Preston Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 352 verdicts at Preston Crown Court (Preston, Preston). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Christopher Fleming

Conspiracy to commit burglary

August 19, 2024

Sentence: 2 years and 9 months imprisonment

Christopher Fleming, 34, of Barclay Avenue, Burnley, conspired with others to commit 19 burglaries across East Lancashire between June and September 2023. The group targeted farm buildings, building sites, and commercial premises, stealing quad bikes, power tools, and diesel, resulting in total loss and damage valued between £200,000 and £300,000.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary. Part of an organised criminal gang, with prior investigation by the Ribble Valley Rural Task Force.

Sources: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

Oliver Mcneil

Conspiracy to commit burglary

August 19, 2024

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Oliver McNeil, 33, of Harling Street, Burnley, conspired with others to commit 19 burglaries across East Lancashire between June and September 2023. The group targeted farm buildings, building sites, and commercial premises, stealing quad bikes, power tools, and diesel, resulting in total loss and damage valued between £200,000 and £300,000.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary. Part of an organised criminal gang, with prior investigation by the Ribble Valley Rural Task Force.

Sources: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

Liam Barnes

Conspiracy to commit burglary

August 19, 2024

Sentence: 3 years and 6 months imprisonment

Liam Barnes, 31, of Burnley Road, Burnley, conspired with others to commit 19 burglaries across East Lancashire between June and September 2023. The group targeted farm buildings, building sites, and commercial premises, stealing quad bikes, power tools, and diesel, resulting in total loss and damage valued between £200,000 and £300,000.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary. Part of an organised criminal gang, with prior investigation by the Ribble Valley Rural Task Force.

Sources: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

Saul Rajski

Sexual Assault

August 18, 2024

Sentence: 7 years and 2 months imprisonment, ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life, and subject to an indefinite restraining order

Saul Rajski subjected a woman to verbal abuse and physical assaults from December 2023 onwards, including grabbing her breasts causing bruising, sexually assaulting her, punching her in the head resulting in a cut and blood, and hitting her which left a black eye. He made derogatory comments about her appearance when injured and told her to 'shut up and enjoy it' during the sexual assault. Police arrested him after reports of the incidents.

Pleaded guilty to sexual assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and battery. The victim reported significant emotional impact, including sleepless nights, flashbacks, and strained relationships.

Sources: lancashiretelegraph.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

Oliver Kirkbride

Illegal Waste Operations

August 15, 2024

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and 200 hours unpaid work

Oliver Kirkbride was involved in illegal waste operations at three sites on the Lune Industrial Estate, where thousands of tonnes of combustible waste were stored in breach of permit conditions, exceeding the 500-tonne, seven-day limit. Operations continued after a suspension notice in February 2022 and under a second company until October 2022, despite the site's permit being revoked in November 2022. This led to a major fire in December 2023, causing significant disruption to neighbouring businesses and costs exceeding £2 million for firefighting and clean-up.

Found guilty of seven offences as a company director. He deliberately breached environmental permit limits and ignored enforcement actions, leading to significant community and environmental harm.

Sources: nwemail.co.uk

Oliver Luke Kirkbride

Illegal Waste Operations

August 15, 2024

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and 200 hours unpaid work

Oliver Luke Kirkbride, of Stanley View, Mirehouse, Whitehaven, was involved in illegal waste operations at three sites on the Lune Industrial Estate in Lancaster. Between September 2021 and October 2022, he stored thousands of tonnes of combustible waste in excess of the 500-tonne, seven-day limit set in the site's environmental permit. Despite a suspension notice in February 2022 and permit revocation in November 2022, operations continued, leading to a major fire in December 2023 that caused significant disruption to neighbouring businesses and incurred firefighting and clean-up costs exceeding £2 million.

Found guilty of seven offences relating to illegal waste operations. As a company director, he deliberately breached environmental permit limits and ignored enforcement notices. An Environment Agency spokesperson highlighted the risks to communities and the environment caused by his actions.

Sources: nwemail.co.uk

Harrison Dutton

Concerned in the supply of cocaine

August 13, 2024

Sentence: 31 months detention in a young offender’s institution

Harrison Dutton, of Manchester Street, Barrow, was involved in supplying cocaine between June 3 and June 27, 2024, and was found in possession of cannabis when apprehended by police.

