Preston Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 389 verdicts at Preston Crown Court (Preston, Preston). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Ian Rowling

Burglary

January 27, 2026

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.'

Sources: lancs.live

Bradley Reed

Assault and controlling behaviour

January 24, 2026

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.

Sources: lancs.live

Daniel Halstead

Engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour

January 23, 2026

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.

Sources: lancs.live

Nikita Mckeever

ABH

January 23, 2026

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.

Sources: lancs.live

Nick Gorzella

Strangulation

January 21, 2026

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.

Sources: lancs.live

Jesse Rivers

Harassment with violence and stalking

January 19, 2026

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.

Sources: lancs.live

Cameron Macfarlane

Coercive and controlling behaviour

January 19, 2026

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.

Sources: lancs.live

Patrick Dunleavy

Fraud

January 16, 2026

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.

Sources: lancs.live

Jane Littler

Corruption and smuggling prohibited items into prison

January 15, 2026

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.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Gibril Daligo-Kulwa

Stalking and controlling and coercive behaviour

January 14, 2026

Sentence: Hospital order for treatment in a medium secure unit

Gibril Daligo-Kulwa, 23, began stalking a woman after she greeted him outside a cinema in Skelmersdale in late 2024. He followed her almost daily to locations including a swim centre, supermarket, and nail salon, peering through windows, watching her, and calling her 'sexy'. On January 21, 2025, he followed her in a supermarket, leading to her being escorted to her car; later that day, she saw him near her home and called police. Between February and September 2024, he controlled and coerced a vulnerable woman in a relationship, grabbing her, accusing her of cheating, and making threatening videos with plastic guns.

Recorder Ayesha Siddiqi made the order under the Mental Health Act due to schizoaffective disorder impacting the offences. Restraining orders for five years to protect victims. Likely to be in hospital for a number of years before transfer to low secure unit.

Sources: lancs.live

James Bower

Section 20 wounding

January 13, 2026

Sentence: 2 years in a Young Offenders Institute

On an unspecified date, James Bower, 19, of Springs Lane, Bickerton, pulled up in a white van outside a McDonald's on Morecambe Road and began shooting ballbearings from a slingshot at seagulls. When confronted by a 33-year-old man who told him to stop, an argument ensued. Bower continued firing, hitting the restaurant window and causing it to break, and striking the man in the eye, resulting in permanent loss of sight and anticipated surgery to remove the eye. The incident was captured on mobile phone footage showing Bower laughing. The victim is unable to work and uncertain about future employment.

Pleaded guilty to section 20 wounding, possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage. Recorder Emma Fisher highlighted the severe impact on the victim, including loss of sight and potential eye removal, stating actions have consequences requiring immediate custody. Bower cited offence at comments about his Traveller heritage and did not anticipate consequences.

Sources: lancs.live

Antony Farren

Sexual activity with a child under 16

January 13, 2026

Sentence: 23 years imprisonment with 8-year extended licence

Antony Farren drugged his vulnerable victim, a girl under 16, before committing sexual offences against her. He groomed her for his sordid interests and admitted during the assaults, 'It feels like I'm raping you, I need to stop.' After arrest and bail with a no-contact order, he sent her a TikTok to intimidate her as a witness.

Found guilty after trial. Deemed a dangerous offender. Subject to indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and required to sign sex offender register for life.

Sources: lancs.live

Cherel Robinson

Burglary

January 10, 2026

Sentence: 20 weeks imprisonment

Cherel Robinson, 47, of Alice Square, Preston, let herself into her neighbour's unlocked back door at a house in Wilbraham Street, Preston. The householder, whom she knew, was at home with his son and girlfriend. She entered the son's bedroom, causing a commotion. When confronted, she fled but took the man's wallet containing £180 cash and sentimental family photos from the kitchen counter.

Pleaded guilty to burglary. Two previous suspended sentences for theft activated. Has 17 prior convictions, mostly for petty theft to fund substance misuse. Making progress on rehab while on remand. Sentenced by Recorder Andrew Thomas.

