Preston Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 140 verdicts at Preston Crown Court (Preston, Preston). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Gary Wanless

Sexual assault of a child

June 13, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment with 1 year extended licence

Gary Wanless subjected a girl to sexual abuse in the Morecambe area, including assault by penetration when she was 3-4 years old and non-penetrative sexual activity when she was 14 years old. The offences involved a clear sexual interest in children, and he was caught after the victim reported the crimes.

Pleaded guilty. Classed as a dangerous offender. Also given a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a 15-year restraining order, and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

Sources: lancs.live

James Bury

Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs

June 10, 2025

Sentence: 10 years and 6 months imprisonment

James Bury from Westhoughton in Bolton sent four parcels containing over 2kg of cocaine through the postal system, which were intercepted by Border Force authorities in Northern Ireland. He believed he could exploit the postal system for drug distribution. An investigation was launched in October 2024, leading to his arrest on 19 December 2024 at his home address. Additional quantities of Class A, Class B, and Class C drugs were seized from his home and rented business premises in Burnley, linking him to the drug supply operation.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and possession with intent to supply controlled drugs.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Brett Smith

Conspiracy to supply class B drugs

June 10, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment and ordered to pay £164,493.58 in criminal gains or 20 months in default

Brett Smith was linked to a drugs gang that imported large quantities of amphetamine and cannabis from Europe, which were processed and packaged at Hollins Mill in Darwen for distribution across the UK. The gang operated between January 2020 and March 2021, supplying over 200kg of amphetamine and 400kg of cannabis. Smith, who had a residence in Malaga, Spain, communicated via Encrochat messages with Zachariah Deaffern and was involved in discussions facilitating the conspiracy.

Convicted of intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of an indictable only offence related to a drugs conspiracy. Made £294,986.28 from the conspiracy and must pay within three months.

Sources: lancs.live

Tony Parkin

Possession of a bladed article in a public place and making threats with a knife

June 10, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment

On February 21, 2024, in Kincraig Avenue, Blackpool, Tony Parkin was kicking at a neighbour's door with blood on his face. When confronted by a man, he pulled a knife from his hoodie and lunged towards him, pointing the blade at his chest. He then made stabbing motions towards a mobility scooter. Police arrested him, found a grey flick knife with a three-inch blade and a screwdriver on him, and another knife on a doorstep.

Pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article in a public place and making threats with a knife. Was subject to a suspended sentence for shoplifting and theft, which was activated. Has been free of illicit substances while in custody and obtained food hygiene certificates.

Sources: lancs.live

Mathew Shuttleworth

Attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming

June 7, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment, with half to be served in custody and the remainder on licence

Mathew Shuttleworth, a 38-year-old farm worker and married father-of-two, engaged in online grooming of decoys posing as girls aged 12 and 14 for three weeks in 2022. He paid them compliments, discussed kissing, cuddling, and sex, and arranged to meet one, believed to be 12, at Booths supermarket in October 2022. When members of a child protection group confronted him at his home in Carnforth, he called the police, leading to his arrest on suspicion of attempted sexual communication with three children and attempting to meet one after grooming.

The defendant showed remorse; there was a significant delay in the case; he reported the matter to the police when confronted by a child protection group.

Sources: lancs.live

Elliott Wright

Possession with intent to supply class A drugs

June 7, 2025

Sentence: 32 months imprisonment

Elliott Wright, 23, of Harrowside, Blackpool, was arrested on February 2, 2024, for being drunk and disorderly, during which police found 18 wraps of cocaine (5.91g) in his underwear. On February 27, 2024, he was observed in a hand-to-hand drug transaction outside a pub, leading to the seizure of additional cocaine and the search of his home, where 13.46g of cocaine (valued at £1,600-£1,700), 421.79g of cannabis (valued at £2,800-£4,200), and drug paraphernalia were discovered. He operated a small-scale drug supply operation from his bedroom, supplying to friends and known users.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, one count of possession with intent to supply class B drugs, and supplying class A drugs. Judge Recorder Ayesha Siddiqi noted his naivety, that he continued offending after arrest, and the societal impact of drug dealing, while acknowledging his own drug problems and that he had stopped taking drugs.