Admitted to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of cannabis. Judge ordered £460 cash to be seized, and forfeiture and destruction of the drugs and related items.

Sources: nwemail.co.uk

Sola Silas

Causing death by careless driving

August 13, 2024

Sentence: 30 weeks imprisonment suspended for two years, 200 hours of unpaid work, and 12 months driving disqualification

On October 25, 2023, Sola Silas was driving a silver Vauxhall Corsa towards Knott End when he steered onto the wrong side of the road for unknown reasons, colliding with Ian Joseph Hall's Yamaha FZS600 motorcycle. Hall, who was riding at 20mph through the village, suffered severe injuries, fell into a coma, and died on October 30, 2023, at Royal Preston Hospital. The incident caused immense distress to Hall's family, with Silas's delays in pleading guilty adding to their suffering.

Originally pleaded not guilty at Lancaster Magistrates' Court but changed plea at Preston Crown Court. Judge Graham Knowles sentenced him, and he showed little remorse for the incident.

Sources: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

Tyler Dawson

Burglary

August 11, 2024

Sentence: two years and three months imprisonment

Tyler Dawson conspired with Bradley Fogarty to commit 17 burglaries across Darwen, Rossendale, Accrington, and Blackburn between September 4 and October 8, 2024, targeting homes for car keys and vehicles, disregarding occupants including children.

Dawson was involved in burglaries with Fogarty and was described by Judge Maher as knowing his actions were wrong, despite a difficult childhood and being under the influence of cannabis during assessment.

Sources: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

Harry Richardson

Handling Stolen Goods

August 11, 2024

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

Harry Richardson participated in burglaries with Bradley Fogarty, stealing car keys and vehicles like a Lexus in Accrington and Great Harwood. He also damaged a school bus at Ribblesdale High School in Clitheroe, stealing £10 in change.

Richardson pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods and had previous convictions, including a four-year sentence for knifepoint robbery in 2023 and a three-year sentence for drug offences in 2022.

Sources: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

Hayden Salton

Strangulation

August 11, 2024

Sentence: 2.5 years imprisonment

Hayden Salton strangled his victim, leading to his guilty plea. The incident involved a denied charge of threatening with an offensive weapon, which was not proceeded with after a trial of issue. He is from Exeter Street, Blackburn, and the case involved conflicting accounts about a knife.

Pleaded guilty to strangulation. A 15-year restraining order was imposed. The count of threatening with an offensive weapon was not proceeded with. Sentenced by Judge Phillip Parry.

Sources: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

Bradley Fogarty

Burglary

August 11, 2024

Sentence: five years and two months imprisonment

Bradley Fogarty committed a series of burglaries, attempted burglaries, and car thefts across Blackburn, Accrington, Darwen, and Great Harwood between 2023 and 2024. He stole car keys from homes, advertised stolen vehicles like a Mini Cooper and Seat Ibiza on Instagram, burgled a garage for a Ford Transit van, and stole e-bikes worth £14,000. He also broke into a property in Exchange Street, Darwen, stealing £300 and an Audi S7. Additionally, he conspired in 17 burglaries, assaulted a householder during one incident, drove while disqualified, smashed a car with a baton, fled to Spain, committed further burglaries while a fugitive, and participated in a prison riot causing £123,000 in damage.

Judge Maher noted that Fogarty had not learned from previous sentences and sentenced him for multiple burglaries, thefts, and other offences, including a prison riot. He wrote a letter of apology, similar to one from 2021.

Sources: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

Jed Joyce

Burglary

August 11, 2024

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

Jed Joyce joined Bradley Fogarty in burglaries, including entering a property in Darwen while occupants were asleep. He also committed drug dealing by riding a moped without a registration plate, carrying drugs worth £500, and dangerous driving, attempting to evade police before crashing.

Joyce was sentenced for burglary and vehicle interference offences committed while on bail, as well as drug dealing and dangerous driving. Judge Maher noted he laughed during victim statements and must complete an extended driving re-test after being disqualified for 26 months.