Sources: lancs.live

Emily Gayther

Aggravated burglary

January 10, 2026

Sentence: two-year community order with 120 day alcohol abstinence monitoring program and 30 days rehabilitation activity requirements

Emily Gayther let herself into the home of her love rival in Croston, Lancashire, on October 14, 2024, after seeing her on-off boyfriend's motorbike parked outside. She burst in saying 'where is he? I'm going to slash tyres'. The two women argued and Gayther armed herself with a bread knife from inside the house, stabbing her love rival in the foot causing four puncture wounds. The victim's 15-year-old son intervened and was assaulted but not stabbed. Gayther was arrested that evening and initially denied leaving her house.

Pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary. Judge impressed by pre-sentence report, progress with new baby, and no recent offending. Five-year restraining order prohibiting contact with victim.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Gary Duckworth

Burglary

January 9, 2026

Sentence: 2 years and 8 months imprisonment

Gary Duckworth and Ryan Price committed a crime spree of break-ins and attempted break-ins targeting multiple homes in the Little Harwood area of Blackburn in late February and early March 2025. They were swiftly arrested and charged following an investigation by the East Burglary Team.

Committed break-ins and attempted break-ins in the Little Harwood area in late February and early March 2025. Initially bailed to appear for sentencing at a later date.

Sources: lancs.live

Dean Cheeseman

Sexual assault

January 9, 2026

Sentence: 13 months imprisonment for sexual assault, 4 weeks concurrent for common assault, 10 year restraining order

Dean Cheeseman, 25, of no fixed address, assaulted two women at a house party in Morecambe in February 2023. He was drunk and first assaulted a woman on a sofa by trying to hug her, putting his hand on her thigh, following her, pushing her towards a wall, and placing his hand between her thighs. She pushed him away. He then followed a 17-year-old girl who felt unwell to an alley, suggested going somewhere private for something sexual, complimented her appearance, and after she walked away, called her a b**** and pinned her against a skip where he sexually assaulted her. The attack was witnessed by several people, and he was arrested 11 days later. He gave no comment in interview but claimed the allegations were malicious due to a fallout with another man. Both victims provided impact statements detailing severe emotional and psychological effects.

Pleaded guilty to common assault of the first woman and sexual assault of the second. Judge Robert Altham described it as a persistent sexual offence against a female and clearly a serious offence warranting immediate custody.

Sources: lancs.live

Ryan Price

Burglary

January 9, 2026

Sentence: 4 years and 9 months imprisonment

Committed break-ins and attempted break-ins in the Little Harwood area in late February and early March 2025. Remanded into custody prior to sentencing.

Sources: lancs.live

Lee Griezans

Sexual assault and non-fatal strangulation

January 7, 2026

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment for sexual assault, 2.5 years concurrent for non-fatal strangulation

Lee Griezans strangled and sexually assaulted a woman at his home in Blackpool on February 11, 2023, after she spent the night there following their meeting the previous week. The pair had messaged during the week and got along well initially. The next morning, Griezans was drinking vodka downstairs, upset over bad news, and his mood changed erratically. He bit her face when trying to kiss her, then dragged her back inside by her armpits when she tried to leave to clean her dirty boots, throwing her onto the sofa and causing her to bang her head and hip. He shouted abuse, grabbed her by the throat lifting her off the ground causing her to choke and feel fuzzy, then sexually assaulted her while she was vulnerable.

Convicted after a three-day trial. Judge Ian Unsworth KC noted the profound effects on the victim and that the assault was to enforce control through brute force. Defendant had mental health struggles and alcohol issues at the time.

Sources: lancs.live

Robert Leach

Dangerous driving

January 6, 2026

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment and 44 months driving ban

On September 19, 2025, Robert Leach, under the influence of cocaine and ketamine, led police on a 12-minute dangerous chase through Preston in a stolen Ford Transit van. He reached speeds of 80mph in a 30mph zone on Blackpool Road, passed through two red lights, drove on the wrong side of the road over a blind summit, ignored no-entry signs, speed bumps, and failed to give way, nearly causing a collision. The van crashed near Brookfield Park in Fairfax Road, after which Leach fled on foot but was apprehended due to a distinctive reflective strip on his trousers. He was found in possession of cocaine and ketamine. The van had been stolen the previous night when the owner left keys unattended while asleep.

