York Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 126 verdicts at York Crown Court (York). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

March 2026 4 cases

Mia Howarth

Causing death by dangerous driving *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

On September 12, 2023, Mia Howarth, then 18, was driving on Brimham Rocks Road near Harrogate with her boyfriend Alfie Lovett, 17, and two other male passengers. She was driving in socks, using her mobile phone to access apps including Google Maps, Spotify, and Camera, and filming Alfie and another boy hanging out of the moving car windows amid shouting and loud music. The vehicle veered off the road into a ditch near Stripe Lane in Hartwith at about 35mph, causing Alfie, who had removed his seatbelt and was partially outside the vehicle, to be ejected and suffer fatal chest injuries. Howarth admitted the offence and expressed remorse.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. Of good character with obvious remorse. Will serve half the sentence before release on licence. 30-month driving ban.

16 Mar 2026

David Grundy

Fraudulent trading *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

David Grundy, 61, of Coton Avenue, Stafford, produced and sold fake education and professional certificates for over a decade, helping unskilled applicants secure skilled jobs in fields such as biomedical science, optometry, engineering, occupational health and safety, electrical installation, teaching, accountancy, and law. Some certificates were used to gain places on higher education courses. A Trading Standards investigation began in 2021, leading to a warrant executed at his home in December 2021, where specialist equipment including embossing stamps, holograms, high-grade paper, a laser engraver, and a handwritten list of nearly 300 customers was seized. At least 70 UK customers were identified out of thousands worldwide.

Admitted fraudulent trading. Operation estimated to have made £900,000 over more than a decade. Busted by National Trading Standards eCrime Team. Ignored formal warning from Joint Council for Qualifications.

14 Mar 2026

Clifford Church

Rape and Assault *

Sentence

life imprisonment with a minimum of 12 years

On 7 August 2025, Clifford Church, 63, took a vulnerable woman to his flat in Harrogate, locked the door, and ordered her to comply with his demands under threat of violence. When she refused to undress, he assaulted her by knocking her to the floor and threatened further violence before raping her. The victim escaped into the corridor, banging on doors and screaming for help, alerting neighbours. Church chased her but she managed to get assistance. He was caught on CCTV leaving the flat hurriedly with a backpack. After evading police for several weeks, he was arrested in Bradford by West Yorkshire Police. During questioning, he admitted the victim was at his flat but denied the rape and refused further answers. The investigation involved CCTV analysis, forensics, and witness enquiries.

Pleaded guilty to rape and assault. Described as a dangerous and violent sexual predator.

5 Mar 2026

Liam Rodgers

Wounding with intent and sexual assault *

Sentence

indefinite hospital order under Section 41 of the Mental Health Act

Liam Rodgers, 33, a paranoid schizophrenic, savagely attacked a young man in the corridors of a halfway house in Starbeck, Harrogate, on January 29, 2024, stabbing him repeatedly in the face, head, and neck with a kitchen knife, leaving the victim temporarily blinded and with severe injuries including deep cuts, swelling, bruising, and scarring. The attack was motiveless, drug-fuelled, and occurred while both resided at a homeless hostel supporting people with drink-and-drug issues. Separately, in 2023, Rodgers, high on amphetamine, sexually assaulted a woman in Harrogate by forcing her to perform a lewd act and assaulting her, degrading her during the offences.

Pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and sexual offences. Suffered from paranoid schizophrenia. Ordered to sign on the sex-offenders’ register for life. Alternative prison sentence would have been 16 years.

3 Mar 2026

February 2026 2 cases

James Blundell

Wounding with intent *

Sentence

30 months imprisonment

James Blundell, 54, now of Southport, attacked his wife Carleen at their home in Goldsborough, North Yorkshire, hitting her in the face and to the floor with a boot jack. She thought she was going to die and begged for an ambulance; he called 999 admitting the attack.

Admitted wounding with intent in January. Five-year restraining order imposed.

