Preston Crown Court Sentencing Results

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

Vincent Walker

Sexual offences

November 28, 2025

Sentence: 11.5 years imprisonment with 2.5 years extended licence

Vincent Walker, 72, of Rawson Street, Burnley, groomed and abused five young girls aged 8 to 13 over a year-long period, leaving them traumatised and fearful. The crimes came to light after two victims told their parents, leading to his arrest and charges in March 2025. Further victims then came forward reporting similar abuse. The offences included engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15, assault by touching, causing a child under 13 to watch/look at an image of sexual activity, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13, and breach of a sexual harm prevention order.

Pleaded guilty to 23 sexual offences. Classed as a 'dangerous offender' by the judge. Placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and received an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Sources: lancs.live

Michael Burns

Breach of restraining order

November 27, 2025

Sentence: £400 fine, suspended sentence extended by 6 months, 3-month curfew from 8pm to 6am

Michael Burns, 59, of Ripon Street, Blackburn, made a sexual innuendo comment on Facebook in response to a memory, less than four weeks after receiving a lifelong restraining order and suspended sentence in September for offences relating to the same victim. This direct breach led to his arrest and remand in custody for seven weeks before resentencing.

Breached lifelong restraining order by posting sexual innuendo on Facebook. Remanded in custody for 7 weeks prior to sentencing. Judge Michael Maher commented on the surprise of quick reappearance and advised deleting the victim from social media.

Sources: lancs.live

John Mcdonald

Engaging in sexual activity with a child

November 27, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

John McDonald, 35, of Gibson Street, Kilmarnock, lured a 14-year-old girl into his bedroom and sexually assaulted her at a property in Blackburn in April 2023, while her father slept downstairs. After the assault, the victim woke her father, who alerted the police. McDonald was arrested, charged with engaging in sexual activity with a child, and found guilty at trial. He attempted to lie to cover his tracks, including to the victim's father, police, and jury, but was convicted based on the victim's testimony and DNA evidence.

Unanimously found guilty following a trial. Made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 15 years and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register.

Sources: lancs.live

Christian Cherchi

Threats with a bladed article

November 26, 2025

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment

Christian Cherchi, 48, of Haydock Street, Blackburn, committed offences on two occasions while under the influence of cocaine, spending over £150 daily on the drug. On July 18, 2024, following a dispute over money at a property on Pendle Drive in Blackburn where he was staying, he threatened to slit the victim's throat with a Stanley knife in front of witnesses and later smashed the property's windows. On January 23, 2025, he was stopped by police driving the wrong way down a one-way street without insurance; cocaine was found in his system and a baseball bat in his van, claimed for protection after tools were stolen.

Pleaded guilty. Five year restraining order imposed. Defendant begged for jail to overcome cocaine addiction. Judge noted alarming cocaine expenditure and prior convictions.

Sources: lancs.live

Dylan Cawley

Possession with Intent to Supply Class A Drugs

November 25, 2025

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

Dylan Cawley, 29, of Forshaw Close, Fleetwood, committed the offences in the Fleetwood area by peddling cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin.

Charlie Lord

Robbery

November 24, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 1 month imprisonment

Charlie Lord and Anthony Waddington approached an innocent man on Church Street, Burnley, at around 5.15am on April 4, 2025, outside Home Bargains. They carried out a violent and prolonged attack by punching and kicking him, stamping on his head, and bashing it against a gate. They threatened him and stole his bank cards and phone. The victim was rushed to hospital with injuries to his head and face.

Anthony Waddington

Robbery

November 24, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 9 months imprisonment

Anthony Waddington and Charlie Lord approached an innocent man on Church Street, Burnley, at around 5.15am on April 4, 2025, outside Home Bargains. They carried out a violent and prolonged attack by punching and kicking him, stamping on his head, and bashing it against a gate. They threatened him and stole his bank cards and phone. The victim was rushed to hospital with injuries to his head and face.

Connor Murray

Burglary in a dwelling and threats to damage property

November 21, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 5 months imprisonment

Connor Murray, 25, of Westfield Drive, targeted homes in Leyland, Lancashire. On December 19, 2024, at around 1pm, he was spotted lurking behind a property on Hall Lane, where he threatened to damage the property and 'torch' a car when disturbed by a member of the public. Twenty minutes later, he smashed a window of a conservatory on Westfield Drive and attempted to prize open the door but was disturbed by a passer-by and fled empty-handed. He was arrested in January 2025 following enquiries by Lancashire Police's South Residential Burglary Team.

