Stafford Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 190 verdicts at Stafford Crown Court (Stafford). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

James Poyser

Possession with intent to supply cannabis

November 4, 2025

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months and rehabilitation order

James Poyser, 27, from Stafford, was involved in supplying cannabis to youngsters in Stafford alongside Tyrell Riggon. Following a tip-off, police raided a first-floor flat in Stafford on May 22, 2025, where officers forced entry and found cannabis, cash, mobile phones, and other items linked to drug supply. He was detained and led away in handcuffs.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class B – cannabis and failing to surrender to police/court bail at the appointed time.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Tyrell Riggon

Possession with intent to supply cannabis

November 4, 2025

Sentence: 9 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months and 80 hours unpaid work

Tyrell Riggon, 24, from Stone, was involved in supplying cannabis to youngsters in Stafford. Following a tip-off, police raided a first-floor flat in Stafford on May 22, 2025, where officers forced entry. As they arrived, Riggon threw a phone out of a window, which was later recovered in the front garden. Cannabis, cash, mobile phones, and other items linked to drug supply were found inside the premises. He was detained and led away in handcuffs.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class B – cannabis and acquiring/using/possessing criminal property.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Steven Donovon Smith

Theft from a shop

November 3, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment

Steven Donovon Smith, aged 37 and of no fixed address, stole items valued at £385 from stores in Stoke-on-Trent between August 20 and October 15, 2025, ignoring a previously imposed Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) that banned him from entering the stores.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of theft from a shop, one count of breaching a criminal behaviour order (CBO) and one count of breaking bail conditions. Banned from entering the stores as part of the CBO.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Amie Cox

Theft from a shop

November 1, 2025

Sentence: two weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months

Amie Cox entered Boots on Scotia Road, Tunstall, at 3.45pm on August 21, 2025, selected multiple goods, removed security tags, placed them in a bag, and left without payment. She was challenged by a shop worker, handed back some items, but retained others worth £358.33.

Pleaded guilty to theft from a shop. Relapse in substance abuse but now seeing a support worker weekly. Ordered to pay £358.33 compensation and £85 costs.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Corrie Reynolds

Theft from a shop

November 1, 2025

Sentence: six-month conditional discharge

Corrie Reynolds stole a bottle of vodka worth £6.79 from Lidl in Stoke at 5pm on September 29, 2025. He was challenged by a security guard who knew him and opened his coat to reveal the bottle with the security tag still attached. The goods were recovered.

Pleaded guilty to theft from a shop. Has 66 previous convictions for 181 offences. Ordered to pay £85 costs and £26 surcharge.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Ionut Alexandru

Possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class A

October 30, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Ionut Alexandru, 22, was stopped by police in a car on Noble Road in Cannock in August 2025. He admitted possessing cocaine, and officers found snap seal bags containing deals of the class A drug, a mobile phone with messages advertising local drug sales, and £160 cash. The cocaine had an estimated street value of £840 to £1,050. A search of his Coventry home uncovered 33 bank cards in various names and 21 smart phones. He was charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class A, theft from the person of another, driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence, and driving a motor vehicle on a road without third party insurance.

Pleaded guilty to the offences. Staffordshire Police spokesperson commented on targeting high-harm offences including drug dealing.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Jamie Minor

Theft from a shop and breaching a criminal behaviour order

October 29, 2025

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months

Jamie Minor, 37, of Stoke-on-Trent, stole £480-worth of goods from four shops across Stoke-on-Trent between Sunday, August 31 and Friday, September 19. He also entered three shops which his criminal behaviour order prevented him from doing.

Pleaded guilty to four counts of theft from a shop and three counts of breaching a criminal behaviour order. A three-year CBO has also been issued, preventing him from entering seven stores across Stoke-on-Trent.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Jarrett Kinson

Wilful misconduct in public office and common assault

October 29, 2025

Sentence: 7 months imprisonment

Jarrett Kinson, a former Staffordshire Police officer from Tamworth, committed offences of wilful misconduct in public office and common assault in Staffordshire in 2011 and 2017. Further allegations emerged after his 2019 conviction, leading to his arrest in August 2021. He abused his position of trust as a constable, exploiting vulnerable individuals he encountered during his duties.

