Preston Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 446 verdicts at Preston Crown Court (Preston, Preston). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 2026 21 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

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

Ruslans Stromanis

Supply of crack cocaine and heroin *

Sentence

2 years 3 months imprisonment

Ruslans Stromanis, 41, of Crompton Place, Blackburn, was involved in the 'F1' drugs line supplying crack cocaine and heroin in the Blackburn area. The line was dismantled following police observations and arrests related to drug deals in May 2025.

Accomplice in the 'F1' drugs line operation.

16 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

Lewis Westwood

Sexual abuse *

Sentence

12 years imprisonment

In April 2023, Lewis Westwood isolated a 14-year-old schoolgirl at a house in Leyland and engaged her in sexual activity against her will. Later the same day, he further sexually abused her. The victim reported the abuse in June 2023, leading to his arrest.

Dangerous paedophile. Denied wrongdoing but DNA evidence linked him to the scene.

16 Feb 2026

Florin Ajudanu

Supply of crack cocaine and heroin *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Florin Ajudanu ran the 'F1' drugs line supplying crack cocaine and heroin in the Blackburn area. On May 8, 2025, police observed him in a suspected drug deal in an alley behind his home on Hancock Street, Blackburn. Upon forcing entry, he threw a tub of crack cocaine and heroin wraps out of an upstairs window, and the 'F1' phone was recovered.

Former owner of the 'F1' drugs line. Sentenced following trial.

16 Feb 2026

Bilel Saadoui

Failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Bilel Saadoui, 36, Walid Saadoui's younger brother, was aware of his brother's plans for an Islamic State-inspired terrorist attack on Jewish communities in north-west England but failed to disclose this to authorities. He shared ISIS beliefs, accessed and shared related media, spent hours with his brother, and offered post-death support to the family. He held a key to a safe containing £70,000 of his brother's money and a copy of his will to prevent police seizure. He exchanged voice notes about the plans days before arrests but denied authorities the chance to stop the plot. The attack involved smuggling weapons for a mass killing in Manchester.

Convicted of failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism contrary to section 38B of the Terrorism Act 2000. Walid Saadoui's brother, shared ISIS convictions but did not join the attack; held key to safe with £70,000 and a copy of his brother's will to protect assets.

13 Feb 2026

Amar Hussein

Preparing acts of terrorism *

Sentence

life imprisonment with minimum 26 years

Amar Hussein, 52, a Kuwaiti national of no fixed address, worked and lived at a furniture shop in Bolton, Greater Manchester. He was recruited by Walid Saadaoui as a fellow IS sympathiser to assist in planning an Islamic State-inspired gun attack on Jewish communities between December 2023 and May 2024. Hussein joined Saadaoui in travelling to Dover, Kent, in March 2024 for hostile reconnaissance on smuggling weapons through the port, and returned there in May 2024 believing they were watching firearms enter the country. The plot targeted an antisemitism march and north Manchester Jewish sites, but was thwarted by counter-terrorism police on May 8, 2024.

Recruited by Saadaoui to assist in the plot, convicted by jury in December of preparing acts of terrorism.

13 Feb 2026

Walid Saadaoui

Preparing acts of terrorism *

Sentence

life imprisonment with minimum 37 years

Walid Saadaoui, 38, from Abram, Wigan, originally from Tunisia, planned an Islamic State-inspired gun attack on a mass gathering of Jews between December 2023 and May 2024. He aimed to smuggle four AK-47 assault rifles, two handguns, and 900 rounds of ammunition into the UK via Dover port, conducting hostile reconnaissance there and in north Manchester areas like Prestwich and Higher Broughton targeting Jewish nurseries, schools, synagogues, and shops. He paid a deposit for the weapons to an undercover operative, bought an air weapon, visited a shooting range, and secured a safe house in Bolton. The plot was thwarted when he was arrested on May 8, 2024, in a Bolton hotel car park attempting to collect deactivated firearms. He used 10 Facebook accounts to spread extremist views and hero-worshipped IS terrorist Abdelhamid Abaaoud.

Main instigator, convicted by jury in December of preparing acts of terrorism. Aimed to smuggle weapons and target Jewish communities.