Sources: lancs.live

Jordan Banks

Theft by employee

June 6, 2025

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment

Jordan Banks, a 35-year-old trusted warehouse employee at Cycle Sport North, stole £30,000 worth of high-quality bike parts in September 2022. He was offered £2,000 to take the stock, which he used to purchase a cockapoo for his son. The thefts were discovered during a routine stock check on September 27, 2022, via CCTV footage showing him loading boxes into his car and obscuring cameras. This resulted in the company being unable to fulfil £150,000 of customer orders, putting jobs at risk and damaging trust.

Pleaded guilty to theft by employee. Was in financial difficulty and was offered £2,000 to steal the stock. Judge Recorder Ayesha Siddiqi noted the breach of trust, the impact on the business and colleagues' job security, and described it as a planned act that destroyed his life.

Sources: lancs.live

Gulhassan Khan

Dangerous Driving and Actual Bodily Harm

June 6, 2025

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment and 25 months driving ban

On March 5, 2025, Gulhassan Khan drove his partner's white Audi onto the forecourt of the Springbank Service Station on Manchester Road, Nelson. He argued with her, punched her in the face, kicked at her when she fell, dragged her, and tried to force her back into the vehicle. He chased her as she ran away, during which she was struck by another car's bonnet. He threatened to throw battery acid on her and later taunted her in video footage showing her with two black eyes and cuts. Witnesses described her as screaming and traumatised, and police found her emotional and scared.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and actual bodily harm. Has taken steps to address gambling and drugs issues, and wrote a letter apologising to the court. The judge, Recorder Ayesha Siddiqi, commented on his aggressive behaviour and appalling treatment of the victim, noting he is a father of five and needs to improve.

Sources: lancs.live

Steven Lee Junior

Fraud

June 5, 2025

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

Steven Lee Junior, operating under the business names Drysky Property Services and Dedicated Roofing Solutions, swindled homeowners across the North West by engaging in fraud through false representation and aggressive commercial practices. He targeted eight victims, including three in Stockport, for unnecessary, substandard or incomplete property work, resulting in significant financial losses, such as £118,000 in one case, and was sentenced in his absence.

Pleaded guilty to eight offences under the Fraud Act 2006 and one under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Offences were committed while on licence, with previous convictions, and were described by His Honour Judge Unsworth as deliberate, planned and heartless, targeting vulnerable victims.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Steven Lee

Fraud

June 4, 2025

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

Steven Lee conned vulnerable pensioners out of thousands of pounds by performing shoddy and unnecessary roofing work, leading some victims to lose their life savings and incur further costs for repairs. He has a history of fraud and used aliases to avoid detection.

Did not attend the sentencing hearing as he was on bail; judge urged authorities to find him due to his history of similar offences and risk to vulnerable people.

Sources: lancs.live

Eli Young

Fraud

June 4, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Eli Young assisted Steven Lee in carrying out three fraudulent roofing jobs, targeting vulnerable individuals and deceiving them into paying for unnecessary work.

Connor Pearce-Sugden

Making indecent images of children

June 2, 2025

Sentence: 250 days imprisonment, suspended for two years, plus rehabilitation days, notification requirements, Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and barred from certain professions

Connor Pearce-Sugden was found with 73 Category A, 46 Category B, and 371 Category C indecent images of children, involving children as young as 0 to 2 years old and up to 10-14 years old. The offences took place from February 2022 to July 2023, when he was 17 to 20 years old.

Brought up in a children's home; significant emotional and developmental immaturity; judge warned he could become a real danger to children if he does not change

Sources: lancs.live

Jake Balmforth

Manslaughter

May 22, 2025

Sentence: Five years imprisonment

Jake Balmforth, 35, from Burnley, punched Tony Johnson, 55, from Blackpool, during a clash between rival football fans outside a pub on Blackpool Promenade on March 4, 2023, after a Championship match between Blackpool and Burnley. Johnson suffered a serious head injury, was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, and died two days later without regaining consciousness. The incident was captured on CCTV, and Balmforth was convicted by a jury.

Found guilty of manslaughter after a six-day trial. Also given a nine-year football banning order. Judge Robert Altham presided over the sentencing.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Sean Broadhurst

Breach of Fire Safety Regulations

May 19, 2025

Sentence: £17,000 fine and costs

A fire broke out in the kitchen of St Luke's Church in Preston on January 9, 2020, spreading through the Grade II listed building which housed flats and a House in Multiple Occupation. Serious fire safety deficiencies were identified, including a non-functioning fire alarm system, substandard fire doors, poor compartmentation, inadequate fire safety management, and the absence of a Fire Risk Assessment, placing occupants at risk.