Pleaded guilty to charges of holder of a public office wilfully misconducted himself and common assault. Previously sentenced to 8 months in 2019 for sending sexually explicit images to a vulnerable woman. Dismissed as a police officer.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Andrew Lloyd

Theft from a shop and breaching Criminal Behaviour Order

October 28, 2025

Sentence: 18 weeks imprisonment

Andrew Lloyd, a 41-year-old serial shoplifter of no fixed address, ignored his Criminal Behaviour Order by entering Morrisons and Festival Park supermarkets on October 21, 2025, and Tesco in Hanley the following day, where he stole goods. He was arrested the same day after staff reported the theft to patrolling officers.

Pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a shop and three counts of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order. Banned from Morrisons, Festival Park, and Tesco in Hanley.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Daniel Hardman

Stalking

October 25, 2025

Sentence: 2-year community order

Daniel Hardman, aged 34, bombarded his ex with calls and messages and followed her home between December 20, 2023, and May 17, 2024, in an effort to make unwanted contact.

Behaviour left victim constantly looking over her shoulder; she has been rehoused.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Kevin Warrington

Assaulting a police officer

October 25, 2025

Sentence: £120 fine

Police attended an address at 10am on July 28 in relation to other matters and forced entry due to concerns. The defendant was standing at the top of the stairs, told to calm down, and placed in handcuffs. While sitting in the police vehicle, he tried to lunge past the officer, grabbed her handcuffs, and hit her in the back of the head causing instant pain. He apologised and showed remorse, stating he was not himself due to sleeping tablets, shocked by the arrest, and felt claustrophobic.

Pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer in the execution of her duty. Has a medical condition. It was reckless with no lasting injury. Must also pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Laura Morse

Possession of an offensive weapon

October 25, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order

Stopped and searched by police at 4am on September 30, an extendable baton was located in her belt bag. She was arrested and stated she was looking after it for a friend she would not name.

Pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon in public. Includes a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement. Fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 surcharge. Co-operated with police and made full admissions. Introduced to monkey dust four years ago but has not used it for four weeks. Baton was not dangerous, not brandished or used.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Ajay Butler

Drug-driving

October 23, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order with 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 120 hours unpaid work; two-year driving ban

On April 5, 2025, at 3.20pm, Ajay Butler was driving a black Ford Focus on Ubberley Road, Bentilee, when he turned into the car park at The Spring Cottage. Police in unmarked vehicles followed. Butler noticed them, collided with a police vehicle in an attempt to evade, and drove off without stopping. A pursuit ensued around Bentilee, during which he drove without due care and attention. He lost control, crashed into two other vehicles, and his car flipped onto its roof. He had two passengers, all assisted out. Blood test showed 5.7 milligrams of THC per litre of blood, exceeding the legal limit of 2. He was a provisional licence holder with no insurance.

Pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention; drug-driving; driving without a licence; failing to stop when requested by police; and driving without insurance. No previous convictions. Apologised at the scene.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Vadims Surkovs

Drink-driving

October 23, 2025

Sentence: £120 fine; 14-month driving ban

On October 6, 2025, at 2.50am, Vadims Surkovs was seen driving erratically in Marsh Street, Hanley, speeding up and slowing down, and travelling in the wrong direction before turning around at Kwik Fit. He stopped in Hope Street, Hanley, where police stopped him. He had consumed alcohol prior to driving. Breath test showed 52 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35.

Pleaded guilty to drink-driving. Ban reducible by 14 weeks upon completion of rehabilitation course.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Rehaan Khan

Possessing a weapon in public

October 20, 2025

Sentence: 6-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months, 160 hours unpaid labour, 25 rehabilitation days

Rehaan Khan was caught with a kitchen knife on January 23, 2025, when officers stopped a car on Lichfield Street, Hanley, and searched him, finding the knife in his waistband. On August 12, 2025, officers approached him in a convenience store where he pushed them aside and obstructed arrest; a knife was found on him again. He carried the blade for personal protection following the traumatic loss of a close friend to knife crime.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing a weapon in public and obstructing a police officer. Carried knife for personal protection after traumatic loss of friend to knife crime. Has left wrong crowd and is seeking work. Magistrates gave chance due to young age.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Carl Pierpoint

Stalking

October 19, 2025

Sentence: 18-month community order including 12-month restraining order, 160 hours unpaid work, and 120 days ankle monitoring tag

Carl Pierpoint made unwanted visits to Brindley Ford and phone calls between June 30 and August 10, 2025, and threatened his ex's new partner following the messy breakdown of his 34-year relationship. He showed up at her new partner's property, banging on doors, and told the new partner he was a 'dead man walking'. He had previously fitted a tracking device to her car.