Uday Akrim

Dangerous driving

November 21, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 30 days rehabilitation activity requirements, 150 hours unpaid work, 2-year driving ban

On August 18, 2024, 22-year-old Uday Akrim was driving an uninsured black Ford Transit van with cloned plates on Addison Street, Blackburn. Police attempted to pull him over, but he reversed and rammed their patrol car at speed, injuring two officers. He fled and rammed the police car again when approached a second time. One officer suffered pain to ankle, shoulder, and wrist, off work for weeks; the other had pain to knee, head, and shoulder and was in shock. Akrim was arrested and gave a false story about the van.

No previous convictions. Studying for a degree and has a baby on the way. Judge noted lack of remorse but realistic prospect of rehabilitation. Ordered to pay compensation.

Sources: lancs.live

Zachary Hocking

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving

November 21, 2025

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment and 74 months driving ban

Zachary Hocking, 26, of Grand Manor Drive, Lytham, was driving a £100,000 McLaren 570GT V8 at an average speed of 91mph in a 30mph zone when he lost control and ploughed into a property on Heyhouses Lane, St Annes, in December 2023. The car and the house were engulfed in flames. Hocking and his passenger, a man in his 20s who was thrown around 25 metres from the wreck, suffered serious injuries. Fortunately, no one inside the property was hurt.

Admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Described as 'extremely reckless and selfish' by police.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Shaun Fuller

Rape

November 19, 2025

Sentence: 15 years imprisonment

Shaun Fuller, 40, from Nelson, Lancashire, raped his 15-year-old victim three times in Burnley in 2021. The victim reported the attacks to her mother in March 2023, leading to Fuller's arrest and charges. The assaults have profoundly impacted the victim's education, relationships, mental health, and ability to trust others, causing ongoing trauma including flashbacks and self-harm behaviors.

Pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape and sexual assault on a female. Made subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Sources: bbc.co.uk

Simon Gorner

Conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine

November 18, 2025

Sentence: 4 years 11 months imprisonment

Simon Gorner, 63, of North Brook Gardens, Leyland, served as the local link in the drugs chain, collecting heroin and crack from the safe house in Station Road, Croston, to distribute to street dealers Tina Langford and Marcus Graham in Leyland. The operation ran from March to May 2022. He was arrested during the police raid on May 18, 2022, with £1950 cash bearing his fingerprints and coded notes referencing dealers and quantities.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine. Acted as go-between for street dealers and higher chain members. Turned to drugs after wife's death in 2010.

Sources: lancs.live

Tina Langford

Being concerned in the supply of class A drugs

November 18, 2025

Sentence: 2 year community order, 20 days rehabilitation activities, alcohol treatment program

Tina Langford, 53, of South View Terrace, Leyland, was a street dealer receiving heroin and crack from Simon Gorner to sell on the streets of Leyland. She was in frequent, sometimes daily, contact with John Bradley using coded shorthand to order up to 48 street deals a day. Raids at her home revealed evidence of her role at the bottom of the chain in the operation running from March to May 2022.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. Vulnerability exploited by the gang; addicted to the drugs.

Sources: lancs.live

Colin Taun

Allowing premises to be used in connection with drugs supply

November 18, 2025

Sentence: 2 year community order, 4 month curfew, 25 days rehabilitation activities

Colin Taun, 57, occupied the house on Station Road, Croston, which was used as a safe house for two months in 2022 for a gang running class A drugs from Merseyside to Lancashire. Drugs were delivered and cash exchanged there, flooding Leyland with heroin and crack. He allowed the use in exchange for one or two wraps a day. He was arrested during the police raid on May 18, 2022, surrounded by 191 wraps of heroin and crack and £1950 cash.

Pleaded guilty to allowing premises to be used in connection with drugs supply. Vulnerability exploited; received one or two wraps of drugs a day in exchange for using his home as safe house.

