Stoke On Trent Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 42 verdicts at Stoke On Trent Crown Court (Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Stoke-on-Trent). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

March 2026 17 cases

Ben Condliffe

Assault *

Sentence

given a chance

Ben Condliffe, 30, bit his partner twice in a row over an empty pipe while living in a tent and using monkey dust.

Bit partner twice during argument over empty pipe; lives in tent and uses dusthead.

20 Mar 2026

Bethany Mulliner

Unspecified offense *

Sentence

locked up

Bethany Mulliner, 22, from Stoke-on-Trent, was imprisoned; while inside, she found love but faced subsequent issues.

Inmate who found love in prison but then everything went wrong.

20 Mar 2026

Christopher Mothershaw

Assault *

Sentence

dodged jail

Christopher Mothershaw punched his partner at Newcastle Bus Station following the loss of his job, leading to his court appearance.

Punched partner at Newcastle Bus Station after losing job.

20 Mar 2026

David Jones

Sexual offense *

Sentence

jailed

David Jones, a pervert from Stoke-on-Trent seeking love on dating apps, deleted posts after being caught for sexual offenses.

Branded a 'sexual deviant'; pervert looking for love who deleted dating app posts.

20 Mar 2026

Gregory Cashmore

Possession with intent to supply cocaine *

Sentence

locked up

Gregory Cashmore, a Stokie dealer, was caught with a £10,000 package of cocaine on the M5 in Devon, leading to his arrest and imprisonment.

Described as 'greedy'; downfall after being busted by £10k package of cocaine found on M5 in Devon.

20 Mar 2026

Jemma Brearley

Fraud *

Sentence

jailed

Jemma Brearley, a single mother following the death of her 12-year-old son George who was poorly, fraudulently claimed and pocketed £90,000 in council funds after his death.

Left as a single mum after the death of her poorly son George, aged 12; pocketed £90k council cash.

20 Mar 2026

Liam Poole

Supply of monkey dust *

Sentence

jailed

Liam Poole, aged 23, was involved in dealing monkey dust, operating under the name Jack Line, and hid his phone in a baby's cot.

Monkey dust dealer running Jack Line with phone hidden in baby's cot.

20 Mar 2026

Martyn Birks

Possession of indecent images of children *

Sentence

dodged jail

Martyn Birks was found in possession of 200 indecent images of children. He claimed he was not sexually attracted to children and cited being bullied at school as part of his isolated background.

Isolated individual bullied at school; not sexually attracted to children despite possessing 200 sick pictures of kids.

20 Mar 2026

Matthew Woolliscroft

Assault *

Sentence

jailed

Matthew Woolliscroft, a plasterer, subjected his girlfriend to a brutal beating, leading her to fear for her life and escape through a window.

Plasterer who brutally beat his girlfriend, causing her to fear for her life and flee through a window.

20 Mar 2026

Paul Adewusi

Sexual assault *

Sentence

jailed

Paul Adewusi, aged 40, committed sexual offenses against a teenage victim while high on drugs, leaving the victim suicidal; he relocated to Scotland to escape public abuse.

Pervert high on drugs; left teen victim feeling suicidal; moved to Scotland due to abuse in Stoke-on-Trent.

20 Mar 2026

Wayne Sandford

Sexual offense against children *

Sentence

locked up

Wayne Sandford, a homeless paedophile, evaded police capture for 79 days before being apprehended and imprisoned again for sexual offenses against children.

Homeless paedophile who evaded police for 79 days; returned behind bars.

20 Mar 2026

Craig Marsden

Breach of bail conditions *

Sentence

1 day in custody

Craig Marsden admitted breaching his bail conditions by failing to attend court on January 2. He was acquitted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation after the Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence.

Admitted breaching bail conditions by failing to attend court on January 2. Time already served.