Pleaded guilty to stalking. Actions followed a catastrophic nervous breakdown after 34-year relationship ended.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Marek Powalski

Harassment without violence

October 17, 2025

Sentence: £120 fine

Marek Powalski harassed his neighbour over a seven-month period between September 23, 2024, and April 26, 2025. He videoed the complainant installing CCTV cameras on September 23, 2024; put his fingers up and swore at the cameras on October 8, 2024; argued over parking on December 31, 2024; and called his neighbour a 'paedo' on April 26, 2025. The harassment stemmed from ongoing issues lasting about two years, affecting the victims' mental health.

Pleaded guilty to harassment without violence. Must also pay £85 costs and £48 surcharge. Defendant has moved house due to ongoing issues.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Mark Mills

Stalking

October 16, 2025

Sentence: 18-month community order including 180 hours unpaid labour and 25 rehabilitation days, plus restraining order and £199 costs

Mark Mills, aged 35, of Calvary Crescent, Bentilee, bombarded his ex-partner with multiple emails between January 25 and March 29, 2025, despite being on police bail with conditions not to contact her. The emails initially expressed how much he missed her, mentioned an engagement ring he bought, and how lost he felt, but later included insulting names. The victim, previously in a relationship with Mills, felt anxious, upset, on edge, and always had to look over her shoulder for herself and her family. She blocked his email address, but he created new ones to continue contacting her. She stated she just wants to feel safe again.

Pleaded guilty at first opportunity. Offending out of character. Lost job and accommodation as a result. Now seeking employment.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Aaron Tugwell

Rape

October 16, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment

Aaron Tugwell, 26, from Rugeley, lured a man to his hotel room in Burton-on-Trent and raped and sexually assaulted him in October 2022. He attempted to convince the victim to stay when he tried to leave, but the man took a taxi home and reported the incident to police. Tugwell was arrested the following day and denied the offences during interview and in court. Staffordshire Police's RASSO unit supported the survivor and secured charges.

Placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely. Denied offences but found guilty by jury.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Delveer Sadhra

Possession with intent to supply class A drugs

October 16, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 7 months imprisonment

Delveer Sadhra, 30, from Erdington, Birmingham, was involved in drug dealing activities in Stafford. On January 31, he was stopped and searched, where officers found cocaine, a mobile phone, and cash. A raid on a nearby address uncovered cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and scales. On April 16, police witnessed him handing over cash to the driver of a car in Stafford, then entering the vehicle which was later stopped on the M6 in Walsall. Upon arrest at an address in the town, officers found cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, cannabis, scales, phones, and other drug paraphernalia.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class A (cocaine), two counts of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class A (heroin), possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class B (cannabis), possession of a controlled drug of class B (cannabis), possession of a controlled drug of class A (cocaine), and acquiring/using/possessing criminal property.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Chantele Chikowore

Drink driving

October 15, 2025

Sentence: £161 fine, £85 costs, £64 surcharge

On September 27, 2025, at 1am, Chantele Chikowore, aged 24, was stopped in Hanley while driving a Ford Focus without lights on Lichfield Street. She admitted consuming alcohol. Breath test showed 57 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath (legal limit 35). She was driving to the shops after feeling okay to drive.