Sources: lancs.live

Aiden Stringer

Wounding

November 18, 2025

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment

Aiden Stringer, 27, of New Hall Lane, Preston, attacked a man at Preston Railway Station on March 28, 2025, after an argument between the victim and Stringer's brother at a halfway house the previous night. As the victim walked down the steps to the station, Stringer ran towards him holding a mug and shouted, 'You've been in my room. I'm going to f***ing kill you.' He struck the victim several times with the mug, causing cuts to the back of his head. Stringer was arrested following the incident.

Andrew Blake

Conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine

November 18, 2025

Sentence: 6 years 9 months imprisonment

Andrew Blake, 62, of Botanic Road, Liverpool, acted as a trusted lieutenant driving drugs from Merseyside to the safe house in Station Road, Croston, between March and May 2022. He made daily visits to pass drugs to local connections and collect cash. Raids found £16,500 and £10,000 cash at addresses linked to him, along with coded notes on his phone. He was arrested during the raid on May 18, 2022, with 191 wraps of heroin and crack present.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine, and possession with intent to supply cocaine and MDMA after being caught selling drugs while on bail in March 2024. Described as a trusted lieutenant who continued involvement while on bail.

Sources: lancs.live

Jon Moir

Assault causing grievous bodily harm

November 18, 2025

Sentence: 11 years and two months imprisonment

Jon Moir, 49, of New Wellington Street, subjected his victim to a sickening ambush in King Street, Blackburn, on 22 February 2025. The victim, who had walked to the Polish Shop, was punched on the side of his head by Moir, who was with two unidentified men from a nearby Shisha Bar, knocking him unconscious. As the victim lay on the ground, Moir struck him more than 40 times, including repeated kicks to the head while unconscious. One unidentified man chased and hit the victim twice to the back of the head, and another dragged him away before Moir returned to kick him further. The victim suffered a fractured eye socket, fractured nose in two places, nerve damage next to his eye, headaches, chest pains, and breathing problems.

Admitted two counts of assault causing grievous bodily harm. Described as an 'extremely violent individual' by police.

Sources: bbc.co.uk

John Bradley

Conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine

November 18, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment

John Bradley, 25, of Whitehaven Road, Liverpool, ran a class A drugs operation from Merseyside to Lancashire, using a network of mature drug users to distribute heroin and crack to the streets of Leyland. The operation involved a safe house in Croston from March to May 2022, where drugs were delivered and cash exchanged. He was under surveillance and arrested following raids on May 18, 2022.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine. Headed the operation from Liverpool.

Sources: lancs.live

Pamela Urvoy

Fraud by false representation

November 17, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Pamela Urvoy defrauded her frail uncle, Michael, out of £203,000 by deceiving him into contributing 100% of the funds for a property purchase on Garsden Avenue, Blackburn, while ensuring all deeds were signed solely to herself, pretending it was a 50/50 shared ownership. After moving in around 2011, she and her partner forced the vulnerable stroke victim, who was unable to sign documents or withdraw cash, to live in a sparsely furnished basement with dogs, leaving him unkempt, unwashed, and isolated for hours due to mobility issues. The abuse was discovered in 2017 during a care home matron's visit, leading to a safeguarding referral. Michael died before the trial.

Convicted after trial of two counts of fraud by false representation. No remorse shown. Undergoing treatment for aggressive cancer but judge noted she should have pleaded guilty earlier.

Sources: lancs.live

Daniel Kelley

Blackmail and sexual exploitation of children

November 14, 2025

Sentence: 10.5 years imprisonment with 3.5 year extended licence

Daniel Kelley, 40, of Lea Green Drive, Blackpool, posed as a modelling agent on Snapchat, claiming contracts with Shein, Nike, Pretty Little Thing and Boohoo. He groomed two teenage girls starting when they were 15, sending parcels of clothes and initially requesting innocent photos before escalating to demands for sexual images and videos. He used these to blackmail them into performing sexual acts, including one girl meeting a stranger in a car park five times and the other participating in a four-hour sexual 'photo shoot' directed via FaceTime. The abuse spanned from 2021 to 2023, causing severe psychological harm, anxiety, and educational disruption to the victims.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of blackmail, two counts of making indecent images of a child, distributing an indecent image, causing sexual exploitation of a child and two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Described by Judge Ian Unsworth KC as a 'highly dangerous man' whose behaviour was 'evil' and intended to fulfil his 'dark, paedophiliac desires'. Made subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Sources: lancs.live