Sources: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

Rhys Eaton

Rape

August 8, 2024

Sentence: 25 years imprisonment

Rhys Eaton, aged 34 from Orchard Place, Cleator Moor, committed fifteen offences including multiple rapes, sexual assaults, assaults, and attempted rape against two women in Barrow between 2011 and 2017. He was arrested in January 2023, denied the charges, and was convicted following a trial in May 2025.

Denied all offences in interview; detectives built a case based on victims' statements. Detective Sergeant Stewart Glendinning commented on the victims' bravery and hoped the sentence provides closure.

Sources: nwemail.co.uk

Long Wen

Production of a class B controlled drug

August 7, 2024

Sentence: two years and six months imprisonment

Long Wen was found inside an industrial unit on Squires Gate Lane, Blackpool, where a sophisticated cannabis farm was operating. The setup included lights, fans, and ventilation systems across two floors, with thousands of cannabis plants and seedlings potentially valued at £200,000. The electricity supply had been bypassed, and he was arrested on November 30, 2023, along with others involved.

Guoxi Wang

Production of a class B controlled drug

August 7, 2024

Sentence: six years and three months imprisonment

Guoxi Wang was involved in a sophisticated cannabis farm operation in an industrial unit on Squires Gate Lane, Blackpool. The setup included lights, fans, and ventilation systems across two floors, with thousands of cannabis plants and seedlings potentially valued at £200,000. He was driving a van suspected of transporting cannabis when stopped by Lancashire Police on November 30, 2023, and was arrested along with others.

Pleaded guilty to production of a class B controlled drug. Was higher up the chain and instrumental in the operation of the cannabis farm.

Sources: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

Wenjun Chen

Production of a class B controlled drug

August 7, 2024

Sentence: two years imprisonment

Wenjun Chen was found inside an industrial unit on Squires Gate Lane, Blackpool, where a sophisticated cannabis farm was operating. The setup included lights, fans, and ventilation systems across two floors, with thousands of cannabis plants and seedlings potentially valued at £200,000. The electricity supply had been bypassed, and he was arrested on November 30, 2023, along with others involved.

Ziming Guo

Production of a class B controlled drug

August 7, 2024

Sentence: four years and two months imprisonment

Ziming Guo was involved in a sophisticated cannabis farm operation in an industrial unit on Squires Gate Lane, Blackpool. The setup included lights, fans, and ventilation systems across two floors, with thousands of cannabis plants and seedlings potentially valued at £200,000. He was a passenger in a van stopped by Lancashire Police on November 30, 2023, suspected of transporting cannabis, and was arrested along with others.

Pleaded guilty to production of a class B controlled drug. Was higher up the chain and instrumental in the operation of the cannabis farm.

Sources: lancashiretelegraph.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

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

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.

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

Jordan Mcquinn

Intentional strangulation

April 24, 2024

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment and a five-year restraining order

On March 2, 2023, Jordan McQuinn, fuelled by jealousy after seeing his ex-girlfriend's new car, went to her home in Barrow while intoxicated. He banged on her door, pushed his way inside, and strangled her by placing his hand on her neck for 10-15 seconds, causing her to gasp for breath and experience a burning sensation in her throat. A friend witnessed the incident. He handed himself in to the police two days later. The victim reported feeling unsafe and has considered moving away due to the trauma.

Pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation. Has 21 previous convictions including domestic violence offences. Judge noted his history of violence, lack of insight, and high risk to partners. Defence highlighted his difficult childhood, mental health issues, and efforts to start a business.

Sources: nwemail.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

Xowi Mwimbi

Ill-treatment by a care worker

February 1, 2024

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

Xowi Mwimbi, a locum doctor, punched a dementia patient in the face at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in February 2024, following an outburst from the patient, and was found guilty of ill-treatment despite claims of self-defence.

Jailed for punching a dementia patient after the patient used a racist term, despite warnings about the patient's condition.

Sources: lancs.live

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

Claire Lloyd

Misconduct in a public office

January 1, 2024

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment

Claire Lloyd, 47, a former Strangeways prison guard and mum-of-four, had a romantic relationship with armed robber Andrew Hall at HMP Garth in Leyland, whom she called her soulmate. She ignored his use of an illicit phone and attempted to conceal the affair when rumours spread.