Pleaded guilty. Deep remorse expressed. Out of character incident. Driving ban of 16 months, reducible by 16 weeks upon completing drink-drivers' rehabilitation course.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Kevin Bullock

Breach of Criminal Behaviour Order

October 15, 2025

Sentence: 8 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months

Kevin Bullock, 44, of no fixed address, breached his Criminal Behaviour Order by entering Bentilee Neighbourhood Centre on October 6, 2025, and Devonshire Square on October 11, 2025, both locations he was prohibited from visiting.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO). The CBO prohibits him from entering Bentilee Neighbourhood Centre or Devonshire Square.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Neritan Kuka

Drug driving and using a vehicle without an MOT certificate

October 15, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order with 180 hours unpaid work, £85 costs, £114 surcharge

On April 2, 2025, at 1am, Neritan Kuka, aged 32, was stopped by police in High Street, Tunstall, while driving an Audi car without an MOT certificate. The vehicle was observed speeding around a roundabout. A roadside drug swipe tested positive for cocaine and cannabis. Blood analysis showed 141 micrograms of cocaine per litre of blood (legal limit 10) and elevated BZE levels, with cannabis below the limit.

Pleaded guilty at first opportunity. Albanian national in UK since 2012, works as plumber's mate. Banned from driving for 2 years.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Robert Cameron

Failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis

October 15, 2025

Sentence: £320 fine, £85 costs, £128 surcharge

On September 26, 2025, Robert Cameron, aged 67, a pensioner, was stopped in Reginald Mitchell Way, Tunstall, after pub staff reported him drinking and refusing a taxi. Police observed swerving; he was slumped, slurring, and smelled of alcohol. He deliberately refused roadside and custody breath tests.

Pleaded guilty. First alcohol consumption in six months. Suffers from painful skin disorder and head injuries, on medication. No issues with drugs or alcohol per probation. Ban of 2 years, reducible by 24 weeks upon completing drink-drivers' rehabilitation course.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Sahar Sarpanah

Drink driving

October 15, 2025

Sentence: £221 fine, £85 costs, £88 surcharge

On September 30, 2025, at 3.45am, Sahar Sarpanah, aged 31, was observed swerving on the A34 at Trentham between Monkey Forest and Fillybrooks. Police stopped her vehicle near Trentham Gardens; several cans of Stella were in the driver's seat, and she smelled of alcohol. Breath test showed 48 micrograms in 100 millilitres (legal limit 35).

Pleaded guilty. Works part-time in fast-food shop, seeking taxi licence. Ban of 14 months, reducible by 14 weeks upon completing drink-drivers' rehabilitation course.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Tatenda Mtangi

Drink driving

October 15, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order with 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 100 hours unpaid work, £85 costs, £114 surcharge

On September 28, 2025, at 1.40pm, Tatenda Mtangi, aged 45, a carer, was involved in a collision in Hillchurch Street, Hanley, while driving a Kia Rio. A witness suspected drinking. Police smelled alcohol; breath test showed 91 micrograms in 100 millilitres (legal limit 35). He admitted being the driver under influence and the collision, expressing suicidal thoughts.

Pleaded guilty. No previous convictions. Mental health struggles led to passing out in a coffee shop and drinking whisky before driving. Wake-up call, no alcohol since. Job loss due to ban. Ban of 2 years, reducible by 24 weeks upon completing drink-drivers' rehabilitation course.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Patryk Slepowronski

Robbery

October 10, 2025

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment

Patryk Slepowronski, 22, of Marston Montgomery, Derbyshire, carried out a knifepoint robbery spree targeting Co-op, Tesco Express, Morrisons, and One Stop stores in Staffordshire between November 2024 and January 2025, and similar offences in Derbyshire between July and December 2024. He threatened staff with a knife, emptied tills, and forced some to open safes, netting around £7,000 in cash. One robbery occurred on Christmas Eve in Hixon, where DNA evidence linked him to the crime. Safe keys and stolen money were found at his home after arrest. Three Derbyshire robberies happened over nine days in October 2024.

Pleaded guilty to six counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery in Staffordshire, and admitted eight counts of robbery, seven counts of possession of a bladed article in a public place, and one count of attempted robbery in Derbyshire. Caused significant distress to victims; nobody was physically hurt.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Luke Shaw

Assaulting a police officer

October 10, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order with 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 90 hours unpaid work, £100 compensation to each officer, £85 costs, £114 surcharge

On July 29, 2025, police were called to an address in Stoke where Luke Shaw resisted arrest, pushed two officers against a wall, grabbed one around the throat, pushed the other to the floor, and landed on top of her. The officer used PAVA spray unsuccessfully, and the other officer tasered him to effect the arrest.