Frankie Bromley

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving

November 13, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment and 9-year driving ban

Frankie Bromley, 23, of West End, Great Eccleston, deliberately drove a hired Ford Transit van towards another man outside a bar in Breck Road, Poulton-le-Fylde, at 12.50am on February 16, 2025, using it as a weapon. Semi-professional footballer Conna Smith, 20, an innocent bystander, was mown down and dragged under the van, suffering life-changing injuries including eight broken ribs, a broken collar bone, broken sternum, two collapsed lungs, a broken nose, and deep cuts on his face and elbow. Another man was also struck. Bromley sped away and abandoned the van in Skippool car park.

Judge Ian Unsworth KC handed down the sentence. Pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, attempted causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and dangerous driving.

Sources: lancs.live

John Moir

Section 18 wounding

November 11, 2025

Sentence: 7 years and 2 months imprisonment with 4 year extended licence

On the evening of February 22, 2025, John Moir, 49, of no fixed address, walked to the Polish Shop on King Street, Blackburn. CCTV footage captured him sitting on the pavement next to a car for around six minutes before approaching his victim with two unidentified men from a nearby Shisha Bar. Moir punched the victim to the side of the head, knocking him down. The victim attempted to flee but was chased and hit by one of the men, causing him to fall. Moir then kicked the unconscious victim in the head multiple times, with further assaults involving dragging and additional kicks and punches from Moir and others, totaling around 40 blows. The victim suffered a fractured eye socket, fractured nose in two places, concussion, damaged eye nerve causing pain and vision issues, headaches, stress, anxiety, chest pain, and breathing difficulties.

Pleaded guilty to Section 18 wounding. Deemed a danger to the public. Prior use of alias Paul mentioned.

Sources: lancs.live

Lewis Hartley

Rape

November 10, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Lewis Hartley, 24, met the victim on a night out in Darwen. In the early hours of May 14, 2023, he went to her house with one of her friends. After the friend left, Hartley pretended to be asleep, then raped and sexually assaulted the victim before using her phone to call a taxi. He was arrested two days later and charged. The victim has since moved house to escape the memories, discarded her sofa, and struggled with trust and daily life.

Found guilty of two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Sources: lancs.live

Sean Bean

Stalking and breaching a court order

November 10, 2025

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment

Sean Bean, 34, of Sedberg Street, Preston, breached a restraining order imposed on January 28, 2025, following criminal damage to his ex-partner's car by kicking its wing mirror. Just 24 hours later, on January 29, he pulled up alongside her car on Ribbleton Lane and laughed at her in an act of intimidation. On January 30, he drove by her house despite warnings, initiating 37 drive-bys over three and a half weeks, with 32 captured on camera. This behaviour caused severe psychological harm to the victim and her children, leading her to move house and consider changing schools. The relationship, which ended in November 2024, involved controlling and coercive behaviour, including isolating her from friends.

Pleaded guilty to stalking and breaching a court order. History of breaching court orders and similar offences. Previous problematic alcohol use and substance abuse addressed in mitigation. Judge noted aggravating previous offending history and deliberate defiance, deeming immediate custody appropriate.

Sources: lancs.live

Christopher Taylor

Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under the age of 13

November 7, 2025

Sentence: 8 years extended sentence in prison

In June 2025, Christopher Taylor, 46, formerly of Tenterden Walk, Wythenshawe, Manchester, stood next to the urinals at McDonald's in Rawtenstall and carried out a sex act in full view of an 11-year-old boy who was washing his hands after using the toilet. The boy was left upset and told his mum that 'something’s happened in the bathroom that’s really weird'. An investigation was launched, and CCTV footage of Taylor’s car helped trace him to Manchester where he was arrested a few days later.

Pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under the age of 13, and to breach of a sexual harm prevention order. Registered sex offender already subject to a sexual harm prevention order banning him from public toilets unless in a private cubicle.