Sentenced for misconduct in a public office. Exchanged hundreds of calls and texts with inmate, declaring love but relationship did not become sexual. Tried to cover up by claiming malicious complaints.

Sources: lancs.live

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Brandon Woolveridge

Blackmail

October 26, 2023

Sentence: 44 months imprisonment

Brandon Woolveridge blackmailed distressed pet owners by claiming to have their missing dogs or cats and demanding money for their return. He threatened to kill the pets if demands were not met, preying on people who had posted social media appeals. The offences occurred around October 2021, and he was involved in demanding cash into various bank accounts.

Pled guilty to nine counts of blackmail. Received a further 27-month sentence for similar offending.

Sources: nwemail.co.uk

Bradley Hawkins

Rape of a girl under 13

September 1, 2023

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life

Bradley Hawkins raped an eight-year-old girl in Cheltenham between 2013 and 2014 when he was aged 13 to 14. He assaulted the same victim, raped her again, and caused or incited her to engage in sexual activity. The victim, now an adult living in Lancashire, reported the offences in 2023 after years of silence due to fear. Hawkins was interviewed in prison and denied the offences initially but later pled guilty.

Pled guilty to the offences. Sentenced based on his age at the time of the crimes (13 to 14 years old) and applicable guidelines. The victim provided an impact statement detailing long-term effects on her life.

Sources: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

Michaela Sandifer

Converting criminal property

August 29, 2023

Sentence: Nine-month suspended sentence for 12 months with 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days

Michaela Sandifer, aged 19 at the time, transferred nearly £13,000 of illegally obtained money into various bank accounts as part of a blackmail scam orchestrated by her cousin. She continued offending until June 28, 2023, converting a total of £12,800 in criminal property, despite initially being spoken to by police in October 2021.

Pled guilty to converting criminal property. Influenced by her cousin's pressure, she had a turbulent upbringing, suffered abuse, and was diagnosed with PTSD and depression. The judge considered her immaturity and the impact on her children.

Sources: nwemail.co.uk

Paris Brown

GBH

August 29, 2023

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months and 20 RAR days

On June 30, 2023, Paris Brown, while intoxicated during an alcohol-related argument in the back garden of her friend's property with children present, lunged at the victim, pulled her hair, and bit her on the lip, causing a laceration that bled profusely. The victim required hospital treatment, suffered a permanent scar, and experienced ongoing physical and mental health issues, including PTSD, pain, numbness, and fear of going out.

Pleaded guilty to Section 20 GBH. The judge noted the potential impact on her two young children and decided to suspend the sentence, emphasising that the behaviour was unacceptable but that imprisonment would harm innocent parties.

Sources: nwemail.co.uk

Jordan Trengove

Intentional Strangulation

August 28, 2023

Sentence: 14-month sentence suspended for 18 months with 200 hours of unpaid work and five RAR days, and a six-year restraining order

Jordan Trengove, during an argument with his ex-girlfriend at her address in Ulverston in September 2022, punched holes in the bathroom door, grabbed her by the throat, and pinned her against a cupboard, causing bruises to her neck, soreness, and a lump to her head. Their one-year-old child was present in the room. He later sent confrontational and apologetic messages via his Xbox account.

Pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation. Mitigation included diagnoses of autism, ADHD, and PTSD, as well as being falsely accused of rape. Judge commented that domestic abuse can inflict lasting trauma and is treated as a serious offence.

Sources: nwemail.co.uk

David Greaves

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

August 25, 2023

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment

On July 13, David Greaves was drinking at a pub and accused the victim of taking his car keys. A fight broke out, during which he smashed the window of his own car, grabbed a metal bar, and hit the victim over the head, causing her to feel dizzy and require medical attention at A&E. He then caused extensive criminal damage, including smashing windows and doors at the victim's property, damaging items in the kitchen and living room, and vandalising vehicles and other properties on the street. He was arrested after continuing to vandalise another property and threatening to kill the homeowner and his family.

Sentence aggravated by a previous conviction in 2023 for violent disorder and by the influence of alcohol. The defendant was remorseful, had attended a funeral that morning, and suffered from mental health difficulties including depression and anxiety. Mitigating counsel conceded that prison was inevitable, and the judge stated that immediate custody was appropriate due to the nature of the offending.

Sources: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

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