Pleaded guilty to two charges of assaulting a police officer. Remorseful, had suicidal thoughts and was heavily intoxicated at the time.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Lee Bodman

Being drunk on a highway

October 10, 2025

Sentence: £50 fine, £85 costs, £20 surcharge

On August 19, 2025, at 8pm, Lee Bodman was reported on a bridge over Potteries Way in Hanley, appearing suicidal and under the influence after consuming four to five cans of beer. He claimed to be Jesus and refused to give his name initially; police arrested him for being drunk on a highway.

Admitted being drunk on a highway. In a suicidal state due to father's recent death, spiralling into alcoholism; has 72 previous convictions for 155 offences and is getting help.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Louis Hocking

Drink-driving

October 10, 2025

Sentence: £325 fine, £85 costs, £135 victim surcharge, 19-month driving ban (reducible by 19 weeks with rehabilitation course)

On September 8, 2025, at 11.30pm, Louis Hocking crashed into a lamp post near his home in Uttoxeter after driving about 50 yards. He admitted driving, smelt of alcohol, slurred his words, and breathalysed at 80 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35.

Pleaded guilty to drink-driving. Genuinely remorseful, drove a short distance after consuming alcohol at home, unaware he was over the limit. Concerned about impact on upcoming Masters degree.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Nathan Griffin

Driving while disqualified

October 4, 2025

Sentence: 6 months driving ban extension (total 11 months 10 days), £200 fine, £85 costs, £80 surcharge

Nathan Griffin, aged 37, of Severn Street, Cobridge, was stopped by police driving an uninsured Audi in Rutland Street, Hanley, at 8.40am on June 16, 2025, while disqualified from driving. He had prior totting disqualifications of 12 months on February 4 and 6 months on February 26.

Pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and driving without insurance. First offence for driving while disqualified. Training to be a teacher. Drove due to partner's diabetic episode; routine stop with no evidence of bad driving.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Dean Swancott

Assault by beating

October 4, 2025

Sentence: £200 fine, £100 compensation, £85 costs, £80 surcharge

Dean Swancott, aged 33, of Carlos Place, Bradwell, injured his ex-partner by punching a car window during an argument on March 6, 2025, at Watlands View, Porthill. The couple, who share two children, argued over custody while driving. Swancott exited the passenger seat, punched the driver's side window causing it to smash, and glass connected with his ex-partner's face causing visible injuries. Police were called at 2pm by a third party.

Pleaded guilty to assault by beating on a reckless basis. Of previous good character. Magistrates accepted it was a one-off reckless incident.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Mohammed Iqbal

Possession of a class C drug

October 1, 2025

Sentence: 12-month conditional discharge

Police searched a vehicle in Clarke Street, Shelton, on May 25, 2025, and found Mohammed Iqbal in possession of six diazepam tablets, a class C drug. He was taken to a police station where he accepted the tablets were for his own use to help with sleep problems.

Pleaded guilty. Ordered to pay £85 costs and £26 surcharge. Tablets were for personal use due to sleep problems.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Adam Clowes

Supply of heroin and crack cocaine

September 30, 2025

Sentence: Six and a half years imprisonment

Adam Clowes was involved in supplying class A drugs, including heroin and crack cocaine. He was stopped by officers on Lammascote Road in Stafford on August 7, 2024, where phones and cash were seized. A search at an associated address revealed additional cash and phones. Earlier, in September 2023, officers pursued him after a suspected drug deal, and seized phones later confirmed his role in a county drugs line.

Admitted to being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine. Previously evaded officers during a stop and was involved in a county drugs line.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Carl Proctor

Theft and assault

September 29, 2025

Sentence: community order and 5-year Criminal Behaviour Order

Carl Proctor, 41, of Chell Heath, Stoke-on-Trent, committed multiple thefts totaling almost £2,000. On 16 July, he stole a Sharp TV from Tesco in Hanley without paying. On 22 July, he took power tools and equipment worth around £1,000 from B&Q in Crewe, exiting via the garden centre. On 3 August, he stole electrical items worth £800 from the same B&Q, leaving through the building yard. On 11 August, he attempted to steal a Lay-Z-Spa, three outdoor lights, and a plant from B&Q; when challenged by security while activating the fire alarm and exiting via a side door, he assaulted the guard by pushing him and fled empty-handed. He was identified via facial recognition and arrested by Cheshire Police.