28 Feb 2026

Eid Anwar Fathi Najjar

Rape *

Sentence

8 years imprisonment

Eid Anwar Fathi Najjar, 21, Egyptian national of no fixed address living in York, lured a woman out of a York club into an alleyway after being warned by security for predatory behaviour, and raped her. Overwhelming evidence from CCTV, witnesses, phone data, and forensics despite his denial of non-consent.

Pleaded guilty to rape and sexual assault. Remanded in custody since arrest.

2 Feb 2026

January 2026 7 cases

Robbie Nelson

Possession of firearm *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

Robbie Nelson, 27, incarcerated at the time, DNA linked him to the firearm found during North Yorkshire Police raid on a Harrogate house on October 11, 2024, where a handgun (altered from blank-firing), Samurai-style sword, live and spent rounds, and cannabis were uncovered in an outbuilding.

Pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm.

30 Jan 2026

Alexander Decker

Wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm *

Sentence

8.5 years imprisonment

On December 1, 2025, at approximately 2am, Alexander Decker, 30, of Chatsworth Grove, Harrogate, refused to let two female visitors leave his flat after becoming angry with a third woman for bringing them. He pulled a large knife from his waistband, waved it threateningly, and prevented their escape. As they fled down the communal stairs, he poured boiling water from a kettle, scalding one woman's neck causing third-degree burns. He chased them outside, still wielding the knife, dragged one back inside, and stabbed the male rescuer (who had kicked in the door to save them) twice in the leg and once in the chest, puncturing and collapsing the lung, causing a broken breastbone, blood build-ups, and lacerations. The victims escaped, and police arrested Decker who admitted he had done something stupid. The male victim was hospitalized but survived.

Pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm, threatening with a blade, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and breaching a suspended sentence. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia; prior convictions including drug dealing. Judge noted the offences 'beggared belief' and highlighted the severity of knife crime.

28 Jan 2026

John Paul Wilson

Robbery *

Sentence

3 years and 9 months imprisonment

John Paul Wilson, 25, followed a disabled elderly pensioner suffering from scoliosis who had withdrawn £120 from a cash machine at the Texaco garage on Skipton Road in Harrogate. He stalked the victim, who used a walking stick, all the way home and attacked him near the side or rear of his house at about 11am on July 22, 2025. Wilson pushed the victim over, punched him, and stole £120 and a Nokia phone from his pockets while the victim was on the ground, causing bruising and a cut to his lip. The incident was captured on CCTV, showing the victim's shrieks of pain. Wilson was arrested two days later and identified by the victim.

Pleaded guilty on the day of trial to robbery. Has prior convictions including two previous robberies and offences against the person. Mental health issues and Class A drug use noted in mitigation.

23 Jan 2026

Michael Balog

Kidnap *

Sentence

15 months imprisonment

On October 7, 2025, at around 4pm in Jennyfields, Harrogate, Michael Balog, 24, drove a black Land Rover looking for someone who owed money. He stopped when they spotted an innocent man mistaken for the debtor. Balog waited at the wheel while his co-defendant dragged the terrified victim to the vehicle and forced him inside. Balog then drove off at speed. Police located the vehicle via registration plate provided by witnesses, arresting Balog after he attempted to flee. The victim, who had no connection to the defendants, was too fearful of reprisals to provide a statement.

Admitted to kidnap. Prior convictions include burglaries, theft, handling stolen goods, possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, aggravated vehicle-taking, and a 22-month sentence for burglary in 2023. Equally culpable as the driver who witnessed the violence.

22 Jan 2026

Liam Edmondson

Kidnap *

Sentence

15 months imprisonment

On October 7, 2025, at around 4pm in Jennyfields, Harrogate, Liam Edmondson, 28, exited a black Land Rover and approached an innocent man mistaken for a debtor, throwing him to the ground and shouting 'Where’s the money?'. He dragged the victim to a grassy area, then back to the vehicle, pushing him against it before forcing him inside through the back door. The vehicle was driven off at speed. Police located it via witnesses' report of the registration plate and arrested Edmondson after he fled. The victim, with no prior connection to the defendants, refused to cooperate with police due to fear of reprisals.