Pleaded guilty to breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, specifically Articles 8 and 9.

Sources: lancs.live

Kerri Pegg

Misconduct in a public office

May 16, 2025

Sentence: 9 years imprisonment

Kerri Pegg, a prison governor at HMP Kirkham, engaged in an inappropriate relationship with Anthony Saunderson, a major organised crime boss. She signed off on his temporary release without authority in October 2018, accepted a £12,000 Mercedes car paid for with 34 kilograms of amphetamines, and possessed criminal property such as expensive jewellery, designer clothes, and items with Saunderson's DNA. This misconduct occurred between 2018 and 2020, during her role in the Prison Service, and involved overriding rules and ignoring obligations to declare personal debts, leading to her vulnerability to corruption.

Convicted of two counts of misconduct in a public office and one count of possession of criminal property. She had a relationship with a drug gang boss, accepted gifts including a car paid for with drugs, and failed to declare debts, as noted in court.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Colin Mcgregor

Indecent Assault

March 27, 2025

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment and lifelong registration on the Sex Offenders Register

Colin McGregor indecently assaulted a 10-year-old girl multiple times in Blackburn during the 1980s. The assaults were not reported until 2023, after the victim suffered from stress-related illness and confided in her husband and a psychologist. The matter was reported to Lancashire Police, leading to his arrest and charging by Hampshire Police.

Leon Richmond

Engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour

February 28, 2025

Sentence: 31 months imprisonment

Leon Richmond, formerly of Victoria Grove, Bolton and now of no fixed address, engaged in a 19-month campaign of abuse against his ex-partner. This included strangling her twice while she was pregnant, biting her arm, threatening to kill her, regularly accusing her of being unfaithful, undermining and criticising her, destroying her property, throwing food at her, and bombarding her with abusive messages.

Pleaded guilty to engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour. Made subject to an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting his victim.

Sources: lep.co.uk

Shaha Alman Miah

Child sexual abuse

February 21, 2025

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment with an extended four years on licence

Shaha Alman Miah targeted teenage girls in Barrow-in-Furness after moving there around 2008 to work in a family-owned takeaway. He started a relationship with a 15-year-old girl who was subsequently raped by his brother, Amran, and the shop became a hub for criminality where girls in school uniforms were picked up, given drink and drugs, and sexually assaulted.

Convicted of three offences; part of the group dynamic where brothers supported each other's denials and discredited witnesses.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Shaha Amran Miah

Child sexual abuse

February 21, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years

Shaha Amran Miah sexually abused two girls aged six and seven in Leeds in 1996, continuing for several years, and later targeted teenage girls in Barrow-in-Furness after 2008. He raped a 15-year-old girl and threatened her and her family, including grabbing her off the street, shoving her into a car, and warning of retaliation from the Pakistani community. He also threatened a woman to prevent her from being interviewed by the police, leading to the interview not taking place.

Convicted of 16 offences; characterised as part of 'Team Miah' with family loyalty prioritised, and involved in threats to victims and witnesses to prevent reporting.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Shaha Joman Miah

Child sexual abuse

February 21, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years

Shaha Joman Miah groomed and sexually abused teenage girls in Leeds and Barrow-in-Furness, starting with the abuse of two girls aged six and seven in Leeds in 1996, which continued for several years. After moving to Barrow around 2008, he targeted vulnerable girls at a family-owned takeaway, where they were plied with drink and drugs, given cash and cigarettes, and assaulted in rooms above the shop. He started a relationship with a 14-year-old girl, grooming her with gifts, alcohol, and cigarettes, and acted in plain sight with confidence that victims would not be believed if they reported the abuse.

Convicted of 40 offences; described by Judge Ian Unsworth KC as acting in a predatory and paedophilic manner, with strong family bonds and an 'omerta' among the brothers.

Sources: standard.co.uk

David Cairney

Section 18 Wounding and Robbery

January 20, 2025

Sentence: 18 years imprisonment and 5 years extended licence

David Cairney carried out a frenzied hammer attack on a male victim at a flat in Stonyhurst Road, Blackburn, on March 30, 2024. When a woman attempted to help the man, Cairney attacked her as well, fracturing her eye socket. He then stole the male victim's bank card and wallet before fleeing. Both victims sustained serious injuries requiring hospital treatment, including potential brain injury and vision problems for the victims.