14 Mar 2026

Jamil Wlazlo

Wounding with intent *

Sentence

13 years imprisonment with 4-year extended licence

On March 28, 2025, Jamil Wlazlo, along with Lewis Jones, went on a rampage in Stoke-on-Trent armed with a kitchen knife, machete, and pistol, searching for 'Salty'. They stabbed victims on Galsworthy Road and Wellfield Road in Bentilee, fired gunshots at a house on Dean Place in Joiners Square, and attempted to assault a woman in a car. Wlazlo grabbed the woman by the hair, tried to pull her out, kicked her to the ground after she escaped, smashed windows at Dean Place armed with a machete, and shot through the front window of an occupied property. They were stopped when run over by a car. Additional offences include drug supply, knife possession, and driving violations.

Pleaded guilty to two charges of wounding on March 28, 2025; two charges of aggravated burglary on March 29, 2025; robbery on March 28, 2025; being concerned in the supply of a class A drug between February 12 and May 20; having a Rambo knife in public; driving while disqualified and driving without insurance. Diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder, untreated and using substances at the time. Completed victim awareness course, fitness qualification, and 'Building Choices' programme in custody. Described as respectful and cooperative.

12 Mar 2026

Lloyd Mcnicholas

Intentional strangulation and intimidating a witness / juror *

Sentence

2 years and 3 months imprisonment

In August 2025, Lloyd McNicholas strangled a woman at her home in Smallthorne, causing her to nearly pass out, and later threatened her not to report the incident.

Pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation and intimidating a witness / juror, despite initially denying the offences in police interviews.

12 Mar 2026

Alexander Bede Walsh

Indecent assault *

Sentence

12 months imprisonment

Alexander Bede Walsh, a Catholic priest, indecently assaulted a boy by fondling him over his clothing on at least three occasions in the 1980s at St Giles Church in Cheadle, Staffordshire. The abuse occurred in the church context, and Walsh told the boy his mother would not believe him if he reported it, significantly impacting the victim. This conviction follows prior investigations into his predatory behaviour spanning decades from the 1970s.

Convicted of indecent assault against a boy in the 1980s. Judge Graeme Smith noted the offence occurred in the context of Walsh being a Catholic priest at the church, involving fondling the victim over clothing on at least three occasions, and steps taken to prevent reporting. This sentence will not affect his existing prison release date of 6 October 2026. He has served 14 years of a prior 22-year sentence and is an enhanced prisoner.

10 Mar 2026

Neil Archie Chris Mcgilligan

Burglary and wounding *

Sentence

2 years and 2 months imprisonment

On 24th August 2025, the victim returned home in Stoke-on-Trent and discovered her laptop, phone charger, and trainers were missing. She then encountered McGilligan peering through her downstairs kitchen window. McGilligan proceeded to throw an item at the woman, causing her serious injuries, and then smashed another window by hurling a cat bowl before fleeing the scene. Following an investigation, McGilligan was arrested.

Pleaded guilty to charges including burglary and theft, wounding, and criminal damage. Initially answered 'no comment' during questioning.

5 Mar 2026

Christopher Mckechnie

Sexual Assault *

Sentence

6-month prison sentence suspended for 9 months, 50 hours unpaid work, placed on Sex Offenders' Register for 7 years

Christopher McKechnie, 36, of Waterloo Road, Cobridge, sexually assaulted a woman after she rejected his sexual advances. While heavily intoxicated, he stated he wanted to have sex with her, but she clearly said no. He pushed her, forced himself on her, groped her, and touched her private area over her knickers despite her repeated refusals. The woman felt intimidated, upset, had a panic attack, and her anxiety worsened, affecting her mental health. Police were called, and McKechnie admitted 'I tried it on with her and she said no'. He desisted from further advances.