Sources: lancs.live

Tariq Mahmood

Actual Bodily Harm and possession of an offensive weapon

November 6, 2025

Sentence: two year community order with 30 days of rehabilitation activities and 60 hours unpaid work

On October 31, 2022, shortly before 9pm, Tariq Mahmood, a 70-year-old taxi driver from Livingstone Road, Blackburn, was involved in a road rage incident in a double parked street in Darwen. Neither driver was prepared to give way. The other driver, who had his stepson and grandson in the car, got out and kicked the wingmirror of Mahmood's taxi. Mahmood picked up a screwdriver intending to damage the other car's paintwork. When confronted, they grappled, and Mahmood stabbed the man two or three times to the side of his torso. He was restrained until police arrived. Mahmood initially claimed self-defence.

Pleaded guilty to ABH and possession of an offensive weapon. Lost his taxi licence as a result of the incident. Judge noted he was law abiding otherwise but escalated the situation by producing a weapon. Aggravated by presence of a young child in the victim's car.

Sources: lancs.live

Nashaat Ali

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving

November 5, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years and 300 hours unpaid work

On June 11, 2023, Nashaat Ali, 39, was driving her newly leased Audi Q5 at grossly excessive speeds of up to 119mph on the westbound M65 near Rishton, Lancashire, treating the motorway as her personal speed track to test the car's capabilities while excited to see her husband in Scotland. When traffic slowed, she braked but collided with the central reservation, rebounding into the highway and hitting a Nissan X-Trail and a Nissan Micra, with two other vehicles also involved. The impact speed was 52-53mph. The elderly driver of the X-Trail suffered serious head injuries including a brain bleed, plus neck, spine, leg, face, and arm injuries, requiring eight days in hospital. His wife and the Micra driver sustained injuries treated as outpatients.

Pleaded guilty. No previous convictions, remorseful, of positive good character, volunteers helping vulnerable people. Judge noted thrill-seeking behaviour and blatant disregard for safety.

Sources: lancs.live

Joseph Williams

Religiously aggravated criminal damage

November 5, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment

Joseph Williams, 31, of Nelson Avenue, Leyland, vandalised St James' Church in Leyland on Good Friday in April 2025 by spraying 'God is a lie' and 'f*** you God' on the walls and desecrating graves with penises and cross-eyed smiley faces. A week later, he smashed a stained glass window at St Mary's Church and spray painted obscene words and pictures on seven cars in the area. He was arrested after a witness reported him at Leyland Police Station on April 27, 2025, and a carrier bag with red spray was found at his father's home.

Pleaded guilty to religiously aggravated criminal damage. Judge Richard Archer emphasized that the court will not tolerate deliberate damage to religious buildings.

Sources: lancs.live

Gary Sheilds

Rape

November 3, 2025

Sentence: 9 years imprisonment with an extended licence period of 1 year

Gary Sheilds raped a 12-year-old girl. He pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court on 16th July 2025 and was sentenced on 3rd November 2025.

Gary Shields

Rape of a child under 13 and meeting a child after grooming

November 3, 2025

Sentence: 9 years imprisonment with extended licence of 1 year

Gary Shields, aged 37 from Graham Street, Wishaw, Lanarkshire, Scotland, but working in Preston, groomed a 12-year-old schoolgirl he met on TikTok by claiming to be 19. He persuaded her to send nude photos and arranged to meet her in Penwortham after school on Cop Lane. He drove her to a car park at Penwortham Holme where he kissed her and orally raped her, then drove her home. Shields added her to a group chat with paedophiles, sharing her photos with obscene captions and revelling in the assault, effectively pimping her out. The second meeting was uncovered by the girl's mother checking her phone. The offences occurred while Shields was struggling with cocaine addiction.

Pleaded guilty to rape of a child under 13 and meeting a child after grooming. Judge accepted guilty plea as genuine token of remorse but described defendant as offender of particular concern. Was under investigation for offences involving a 14-year-old in Scotland at the time.

Sources: lancs.live

Ionut Tanae

Rape

November 1, 2025

Sentence: 8.5 years imprisonment

Ionut Tanae raped a woman twice, then broke into her home in Nelson where she woke to find him in her bedroom. He threatened her to withdraw her police statement, causing her severe emotional distress including depression.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, one count of burglary, and two counts of perverting the course of justice. 15-year restraining order issued.

Sources: lancs.live

Jamel Miller

Dangerous driving

November 1, 2025

Sentence: Imprisonment (duration not specified)

Jamel Miller rode an e-bike at speeds up to 50mph on pavements along St Annes Road East on November 16, 2025, ignoring police signals to stop and leading officers on a dangerous chase.