13 Feb 2026

Walid Saadoui

Preparation of terrorist acts *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 37 years

Walid Saadoui, 38, planned an Islamic State-inspired terrorist attack on Jewish communities in north-west England, aiming to kill hundreds. He intended to smuggle four AK 47 rifles, two pistols, and 900 rounds of ammunition into the UK, paying a deposit in February 2024. The target was a mass march against antisemitism in Manchester city centre, followed by an attack in a predominantly Jewish area of north Manchester. He conducted reconnaissance in Greater Manchester, travelled to Dover port in March and May 2024 to monitor weapon importation, and secured a safe house between December 2023 and May 2024. He was arrested on 8 May 2024 while attempting to take possession of two assault rifles, a pistol, and ammunition. The plot was uncovered via an undercover officer.

Convicted of preparation of terrorist acts contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Primary instigator of the plot, ISIS supporter who planned to smuggle weapons and attack Jewish communities.

13 Feb 2026

Sam Bridges

Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs *

Sentence

45 months imprisonment

Police from the Wyre Task Force stumbled across a suspected drugs transaction on Blakiston Street in Fleetwood in May 2024. Officers quickly moved in and searched a nearby address, uncovering a haul of Class A drugs believed to be cocaine along with cash. Sam Bridges, 33, formerly of Belmont Road, Fleetwood, was arrested at the scene.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, possession of Class A drugs, two counts relating to Class B drugs, two counts relating to Class C drugs, possessing criminal property and having an offensive weapon in a private place.

12 Feb 2026

Harvey Brooks

Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs *

Sentence

30 months imprisonment

Police from the Wyre Task Force stumbled across a suspected drugs transaction on Blakiston Street in Fleetwood in May 2024. Officers quickly moved in and searched a nearby address, uncovering a haul of Class A drugs believed to be cocaine along with cash. Harvey Brooks, 24, of Lancaster Gate, Fleetwood, was arrested at the scene.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, possession with intent to supply Class B drugs and possessing criminal property.

12 Feb 2026

Arafat Akhtar

Section 20 assault *

Sentence

21 months imprisonment

Arafat Akhtar, 38, of Malham Gardens, Blackburn, struck the victim with a metal bar in the car park of the Vue Cinema in Blackburn on August 9, 2025, after objecting to a relationship that a person he knew was having with the victim. His brother joined the assault. The victim suffered serious injuries, including a kneecap injury, a cut to the head that needed gluing, and bruised fingers. Both brothers were arrested on August 13, 2025.

Pleaded guilty to Section 20 assault. Five-year restraining order issued.

11 Feb 2026

Sufyaan Akhtar

Assault causing actual bodily harm *

Sentence

12 months suspended imprisonment and 120 hours unpaid work

Sufyaan Akhtar, 23, of Lancaster Place, Blackburn, punched the victim during an assault in the car park of the Vue Cinema in Blackburn on August 9, 2025, alongside his brother Arafat Akhtar, who used a metal bar. The attack was over a relationship dispute. The victim suffered serious injuries, including a kneecap injury, a cut to the head that needed gluing, and bruised fingers. Both brothers were arrested on August 13, 2025.

Pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm. Five-year restraining order issued.

11 Feb 2026

Nadia Hussain

Fraud by false representation *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Nadia Hussain befriended 73-year-old pensioner Ann Graham in August 2023 by offering to help with shopping and then fabricating stories of domestic violence, needing money for an abortion, and having cancer to extract funds. Over two months, from August to October 2023, she obtained £4,500 through cash handouts and unauthorized bank withdrawals, including £3,600 from savings between September 22 and October 17, 2023. The bank alerted police in October 2023, leading to an investigation using CCTV, bank records, and phone data that exposed her lies. Mrs Graham died in December 2023 without seeing justice.

Pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation. The judge noted the ordeal had a significant impact on the victim and her family, contributing to the victim's death.

10 Feb 2026

Michael Harvey

Controlling and coercive behaviour *

Sentence

30 months imprisonment

Michael Harvey, a 65-year-old former police detective who worked on the sex-offenders unit, met Catherine Dobson in May 2012 at an Asda in Rawtenstall. He followed her to obtain her car registration and checked it on the police national computer. Despite being married, he deceived her into a romantic relationship by claiming to be single. After 18 months, he moved into her home rent-free, straining her relationships with her adult children. To maintain control, he falsely claimed to be a victim of child abuse and to be undergoing cancer tests, which he later said were negative. When she tried to end the relationship, he threatened suicide multiple times, including an incident where an ambulance was called. The abuse continued until she forced him out in July 2016, though he persisted in contacting her. In 2022, she reported him to the police.

Admitted to controlling and coercive behaviour and two counts of misuse of police systems. Subject to a restraining order preventing contact with Catherine Dobson for 10 years. Described as a 'master manipulator' by Detective Constable Jodie Nolan.

