Preston Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 649 verdicts at Preston Crown Court (Preston, Preston). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

September 2024 4 cases

Graham Marshall

Breaching Sexual Harm Prevention Order *

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.

24 Sep 2024

Mohammed Al Araaj

Manslaughter *

Sentence

4 years in a young offenders’ institution

On the afternoon of September 10, 2023, Mohammed Al Araaj, 19, a Syrian refugee, was smoking cannabis with three friends in a stairwell on the Paddock estate in Preston, Lancashire. Frank Fishwick, an 86-year-old veteran, confronted the group after they refused to move, exchanging words including racist insults from Mr Fishwick towards Al Araaj. Al Araaj punched Mr Fishwick in the face, causing breaks to his nose and a brain bleed. Mr Fishwick died in hospital the next day. Al Araaj was arrested on September 12, 2023, and initially denied responsibility but later pleaded guilty.

Pleaded guilty to manslaughter in December. Mitigating factors including refugee background, PTSD, and racism experienced outweighed aggravating factors. Judge noted racist comments by victim did not excuse the punch.

18 Sep 2024

Robert Flynn

Indecent assault *

Sentence

9 years and 8 months imprisonment

Robert Flynn, an American citizen, sexually abused a teenage boy under 16 in the Rossendale area over several years in the 1970s while working in the UK. He fled to the US in 1976. The victim reported the abuse in 2021, resulting in Flynn's arrest by US authorities in May 2024, extradition to the UK, and subsequent court appearance.

Admitted four counts of indecent assault on a boy under 16. Given a lifetime sexual harm prevention order (SHPO). The victim reported the abuse in 2021, leading to Flynn's extradition from the US.

11 Sep 2024

Mark Cowperthwaite

Perverting the course of justice *

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.

6 Sep 2024

August 2024 26 cases

Christopher Walsh

Intentional strangulation *

Sentence

8 years imprisonment

Christopher Walsh, a jealous and controlling gym owner from Dalton, engaged in a series of terrifying attacks on his ex-girlfriend over a four-day period starting on March 6, 2024. The incidents began after she posted a picture on Instagram, which angered him. He strangled her by pressing both hands on her neck while straddling her on the bed, threatened to kill her, and refused to let her leave the room, stating she would not leave alive. On March 8, he accused her of infidelity and threatened to attack a neighbour. On March 10, he again threatened to kill her, giggled while asking how she wanted to die, and attempted to force her to take his medication. He also shouted threats to the neighbour and demanded money before she could leave. Police arrested him after he resisted, and his ex-girlfriend reported living in constant fear, with severe psychological impacts.

Convicted after a four-day trial. Had a history of violence against women, including a common assault in 2017 and breaching a restraining order in 2022. Judge described the offending as 'vile' and imposed a restraining order for life. Defence noted he was under the influence of medication and mental health issues at the time.

28 Aug 2024

Andrew Hook

Violent disorder *

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.

20 Aug 2024

Daniel Stewart

Violent disorder *

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.

20 Aug 2024

Dillon Irwin

Conspiracy to commit burglary *

Sentence

5 years and 6 months imprisonment

Dillon Irwin, 31, of Plumbe 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.

19 Aug 2024

Christopher Fleming

Conspiracy to commit burglary *

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.

19 Aug 2024

Liam Barnes

Conspiracy to commit burglary *

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.

19 Aug 2024

Oliver Mcneil

Conspiracy to commit burglary *

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.

19 Aug 2024

Saul Rajski

Sexual Assault *

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.

18 Aug 2024

Roger Haywood

Violent Disorder *

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.

16 Aug 2024

Oliver Kirkbride

Illegal Waste Operations *

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.

15 Aug 2024

Oliver Luke Kirkbride

Illegal Waste Operations *

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.

15 Aug 2024

Harrison Dutton

Concerned in the supply of cocaine *

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.

13 Aug 2024

Sola Silas

Causing death by careless driving *

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.

13 Aug 2024

Tyler Dawson

Burglary *

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.

11 Aug 2024

Harry Richardson

Handling Stolen Goods *

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.

11 Aug 2024

Hayden Salton

Strangulation *

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.

11 Aug 2024

Bradley Fogarty

Burglary *

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.

11 Aug 2024

Jed Joyce

Burglary *

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.

11 Aug 2024

Rhys Eaton

Rape *

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.

8 Aug 2024

Long Wen

Production of a class B controlled drug *

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.

Pleaded guilty to production of a class B controlled drug.

7 Aug 2024

Guoxi Wang

Production of a class B controlled drug *

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.

7 Aug 2024

Wenjun Chen

Production of a class B controlled drug *

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.

Pleaded guilty to production of a class B controlled drug.

7 Aug 2024

Ziming Guo

Production of a class B controlled drug *

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.