Dane Crawford

Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs

November 1, 2025

Sentence: Imprisonment (duration not specified)

Dane Crawford was arrested at a property in Old Millstones, Preston, on June 13, 2025, where police seized heroin and crack cocaine mixed with Etonitazene, weighing scales, phones, and packaging indicating preparation for sale.

Ryan Humphries

Production of cannabis

November 1, 2025

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

Ryan Humphries was found at an abandoned property on Manchester Road, Accrington, on September 26, 2024, where police discovered a large cannabis farm with over 100 plants, fans, lights, and paraphernalia after public tip-off.

Patrick Coyle

Fraud by false representation

October 31, 2025

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

Patrick Coyle, 57, from Common Edge Road, Blackpool, targeted mainly elderly and vulnerable victims across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and North Wales. He conned six victims from Bispham, Lytham, Blackpool, Oldham, and North Wales out of £25,000 by taking money for building work that was never completed. One victim was quoted £9,000 for wall repairs and sarcastically asked 'what are the bricks made of, pure gold?'. Victims felt betrayed, anxious, and distrustful; one victim's husband was dying, which Coyle exploited.

Pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation. Recorder Clancy described his offending as 'calculated and shameful'. Targeted mainly elderly and vulnerable victims.

Sources: lancs.live

Stuart Martin

Voyeurism

October 28, 2025

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment

Stuart Martin, a 50-year-old school site manager from Preston Old Road, Blackburn, secretly watched underage girls aged 11 to 14 undress via CCTV in a school corridor during a dance show in early 2023 in East Lancashire. He organized the event and suggested the corridor for quicker changing without disclosing the camera. He was caught by the IT manager reviewing the footage, lied when confronted, and was arrested that evening. He initially denied the offence, claiming he was checking for damage.

Pleaded guilty. Received a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years and must sign the sex offenders' register for 10 years. Judge Ian Unsworth noted flagrant disregard for CCTV rules and strong disgust from parents.

Sources: lancs.live

Anjan Ahmadi

Facilitating illegal immigration

October 27, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 7 months imprisonment

Anjan Ahmadi, 27, of Stefano Road, Preston, played a crucial role in his brother Amanj Hasan Zada's international people smuggling network. The gang used social media to advertise services, moving migrants from Turkey into mainland Europe and onto the UK, often via small boats from France. Ahmadi stayed in contact with migrants, booked travel tickets, and acted as driver. Voice notes on his phone revealed him referring a migrant to a lorry smuggler, instructing them to 'go with my name'. He was arrested in July 2024 after evidence implicated him in the gang.

Pleaded guilty to facilitating illegal immigration to both the UK and EU. Acted as right-hand man to his brother Amanj Hasan Zada, arranging illegal transportation, communicating with migrants and other smugglers.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Spike Catterall

Robbery

October 25, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

On July 19, 2025, Spike Catterall, 24, along with two unidentified teenagers, targeted a man returning home from a football match in Preston. After sharing a taxi from the city centre, they were dropped off near Moor Park on Garstang Road. Catterall demanded money for the taxi fare, leading the youths to punch the victim, who surrendered his wallet containing £30 cash. Catterall then snatched the victim's phone, unlocked it using facial recognition, while the attack continued. The trio fled, leaving the victim injured and unable to call for help; he was later assisted by members of the public. Catterall was arrested in Marsh Lane along with the youths.

Pleaded guilty to robbery. Judge activated 8 weeks of a breached suspended sentence. Mitigating factors included homelessness, heavy ketamine use following ex-partner's death from ketamine overdose, and desire for drug counselling in custody.

Sources: lancs.live

Kai Edmundson

Sexual communication with a child

October 24, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 3 months imprisonment

Kai Edmundson, 18, groomed a 14-year-old girl online via Discord, WhatsApp, and Telegram over a four-month period starting in September 2024. He referred to himself as a paedophile, sent her up to five indecent images of children and a link to a website containing images of children as young as four. He demanded images and videos of her undressing and performing lewd acts, encouraged her eating disorder, told her to self-harm and carve his name into her skin, and requested proof. The pair never met in person; the victim lived in Derbyshire while Edmundson was from Oswaldtwistle. Contact stopped on January 31, 2025, after Derbyshire Police were informed. Edmundson was arrested on April 1, 2025, by Lancashire Police's East Internet Child Exploitation Team, and indecent images were found on his seized phone.