Pleaded guilty to four counts of theft from a shop and one count of assaulting a security guard. The Criminal Behaviour Order bans him from entering any B&Q stores in Cheshire. Breaching the order could result in imprisonment.

Sources: cheshire-live.co.uk

Elliot Moleko

Driving offence

September 29, 2025

Sentence: Banned from the roads

Elliot Moleko, 56, was involved in an incident as a binge-drinking driver who hit a taxi, leading to his ban from the roads.

Joshua Emery

Rape

September 29, 2025

Sentence: Seven years imprisonment

Joshua Emery, aged 25 and from Cannock, met a teenage girl on Snapchat and raped her near Essington Pools in August 2022. At the time, he was 22 and claimed to believe she was 16 or older. He was traced to the scene via a taxi booking, arrested shortly after, and his devices and clothing were seized. The victim provided compelling evidence during the trial.

Found guilty after a trial where he denied the offence. Also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Cameron Cleghorn

Being in charge of a vehicle with a drug over the legal limit

September 27, 2025

Sentence: 10 penalty points, £366 fine, £85 costs, and £146 surcharge

On March 22, 2025, police observed Cameron Cleghorn, aged 24, as the driver of a Volkswagen Golf in Cornelius Street, Meir, with the engine running and keys in the ignition. A strong smell of cannabis was detected from the vehicle, and Cleghorn tested positive for cannabis via a drugs wipe. Further blood tests showed he had not less than 7 micrograms of THC per litre of blood, exceeding the legal limit of 2 micrograms. He was not planning to drive and was eating food in the car at the time.

Pleaded guilty to being in charge of a vehicle with drugs over the legal limit. Argued exceptional hardship to avoid a driving ban, despite having 13 points on his licence. Cannot use the exceptional hardship argument again for three years.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Joseph Robinson

Burglary other than dwelling

September 26, 2025

Sentence: 24 weeks imprisonment

Joseph Robinson broke into The Arnold Machin pub in Newcastle town centre at 2am on September 2, stealing items worth £600 and causing damage to the local business. He has a long history of offending and was sentenced by magistrates.

Pleaded guilty to burglary other than dwelling – theft. Has a long history of offending.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Karen Gallo

Assault by beating and criminal damage

September 25, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order including 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 6-month alcohol treatment requirement, £80 fine, £100 compensation, £85 costs, £114 surcharge

In the early hours of February 14, Karen Gallo visited a vulnerable woman's flat in Leek, where an argument about the victim's dog escalated. She stood on the victim's leg, pulled her hair, jabbed her eye with her fingers, and smashed a glass table, causing distress and damage.

Pleaded guilty to assault by beating and criminal damage. The incident occurred while she was under the influence of alcohol, stemming from a dispute about a dog's care, and she regrets losing a friend over the matter.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Christopher Bowers

Drink-driving

September 25, 2025

Sentence: 17 months driving ban, £120 fine, £85 costs, £48 surcharge

On August 24, Christopher Bowers drove a Nissan car on Park Lane, Fenton, while intoxicated, colliding with a parked car. His breathalyser reading was 79 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35 micrograms.

Pleaded guilty to drink-driving. Had been to a pool hall, felt drowsy, collided with a parked car, and was more than twice the legal limit. He is remorseful and faces loss of employment as a delivery driver.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Shyde Ebanks

Drug-driving

September 25, 2025

Sentence: 16 months driving ban, £120 fine, £85 costs, £48 surcharge

On April 17, Shyde Ebanks was stopped by police while driving in South Terrace, Stoke, due to erratic driving. He smelt of cannabis, and tests showed 2.5 micrograms of THC and 48 micrograms of cocaine per litre of blood, both exceeding legal limits.

Pleaded guilty to two charges of drug-driving. He apologised, claiming he miscalculated the drugs in his system and felt well at the time.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Gregory Twigg

Murder

September 19, 2025

Sentence: Eight years and three months imprisonment

Gregory Twigg, 32, attacked Lee Woodward, a 39-year-old Iraq War veteran from Meir, by punching him three times in Free Trade Street, Stoke, in June 2022. The assault caused severe brain damage, leading to Woodward's death 10 months later. Twigg was initially sentenced for the grievous bodily harm charge.