5 Feb 2026

Stuart Wilson

Possession with intent to supply cocaine *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

Stuart Wilson was stopped on Stubbins Lane near Garstang after his grey BMW M3 Competition reached speeds of more than 100 mph while travelling north on the M6 in 2025. Officers found 25kg of cocaine, with a street value of around £2.5 million, inside a box in the boot of the car. Wilson admitted there was something in the boot but said he wasn’t sure what it was. He was arrested at the scene.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine. Appeared very nervous and anxious during arrest and asked if he was going to go to jail.

5 Feb 2026

January 2026 9 cases

Ian Rowling

Burglary *

Sentence

38 months imprisonment

Ian Rowling, 40, of Leadale Road, Leyland, smashed his way into a house in Penwortham on October 27, 2024, stealing a £3,500 Omega watch with sentimental value, a bike, and a laptop. The householder was alerted by his son who noticed the broken back door glass. Upon returning, the house was ransacked with blood in the kitchen. Rowling was identified via DNA left at the scene and arrested on July 24, 2025. He claimed he could not remember the burglary as he was celebrating a friend's birthday and blacked out after 8pm, but pleaded guilty upon learning of the DNA evidence.

Pleaded guilty to burglary. Has 10 previous convictions for dwelling house burglaries and many more for non-dwelling burglaries. Judge Michael Maher rejected his apology, stating 'You have been a burglar, man and boy.'

27 Jan 2026

Bradley Reed

Assault and controlling behaviour *

Sentence

3 years and 8 months imprisonment

Bradley Reed, 27, a former personal trainer, bullied and assaulted his teenage girlfriend on three separate occasions over a four-year relationship that started when she was 16. He broke a mirror over her head causing bleeding, attacked her in the bathroom, and controlled her by not allowing her to go to the gym, wear makeup or have beauty treatments.

Broke a mirror over his girlfriend's head causing it to bleed, then forced his way into the locked bathroom and attacked her again as she tried to clean herself up. Throughout their four year relationship - which started when the woman was just 16 - Reed controlled her in multiple ways.

24 Jan 2026

Daniel Halstead

Engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour *

Sentence

8 years imprisonment

Daniel Halstead conducted a sustained campaign of coercive control, violence, and threats against his victim from January 2019 onwards. Initial assault involved strangling her in Accrington. Relationship continued post his imprisonment for an unrelated assault. Ended in September 2023 upon discovery of his affair. In late 2024, behaviour escalated with threats to kill, including telling the victim in front of her son that if any single man came near her, they would both end up in a box. Incidents included following her to a friend's house on March 8, 2025, bombarding with messages and voicemails, attending her workplace on Valentine's Day 2025 with flowers while suggesting he was watching her, and assaulting her and her mother at her son's football match on March 16, 2025. Victim suffered significant emotional and physical harm, losing weight from dress size 14 to 6.

Found guilty after trial. Lifetime restraining order imposed. Victim impact statement highlighted severe anxiety, depression, and physical health decline.

23 Jan 2026

Nikita Mckeever

ABH *

Sentence

8 months imprisonment

On October 7, 2023, at Mere Brow Caravan Park, Nikita McKeever, 62, of Crossley Road, St Helens, challenged two teenagers visiting the site after hearing a noise outside his caravan. He told them to leave aggressively. When the 17-year-old victim emerged from his parents' caravan to investigate the shouting, McKeever jabbed him in the face with the barrel of his unloaded Nest Egg double-barrelled shotgun, splitting his lip and loosening a tooth, causing scarring. The victim, an apprentice mechanic, was traumatised. McKeever claimed he felt under attack due to past burglaries but did not intend violence. Police arrested him at the scene and recovered the working gun.

Pleaded guilty to ABH. No previous convictions. Military veteran. Shotgun licence surrendered. Judge noted the offence was so serious that only an immediate prison sentence could meet justice.

23 Jan 2026

Nick Gorzella

Strangulation *

Sentence

40 months imprisonment

Nick Gorzella, 55, assaulted a woman in an alcohol-fuelled rage on April 25, 2025, at his home in Blackburn. He acted jealous and paranoid, smashed her phone, threw her on the bed, strangled her, scratched her face, and threw her into a pile of cans, injuring her leg. She feared for her life and called the police, who found her with injuries to her face and legs. This was not the first incident; in November 2024, while drunk, he shouted at her, prevented her from leaving, and pushed her into a TV, causing injuries to her knees, wrist, and later bruising to her ribs. He became more aggressive and controlling thereafter.