Pleaded guilty to all offences. Made subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and required to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Sources: lancs.live

Jez Shepherd

Causing death by dangerous driving

October 24, 2025

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment and disqualified from driving for 16 years

Jez Shepherd, of Green Street, Morecambe, stole a Fiat Punto earlier on 10 August 2025 and drove around Morecambe at high speeds while intoxicated by drugs and alcohol, more than twice the drink drive limit. He made off without paying for fuel from a garage. In the early hours, he was speeding at 90mph in a 30mph zone on Westgate, Morecambe, when he collided with a taxi, causing the death of rear seat passenger Wayne Putley, 50, who suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead in hospital.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, causing death whilst disqualified from driving, causing death whilst unlicensed/uninsured, aggravated vehicle taking and other offences. Was more than twice the drink drive limit and had taken drugs.

Sources: bbc.co.uk

Faizal Khan

Possession with intent to supply class A drugs

October 23, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 8 months imprisonment

On August 20, 2025, officers intercepted two known drug users on Colne Road, Burnley, each carrying a small amount of cocaine. Text messages relating to drug purchases were found on a mobile phone associated with a contact saved as 'Adam'. At Faizal Khan's flat on Colne Road, a black object (later identified as a mobile phone) was tossed from an upstairs window. Upon entering, Khan admitted guilt. The flat contained three phones, plastic gloves, digital scales, and 29.43g of cocaine (83% purity) with a street value of £2,440.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs. Previously sentenced to 81 months for supplying cannabis in 2023 and was on licence at the time. Dealt to repay debt from prior conviction. Judge noted financial advantage and presence of drug dealing equipment.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Faizan Khan

Possession with intent to supply class A drugs

October 23, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 8 months imprisonment

Faizan Khan, 35, from Burnley, was caught selling cocaine after his release on licence from a 2023 sentence for cannabis conspiracy. On August 20, 2025, police stopped two drug users on Colne Road, finding them with small amounts of cocaine. Messages on a phone linked to 'Adam' led to Khan's flat, where he admitted guilt. Police recovered 29.43g of 83% pure cocaine (street value £2,440), three phones, scales, and gloves. A phone was thrown from the window.

Pleaded guilty. Prior sentence of 81 months for supplying cannabis in 2023 taken into account. Dealt cocaine to repay debt. Judge noted financial advantage and breach of licence.

Sources: lancs.live

Daniel Rochford

Rape

October 20, 2025

Sentence: 21 years imprisonment with 8-year extended licence

Daniel Rochford, 43, raped and sexually abused a schoolgirl, exposed another youngster to pornography well beyond their years, and bullied, degraded, and humiliated the children for his own satisfaction. He forced them to relive their experiences at trial. Additionally, he encouraged his wife Jennifer to have sex with their dogs at their flat in New Lane, Penwortham, above a former vet's practice, and recorded the footage. The couple shared their twisted fantasies online and possessed thousands of indecent images, including 2,180 extreme pornographic (bestiality) images and 165 child abuse images (92 category A, 29 category B, 44 category C).

Found guilty of rape, sexual activity in the presence of a child, causing a child to watch a sexual act, sexual communication with a child, sexual assault, voyeurism, and encouraging his wife to have sex with a dog by recording it. Poses a significant risk of harm to women and children. No remorse shown. Subject to a sexual harm prevention order and on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Sources: lancs.live

Andrzej Mikulski

Section 18 wounding with intent

October 20, 2025

Sentence: 22 years and 6 months imprisonment

Andrzej Mikulski, 27, of no fixed address, went on a two-day crime spree in Preston in February 2025, including stealing a rucksack containing a laptop from Preston Market offices on Earl Street after pulling out a knife, theft from shops, and theft of a pedal cycle. On February 26, 2025, while fleeing B&M Bargains on Carlisle Street with a basket of unpaid goods, he stabbed a security guard in his 40s in the thigh with a kitchen knife with a 19cm x 3cm pointed blade. The guard was airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital for emergency surgery; the knife came close to passing completely through his thigh. Mikulski was arrested 45 minutes later on Edward Street by firearms officers, with blood stains on his hands and jacket, carrying a backpack and the knife. His clothing and description matched witness accounts.