Pleaded guilty to sexual assault on the day of his trial. The incident was described as an isolated event out of character, and the defendant was heavily intoxicated at the time. Judge Sally Hancox emphasised that 'no means no' and viewed the behaviour as a very serious offence, but noted a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

2 Mar 2026

February 2026 18 cases

Jordan Moulton

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm *

Sentence

22 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement, 300 hours unpaid work

Jordan Moulton, aged 23, of Napier Gardens, Wellington Road, Kidsgrove, and Shea Rafferty attacked a man in Foundry Street, Hanley, at 3.30am on May 4, after being ejected from a nightclub. The incident involved punching, biting, and kicking the victim to the head while on the ground, causing a broken nose, fractured eye socket, bite wound, and cuts. Alcohol heavily contributed. The victim suffered significant injuries, took time off work, and experienced lasting psychological impact, including fear and counselling needs.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Remorseful, difficulties with consequential thinking when drinking. No convictions since the offence. Judge noted realistic prospect of rehabilitation in the community.

27 Feb 2026

Julia Sherratt

Arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered and assault by beating of an emergency worker *

Sentence

34 months imprisonment

On August 26 in the early hours, Julia Sherratt, under the influence of crack cocaine, exhibited erratic behaviour in her upstairs flat at Birch House Road, Crackley, shouting, banging, and throwing things off the balcony. Police attended due to concerns for her safety and others. She refused entry, lit her curtains with a lighter while holding a wooden object, causing the fire to spread rapidly to the balcony and fill the room with smoke. Officers evacuated residents, forced entry, rescued her despite resistance, and arrested her. She assaulted four officers by digging nails into an arm, scratching an arm, cutting a hand, kicking to the head, and throwing water. Officers were informed of her Hepatitis C and awaited test results.

Pleaded guilty. Will serve up to 40% of sentence. Remorseful, embarrassed, drug-free now, teaches English in prison. Prior good employment history, early retirement on medical grounds, influenced by drug user friend and crack cocaine use. Has Hepatitis C.

27 Feb 2026

Jamie Minor

Theft and assault *

Sentence

28 months imprisonment

On December 18, 2025, Jamie Minor entered B&M in Longton at around 2pm, selected a power bank from the electrical aisle, and hid it under his tracksuit top to fuel his drug addiction. The security guard challenged him as he tried to leave, causing the item to fall out. Minor swung a bike wheel at the guard, fell over, swore, threw a blocked punch, and during a grapple, bit the guard's upper right arm, breaking the skin, drawing blood, and leaving a bruise. He was detained by the store manager and a member of the public. The guard required hospital blood tests and hepatitis B injections, suffering worry and sleepless nights.

Admitted charges of theft, assault, and breaching criminal behaviour order. Has 65 convictions for 222 offences, including 168 shop thefts. Must serve at least 40% before eligible for release on licence. Judge noted awful record and need for deterrent sentence.

26 Feb 2026

Mark Robert Witchell

Theft and supply of controlled drugs *

Sentence

10 years imprisonment

Mark Robert Witchell orchestrated the theft of five luxury vehicles worth £288,808.56 between 2003 and 2006, using hire purchase agreements and fronts to obtain Mercedes and Porsche models, with three transferred to Spain. Separately, from Brazil between August 2013 and December 2015, he directed a UK team in an online operation selling over 3 million units of controlled drugs (codeine, diazepam, tramadol, zopiclone) and prescription medicines, generating £3.7 million in profits transferred to his Mauritius accounts. He fled the UK in 2011 and was arrested at Holyhead Port in August 2025.

Pleaded guilty to five counts of theft, three counts of transferring/removing criminal property, supplying Class B and C controlled drugs, selling prescription-only and unauthorised medicines, and money laundering. Also disqualified from acting as a company director for 14 years. Serious Crime Prevention Order and confiscation proceedings to follow.

25 Feb 2026

Richard Woods

Burglary *

Sentence

30 months imprisonment

On December 2, 2025, Richard Woods burgled a house in All Saints Road, Stoke, forcing entry through a kitchen window and leaving partial DNA on the window frame. He stole a rucksack, £40 cash, an engagement ring, and other jewellery of sentimental value worth £2,000. On January 14, 2026, he stole a £50 bottle of gin from Stoke Sainsbury's and later that day a £63.78 vacuum cleaner from the same store. On January 15, 2026, he returned to the store and stole a bottle of gin, two bottles of cognac, chocolates, and a bag for life worth £132.40. On January 16, 2026, he burgled the offices of a car wash at Tesco Extra in Hanley, stealing an iPhone 13 worth £1,335. He was identified from CCTV footage on all shop theft occasions.

