Preston Magistrates' Court Sentencing Results

Colin Hendry, a former footballer, harassed his ex-partner for over six months after their relationship ended by sending messages from multiple email accounts, calling with no caller ID, and showing up at her home with unwanted gifts and flowers. This behaviour caused the victim to feel depressed, anxious, and unable to leave her house without fear.

On June 25, 2025, T-Jay Russell was spotted by police riding an e-bike while wearing a balaclava and carrying out suspected drug deals in Blackburn. He attempted to flee from officers, crashed his e-bike, assaulted an officer by punching him, and was eventually detained with two iPhones used for drug line messages and £140 in cash. The e-bike was illegal, classified as a motor vehicle due to its features, and he was prohibited from driving.

Ben Riding stole bottles of alcohol from Booths on Sharoe Green Lane in Preston on July 17, 2025. He was arrested two days later on Moor Lane in Preston and found carrying a rock concealed in a sock. He was charged with the offences and appeared in court shortly after.

Stuart Astley committed shoplifting offences in Skelmersdale between April and May 2025, including stealing cleaning products and other items from B&M stores. These incidents involved items valued at up to £180, contributing to misery for local businesses as part of a broader police operation against retail crime.

Liam Hendry, 35, of no fixed address, regularly stole from shops in Accrington, committing a total of 21 shoplifting offences and breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order four times, despite previous court orders.

Andrew Ritchie was seen acting suspiciously on Bannister Drive in Leyland on June 12, 2025. Officers from Leyland's Neighbourhood Policing Team detained him during a routine patrol under section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, discovered a kitchen knife in his pocket, arrested him, and charged him with possession of a knife. He appeared in court and was sentenced following his guilty plea.

Daniel Newton stole a number of polo shirts worth £60 from the Next store on Fishergate in Preston city centre on April 27, 2025. He was arrested nearby following reports of the theft and later charged.

Matthew McMurray, a vicar at St James' Church in Lostock Hall and St Paul’s in Farington Moss, stole nearly £6,000 from the Blackburn Diocesan Board between August 23, 2021, and December 19, 2023. He harassed Bishop Philip North through WhatsApp messages on March 10 and 11, 2025, and breached a bail condition by contacting the Diocese of Blackburn.

Michael Riley, a 49-year-old from Bagot Street, Blackpool, was arrested on September 27 for 14 counts of theft from a shop, one count of burglary, and fraud by false representation. He is a prolific shoplifter with multiple offences, and evidence was collated from various stores in Blackpool.