Pleaded guilty. Recorder Ayesha Siddiqi noted the extreme good fortune that no one was seriously injured or killed during the 12-minute dangerous chase. Prior convictions for driving offences in 2023 and 2024 taken into account. On licence at the time and banned from driving until 2028. Drugs ordered destroyed; extended retest required.

Sources: lancs.live

Benjamin Molloy

Offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008

January 5, 2026

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

Benjamin Molloy, 39, of Birtwistle Avenue, Colne, as sole director of JR Roofing & Driveway Specialists Limited, deliberately targeted older residents aged 69 to 74, scamming them out of thousands of pounds for unnecessary and shoddy repairs disguised as genuine work. Victims were falsely told their homes were dangerous, faced escalating demands for extra payments, and were left with leaking roofs and further repair bills. A surveyor confirmed no structural defects and that the work was worthless, with one woman paying £17,450 for unnecessary repairs and another man paying 10 times the £450 value.

Pleaded guilty to offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Made subject of a five-year Company Director Disqualification Order and a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order prohibiting him from conducting or canvassing home improvements work.

Sources: lancs.live

Kenneth Moss

ABH and common assault

January 4, 2026

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

Kenneth Moss, 30, of Coniston Drive, Walton-le-Dale, subjected his partner to a two-year abusive relationship involving multiple assaults. In September 2024, he slapped her, causing her head to bang against a wall, and pushed her the next day, twisting her ankle. In April, he grabbed her hair, causing clumps to fall out. In May 2025, he took her car keys and bank card, then assaulted her by grabbing her arms, throwing her around the room, and pushing her on the bed in a relentless 90-minute attack while his deaf grandmother with dementia was in the house. She escaped to his mother's house, but he followed and blamed her. Hospital photos showed bruising to her neck and limbs, no fractures. The victim felt 'broken', trapped, and fearful, suffering emotionally and physically.

Pleaded guilty to ABH and two counts of common assault. Judge Michael Maher described remorse as 'nonsense' and doubted rehabilitation prospects. Seven year restraining order imposed.

Sources: lancs.live

Danny Ross

Breach of restraining order

January 3, 2026

Sentence: 12 month community order with 6 month drug rehabilitation requirement and 30 days rehabilitation activity requirements; 12 month suspended sentence activated but time served

Danny Ross, a 45-year-old homeless man, was caught with a woman he was prohibited from contacting by a five-year restraining order issued after his sentencing for battery and criminal damage against her in March 2025. On December 1, 2025, they were seen together on a fire escape near the Arndale Centre in Manchester city centre. Police discovered the restraining order upon checking their details, leading to Ross's arrest. He claimed it was a chance encounter and believed the order would be removed, but the judge determined they had been together for some time based on his request to give his possessions to her. Ross had been released from Burnley Crown Court on November 14, 2025, after receiving a suspended sentence for affray.

Pleaded guilty to breach of a restraining order and breach of a suspended sentence. Judge Michael Maher commented that the encounter was not a chance meeting and warned against further contact with the protected woman.

Sources: lancs.live

William White

Controlling and coercive behaviour

December 23, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

William White, 23, of The Orchard, Lancaster, engaged in a controlling and coercive relationship with his girlfriend from March 2022 to April 2023. He repeatedly beat her, made threatening phone calls including threats to snap her neck and kill her, sent chilling messages about harming himself by taking pills, punched the windscreen of a car causing it to smash, demanded she walk two hours from an isolated location to meet him, and threatened to kill them both while she was at Leeds Festival. After the relationship ended in March 2023, he turned up at her work making further threats, requiring her to be escorted. The abuse led her to withdraw from university, incurring over £9,000 in debt.

Pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour and harassment putting a person in fear of violence. No previous convictions. Diagnosed with autism and awaiting ADHD assessment. Sentenced by Recorder of Preston, Judge Robert Altham.

Sources: lancs.live

Rudolph Mancini

Fraud

December 22, 2025

Sentence: 37 weeks imprisonment suspended for 20 months with 10 rehabilitation activity days

Rudolph Mancini acted as the getaway driver on four occasions, transporting John McKetchnie to targeted locations to steal parcels in a persistent, organised fraud spanning Lancashire, Cumbria, and Yorkshire in 2022. Officers searched his home and found ornaments, a clock, a sculpture, a statue taken from homeware shops, along with DPD-branded trousers and a hi-vis vest.