Pleaded guilty to a dwelling burglary, a non-dwelling burglary, and three charges of shop theft. Has 47 previous convictions for 105 offences. Judge noted he is a third-strike dwelling house burglar and subject to minimum term sentencing provisions. Varied Criminal Behaviour Order to run for five years and added Stoke Sainsbury's to prohibited shops. Must pay £228 surcharge.

25 Feb 2026

Paul Hamilton

Attempted sexual communication with a child *

Sentence

22 months imprisonment

Paul Hamilton, 32, of no fixed address, believed he was chatting to a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old girl online between November 7 and December 2, 2025. He pretended to be a teenager himself on Facebook, then moved conversations to WhatsApp where he sent videos performing sex acts on himself. He was confronted by child safety activists outside his Stoke-on-Trent home on December 2 and arrested.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted sexual communication with a child. Placed on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years.

24 Feb 2026

Dominic Wint

Controlling and coercive behaviour *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 150 hours unpaid work, 40 days rehabilitation activity

Dominic Wint, 29, engaged in a pattern of controlling and coercive behaviour, intentional strangulation, assault by beating, intentional suffocation, and two counts of criminal damage against his ex-partner. The abuse began after their relationship ended in January 2023, escalating with verbal abuse, damaging property like televisions and doors, bombarding her with up to 100 messages daily, pulling her hair, strangling her, pushing her causing falls, suffocating her with a pillow in May 2025 while threatening to kill her, approaching her car aggressively on June 17, 2025, sending messages wishing her harm while on bail, and damaging her and her new partner's vehicles on October 24, 2025. The couple had a child in 2018 and married in 2022; they attempted reconciliation in April 2024 but it ended in March 2025 upon discovering his infidelity. Wint exploited child contact arrangements and became jealous of her new relationship.

Pleaded guilty to all charges despite victim not cooperating. No previous convictions. Recorder Robert Smith noted positive changes since offending and compelling evidence of remorse. Ordered to pay £300 compensation and £500 costs. Restraining order for 5 years. First review on June 4.

24 Feb 2026

Christian Leipacher

Stalking causing serious alarm or distress *

Sentence

2 years and 4 months imprisonment

Christian Leipacher, aged 52, from Norwood Road, Dudley, engaged in stalking behaviour against his ex-partner between August 18 and September 23, 2025, following the end of their four-year volatile relationship in August 2025 due to issues with his drinking. After she blocked him on WhatsApp, he bombarded her with incessant and unwanted emails from his work account, making derogatory comments about her sons, ex-partners, calling her a 'Benidorm f*****', useless at her job, and accusing her mother of bleeding the system dry. He sent a message to her friend accusing her of assaulting him and threatened to report her unless she met him for a drink. He claimed to have a magnetic tracker under her car, expressed love, accused her of cheating, and emailed threats to block her road with containers and an articulated lorry. On September 8, he tailgated a colleague into her workplace demanding to see her. He sent a picture of his private area to another woman and continued emails after a non-molestation order, making sexual derogatory comments and threats of financial harm. He was arrested on September 11 and again on September 26. The victim reported feeling tortured, scared to leave home, knowing her routine, and described herself as an empty shell seeking counselling.

Pleaded guilty to stalking causing serious alarm or distress. Subject to a restraining order banning contact with ex-partner and two other women until further order of the court. Judge noted the conduct was intended to maximise fear and distress, with genuine remorse shown and steps taken to address alcohol misuse and counselling.