Pleaded guilty to strangulation, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour. Previous convictions for violence and history of drug and alcohol misuse considered aggravating. Five-year restraining order imposed.

21 Jan 2026

Cameron Macfarlane

Coercive and controlling behaviour *

Sentence

12-month Community Order with 25 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days

Cameron Macfarlane entered a relationship with his victim in 2018 when he was 17. The relationship quickly became abusive, escalating from pushing and slapping to slamming a door on her hand on October 20, 2018, breaking her finger and crushing her engagement ring. He frequently shouted at her, caused property damage, and exhibited coercive behaviour. After having two children, the victim reported him to police while he was fighting in Ukraine, leading to his arrest at Manchester Airport in January 2025.

Pleaded guilty to coercive and controlling behaviour on the first day of his trial. Seven-year restraining order imposed. Mitigating factors included his age under 18 at the time of some incidents, lack of maturity, mental health struggles, PTSD from serving in Ukraine, and no previous convictions.

19 Jan 2026

Jesse Rivers

Harassment with violence and stalking *

Sentence

13 months imprisonment

Jesse Rivers, 30, from Carnforth Close in Blackburn, harassed and stalked his ex-partner following the end of their six-month relationship in early 2025. Incidents began on January 31, 2025, when he refused to leave her home, damaged windows, threatened to post sexual images online, and made over 152 calls. He issued threats like 'her gaff is getting it tonight' and 'you will live in fear for the rest of your life'. On March 10, 2025, outside a pub, he strangled her after punching her friend, stopped by bystanders. He sent over 1,000 messages and a naked photo of her circulated on social media, believed to be his doing. He was in custody for eight months prior to sentencing.

Pleaded guilty to harassment with violence and stalking. Has 25 previous convictions including harassment, ABH, controlling and coercive behaviour and false imprisonment. Sentenced via videolink from prison. Handed a restraining order preventing contact with the victim. Judge commented on persistent threatening behaviour and strangling incident.

19 Jan 2026

Patrick Dunleavy

Fraud *

Sentence

sentenced

Patrick Dunleavy scammed an 81-year-old widow out of more than £14,000 for sub-par driveway and landscaping work in 2023, leaving her facing thousands more to fix the damage. The scam was cruel and heartless, exploiting the victim's reliance on traders after her husband's death.

Also known as Peter John James Gerard Dunleavy. Created business account for Iconic Driveways and Landscapes as part of a group scam targeting an 81-year-old widow from Bacup who lost her husband in 2021.

16 Jan 2026

Jane Littler

Corruption and smuggling prohibited items into prison *

Sentence

5.5 years imprisonment

Jane Littler, a 31-year-old prison officer at HMP Garth, was investigated by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit starting in August 2021 after a mobile phone was found in a prisoner's cell with over 2,000 contacts to her. She was arrested on October 5, 2021, at her home on Rivington Road, Chorley, where officers seized mobile phones, handwritten notes, and packages containing substances including spice and 768 painkiller tablets. Letters recovered indicated an inappropriate relationship with a serving prisoner.

Engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a serving prisoner and facilitated the introduction of prohibited items including spice and painkiller tablets. Plea not specified.

15 Jan 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 446 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

Anthony Croft

Ben Slaney

Carl Barnes

Jason Brown

Spencer Farley

William Moon

Maxi-Watford-Stock

Jareice Mitchell-Monteith

Jack Chetwyn

James Howson

Ellis Matthews

Joshua Gill

Joshua Purcell

Lewis Feehan

Adrian Fitzgerald

Alan Adams

Daniel Johnson

Ellis Vanes

Raul Muresan

Timothy Stirzaker

Bo Yang

Brian Trevithick

Kurt Devoy-Foster

Robert Easom

Rajab Ali

Stuart Williams

Ruslans Stromanis

Peter Sayle

Lewis Westwood

Florin Ajudanu

Bilel Saadoui

Amar Hussein

Walid Saadaoui

Walid Saadoui

Sam Bridges

Harvey Brooks

Arafat Akhtar

Sufyaan Akhtar

Nadia Hussain

Michael Harvey

Stuart Wilson

Ian Rowling

Bradley Reed

Daniel Halstead

Nikita Mckeever

Nick Gorzella

Cameron Macfarlane

Jesse Rivers

Patrick Dunleavy

Jane Littler

About Preston Crown Court

Nearby Courts

Preston Magistrates Court

Blackburn Magistrates Court

Wigan & Leigh Magistrates Court

Bolton Crown Court

Bolton Magistrates Court

Burnley Crown Court

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