Preston Crown Court Sentencing Results

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

February 2026 14 cases

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

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 25 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

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

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

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

Gibril Daligo-Kulwa

Stalking and controlling and coercive behaviour *

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.

14 Jan 2026

James Bower

Section 20 wounding *

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.

13 Jan 2026

Antony Farren

Sexual activity with a child under 16 *

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.

13 Jan 2026

Anthony Brown

Conspiracy to supply ketamine *

Sentence

12-month community order

Anthony Brown, 44, of Tennyson Avenue, Padiham, was involved in the illegal supply of ketamine with his son Mason Brown. Messages from his phone showed communications relating to the supply, including a cluster between September 4 and 6, 2024, discussing a new batch of ketamine. By April 2025, he had run up a debt with co-defendant Jochime Adu for ketamine, receiving threatening messages. He was arrested on April 29, 2025, as part of Operation Shore.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply ketamine. Remanded into custody for 216 days.

12 Jan 2026

Jochime Adu

Conspiracy to supply ketamine *

Sentence

15 months suspended prison sentence

Jochime Adu, 29, of Farm Cottages, Ramsbottom, conspired with Mason Brown to sell illegal drugs in October 2024. Anthony Brown owed him money for ketamine by April 2025, leading to threatening messages from Adu. He was involved in the supply of ketamine as part of the operation targeted by Operation Shore.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply ketamine. Remanded into custody for 177 days.

12 Jan 2026

Mason Brown

Conspiracy to supply ketamine *

Sentence

4 years and 6 months imprisonment

Mason Brown, 22, of no fixed address, was involved in the illicit supply of ketamine, cocaine, ecstasy, 2-CB, and cannabis. Evidence from his phone showed messages indicating he was working with his father Anthony Brown to sell ketamine, including discussions about a new batch arriving between September 4 and 6, 2024. He also conspired with Jochime Adu to sell illegal drugs in October 2024. Officers arrested him on April 29, 2025, as part of Operation Shore, a crackdown on ketamine misuse in Burnley.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply ketamine, and being concerned in the supply of cocaine, ecstasy, 2-CB, cannabis, and ketamine.

12 Jan 2026

Cherel Robinson

Burglary *

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.

10 Jan 2026

Emily Gayther

Aggravated burglary *

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.

10 Jan 2026

Gary Duckworth

Burglary *

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.

9 Jan 2026

Dean Cheeseman

Sexual assault *

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.

9 Jan 2026

Ryan Price

Burglary *

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.

9 Jan 2026

Lee Griezans

Sexual assault and non-fatal strangulation *

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.

7 Jan 2026

Robert Leach

Dangerous driving *

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.

6 Jan 2026

Benjamin Molloy

Offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 *

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.

5 Jan 2026

Kenneth Moss

ABH and common assault *

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.

4 Jan 2026

Danny Ross

Breach of restraining order *

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.

3 Jan 2026

December 2025 11 cases

William White

Controlling and coercive behaviour *

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.

23 Dec 2025

Rudolph Mancini

Fraud *

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.

22 Dec 2025

Samuel Hopgood

Conspiring to commit violent disorder *

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'.

22 Dec 2025

Daniel Wilkinson

Handling stolen goods *

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.

22 Dec 2025

Alfie Forsyth

Conspiring to commit violent disorder *

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.

Unanimously found guilty following a three-week trial. No previous convictions.

22 Dec 2025

John Mcketchnie

Fraud *

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.

22 Dec 2025

James Evans

Conspiring to commit violent disorder *

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.

Unanimously found guilty following a three-week trial. No previous convictions.

22 Dec 2025

Kevin Thompson

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving *

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.

18 Dec 2025

Christopher Stubbs

Wounding with intent *

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.

18 Dec 2025

Karl Atkinson

Coercive and controlling behaviour *

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.

17 Dec 2025

Akaash Ibra

Rape *

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.

16 Dec 2025

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.

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Crown Court

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

+441772844700

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

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About Preston Crown Court

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

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

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

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

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Preston Crown Court Sentencing Results

Ruslans Stromanis

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

Jesse Rivers

Cameron Macfarlane

Patrick Dunleavy

Jane Littler

Gibril Daligo-Kulwa

James Bower

Antony Farren

Anthony Brown

Jochime Adu

Mason Brown

Cherel Robinson

Emily Gayther

Gary Duckworth

Dean Cheeseman

Ryan Price

Lee Griezans

Robert Leach

Benjamin Molloy

Kenneth Moss

Danny Ross

William White

Rudolph Mancini

Samuel Hopgood

Daniel Wilkinson

Alfie Forsyth

John Mcketchnie

James Evans

Kevin Thompson

Christopher Stubbs

Karl Atkinson

Akaash Ibra

About Preston Crown Court

Nearby Courts

Preston Magistrates Court

Blackburn Magistrates Court

Wigan & Leigh Magistrates Court

Bolton Magistrates Court

Bolton Crown Court

Burnley Crown Court

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