23 Feb 2026

Phillip Hobson

Attempting to sexually communicate with a child *

Sentence

4 years and 6 months imprisonment with 2-year extended licence

Between May 27 and June 17, 2025, Phillip Hobson, aged 63, of King Street, Stoke, engaged in online sexual communications with four decoys posing as underage girls (aged 13-15) on the Meet4u platform. He initiated sexual conversations, suggested 'dirty cam fun', shared personal details, and attempted to incite one decoy to engage in penetration and share nude pictures. He believed he was communicating with real children and was confronted by paedophile hunters. This occurred while he was on licence from prior convictions, including attempts to meet children in 2016 and 2018, and sexual communication with a minor in 2020, totaling eight convictions for 22 offences.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of attempting to sexually communicate with a child, one count of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity, and six counts of breaching a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO). Assessed as high risk of causing serious harm; described as a dangerous offender requiring public protection. Mitigating factors include isolation, anxiety, depression, and being largely impotent due to a catheter.

22 Feb 2026

Aaron Edwards

Possessing indecent images of children *

Sentence

20 months imprisonment

Aaron Edwards was arrested on May 15, 2025, at an address in Leek Road, Shelton, due to concerns over his prior conviction in Canada for indecently assaulting a 13-year-old boy in 2008. Police found him staying in a partitioned garage with a bed. His phone and laptop were seized, revealing 46 accessible category A still images, 76 inaccessible category A stills, 145 accessible category A movies of child abuse, three category B still images, 38 category C images, and over 2,491 uncategorised files. He also attempted to use Snapchat to contact children for sexual purposes. Edwards initially denied knowledge of the images and any sexual interest in children but later pleaded guilty.

Pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing indecent images of children. Subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years and placed on the sex offenders' register for 10 years. Prior conviction in Canada for indecently assaulting a 13-year-old boy in 2008, sentenced to nine months suspended with probation. Faces automatic deportation.

20 Feb 2026

Liam Painter

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm and inflicting grievous bodily harm *

Sentence

12 months imprisonment

On March 22, 2025, in Newcastle town centre, Liam Painter, aged 26, argued aggressively with his partner during a night out. A concerned woman intervened, challenging his behaviour, but Painter shoved her to the floor twice, causing her to fracture her thumb. A man then attempted to assist, questioning why Painter was pushing her, but Painter punched him in the face, knocking him unconscious and resulting in a fractured cheekbone and jaw requiring hospital treatment. The man reported physical, emotional, and financial impacts, including inability to work or see his son. This incident occurred six weeks after Painter's suspended sentence for a similar assault ended.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm on a woman and inflicting grievous bodily harm on a man. Previous suspended sentence for similar offence taken into account. Judge commented on his arrogance, drunkenness, and lack of remorse initially, stating he needed to learn a lesson.

19 Feb 2026

Ian Wilkin

Breach of suspended sentence *

Sentence

120-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement

Ian Wilkin breached a six-week suspended prison sentence from December 2025 by failing to make himself available for alcohol abstinence monitoring equipment fitting. The original sentence was for sending an offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing message via public communication.

Admitted breaching suspended sentence by failing to make himself available for equipment fitting. Ordered to pay £135 costs. Judge noted he was not entirely at fault due to installation difficulties.

11 Feb 2026

Matthew Rush

Violent disorder *

Sentence

22 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months, 25 days rehabilitation activity requirement, £2,500 costs

On August 3, 2024, Matthew Rush, aged 31, from Rose Street, Northwood, attended the Hanley city centre unrest in Stoke-on-Trent after seeing TV footage, concerned for his sister working in a doughnut van. After confirming she was safe, he walked back towards the pub but encountered a group of masked men throwing bricks. He picked up a brick and threw it back in their direction, claiming self-defence, before being assaulted and tackled to the ground by the men. He was seen on CCTV, held back by his brother who advised him to leave, but he did not. The incident was part of riots following the murder of three girls in a Southport dance studio days earlier.

Pleaded not guilty but convicted after trial in November. No previous convictions. Judge accepted it was a moment of foolishness out of character and low risk of re-offending. Spent 10 weeks in custody and 63 weeks on tag.