Pleaded guilty to fraud, four counts of handling stolen goods, and possession of articles for use in fraud. Has convictions dating back to 1965 for violence and dishonesty. Described as having an entrenched criminal attitude but accepted he could be rehabilitated. Expressed trepidation about prison due to recent sheltered accommodation.

Sources: lancs.live

Samuel Hopgood

Conspiring to commit violent disorder

December 22, 2025

Sentence: 34 months imprisonment

Samuel Hopgood, 21, of Green Lane, Maghull, conspired with others to commit violent disorder after an earlier assault on a friend near a pub in Wheatsheaf Walk, Ormskirk on July 28, 2023. A Snapchat video of the assault was shared in a group chat. Hopgood was with Matthew Daulby in Maghull when James Evans travelled to join the group. Messages in the chat showed plans to travel to Ormskirk for revenge, including updates on the whereabouts of Thomas Dures and Henry Houghton. The group arrived on Railway Road, Ormskirk, at around 12.05am on July 29, 2023, where a fight broke out leading to the murder of Matthew Daulby, who was struck with a sock containing a rock by Houghton and fatally stabbed by Dures.

Unanimously found guilty following a three-week trial. No previous convictions. Sent messages in group chat stating 'we’re ready now' and 'at the Gregs'.

Sources: lancs.live

Daniel Wilkinson

Handling stolen goods

December 22, 2025

Sentence: Community order with 120 hours of unpaid work

Daniel Wilkinson, a trainee accountant, was found to have branded courier clothing and stolen goods at his home. He admitted to handling stolen goods and possessing items intended for use in the fraud related to the parcel theft scam but denied participating in the main conspiracy.

Admitted handling stolen goods and possession of items for use in fraud. Denied involvement in the conspiracy.

Sources: lancs.live

Alfie Forsyth

Conspiring to commit violent disorder

December 22, 2025

Sentence: 24 months imprisonment, suspended for 20 months

Alfie Forsyth, 21, of Lathom Drive, Liverpool, conspired with others to commit violent disorder after an earlier assault on a friend near a pub in Wheatsheaf Walk, Ormskirk on July 28, 2023. A Snapchat video of the assault was shared in a group chat. Forsyth was with Matthew Daulby in Maghull when James Evans travelled to join the group. Messages in the chat showed plans to travel to Ormskirk for revenge, including updates on the whereabouts of Thomas Dures and Henry Houghton. The group arrived on Railway Road, Ormskirk, at around 12.05am on July 29, 2023, where a fight broke out leading to the murder of Matthew Daulby, who was struck with a sock containing a rock by Houghton and fatally stabbed by Dures. Forsyth suffered injuries thought to have been inflicted by a knife but did not attend hospital.

James Evans

Conspiring to commit violent disorder

December 22, 2025

Sentence: 34 months imprisonment

James Evans, 21, of Bartlet Close, Liverpool, conspired with others to commit violent disorder after an earlier assault on a friend near a pub in Wheatsheaf Walk, Ormskirk on July 28, 2023. A Snapchat video of the assault was shared in a group chat. Evans travelled from Liverpool city centre to meet the group in Maghull and then to Ormskirk for revenge. Messages in the chat showed plans, including updates on the whereabouts of Thomas Dures and Henry Houghton. The group arrived on Railway Road, Ormskirk, at around 12.05am on July 29, 2023, where a fight broke out leading to the murder of Matthew Daulby, who was struck with a sock containing a rock by Houghton and fatally stabbed by Dures.

John Mcketchnie

Fraud

December 22, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 1 month imprisonment

Over a three-month period in 2022, John McKetchnie posed as a courier wearing DPD and Evri branded clothing to collect parcels from drop-off points across Lancashire, Cumbria, Yorkshire, and as far as Carlisle and Sheffield. He used a handheld scanner from Tesco and was assisted by a getaway driver. On one occasion, he snatched parcels and ran when a store holder became suspicious. In another incident, he was recognised by someone from school who followed and demanded the parcels back. The value of stolen parcels could not be identified. Officers found DPD-branded clothing, an Evri hi-vis jacket, and the scanner at his home.