7 Aug 2024

Edward Dever

Stalking *

Sentence

26 months imprisonment

Edward Dever, 33, a former hospital security guard, stalked a female colleague over six years by sending unwanted gifts to her work, approaching her in the car park, monitoring her movements, and following her. She moved house twice, changed her car, and switched jobs to escape him. A restraining order was granted in August 2022 but expired. In June 2024, after it expired, Dever sent her a chilling Facebook message accusing her of false allegations, drug use in front of her children, and mental health issues, suggesting she 'get a rope' with a rat emoji. He sent a similar message to her family member and posted publicly on 'Blackpool Name and Shame' claiming she was unfit to work with children and naming her workplace, triggering a safeguarding investigation that forced her to resign. The victim suffered profound impacts including loss of career, relationship, social isolation, anxiety, and sleep issues.

Pleaded guilty to stalking. Sentenced for Facebook messages sent in June 2024. Previous convictions for stalking the same victim considered. Defence cited mental health, drink, and cocaine issues. Indefinite restraining order imposed.

1 Aug 2024

Rocky Marciano Price

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 16 years

Rocky Marciano Price, aged 16 at the time, killed teaching assistant Lindsay Birbeck in an entirely random attack while she was strolling alone in the woods in Accrington, Lancashire, last August. Moments before, he had been stalking another woman. He buried her body in a shallow grave in Accrington Cemetery. Price was caught on CCTV carting a wheelie bin containing her body 12 days before she was found. He came forward to police claiming a mystery man offered him cash to dispose of the body, but the jury rejected this account.

Pleaded not guilty; jury unanimously found him guilty. Judge noted autism and learning difficulties but said this did not excuse or explain his behaviour. Victim's daughter stated the defendant's refusal to plead guilty was unforgivable.

1 Aug 2024

Nazim Asmal

Rape *

Sentence

17 years custody with extended licence period of five years

Nazim Asmal raped three women between 2021 and 2023 in Preston and Darwen. On 3 October 2021, he approached a 23-year-old woman in Preston city centre, offered her a lift in his Audi Coupe, drove her to a secluded area near Preston docks, and raped her twice before dropping her off. On 5 March 2023, he approached a 19-year-old woman in Darwen after a night out, she entered his Toyota Yaris thinking it was a taxi, he drove her to a secluded area and raped her; the next day he called her three times and later attended her workplace. On 8 April 2023, he approached a 35-year-old woman in Darwen, she entered his Yaris believing him to be a taxi driver, he drove her to a secluded area, raped her after saying 'You don't want to pay for this taxi, do you?', and dropped her off near her home. Lancashire police linked the attacks, seized his phone, and identified the third victim.

Pleaded guilty to four counts of rape. Issued with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must sign the sex offenders register for life.

1 Aug 2024

July 2024 5 cases

Rhys Jones

Manslaughter *

Sentence

10 years and two months' imprisonment

On 15 August 2023, in the early hours in an alleyway on The Strand in Blackpool, Rhys Jones, 27, from Cannock, Staffordshire, engaged in an unprovoked argument with a couple. When George Fenlon, 23, from Blackpool, intervened, Jones squared up to him, threw several punches causing Fenlon to fall twice, and delivered a final punch that knocked him unconscious. Fenlon hit his head on the ground, suffering blunt head trauma that led to his death on 22 November 2023 despite medical treatment. Jones clapped his hands and fled the scene by taxi to his hotel before returning home. He was arrested in September 2023 on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent, charged, and remanded. After Fenlon's death, he was charged with murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Pleaded guilty to manslaughter in June 2024. The Crown accepted the plea as Jones did not intend to kill or cause really serious harm.

26 Jul 2024

Malcolm Brand

Being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control *

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.

16 Jul 2024

Sharon Wilson

Arson *

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.

Pleaded guilty to one count of arson.

15 Jul 2024

Adam Mcgurk

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm *

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.

15 Jul 2024

Nigel Howitt

Possession with intent to supply heroin *

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.

10 Jul 2024

June 2024 3 cases

Karen Foster

Manslaughter *

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.

13 Jun 2024

Lee Muir

Burglary *

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.

4 Jun 2024

Ernesto Ceraldi

Attempted rape and assault occasioning actual bodily harm *

Sentence

5 years and 4 months imprisonment

Ernesto Ceraldi, a 44-year-old police dog handler with Greater Manchester Police, met his victim in a pub on April 1, 2024. He disclosed his profession and showed photos of his dog, leading her to invite him to her home in Rossendale, Lancashire. After drinking wine and engaging in consensual sexual activity, his attitude changed suddenly. He demanded she perform a sexual act, grabbed her hair, pushed her against a wall causing a picture to smash, and strangled her with horrific pressure around her throat. He repeatedly punched her during a struggle. The victim escaped to the back door but was pursued by the naked defendant, who pinned her against a wall outside. A neighbour heard her screams and helped her to safety, where police were called. Ceraldi was found sleeping naked on her sofa. Blood spatters were on the walls, and her hair extensions were on the floor. The victim suffered nightmares, fear of leaving home at night, and loss of trust in police officers.

