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs, following a police raid on her place of stay in Pattaya.

Pleaded guilty to possession of class A and B drugs, supplying class A and B drugs and being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs. Recorder Fiona Clancy noted that 108 days served in Thai detention would count towards her sentence in HMP Styal.

13 Mar 2026

Daniel Johnson

Conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs *

Sentence

7 years and 1 month imprisonment

Daniel Johnson was a member of the violent 'Pabz' gang supplying heroin and crack cocaine in Blackpool, using a deal line phone to organize runners and advertise drugs to customers.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs.

13 Mar 2026

Ellis Vanes

Dwelling house burglary *

Sentence

26 months imprisonment

Ellis Vanes, 24, of no fixed address, entered a woman's home in Fleetwood on January 10, 2026, while she was out walking her dog for 10 minutes and had forgotten to lock the door. He stole a purse and mobile phone from the living room. CCTV footage from Tesco showed him using the stolen bank card for two transactions totalling almost £100. He was arrested three days later in Abingdon Street, Blackpool, despite being barred from the area under a criminal behaviour order imposed in January 2025.

Pleaded guilty to dwelling house burglary, two counts of fraud by false representation and breach of a criminal behaviour order. Has 66 prior offences. Recorder Mark Shepherd noted his history of homelessness, drug and alcohol issues, and adverse childhood experiences.

2 Mar 2026

Timothy Stirzaker

Assault occasioning ABH, criminal damage and infliction of GBH *

Sentence

42 months imprisonment

Timothy Stirzaker, 38, of Harcoart Road in Lancaster, unleashed a campaign of abuse on his ex-partner during a short relationship. On June 27, 2025, following an argument, he grabbed her legs, damaged her TV, threw her fridge freezer on the floor, smashed a mirror, put a hole in the wall, and poured bleach on her clothes while verbally abusing her. Police responded to a domestic disturbance call. In subsequent months, during another argument, he sprayed flames from a deodorant can and lighter into her face, burning her eyebrows and eyelashes. On a separate occasion, while drinking into the early hours, he threw items at her, smashed the lights, threw a wooden door at her, got on top of her, and punched her face multiple times, causing bruises, head bumps, two missing front teeth, and two seizures that night. She discovered her teeth in the living room the next morning. Police arrested him on September 30, 2025, after an abandoned 999 call revealed her injuries.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning ABH, criminal damage and infliction of GBH. Previous convictions for GBH, possession of a knife or bladed article, battery and damage of property taken into account. Five-year restraining order imposed. Sentenced by Ms Recorder A Siddiqi.

2 Mar 2026

Raul Muresan

Seeking to remain in the UK by deceptive means *

Sentence

6 months imprisonment

Raul Muresan, a 45-year-old Romanian man who has been in the UK for around nine years, failed to disclose several previous convictions from Romania (spanning 2006 to 2012, including six convictions for ten offences, nine relating to theft and one to criminal damage) when applying to remain in the UK under the EU settlement scheme. He was legally granted five years' residence in July 2019, due to expire in 2024, but lied twice in documents about having no previous convictions. He was arrested at his place of work on December 17, 2025, and his status has since been revoked. He has worked for the same employer for eight years and has been with his partner for seven or eight years, and intends to appeal to stay in the UK.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of seeking to remain in the UK by deceptive means. Assisted in filling out forms but accepted responsibility. Two months already spent in custody counted towards sentence. Judge noted repeated deception as aggravating feature.

2 Mar 2026

February 2026 8 cases

Bo Yang

Rape *

Sentence

23 years extended sentence (18 years custody + 5 years extended licence)

Bo Yang, 41, of Winn Grove, Sheffield, on April 15, 2025, after 11pm, went to a woman's address in Lancashire following a disagreement over money. He pulled out a knife, tore her clothes, beat her with a metal bar, raped and sexually assaulted her, slashed her with a knife, tied her up, and stole money in a five-hour ordeal.

Convicted of rape and sexual assault.