Pleaded guilty to fraud. Has a dreadful record including offences of violence, theft and robbery. Described as a prolific thief who does not respond to community sentences.

Sources: lancs.live

Kevin Thompson

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving

December 18, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 5 months imprisonment and disqualified from driving for 4 years and 6 months

On December 25, 2023, Kevin Thompson, 44, from Lytham St Annes, spent the day drinking alcohol, including a significant amount of rum received as a Christmas present. He then drove a Mercedes CLA 220 with five passengers aged 13 to 30, one without a seat belt. Showing off, he sped up to around 70mph, used his phone, and ignored shouts to slow down. The car left the carriageway on Common Edge Road, Blackpool, and crashed into a wall shortly before 10.30pm, seriously injuring all five passengers.

Charged with five counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to provide a specimen for analysis and failing to co-operate with a preliminary test. Admitted fault to police but answered no comment in interview.

Sources: lancs.live

Christopher Stubbs

Wounding with intent

December 18, 2025

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment

In July 2024, while incarcerated at Garth Prison near Leyland, Lancashire, Christopher Stubbs, aged 30 and serving a life sentence for murder, assaulted a prison officer in his 50s shortly after morning unlocking. Stubbs emerged from his cell in a frenzied manner, retrieved a homemade hook shank from his waistband, and struck the officer multiple times, causing three deep puncture wounds to the torso and abdomen, as well as blows to the head. Several officers were required to restrain him as he continued to lash out and bit another officer.

Convicted of section 18 wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault on an emergency worker, and possession of a sharply pointed article. Sentence to be served consecutively to his existing life sentence with a 24-year minimum term for murder. Declined to appear in court for sentencing. Described by judge as acting like a rabid dog.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Karl Atkinson

Coercive and controlling behaviour

December 17, 2025

Sentence: 6.5 years imprisonment

Karl Atkinson, 34, engaged in campaigns of abuse and controlling behaviour against two vulnerable women. He began a relationship with the first victim in July 2019, initially appearing charming but soon isolating her from friends and family, demanding money for his cocaine and alcohol use, accruing debts, physically assaulting her including hitting her while she held her child, spitting, and strangling her multiple times. He monitored her communications, videoed her degradingly, and smashed items in her Accrington home. After separating in early 2021, he started a similar abusive relationship with a second victim from March 2021, accusing her of cheating, daily assaults, isolation, and taking her money. The first victim reported him to Lancashire Police in June 2022. An unrelated incident in Darwen in January 2024 led to additional charges.

Found guilty after trial on two counts of engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour, plus convictions for an unrelated affray and possession of a bladed article. Indefinite restraining orders imposed. Described as a clear danger to women with no remorse.

Sources: lancs.live

Akaash Ibra

Rape

December 16, 2025

Sentence: 15 years (10 years custody + 5 years extended licence)

In June 2023, Akaash Ibra lured a woman he knew to a remote car park on an isolated road in Cliviger, Lancashire, where he drugged and raped her. The following day, he messaged her on Snapchat as if nothing had happened. He was arrested, charged with rape, denied the offence, but was found unanimously guilty after a trial. The victim reported feeling betrayed and tormented, suffering from fragmented memories and self-blame.

Found unanimously guilty after trial. Deemed a dangerous offender by the judge. Must serve two thirds of custody before Parole Board eligibility.

Sources: lancs.live

Mark Conroy

Section 18 wounding with intent

December 15, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 9 months imprisonment

On July 31, 2025, in the early hours, Mark Conroy, aged 53, banged on his neighbour's back window and door in Colne, awakening the victim in his 40s. When the victim opened the door, Conroy pushed through with a serrated knife, stabbing the victim under the chin and multiple times while shouting 'I will kill you'. The victim grabbed the knife and shoved Conroy against the wall. Conroy then headbutted the victim, jumped over the wall into the neighbour's yard, and threw items including wooden ladders at him before fleeing. The victim called the police, and Conroy was arrested minutes later at his house in Blucher Street. He threatened female police officers, saying 'you’re next' and 'that’s what you get when you mess around with Mark Conroy', and to another 'When I come back, I’m going to mess him up'. The victim was treated at Airedale General Hospital and Bradford Royal Infirmary for non-life-threatening neck wounds.