7 Feb 2026

Christopher Adams

Possession of a bladed article in public and criminal damage *

Sentence

4 months imprisonment and £250 costs at £5 per week

In December 2024, 45-year-old homeless Christopher Adams was stopped by police officers and found in possession of a bladed article in a public place. He did not brandish the weapon during the incident. While being detained, he damaged a police van, causing £195 in damage to Staffordshire Police. Adams, of no fixed address, was arrested following the incident.

Pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article in public and criminal damage. Represented himself in court. Five previous convictions for 11 offences. Judge Graeme Smith presided.

6 Feb 2026

Daouda Sy

Wounding with intent *

Sentence

12.5 years imprisonment

Daouda Sy, a 28-year-old inmate at Dovegate Prison, launched a violent, unprovoked and sustained attack on a prison officer in 2023, leaving the victim with life-threatening injuries to his face, eye, head, and neck. The officer was hospitalized following the assault.

Convicted of wounding with intent following a trial. Had been previously jailed for 12 years in 2022 for an unprovoked machete attack. Moved from Dovegate Prison after the 2023 attack.

5 Feb 2026

Lee Scanlon

Threatening with a bladed article *

Sentence

32 months imprisonment

Lee Scanlon, 41, committed multiple offenses including stalking and threatening his former partner starting May 2, 2025, by shouting abuse and threatening violence to her child; on May 26, 2025, he smashed windows of a parked vehicle in Church Street, Manchester, stealing two coats and children's bags including one belonging to an autistic 10-year-old boy, causing distress; he continued threats via messaging apps while on bail; he held a knife to his mother's throat at her address, threatening to kill her, and stalked her from September to November 2025, intimidating her as a witness by threatening to annihilate her if she testified. He was identified via forensic evidence and arrested after a £2,000 Crimestoppers reward.

Pleaded not guilty but was sentenced after trial. Judge scolded him for staring at his mother during sentencing. Received restraining orders against his mother and former partner. Mitigating factors include alcohol abstinence, remorse, no offenses since 2012, and productive prison activities like education and AA.

4 Feb 2026

Owen Meredith

Controlling and coercive behaviour *

Sentence

25 months imprisonment

Owen Meredith, 27, of Prime Street, Hanley, subjected his partner to a prolonged campaign of domestic violence due to jealousy, accusing her of infidelity. He repeatedly strangled her until she could no longer breathe, punched her, spat on her, slapped her, and controlled her by dictating what clothes and make-up she should wear. After she reported the abuse to police, he stalked her by sending emails and cards professing love and asking to resume the relationship. The victim described enduring months of fear, manipulation, and loss of control, believing she would die, and continues to suffer nightmares and constant fear.

Pleaded guilty to two charges of controlling and coercive behaviour; three charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm; strangulation and stalking. Branded a coward and a bully by the judge. Subject to a restraining order preventing contact with victim for 15 years.

2 Feb 2026

Suresh Chumber

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour *

Sentence

27 months imprisonment

Suresh Chumber, 36, of Canary Grove, Wolstanton, subjected his girlfriend to a 14-month nightmare involving controlling and coercive behaviour. He dragged her by the hair at a house party, slapped her during a night out in Blackpool after she was too intoxicated to enter clubs or taxis, and slapped her again in Manchester when he wanted her mobile phone. He caused problems at her workplace, was aggressive, and tried to control her constantly. The victim reported to Staffordshire Police with photos of her facial injuries. Chumber was arrested but claimed she was lying.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour. Has spent six months in custody and is remorseful. Alcohol abuse was a main factor. Received a 10-year restraining order. Judge stated the offending was so serious that the custodial threshold was crossed.