Found guilty on all counts of two counts of Section 18 Wounding and robbery. Deemed a dangerous offender by Judge Richard Archer.

Sources: lep.co.uk

Ashley Sanderson

Supplying cocaine

December 14, 2024

Sentence: Imprisonment

Ashley Sanderson supplied large quantities of cocaine to users in Barrow between November 5, 2024, and December 14, 2024, with police finding the drugs at his home.

Amanj Hasan Zada

Facilitating illegal immigration

November 11, 2024

Sentence: 17 years imprisonment

Amanj Hasan Zada organised cross-Channel small boat crossings for Kurdish migrants from France to the UK in November and December 2023. He advertised his services on social media, including videos of successful crossings, and was involved in direct communication with migrants. Evidence included YouTube footage from 2021 showing him celebrated as a smuggler, recordings of his conversations, and analysis of his seized phone, which contained travel tickets and links to social media accounts. He was arrested in May 2024 and charged with multiple offences.

Convicted after a two-week trial. Ran a sophisticated people smuggling enterprise using social media to advertise services and was linked to multiple migrant crossings.

Sources: blackpoolgazette.co.uk

Graham Marshall

Breaching Sexual Harm Prevention Order

September 24, 2024

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Graham Marshall, previously jailed in 2020 for distributing indecent images of children and encouraging a sexual offence, was released from prison in February 2024 and moved back to Lancashire in May 2024. He breached his sexual harm prevention order by installing cleaning apps and a virtual private network (VPN) on his phone, which was discovered during a visit to his home on August 12, 2024. This breach led to his arrest and sentencing.

Pleaded guilty to four offences of breaching the sexual harm prevention order. He had previously been convicted for distributing indecent images of children and encouraging a sexual offence.

Sources: lep.co.uk

Mark Cowperthwaite

Perverting the course of justice

September 6, 2024

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

Mark Cowperthwaite allegedly assaulted his 86-year-old mother, causing cuts and bruises, and later pressured her to withdraw her statement by sending letters and making at least 36 phone calls from prison. He involved his 12-year-old daughter as a go-between and attempted to manipulate the situation by referencing his mother's age-related memory issues, leading to the collapse of the original assault charge and his conviction for perverting the course of justice.

Admitted the offence and pleaded guilty. Sentenced by Recorder Slack, who noted the conduct was aggravated by the domestic context, involving his elderly mother and his 12-year-old daughter, and occurred while in custody. Early guilty plea reduced the sentence from 28 months.

Sources: blackpoolgazette.co.uk

Andrew Hook

Violent disorder

August 20, 2024

Sentence: 27 months in prison

Andrew Hook took part in violent disorder in Blackpool on August 3, 2024, following the Southport stabbings. He punched a security guard in the head and kicked them during the incident.

Charged with violent disorder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Punched and kicked a security guard during the disorder in Blackpool.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Daniel Stewart

Violent disorder

August 20, 2024

Sentence: 27 months in prison

Daniel Stewart participated in violent disorder in Blackpool on August 3, 2024, following the Southport stabbings. He shouted and swore at mounted police, threw a can towards officers, pushed them, and assaulted a security guard at a shopping centre.

Pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assault by beating. Covered his face and wrapped an England flag around his shoulders before throwing a can towards officers and pushing them. Later assaulted a security guard.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Roger Haywood

Violent Disorder

August 16, 2024

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

Roger Haywood led an angry and intimidating mob through the streets of Blackpool on August 3, 2024, during unrest following the Southport killings. He encouraged the group to follow him to locations including the Cenotaph, the Tower, and a shopping centre, where he attempted to pull up shutters at a store and assaulted security staff. He repeatedly confronted police lines, jabbed fingers at officers, led the mob into a pedestrianised area with families present, and incited them to breach police barriers, resulting in items being thrown at officers. He was also intoxicated and resisted arrest by kicking at police officers.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting an emergency worker and violent disorder. Judge Robert Altham described his actions as 'mindless drunken thuggery' and noted that assaults on police officers were particularly serious, emphasising his role in leading the mob and inciting violence.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Malcolm Brand

Being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control

July 16, 2024

Sentence: Six-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months, 10 rehabilitation activity days, 100 hours of unpaid work, and £840 compensation

Malcolm Brand was in charge of his seven-year-old German Shepherd dog, Molly, which bit a delivery driver on May 16, 2024, in Blackburn, causing two deep cuts to the driver's arm that required 14 stitches. The dog had previously attacked a neighbour and a postal worker, and Brand was under an Acceptable Behaviour Contract requiring Molly to be muzzled and on a lead. At the time, Molly was on a lead but not muzzled, leading to the incident.