Found guilty of Section 18 wounding with intent by a jury in August. Pleaded guilty prior to trial to robbery, attempted robbery, three offences of possessing a knife/bladed article in a public place, and four offences of theft. Concurrent terms for other offences. Must serve 17 years before eligible for parole. Refused to appear in court for sentencing.

Sources: lancs.live

Jennifer Rochford

Bestiality

October 20, 2025

Sentence: 9 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years with 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement

Jennifer Rochford, 42, engaged in sexual activity with the couple's dogs at their flat in New Lane, Penwortham, above a former vet's practice, encouraged by her husband Daniel who recorded the footage. She acted as an administrator for an online community of like-minded perverts, logging those who no longer shared their interests. The couple revelled in sharing their twisted fantasies online and possessed thousands of indecent images, with Jennifer having 1,764 extreme pornographic (bestiality) images. The depraved crimes involved only their own animals.

Pleaded guilty to eight counts of bestiality and possession of extreme pornography. Blinded by love for her husband, participated willingly without reluctance. Lost sense of decency or morality. Handed a three-year sexual harm prevention order and on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Sources: lancs.live

Steven Monk-Dalton

Rape

October 19, 2025

Sentence: 6 years custody

Steven Monk-Dalton raped a girl in August 1996 in Barrow-in-Furness. The offence occurred almost 30 years prior to his conviction. He had been living in Ibiza in recent years but was brought to justice following a police investigation. The victim demonstrated great courage in coming forward.

Billie Despard

Encouraging possession of prohibited item in prison

October 16, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order with six months mental health treatment and 15 days rehabilitation activity requirements

Billie Despard, 25, of Nevett Street, Preston, communicated with her uncle Frankie Hawkins, an inmate at HMP Manchester, using an illegal mobile phone in his cell. The calls were purely social and spanned back three years to when she was 22. The phone was discovered, revealing the chats. Although the contact itself was not criminal, it was deemed to encourage the possession of a prohibited item in prison.

Pleaded guilty. No previous convictions. Judge Richard Gioserano noted it was an unusual offence and the contact was purely social, not planning or discussing anything criminal, but it encouraged the inmate to keep the illegal mobile phone.

Sources: lancs.live

Andrea Bracewell

Common assault

October 15, 2025

Sentence: 12 month community order with 10 days rehabilitation activity requirements and a restraining order

On July 24, 2023, Andrea Bracewell, 41, of Highbank Avenue, Blackpool, burst uninvited into her partner's ex's house in Blackpool, marched upstairs shouting 'where's f***ing Steve?', pushed the woman, grabbed her by the arm, tried to snatch her phone, checked the daughter's bedroom, grabbed the woman's work phone from the kitchen table, and left. She was arrested shortly after, initially denied having the phone but handed it over, and gave no comment in interview. The incident was fuelled by alcohol relapse after feeling lied to by her ex.

Pleaded guilty to common assault. Judge noted the offence occurred several years ago, originally charged with robbery which was not pursued, and recommended assistance from the Probation Service for alcohol and other issues.

Sources: lancs.live

Joey Hoban

GBH

October 14, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment with 1 year extended licence

On December 1, 2024, in Blackpool near the railway station, Joey Hoban, who was swaying and following a man and his partner, punched the man to the ground after being confronted. Hoban continued to hit the unconscious victim until the partner shouted for help. The victim suffered a traumatic brain injury, bleeding to the brain, head and face injuries, spent two weeks in hospital, now has memory loss, lost confidence, cannot go out alone, and had to give up work.

Found guilty of GBH after denying the offence and claiming the victim started the violence. History of violence since 2002 including GBH, ABH, common assault, wounding, and domestic abuse. Mental health issues and substance abuse noted. Judge commented on pattern of violence and failure to engage with past help. Apologised in letter after victim awareness course.

Sources: lancs.live

John Davies

Threatening with a knife

October 13, 2025

Sentence: Imprisonment

On January 19, 2024, police visited John Davies' home in Ennerdale, Skelmersdale, due to concern for his welfare. After no answer, they entered through the unlocked door. Davies appeared from the kitchen, stated 'I f***ing hate police,' and charged at the two officers with a knife, threatening to stab them. He later claimed he was carrying a spatula.

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