2 Feb 2026

December 2025 1 case

Natasha Birks

Child cruelty by reason of neglect *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months, 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement, £250 fine

On the evening of November 1, 2021, Natasha Birks, aged 38, of Ricardo Street in Longton, drank a bottle of vodka with a friend to celebrate her upcoming birthday, while having sole responsibility for her five-month-old daughter Rhian overnight. Rhian had been teething and unwell in the preceding days. After her partner left for work at 1.15am, Birks and her friend placed the sleeping baby on a sofa between them and went to sleep. At 6am, Birks noticed the blanket had fallen off Rhian but did not properly check her condition, simply replacing the blanket without seeing her face colour. She failed to move Rhian to her cot at multiple opportunities during the night. At 9am, Birks discovered Rhian was not breathing. Emergency services pronounced the baby dead at 9.35am in the ambulance from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, with no ascertained cause linked to neglect. Birks was estimated to be two-and-a-half times the drink-drive limit at 9am. The neglect involved failing to monitor the child's health deterioration due to alcohol impairment and the risky sleeping arrangement on the sofa.

Convicted by jury of child cruelty by reason of neglect. No previous convictions. Genuine remorse shown. Low risk of re-offending. Primary carer for other children and late father. Judge suspended sentence due to positive character references and good prospects of rehabilitation.

20 Dec 2025

January 2025 1 case

Liam Curwen

Violent disorder *

Sentence

27 months imprisonment

Liam Curwen, aged 32, from Murhall Street, Burslem, participated in a violent disorder in Hanley on August 3, 2024, days after the Southport dance studio murders. He left Hanley Bus Station, passed The Albion pub, joined a group on Town Road, walked towards the police line appearing agitated and angry, spat towards officers, picked up a paving block, threw a brick hitting an officer's shield, shouted and pointed at police, covered his face, and returned to the city centre. He was arrested on January 24, 2025, and answered no comment in interview.

Pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Remorseful, carer for children with partner, but judge refused suspended sentence due to participation in mob violence.

24 Jan 2025

March 2024 1 case

Mohammed Amin

Common assault and possession of a knife in public *

Sentence

16 months imprisonment

On November 27, 2023, at 11am on Waterloo Road, Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent, Mohammed Amin, under the influence of monkey dust, entered a taxi but was asked to leave by the driver who called the police. Attempting to escape, he tried to enter a car occupied by a mother and daughter, wielding two knives (a silver knife and a black box cutter), causing significant distress. He also attempted to board a bus and held a knife to his own throat during restraint by police who used a taser and PAVA spray. The knives were found on his person; he claimed the silver knife was found in the taxi and believed the car belonged to a friend.

Pleaded guilty to two charges of common assault, two charges of possession of a knife in public, and one count of vehicle interference. Under the influence of monkey dust, experienced paranoia, higher risk of re-offending when using drugs. In custody for three months prior to sentencing.

9 Mar 2024

February 2024 1 case

Mason Shaw

Strangulation *

Sentence

27 months imprisonment

On December 24, 2023, Mason Shaw, aged 24, from Taylor Street, Goldenhill, strangled his partner and spat in her face after she refused to give him £20 to buy cocaine. The incident occurred during a row in their home where they lived with their child. Shaw caused damage to the property, including smashing a vase of sentimental value belonging to her late grandmother, a mirror, door handle, and throwing items like a glass and dog bowl. He pushed her to the floor, strangled her with both hands, and shouted 'How does it feel to be told no'. The victim felt she was going to die and escaped to a neighbour's house, where Shaw was verbally abusive. She described being heartbroken over the damaged vase and feeling unsafe in her home.

Pleaded guilty to criminal damage and strangulation. Subject to a restraining order preventing contact with victim's neighbour for five years. Judge commented on the disgusting, cowardly, and gratuitous behaviour in a domestic context, with no prospect of rehabilitation.