Pleaded guilty to Section 18 wounding with intent and possessing a knife in a public place. Described as a dangerous individual with propensity for spontaneous violence.

Sources: lancs.live

Reuben Fleet

Sexual activity with a child and making, taking and sharing indecent images of children

December 15, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Reuben Fleet, aged 20 and of no fixed abode, secretly filmed himself having sex with two teenage girls under 18 on separate occasions in the Lancaster area. He shared the indecent videos online and showed them to friends, despite assurances to one victim that the footage had been deleted. The offences began when he was in his late teens, with the most recent when he was 20. Police investigated after reports of the images circulating.

Siobhan Ferguson

Fraud by false accounting

December 11, 2025

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 150 hours unpaid work, victim surcharge

Siobhan Ferguson, a part-time shop assistant at Premier Store on Devonshire Road in Ulverston, succumbed to her gambling addiction from January to December 2020 by fraudulently activating and taking National Lottery tickets and scratch cards without payment. She scanned large numbers through the terminal for personal use, leading to payouts and discovery via CCTV by employer Nigel List. Police found approximately £19,000 worth of tickets and cards in her home, including in the downstairs bathroom. The fraud caused significant financial strain on the small store, nearly leading to closure and affecting trust in the owners' family.

Pleaded guilty to fraud by false accounting. Gambling addiction cited as reason for offense. Low risk of reoffending. Good character prior to offense. Judge considered impact on five children, including breastfeeding youngest.

Sources: lancs.live

Wesley Austin

Driving offences

December 11, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment and disqualified from driving for 16 months

Wesley Austin, 32, from Windsor Terrace, Fleetwood, was caught driving without a licence, without insurance, and without due care and attention, posing a serious risk to public safety. Officers also discovered he was in possession of a Class B controlled drug.

Found guilty of driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, driving without due care and attention, driving without valid insurance, and possessing a Class B controlled drug. Police statement highlights commitment to road safety.

Sources: lancs.live

Robert Court

Sexual activity with a child

December 10, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Robert Court, aged 33 and formerly of Newton Street in Darwen, abused two vulnerable boys aged 12 to 14 inside a caravan in Earby between 2011 and 2013, and on a separate occasion took one victim home and abused him. He targeted them for his warped sexual interests, initially denying knowledge of the victims before admitting acquaintance but denying wrongdoing. The first victim reported the abuse in March 2021, leading to the second victim's contact. Court used the alias Gyles at the time. The abuse caused long-term mental health issues, shame, and trust problems for the victims, who bravely testified despite his manipulation.

Found guilty after trial of seven counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity. Ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. Manipulative offender who forced victims to relive ordeals during trial.

Sources: lancs.live

Stephen Worden

Causing death by careless driving

December 9, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment and 2 years driving disqualification

On August 15, 2023, Stephen Worden was driving a white Iveco Daily truck on the A6 Garstang Road in Bilsborrow when he collided with a stationary double decker bus, mounted a nearside grass verge, and struck three children who had just stepped off the bus. One of the children, six-year-old Millie Joy Gribble, suffered a catastrophic head injury and died six days later in Alder Hey Hospital. The other two children, a boy aged 16 and a girl aged 15, sustained serious but not life-changing injuries.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving and two counts of causing serious injury by careless driving. Found not guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Sources: lancs.live

Steffan Pattie

Strangulation

December 8, 2025

Sentence: 24 months imprisonment

Steffan Pattie, 28, of Fairburn Road, Skelmersdale, entered a relationship with his victim in December 2020 and became abusive and violent on multiple occasions. In 2023, while she was pregnant, he took her to the floor and strangled her with both hands around her neck. After the child was born, he called her names and blamed her if the child was unwell. On another occasion, after neglecting to feed their child for five hours while playing Xbox, an argument led to him kicking her to the floor and punching her in the face. In August 2025, during an argument over their dog's care in the backgarden, witnessed by a neighbour and child, he headbutted her and said 'she's my bird I will do what I want'. He then emerged with a kitchen knife, threatened 'if you don't open the door I'm going to stab you up', entered the property, and caused criminal damage. Aggravating features included domestic context, strangulation while pregnant, and children present.