28 Feb 2026

Brian Trevithick

Causing death by dangerous driving *

Sentence

4 years and 8 months imprisonment

Brian Trevithick, 76, was attending a funeral at Greenhill Social Club in Burnley when he reversed into a parked Ford Fiesta, then drove his Vauxhall Crossland X forward into the front of the club on February 12th, 2024, colliding with 72-year-old Lynne Harvey in her wheelchair, causing catastrophic injuries that led to her death in hospital. A woman in her 50s was also seriously injured but recovered. Trevithick drove off initially but returned and was arrested.

Admitted to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Had not disclosed medication to DVLA, which would have revoked his license.

27 Feb 2026

Maxi Watford-Stock

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Maxi Watford-Stock was a member of a Blackpool county lines gang that operated the 'Pabz' line, distributing heroin and cocaine across Blackpool between 2024 and 2025. The gang used a dedicated phone line to coordinate drug runners and evade police. Watford-Stock admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

27 Feb 2026

Kurt Devoy-Foster

Sexual communication with a child *

Sentence

7 years and 6 months imprisonment

Kurt Devoy-Foster, 34, spent two years targeting girls he believed were aged 12 to 15 online, sending sexual messages, videos, and attempting to arrange secret meet-ups. In May 2023, he messaged a profile he thought was a 13-year-old girl on RandoChat, sending inappropriate videos and inciting sexual activity; the profile was run by an NWROCU officer. Despite arrest and bail, he offended again in November 2024, messaging another believed 13-year-old profile with sexualised messages and encouraging lewd acts; reported by an OCAG to West Yorkshire Police, then transferred to Lancashire Police. In December 2024, he attempted to groom a believed 14-year-old via RandoChat and WhatsApp, arrested outside a Blackburn supermarket; eight mobile phones seized from his Nelson home. Despite bail conditions, in April 2025 he contacted a believed 12-year-old on RandoChat, sending sexually inappropriate messages, asking for lewd acts and picture evidence, sending an image of a penis, and proposing a secret park date; the profile was operated by an NWROCU officer.

Pleaded guilty to sexual communication with children under 16, causing/inciting a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity, causing/inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and multiple failures to comply with notification requirements. Made subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

27 Feb 2026

Robert Easom

GBH with intent *

Sentence

16 years imprisonment with 4 year extended licence

Robert Easom, 57, a landscape gardener from Longridge Road, Chipping, bullied and abused his partner Trudi Burgess for seven years. The final attack occurred on February 17, 2025, when he flew into a rage after Trudi said she was ending the relationship. He forced her neck down with superhuman strength, snapping her vertebrae and leaving her paralysed from the neck down. Prior incidents included strangling her with a bed sheet at an Airbnb near York and banging her head on stairs at his home in Chipping after she spilled wine. Easom called emergency services, initially claiming she fell out of bed and later saying injuries were accidental. Trudi underwent 11 hours of surgery, spent three months in critical care on a ventilator and feeding tube, and now lives in a specialist spinal rehabilitation unit, unable to return to her family home in Chorley. She suffers constant pain and has lost her previous life, impacting her children and granddaughter.

Pleaded guilty to ABH and controlling and coercive behaviour. Found guilty of GBH with intent by jury. Judge noted he was a dangerous offender posing high risk to intimate partners.

27 Feb 2026

Rajab Ali

Possession with intent to supply heroin *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Rajab Ali, 47, of Camden Street in Nelson, was pulled over by Lancashire Constabulary's Road Crime Team in his grey Volkswagen Passat on Camden Street in Nelson on November 17, 2024. Officers found £750 in cash in the car, £600 in his pocket, and £735 in his wallet, which he claimed was for weight loss supplements and fitness training. A small plastic bag containing half a kilo of heroin was also discovered in the car. His house was searched, revealing more heroin. He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.

Pleaded guilty to both offences. DC Kirsten Henry welcomed the sentence as a deterrent against drug-dealing.