5 Feb 2024

June 2023 1 case

Carla Foster

Administering drugs or using instruments to procure abortion *

Sentence

14 months imprisonment, suspended

Carla Foster, aged 45, illegally procured an abortion by obtaining abortion pills from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) during lockdown in 2020, lying about being 7 weeks pregnant when she was actually between 32 and 34 weeks. She self-administered the pills at home, resulting in a stillbirth. She was charged with child destruction and pleaded not guilty, but later admitted the alternative charge of administering drugs or using instruments to procure abortion. She made early admissions, which led to prosecution. Following the stillbirth, she was traumatised, wracked by guilt, and depressed, with evidence of an emotionally unstable personality.

Originally sentenced to 28 months imprisonment by Mr Justice Pepperall, reduced on appeal due to personal mitigation, compassion rather than punishment, and detrimental effect of custody on her and her family. Pleaded guilty to administering drugs or using instruments to procure abortion after initially denying child destruction. Case involved emotional turmoil, guilt, and depression following stillbirth.

1 Jun 2023

November 2015 1 case

Dean Smith

Robbery *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Dean Smith, 46, of no fixed address, assaulted disabled victim Gary Hackney outside the Intu Shopping Centre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. CCTV footage captured Smith repeatedly approaching Hackney, who was on the phone, aggressively speaking to him, kicking him in the back causing him to tumble down stone steps, pursuing him, dragging him by his coat, scuffling briefly after Hackney fought back, and then taking Hackney's belongings including his phone before walking away calmly.

Pleaded guilty to robbery and theft.

20 Nov 2015

May 2010 1 case

Shaun Edwards

Inflicting grievous bodily harm *

Sentence

4 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 220 hours unpaid work, £7,474 compensation, £1,200 costs

On November 30, 2009, in Festival Park, Cobridge, Stoke, Shaun Edwards, a dentist, clashed with 67-year-old Albert Finney during morning rush hour. Edwards pulled out in his black BMW, causing Finney in his red van to brake suddenly. Later, Finney blocked Edwards and got out to explain. Edwards approached, warned Finney not to tangle with him, then headbutted and punched him, knocking out teeth and breaking his cheekbone. Edwards claimed self-defence with a 'girlish swing' but admitted the offence.

Admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm. Suspended from profession for 12 months by General Dental Council. Expressed remorse and commitment to rehabilitation.

26 May 2010

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.

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Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 3BP, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom

+441782854000

www.find-court-tribunal.service.gov.uk

Wheelchair accessible parking, Wheelchair accessible entrance

Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 16:30

Get Directions

About Stoke On Trent Crown Court

Stoke On Trent Crown Court, located in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Stoke-on-Trent, is a Crown Court that handles serious criminal cases including murder, rape, robbery, and other indictable offences. With 42 sentencing records in our database, it is one of the Crown Courts serving the Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Stoke-on-Trent 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 Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 3BP.

Accessibility provisions at this court include wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible parking.

For enquiries about cases heard at this court, you can contact the court by telephone on +441782854000 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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Stoke On Trent Crown Court Sentencing Results

Ben Condliffe

Bethany Mulliner

Christopher Mothershaw

David Jones

Gregory Cashmore

Jemma Brearley

Liam Poole

Martyn Birks

Matthew Woolliscroft

Paul Adewusi

Wayne Sandford

Craig Marsden

Jamil Wlazlo

Lloyd Mcnicholas

Alexander Bede Walsh

Neil Archie Chris Mcgilligan

Christopher Mckechnie

Jordan Moulton

Julia Sherratt

Jamie Minor

Mark Robert Witchell

Richard Woods

Paul Hamilton

Dominic Wint

Christian Leipacher

Phillip Hobson

Aaron Edwards

Liam Painter

Ian Wilkin

Matthew Rush

Christopher Adams

Daouda Sy

Lee Scanlon

Owen Meredith

Suresh Chumber

Natasha Birks

Liam Curwen

Mohammed Amin

Mason Shaw

Carla Foster

Dean Smith

Shaun Edwards

About Stoke On Trent Crown Court

Nearby Courts

Crewe (South Cheshire) Magistrates Court

Stafford Crown Court

Cannock Magistrates Court

Telford Magistrates Court

Stockport Magistrates Court

Derby Magistrates Court

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