Pleaded guilty to strangulation, assault occasioning ABH, battery and criminal damage. Has three prior convictions for five offences including violence and criminal damage. Remorseful, troubled childhood with ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety; former cannabis addict now drug-free. Blamed behaviour on stress of fatherhood. Interrupted and cried during sentencing via CVP. Judge noted bullying verbal behaviour and deep rooted misogyny; custody inevitable due to seriousness.

Sources: lancs.live

Steven Murphy

Sexual assault and attempted rape

December 8, 2025

Sentence: 11 years imprisonment with an 8-year extended licence

Steven Murphy, a 45-year-old registered sex offender from Tiller Road, Cottam, Preston, contacted the victim's mother on Facebook. They met at her address in April 2025 where she was celebrating her daughter's appearance in a talent show. Murphy offered to take other guests home and returned knowing he would be alone with the mother and her 12-year-old daughter. He sexually assaulted the woman, and when she fell asleep due to medication changes, he entered the daughter's bedroom, climbed into her bed, assaulted her, and attempted to rape her. He left after she repeatedly told him to leave.

Found guilty after trial. Classed as a 'dangerous offender' by the judge. Registered sex offender with prior status.

Sources: lancs.live

Stuart Jackow

Grievous Bodily Harm

December 7, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

On October 27, 2023, Stuart Jackow, 35, encountered a group of men on Charnock Street in Preston, including his victim who was half his size and spoiling for a fight. After an initial scuffle in the street, Jackow entered a corner shop on Kent Street, Deepdale. The men shook hands and appeared to reconcile, but CCTV showed Jackow leading the victim to the back aisle where he punched him in the face, then punched him three more times and stamped on his face while he was dazed on the ground, leaving him unconscious. The victim suffered fractures to his cheekbone and skull, and a brain bleed, requiring three weeks in hospital. Jackow claimed he feared violence but the judge ruled it gratuitous.

Pleaded guilty to GBH. Remorseful, has tried to better himself while in prison awaiting sentence. No offences committed since the incident.

Sources: lancs.live

Emily Margison

Handling stolen goods

December 7, 2025

Sentence: 12 weeks imprisonment (served on remand)

On February 2, Emily Margison, accompanied by another man, visited the home of a 64-year-old man. They left but returned around 5pm, claiming the man had left his keys behind. Margison kept the householder talking while her accomplice entered the house and stole a mobile phone. Later, the victim was told he could get the phone back for £40, as Margison had sold it. She claimed she did not know the phone was stolen until after the fact and did not touch any property inside.

Pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods. Has previous convictions for burglary and failing to comply with community orders. Judge noted her engagement in prison activities like book club and gardening, and issues with addiction and upbringing. Placed under supervision for 12 months post-release.

Sources: lancs.live

Declan Ainsworth

Making threats with a bladed article in a public place

December 6, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment

On October 7 at 3.20pm, Declan Ainsworth, 31, of Edlestone Street, Accrington, exited his Ford Transit van on Haslingden Road, Accrington, and approached a Volkswagen Golf carrying an axe while his ex-partner was a passenger inside. The road was busy with traffic and children crossing to walk home from school. He had been harassing her since their breakup a few weeks earlier and made threats to send people to her house. A mother in nearby traffic witnessed the incident and called police. When stopped, his ex was trembling in fear. CCTV and police bodyworn footage captured the event, showing the fear instilled in the victim.

Pleaded guilty. Remorseful per presentence report. History of domestic incidents with previous partners. Difficult upbringing mentioned. Family attended court and cried during sentencing.

Sources: lancs.live

Michael Traves

Threatening a person in a private place and criminal damage

December 4, 2025

Sentence: two year community order with 30 days rehabilitation activity requirements and a 120-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement

On October 10, 2025, Michael Traves, 46, who has learning difficulties, returned to his supported accommodation at Queens Terrace in Fleetwood after a day of heavy drinking at the pub. He continued drinking and began asking for support worker Colin Cunningham, pulling a knife from his trousers. Mr Cunningham retreated to the staff room and locked the door. Traves banged on the door, causing damage, and shouted threats while Mr Cunningham called the police. Officers arrived to find Traves in his room, where he had put the knife down and waited patiently.