Admitted to kidnap and assault. Prior convictions include 24 offences such as drug possession, criminal damage, assaulting a police officer, affray (prison in 2020), assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and dangerous driving (jail sentence). Mental health issues at the time; now in stable relationship and undergoing drug-testing in prison.

22 Jan 2026

David James Bell

Robbery *

Sentence

3 years and 4 months imprisonment

On July 21, 2025, David James Bell, 32 and of no fixed abode, stole the purse of an 84-year-old woman while riding his bicycle outside Marks and Spencer on The Pavement, York. After grabbing the purse, the woman was knocked to the ground, where she hit her head. The incident was captured on CCTV, showing Bell cycling towards The Stonebow. He was identified by a PCSO who had dealt with him several times before and was arrested the next day, wearing the same clothes as during the robbery. The victim had only just recovered from an operation; the injuries left her unable to drive, losing her independence, and forced her to cancel a planned holiday. She described being more apprehensive about going out now.

Pleaded guilty to robbery and to obstructing or resisting a constable in the execution of their duty. Also pleaded guilty to breaching a suspended sentence handed down last year and for a series of unrelated shoplifting offences committed in York and Harrogate. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

20 Jan 2026

Daniel James Bell

Robbery *

Sentence

3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Daniel James Bell, 32, from Harrogate, committed a robbery on July 24, 2025, in York city centre by riding up to an 84-year-old woman on his bike outside Marks & Spencer, snatching her handbag, and dragging her to the ground, causing multiple injuries including a haematoma, bruising, shoulder and elbow injuries, and a minor traumatic brain injury. This was part of a 12-month crime spree from 2024 to 2025 involving over 20 thefts from shops like Morrison's, Marks & Spencer, Boots, Sainsbury's, Tesco, WH Smith, and others, stealing items such as wine, alcohol, Lego sets, toothbrushes, and charity boxes. He also stole a woman's bike, obstructed a police officer, failed to surrender to court, went equipped for theft, and committed common assault by threatening to stab a shopkeeper at Warhammer store. The spree breached a prior suspended sentence and followed his business failure leading to alcoholism and drug addiction.

Pleaded guilty to all offences including robbery, multiple thefts, and breaching a suspended sentence. Has 58 previous offences. Received a three-year criminal-behaviour order banning him from targeted shops. Will serve about half the sentence before release on licence.

20 Jan 2026

December 2025 12 cases

George Michael Casson

Engaging in sexual communication with a child *

Sentence

19 months imprisonment

George Michael Casson, 30, from Moor Monkton, pretended to be a 16-year-old boy called Ty when he contacted a 15-year-old girl from Buckinghamshire on the Litmatch social community app between 31 January and 31 March 2022. He used fake profiles, including as Ty’s brother and a 'gang member', to gain her trust and repeatedly pressured her to send indecent images of herself, threatening to share them with her family and school if she refused. The victim's parents noticed her withdrawal, saw the messages, and contacted police, leading to Casson's arrest in North Yorkshire.

Pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child. Placed on the Sex Offenders Register and issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Failed to attend initial trial date and evaded police before changing plea to guilty.

23 Dec 2025

Ethan Anderson

Violent disorder *

Sentence

20 months imprisonment

On April 5, going into the early hours of April 6, 2024, at The White Horse pub in North Street, Ripon, Ethan Anderson, aged 25, formerly of Leeming Lane, Boroughbridge, now living in Skipton, engaged in a shocking outbreak of violence against two brothers. During the brawl inside and outside the pub, Anderson punched one brother repeatedly, including after he was hit with a glass bottle, and later followed the victim down the road to assault him again. The victims suffered head injuries requiring hospital treatment, with one left unconscious.

Admitted violent disorder. Had 18 previous convictions including assaults, robberies, and public disorder. Attacked one victim on the street and followed him to assault him again.