Pleaded guilty to the offence. Veteran of the Falklands War who accepted full responsibility and cooperated with police. A dog behaviourist confirmed the dog poses no danger if safety measures are followed.

Sources: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

Sharon Wilson

Arson

July 15, 2024

Sentence: 12 months in prison suspended for two years

Sharon Wilson set fire to a window sill in a flat belonging to Together Housing in 2023, intending to damage or destroy property.

Adam Mcgurk

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

July 15, 2024

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment and an indefinite restraining order

Adam McGurk assaulted a woman in his home on Burnaby Street, Barrow, on March 31, 2024, after an argument escalated. He grabbed her by the hair, took her to the floor, stamped on her, kicked her in the face, and bit her arm. He also threatened to kill her and take her children away. The victim suffered extensive bruising and abrasions, was left bedbound for several weeks, and reported ongoing flashbacks and nightmares. Additionally, McGurk had previously threatened to kill the woman's dog and pour petrol through her letterbox after she refused to give him money for pregabalin tablets.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of threats to kill, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and threatening to damage or destroy property. Judge noted his manipulative behaviour, alcohol dependency, and lack of insight, while mitigation highlighted his sobriety progress in custody and the impact of his mother's death on his emotional wellbeing.

Sources: nwemail.co.uk

Nigel Howitt

Possession with intent to supply heroin

July 10, 2024

Sentence: Six years and nine months imprisonment

Nigel Howitt was involved in a county lines drug operation supplying large quantities of Class A heroin from Merseyside to Barrow. On April 12, 2024, police executed a search warrant at his home on Cameron Street, where they found him in bed and discovered 80 wraps of heroin weighing 35 grams, valued between £800 and £1,600, hidden under the duvet and on a cabinet. He suffered a medical episode during the search and was later arrested on April 28, 2024. Evidence from his mobile phone showed he used terminology consistent with drug supply and was working for the 'Jack' crime group as a 'cuckoo', where his home was taken over for exploitation purposes.

Admitted to one count of possession with intent to supply heroin. Has 32 previous convictions, including drug supply offences. Mitigation highlighted his long-term heroin and cocaine addiction, health issues such as a spinal abscess and epilepsy, and that he was exploited by higher-ups in the drug chain. The judge ordered confiscation and destruction of drugs and related items.

Sources: nwemail.co.uk

Karen Foster

Manslaughter

June 13, 2024

Sentence: 12 years and seven months imprisonment

Karen Foster, a 62-year-old registered childminder, was looking after four children, including nine-month-old Harlow Collinge, on March 1, 2022, which exceeded Ofsted regulations. She lost her temper and violently shook Harlow, causing catastrophic brain injuries. Harlow was rushed to hospital but died four days later in his parents' arms. Foster initially tried to blame others but later admitted responsibility.

Pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Judge Mr Justice Barry Cotter noted that she snapped due to not coping with the demands of caring for more children than allowed under Ofsted rules, despite her ill health.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Lee Muir

Burglary

June 4, 2024

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Lee Muir pretended to be a tradesman to enter a 90-year-old man's home in Symonds Road, Preston, on February 10, where he searched through cupboards and stole cash. In a separate incident, he stole items and a designer wallet from another property in September 2024. He was also charged with breaching a 10-year criminal behaviour order that prevented him from entering houses or contacting residents for work-related purposes.

Sentenced for two burglaries, theft, driving whilst disqualified, breach of a community order, and being a trader engaged in unfair practice.

Sources: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

Grant Eddleston

Wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm

May 7, 2024

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment and 3 years extended licence

Grant Eddleston assaulted a two-year-old boy in Burnley in 2019, causing a fractured skull with trauma equivalent to falling from a height of three metres. The victim made a good recovery after treatment. Eddleston denied the charges and attempted to conceal the attack by showering and changing clothes immediately afterwards.