Pleaded guilty to threatening a person in a private place and criminal damage. Judge Philip Parry noted the bizarre incident was linked to excessive drinking and emphasized the need for support and tackling alcohol issues. Warned that further offenses would result in prison.

Sources: lancs.live

Darren Callaghan

Breach of restraining order

December 3, 2025

Sentence: 4 months imprisonment

Darren Callaghan, 36, of no fixed address, breached a restraining order by contacting and being with the woman he had previously assaulted, after his release from prison in September 2025. He was placed in approved premises but was found with her in a bedroom. Police were called after she fled to another flat, reporting that he had put his hands on her throat during an argument. She stated she was a bit drunk and did not support charges, but Callaghan admitted the breach.

Pleaded guilty to breach of a restraining order and breach of a community order. The restraining order was originally imposed as part of a sentence for assaulting the same woman. Judge Paul Hodgkinson refused the woman's application to lift the restraining order, citing the need to protect her safety.

Sources: lancs.live

Liam Slack

Manslaughter

December 1, 2025

Sentence: To be sentenced (specific sentence not yet mentioned)

Liam Slack attacked Paul Ainscough inside the Stag pub in Worden Lane, Leyland, on or around June 22, which led to Ainscough's death from blunt force trauma to the chest on June 24. The assault was witnessed by several people, and messages on Ainscough's phone showed Slack admitting to the attack. Slack was initially arrested for Section 18 Assault and later for murder, but charged with manslaughter after consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service.

Ollie Chalmers-Millington

Possession of a bladed article in public

November 30, 2025

Sentence: 12 months in a young offenders institute

On a bus in Blackpool, Ollie Chalmers-Millington, believing a 12-year-old girl had played knock-a-door-run at his house the previous night, made derogatory comments calling her 'slag' and 'slapper'. When confronted by the girl's mother, he 'donkey kicked' her in the back. As her partner intervened, Chalmers-Millington produced a hatchet-style axe from his jacket, holding it in the air. The partner took the axe and gave it to the bus driver. A scuffle ensued, resulting in bruises and black eyes to the mother's face and punches to the partner. The girl fled the bus in terror, thinking her mother had been killed, and returned with help. The family suffered ongoing trauma, including nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance of buses.

Pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article in public, ABH and common assault. Judge Michael Maher commented on the defendant's lack of insight into the seriousness of the offences and his unacceptable behaviour towards a 12-year-old child. A two-year restraining order was imposed to stay away from the family.

Sources: lancs.live

Adam Miller

Assault

November 30, 2025

Sentence: 33 months imprisonment

On January 27, 2025, Adam Miller, 36, attacked Stuart Burns, 52, at Oakfield Caravan Park in Colne, where both resided. Miller punched Burns multiple times, as captured on CCTV, while Burns was suffering from pneumonia and in poor health. Witnesses heard Burns shouting 'get off me' and Miller threatening to kill him. Burns was a family friend who helped with odd jobs. He was found dead the next day with head injuries, though pathology found no direct causation from the attack.

Sentenced for assault causing injuries including fractured eye socket and burst nose. No direct link to victim's death. Restraining order for 6 years against victim's family. Defendant had mental health issues, alcohol and drug problems.

Sources: lancs.live

Brian Loka Horricks

Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order

November 30, 2025

Sentence: 4 months imprisonment

Brian Loka Horricks, a convicted sex offender, was released from custody on October 7, 2025, and housed in the Prestige Plaza Hotel in Blackpool. On October 13, 2025, police visited and discovered Horricks had an iPhone with a deleted browsing history, despite claiming it could not access the internet. The phone contained screenshots from Pinterest of women in revealing clothing, which Horricks explained were related to body goals for transitioning. This breached the terms of the 10-year SHPO imposed in 2020 following a conviction for attempting to meet a child after sexual communication. Horricks complained about the squalid hotel conditions, including no running water and bed bugs, and expressed a desire to return to prison.

Sentenced for breaching a 10-year sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) by deleting internet browsing history on an iPhone. Judge Michael Maher noted the defendant had been a model prisoner, recognised the risk presented and previous convictions, but considered there may be a reasonable excuse for hiding images related to transitioning. Warned that the next judge may not be as generous if further breached.

Sources: lancs.live

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