Pled guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent. Later convicted of murder by a jury.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Darren Steele

Assault

September 11, 2025

Sentence: 26 weeks imprisonment

Darren Steele, a 52-year-old man of no fixed address, committed a catalogue of offences including assaulting a man at The Moorland Inn in Burslem and punching a police officer on Ford Green Road in Smallthorne. He was described as a prolific offender whose crimes have impacted local people and businesses.

Prolific offender; handed a Criminal Behaviour Order for three years which prevents him from entering different businesses across Stoke-on-Trent.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Kyle Eddison

Assault by beating

September 10, 2025

Sentence: 18-month community order with 12 rehabilitation activity requirement days, £399 in fines and costs, and six points on driving licence

Kyle Eddison engaged in a heated argument with his girlfriend on April 18, accusing him of cheating due to a mark on his neck, which escalated to him grabbing her, throwing her out of the house, and driving off with her car, causing her pain and shock. In a second incident on June 1, he jumped on the bonnet of her car, refused to get off until she spoke to him, admitted to bringing tools to cut the brakes, and was verbally abusive while possessing cannabis.

Admitted to threatening behaviour and assault by beating, as well as driving without insurance and a licence. Represented himself in court. Magistrate Paul Nash commented on a good chance of rehabilitation.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Simon Tolley

Shop Theft

September 10, 2025

Sentence: four weeks imprisonment

Simon Tolley, who had a criminal behaviour order banning him from One Stop on Sandon Road in Meir, entered the shop on August 27 and stole goods worth £46. He was quickly identified and arrested by Staffordshire Police.

Admitted two counts of shop theft and three counts of breaching his criminal behaviour order (CBO). He was 41 years old and of no fixed address.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Alexander Foster

Cultivation of a class B drug

September 9, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order with a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement, £40 fine, £85 costs, and £16 surcharge

Police attended Alexander Foster's address in Chapel Street, Bignall End, on January 18, following concerns from residents about the smell of cannabis. Officers found a small grow tent in the bedroom containing seven small cannabis plants and a heat lamp. Foster admitted the plants were for his own use to help with his mental health and sleep issues.

Pleaded guilty to cultivation of a class B drug. Was in breach of an eight-week suspended prison sentence for disqualified driving. Used cannabis to assist with mental health and sciatica.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Caoimhin Martin

Possession of a class A drug

September 8, 2025

Sentence: £120 fine, £85 costs, and £48 surcharge

Caoimhin Martin, aged 23, was detained in relation to an unrelated matter at 1.45am on March 29 and found in possession of 32 grams of cocaine. He admitted in his police interview that he had bought it for personal use due to excessive drinking and drug use amid personal difficulties.

Pleaded guilty to possession of a class A drug. No previous drug-related offences. Was dealing with emotional stress from a relationship breakdown and has ceased using alcohol and drugs.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Fengjiao Zheng

Drink-driving

September 8, 2025

Sentence: 16-month driving ban, £440 fine, £85 costs, and £176 surcharge

On August 12, 2025, Fengjiao Zheng, aged 43, was observed driving erratically on the southbound M6 near junction 15 for Stoke-on-Trent South, swerving and turning her lights on and off. She stopped at services, where police noted confusion, unsteadiness, and a smell of alcohol, with a breath reading of 56 micrograms in 100 millilitres of breath.

Pleaded guilty to drink-driving. She was emotional due to personal issues, including news about her ex-husband, and claimed she felt sober at the time.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

Elliot Burton

Drink-driving

September 8, 2025

Sentence: 52-month driving ban, two-year community order with 180 hours unpaid work, £85 costs, and £114 surcharge

Elliot Burton, aged 34, was caught driving under the influence on August 3, 2025, after leaving Waterworld in Festival Park. He was more than three times the legal alcohol limit, with a breath reading of 114 micrograms in 100 millilitres of breath. Police observed poor driving, including swerving on the A500, exceeding the speed limit, and clipping the kerb before stopping him.

Pleaded guilty to drink-driving. Has a prior conviction for drink-driving in 2017. The offense was linked to pressures from unemployment after being made redundant.

Sources: stokesentinel.co.uk

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