22 Dec 2025

Brandon Hyde

Violent disorder *

Sentence

16 months imprisonment

On April 5, going into the early hours of April 6, 2024, at The White Horse pub in North Street, Ripon, Brandon Hyde, aged 23, of Manor Close, Melmerby, participated in a drink-fuelled brawl. The incident began in the toilets where attackers confronted two brothers. After words were exchanged in the bar, a mass brawl ensued involving at least five men. Hyde punched one brother to the floor and then struck the other over the head with a glass bottle picked up from the bar, causing injuries including a permanent scar on the nose and a fragmented tooth. The violence spilled onto the street, leaving the victims requiring hospital treatment.

Admitted violent disorder. No previous convictions for violence. Involved in punching one victim to the floor and hitting the victim's brother over the head with a glass bottle.

22 Dec 2025

Joshua Mckittrick

Violent disorder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm *

Sentence

16 months imprisonment

On April 5, going into the early hours of April 6, 2024, at The White Horse pub in North Street, Ripon, Joshua McKittrick, aged 24, of St Olave’s Close, Ripon, took part in a violent melee against two brothers. After the fight started inside the pub, it moved to the street where McKittrick struck one brother with a devastating haymaker punch, knocking him unconscious and leaving him bleeding on the ground. The victim was 'left for dead' but later treated at Harrogate District Hospital for facial bruising. McKittrick returned to the scene as the victim was loaded into an ambulance.

Admitted violent disorder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. No previous convictions for violence. Delivered a haymaker punch that knocked one victim unconscious. Returned to the scene to check if the victim was alive.

22 Dec 2025

Louis Bradbourne

Controlling and coercive behaviour and strangulation *

Sentence

2 years and 3 months imprisonment

Louis Bradbourne, 30, from Hookstone Wood Road in Harrogate, engaged in a prolonged period of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner, including isolating her from friends and family, monitoring her movements via repeated calls and texts, verbal abuse, damaging her property, financial exploitation by putting his phone in her name, and physical violence. On December 10, 2024, he threatened to kill her, snatched her phone, deleted recordings, grabbed her arm, and kicked her leg causing bruising. On December 11, 2024, at her home in the Harrogate area, he strangled her to the point of unconsciousness and repeatedly threatened to kill her. Despite arrest on December 18, 2024, and a domestic violence protection order, he breached it on April 6, 2025, by turning up at her home, punching her repeatedly to the head, and threatening to kill her. He was charged with controlling and coercive behaviour, strangulation, and two counts of battery.

Pleaded guilty to controlling behaviour and strangulation. Prior convictions for violence taken into account. Made subject to a 15-year restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim, approaching her addresses or workplace, and posting about her on social media.

17 Dec 2025

Joseph King

Intentional Strangulation *

Sentence

2 years and 3 months imprisonment

On January 14, 2024, at the victim's home in Boroughbridge, Joseph King, 32, was found in bed with the victim's daughter. When confronted by the victim's mother, King leapt out of bed, grabbed her by the throat, and pinned her to the floor on the landing, squeezing so tightly she struggled to breathe. The daughter also assaulted her mother by punching and spitting. King eventually released the victim and left the house after claiming she owed him money. The victim sought help from a friend, leading to police and ambulance involvement.

Found guilty by jury after three-day trial. Judge Sean Morris sentenced immediately. Previous convictions include drug supply, dangerous driving, burglary, driving under the influence of drugs, and failing to stop after an accident.

12 Dec 2025

Lauren Thompson

Being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis *

Sentence

21 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months with 200 hours unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation-activity days

Lauren Thompson, 22, former girlfriend of Bradley Thompson, from Eleanor Drive, Harrogate, acted as a facilitator in the drug operation by taking incoming messages about cannabis purchases on behalf of Bradley and Sharon Thompson. She was present during the February 2022 police raid on the Newby Crescent home, where drugs and paraphernalia were seized. Her involvement was limited to a few occasions, and she was not in a relationship with Bradley at the time of the raid. She now lives a law-abiding life as a mother-of-two and cleaner.

Admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis. Played a lesser role as a facilitator, relaying messages on a few occasions without direct involvement in sales or ownership of drugs. Judge suspended sentence due to her role as primary carer for two children and lesser involvement, influenced by Bradley Thompson.