Pleaded guilty to attempted rape and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Sentence referred to Court of Appeal under unduly lenient sentence scheme but not increased.

1 Jun 2024

May 2024 2 cases

Darren Greenham

Manslaughter *

Sentence

15 years imprisonment

Darren Greenham, 45, used an angle grinder to cut a gas pipe in his Lancashire County Council-owned property on Mallowdale Avenue in Heysham, Lancashire, while drunk and under the influence of drugs in the early hours of May 16, 2023, with the intention of selling the copper piping for scrap metal amid facing eviction proceedings. The explosion at 2.36am killed two-year-old George Hinds next door, completely destroyed Greenham's property, caused severe damage to the two neighbouring terraced properties, and damaged a total of 55 properties. Greenham suffered a serious head injury and lost much of the use of his right hand in the explosion.

Pleaded guilty to manslaughter, damaging a gas meter and theft of gas. Concurrent sentences of one month for damaging the meter and theft of gas. Described as a 'neighbour from hell' by the victim's mother. Judge noted he was a selfish and disruptive neighbour who lived without regard for others.

15 May 2024

Grant Eddleston

Wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm *

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.

7 May 2024

April 2024 4 cases

Jordan Mcquinn

Intentional strangulation *

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.

24 Apr 2024

Rieddul Mohabath

Conspiracy to supply cocaine *

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.

Pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine.

15 Apr 2024

Saleem Chaudhri

Conspiracy to supply cocaine *

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.

Admitted conspiring to supply cocaine and money laundering.

12 Apr 2024

Harold Nicholson

Rape *

Sentence

18 years imprisonment

Harold Nicholson subjected a woman to sexual abuse between the mid-1990s and mid-2000s, including keeping her imprisoned for up to two days in a room where he raped her, wrapped a telephone cord around her neck, and left her so terrified that she begged him to kill her to end the ordeal. The woman died before the trial.

Convicted of four counts of rape, false imprisonment, and threats to kill. Already serving a 20-year sentence for prior conviction.

1 Apr 2024

March 2024 3 cases

Angela Chang

Breaches of fire safety regulations *

Sentence

3 months imprisonment and fined £10,441

In March 2021, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service officers visited properties rented out by Angela Chang in Cleveleys, where restaurant employees and a family were living, and a builder was on-site. They found six breaches of fire safety regulations, including failing to ensure tenant safety, not completing a fire risk assessment, omitting fire detectors and alarms, and not keeping evacuation routes clear, posing serious threats to life.

Admitted the offences in December last year. Issued with a Prohibition Order and a Fire Safety Order which she ignored.

27 Mar 2024

Kashif Mehdi

Perverting the course of public justice and fraud by false representation *

Sentence

20 months imprisonment

Ten minutes after the fatal crash on 31st March 2024 involving his brother Rizwan Mehdi, Kashif Mehdi, 42, of Manchester, called police to falsely report his black BMW as stolen half a mile from the scene. He claimed to have been chasing the car. Despite Rizwan admitting he was the driver the next day, Kashif called his insurance company on 5th April 2024 to make a fraudulent claim, maintaining the car had been stolen for financial gain.

Pleaded guilty to perverting the course of public justice and fraud by false representation.

20 Mar 2024

Henry Houghton

Murder *

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.

1 Mar 2024

February 2024 1 case

Xowi Mwimbi

Ill-treatment by a care worker *

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.

1 Feb 2024

January 2024 2 cases

Umar Gul

Dangerous driving *

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.

11 Jan 2024

Claire Lloyd

Misconduct in a public office *

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.

1 Jan 2024

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 649 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

Graham Marshall

Mohammed Al Araaj

Robert Flynn

Mark Cowperthwaite

Christopher Walsh

Andrew Hook

Daniel Stewart

Dillon Irwin

Christopher Fleming

Liam Barnes

Oliver Mcneil

Saul Rajski

Roger Haywood

Oliver Kirkbride

Oliver Luke Kirkbride

Harrison Dutton

Sola Silas

Tyler Dawson

Harry Richardson

Hayden Salton

Bradley Fogarty

Jed Joyce

Rhys Eaton

Long Wen

Guoxi Wang

Wenjun Chen

Ziming Guo

Edward Dever

Rocky Marciano Price

Nazim Asmal

Rhys Jones

Malcolm Brand

Sharon Wilson

Adam Mcgurk

Nigel Howitt

Karen Foster

Lee Muir

Ernesto Ceraldi

Darren Greenham

Grant Eddleston

Jordan Mcquinn

Rieddul Mohabath

Saleem Chaudhri

Harold Nicholson

Angela Chang

Kashif Mehdi

Henry Houghton

Xowi Mwimbi

Umar Gul

Claire Lloyd

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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