25 Feb 2026

Stuart Williams

Sexual offences including grooming and assault *

Sentence

12 years imprisonment

Stuart Williams, a 57-year-old former school caretaker from Moore Street, Blackpool, was convicted of 17 sexual offences including grooming children online, historical assaults on girls under 14, attempted rape of an individual under 16, and possession of indecent images. He sent explicit messages and images to individuals he believed were 12- and 13-year-old girls, arranging to meet them, but was communicating with undercover police officers, including while on bail. Police found five category B and 34 category C indecent images on his phone. Three women reported historical sexual offences in Penwortham and Lytham, one during his time as a school caretaker, with an additional adult victim coming forward.

Found guilty by jury after 12-day trial of 17 sexual offences; pleaded not guilty but confessed to two further offences of creating indecent images during evidence; sentenced under pre-existing legislation as crimes occurred prior to current laws; victims submitted personal statements detailing lasting impact.

17 Feb 2026

Peter Sayle

Manslaughter *

Sentence

9 years 11 months imprisonment

On June 14, 2022, Peter Sayle, 32, killed his six-week-old son Huxley in Fulwood, Preston, when his frustration at the infant's crying boiled over. He took the baby downstairs to feed and settle him but claimed the child stopped breathing after making a gurgling noise. The mother called 999, and the baby was rushed to hospital but did not survive.

Pleaded guilty to manslaughter five days into murder trial after denying responsibility for over three and a half years.

16 Feb 2026

Disclaimer: The information on this page is compiled from publicly available court records and published media reports. It is provided strictly for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as a definitive record of any individual's criminal history or legal status.

Offence names marked with an asterisk (*) reflect descriptions used in media reporting and may not correspond to the formal legal charge or indictment. Sentencing details are as reported and may be subject to subsequent appeal, variation, or correction by the courts.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The presence of a name on this page does not imply guilt, and some listed individuals may have had convictions overturned, sentences reduced, or charges withdrawn after the date of publication.

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Crown Court

Church Street, Preston, Preston, PR1 8XJ, United Kingdom

+441772844700

www.find-court-tribunal.service.gov.uk

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About Preston Crown Court

Preston Crown Court, located in Preston, Preston, is a Crown Court that handles serious criminal cases including murder, rape, robbery, and other indictable offences. With 786 sentencing records in our database, it is one of the Crown Courts serving the Preston, Preston area. Crown Courts sit with a judge and jury, and have the power to impose the full range of sentences available under UK law.

The court can be found at Church Street, PR1 8XJ.

For enquiries about cases heard at this court, you can contact the court by telephone on +441772844700 or visit the official court website for further information.

All sentencing information published on this page has been sourced from publicly-available records and verified by our editorial team. If you believe any information is inaccurate or should be removed, you can submit a removal request directly from the relevant listing above.

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Preston Crown Court Sentencing Results

Jamie Varley

John Mcgowan-Fazakerley

John Priestley

Mackenzie Mcpartland

Lee Lomas

Shah Nawaz

Kevin Dawson

Matthew Isherwood

Keyvan Manouchehri

Kawan Poormand

Bhekisani Matabiswana

Joe Mcaldon

Naeem Akram

Scott Dagg

John Crossley

Marian Anitescu

Cristinel Gogalea

Rebeca Anitescu

Peter Vernal

Jamie Higginson

George Jacob

Roy Green

Anthony Croft

Ben Slaney

Carl Barnes

Jason Brown

Spencer Farley

William Moon

Jareice Mitchell-Monteith

Joshua Gill

Joshua Purcell

James Howson

Jack Chetwyn

Lewis Feehan

Maxi-Watford-Stock

Adrian Fitzgerald

Alan Adams

Ellis Matthews

Daniel Johnson

Ellis Vanes

Timothy Stirzaker

Raul Muresan

Bo Yang

Brian Trevithick

Maxi Watford-Stock

Kurt Devoy-Foster

Robert Easom

Rajab Ali

Stuart Williams

Peter Sayle

About Preston Crown Court

Nearby Courts

Preston Magistrates Court

Blackburn Magistrates Court

Wigan & Leigh Magistrates Court

Bolton Magistrates Court

Bolton Crown Court

Burnley Crown Court

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