Pleaded not guilty but found guilty after a two-week trial. Described in a pre-sentence report as a high risk to young children. The judge noted a chilling lack of empathy and that he tried to cover up the crime.

Sources: theboltonnews.co.uk

Rieddul Mohabath

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

April 15, 2024

Sentence: 16 years imprisonment

Rieddul Mohabath, 28, of Dean Road, South Shields, was directing couriers to Blackburn to pick up large quantities of cocaine. He was arrested on July 3, with snap bags of cocaine found in an Audi outside his home. This was part of a larger operation involving a £17.2 million cocaine haul seized by Lancashire Police.

Saleem Chaudhri

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

April 12, 2024

Sentence: 27.5 years imprisonment

Saleem Chaudhri, 46, of Waterside, Blackburn, took possession of a Toyota estate from a drugs courier and drove it to a unit in Blackburn. Police seized 217 kilos of cocaine, worth £17.2 million, imported from Belgium, some hidden inside blocks of cheese and others in bin bags. Evidence showed he agreed to sell more than 2,000 kilos of cocaine, worth over £70 million, between September 2022 and May 2023. Nearly £10,000 in cash was found in his home.

Henry Houghton

Murder

March 1, 2024

Sentence: minimum term of 20 years in prison

Henry Houghton participated in a street fight in Ormskirk on July 29, 2023, where he hit and stunned 19-year-old Matthew Daulby with a makeshift weapon made from a rock stuffed into a sock. This injury, combined with a subsequent stabbing by another individual, led to Matthew's death at Aintree University Hospital. Houghton was involved in the violent disorder that resulted in the fatal incident.

Convicted of murder and sentenced following a trial. He smiled and waved to his family as he was taken from the courtroom.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Umar Gul

Dangerous driving

January 11, 2024

Sentence: Imprisonment (duration not specified)

Umar Gul, 24, was filmed by a passenger in his Mercedes C63 while racing another driver in a red Audi RS3 on an empty stretch of a dual carriageway. He reached speeds of 150mph and was heard bragging about it. A member of the public alerted Lancashire Police, leading to an investigation by the Vehicle Data Investigation Unit.

Pleaded guilty to five counts of dangerous driving. Lancashire Police investigated after videos were reported on social media.

Sources: independent.co.uk

William Ormand

Fraud and Money Laundering

December 21, 2023

Sentence: Three years and four months imprisonment

William Ormand was part of a gang that fraudulently collected at least £500,000 in supermarket bucket collections by misrepresenting themselves as representatives for charities like Children In Need and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. The group used fake IDs, banners, and a Pudsey Bear costume, keeping most donations for themselves. Less than 10% of traced funds went to the charities, exploiting public goodwill through deceitful practices such as threatening shop employees.

Convicted of fraud and money laundering. Played a leading role as a collector in the gang.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Roy Ferguson

Fraud and Money Laundering

December 21, 2023

Sentence: Two years and five months imprisonment

Roy Ferguson participated in a gang that collected at least £500,000 fraudulently in supermarket bucket collections for charities including Children In Need and Mind. The fraudsters used fake identification, banners, and a Pudsey Bear outfit to solicit donations, with the majority of funds pocketed instead of being passed to the charities. The operation involved deceiving the public and shop owners through false claims of authorisation.

Stephen Chesterman

Fraud

December 21, 2023

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment

Stephen Chesterman acted as a bogus collector in a gang that fraudulently collected at least £500,000 in supermarket bucket collections for charities including Mind and The Christie Charitable Fund. The group used deceptive methods such as fake banners and a Pudsey Bear outfit to solicit donations, keeping the majority for themselves and betraying public trust through false representations.

Kaysha Beck

Fraud and Money Laundering

December 21, 2023

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

Kaysha Beck supported a gang that fraudulently collected at least £500,000 through supermarket bucket collections for charities such as Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. The fraud involved using fake IDs, banners, and a Pudsey Bear costume to deceive donors, with most funds diverted away from the charities. Her role included logistical assistance in the scheme that exploited public goodwill and involved threats to secure permissions.

Admitted fraud and money laundering. Provided office support for the gang's operations.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Martin Ebanks

Fraud

December 21, 2023

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

Martin Ebanks was a bogus collector in a gang that defrauded the public of at least £500,000 through supermarket bucket collections for charities like Children In Need. The fraud involved using fake IDs and a Pudsey Bear costume to collect donations, with most funds pocketed by the group instead of being given to the charities. The operation exploited public generosity and involved misleading shop owners.

Howard Collins

Fraud and Money Laundering

December 21, 2023

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

Howard Collins was involved in a gang that fraudulently gathered at least £500,000 through supermarket bucket collections for charities such as The Children’s Society and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. The group employed deceptive tactics, including fake IDs, banners, and a Pudsey Bear costume, to collect donations that were largely kept by the fraudsters rather than donated to the intended causes. The scheme undermined public trust and involved threats to secure collection permissions.

Convicted of fraud and money laundering. Involved in collecting and organising other collectors in the gang.

Sources: standard.co.uk

David Levi

Fraud and Money Laundering

December 21, 2023

Sentence: Five years imprisonment

David Levi led a gang that fraudulently collected at least £500,000 in supermarket bucket collections across the UK by posing as representatives for charities such as Children In Need, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, The Children’s Society, The Christie Charitable Fund, and Mind. They used fake ID badges, banners, and a Pudsey Bear costume to deceive donors. Less than 10% of the funds were passed to the charities, with the rest pocketed by the gang. The fraud involved setting up stalls in supermarkets under false pretences, including threats to employees if access was denied. Police raided his premises in 2017, leading to his conviction.

Admitted fraud and money laundering. Will be subject to a five-year serious crime prevention order following release on licence. Judge Andrew Jefferies KC highlighted the breach of public trust and exploitation of goodwill.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Catherine Hudson

Ill-treatment by sedation and conspiracy to sedate patients

December 14, 2023

Sentence: 7 years and 2 months imprisonment

Catherine Hudson, a nurse at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, illegally sedated two patients and conspired with Charlotte Wilmot to sedate a third, including administering unprescribed zopiclone to elderly patient Aileen Scott in October 2018; she exchanged messages showing intent to sedate patients for amusement, such as sedating Sheila Clarke 'to within an inch of her life' and targeting other patients like Janet Westhead; this occurred on the stroke unit amid a culture of abuse and theft of controlled drugs.

Found guilty of ill-treating patients by sedation and conspiring to sedate another; judge highlighted exploitation of vulnerable patients for an easy shift and contemptuous power; she admitted theft of drugs and medication.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Charlotte Wilmot

Conspiracy to sedate patients and encouraging ill-treatment

December 14, 2023

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Charlotte Wilmot, a junior colleague of Catherine Hudson at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, conspired with Hudson to sedate patient Janet Westhead and encouraged ill-treatment of another patient; she exchanged WhatsApp messages joking about sedating patients, including responses to Hudson's plans to sedate an elderly male patient and mocking vulnerable individuals.

Found guilty of encouraging Catherine Hudson to ill-treat a patient; judge noted the exploitation of vulnerable patients for an easy shift and amusement; she admitted offences of conspiracy to steal medication.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Marek Grabianowski

Conspiracy to steal medication and perverting the course of justice

December 14, 2023

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment

Marek Grabianowski conspired with Catherine Hudson to steal zopiclone and other medication from Blackpool Victoria Hospital and assisted in disposing of evidence to pervert the course of justice; this was part of a broader dysfunctional drugs regime on the stroke unit involving wholesale theft by staff.

Pleaded guilty to conspiring with Catherine Hudson to steal zopiclone and medication, and to perverting the course of justice by disposing of evidence; he was a nurse at Blackpool Victoria Hospital's accident and emergency department at the time.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Neil Pemberton

Causing death by dangerous driving

December 6, 2023

Sentence: 32 months imprisonment

Neil Pemberton, 81, ignored medical advice from nine years prior regarding his poor eyesight, which limited him to reading a car number plate at only 2.5 metres instead of the required 20 metres. On March 17, 2023, he was driving his Honda Jazz at 48mph in a 30mph zone in the village of Langho near Blackburn, Lancashire, when he struck pedestrian Peter Westwell, 80, who was crossing the A666. Mr Westwell suffered catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. Judge Simon Medland KC noted that Pemberton selfishly prioritised his own convenience by continuing to drive despite poor eyesight and was dishonest when re-applying for his licence with the DVLA.

Sources: standard.co.uk

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