4 Dec 2025

Sharon Thompson

Being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs *

Sentence

10 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months with 25 rehabilitation-activity days

Sharon Thompson, 49, Bradley Thompson's mother, played a significant role as a point of contact for buying Class B drugs in the family home in Newby Crescent, Harrogate. She was arrested during the February 2022 police raid that uncovered the drug operation involving cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, and MDMA. She had a harrowing background with serious health issues.

Admitted being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs (cannabis and ketamine). Judge stated she richly deserved prison but spared due to maternal duties and health issues including physical/mental conditions, cannabis use for pain relief, and ongoing tests for psychosis.

4 Dec 2025

Bradley Thompson

Possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs *

Sentence

28 months imprisonment

Bradley Thompson, 21, from Harrogate, turned his home in Newby Crescent, Jennyfields, into a one-stop shop for cocaine, cannabis and ketamine. Police raided the home in February 2022, seizing over 21g of cocaine (85% purity, street value £2,000+), 31g of ketamine (£1,000+), 407g of cannabis (£3,800+), 94.5g in 27 drug bags (£945), small amount of MDMA, cutting agents, weighing scales, and £500 cash. Mobile phone analysis showed messages discussing sales from November 2021 to February 2022. He was the ringleader, trusted by higher-ups, and dealt to fund his own habit after accruing a drug debt.

Pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine, cannabis and ketamine with intent to supply, and being concerned in the supply of cocaine, ketamine and cannabis. No prior convictions. Judge noted he was the main player and responsible for involving others.

4 Dec 2025

Jack David Anthony Merry

Attempted Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent *

Sentence

3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Jack David Anthony Merry, 25, of Union Street, Scarborough, set upon a 20-year-old man as he walked with friends in Aberdeen Walk near the old job centre building on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at around 10.45pm. Merry was riding a bike when he confronted the man, chased him down, punched and kicked him after he fell to the floor, and then stamped on his head while he lay unconscious. Witnesses filmed the attack and feared the victim was dead; the victim escaped with relatively minor injuries but suffered great trauma.

Admitted to attempted Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent. Made subject of a restraining order.

4 Dec 2025

Liam Mayhew

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving *

Sentence

2 years detention in young offenders institution

On March 9, 2025, near Ripon city centre, Liam Mayhew, aged 18, from Bondgate, Ripon, drove a Volkswagen Polo in pursuit of a teenage victim. After two men, including Nixon Newton-Hayes, exited the vehicle and chased the boy, Mayhew drove at excessive speed, mounted the pavement, and deliberately struck the victim from behind, causing an open fracture to the shinbone, a double fracture to the foot, and other injuries including bruising to head, neck, hands, and elbows. Mayhew then fled the scene at speed, abandoning the car during getaway.

Convicted of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Will serve less than half in custody, minus 132 days on qualifying curfew. Banned from driving for 2 years and 8 months. Mental health issues and prior failed rehabilitation attempts noted, but kept out of trouble since incident.

1 Dec 2025

Nixon Newton-Hayes

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of prohibited weapon *

Sentence

3 years and 3 months imprisonment

On March 9, 2025, near Ripon city centre, Nixon Newton-Hayes, aged 22, from Bondgate, Ripon, participated in hunting down a teenage victim. He exited a Volkswagen Polo driven by an accomplice, fired a warning shot with a Taser, chased the boy on foot while the car pursued, and after the victim was struck from behind by the vehicle causing a broken leg and foot fractures, Newton-Hayes approached the helpless boy on the pavement and shot him three times with the Taser. The attackers then fled the scene.

Convicted after trial of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and carrying a prohibited weapon. Aggravated by prior convictions for carrying an imitation firearm and assaulting emergency workers. Mental health issues noted but immediate imprisonment deemed necessary.

1 Dec 2025

November 2025 8 cases

Michael Peter Sutcliffe

Harassment *

Sentence

2.5 years imprisonment

Michael Peter Sutcliffe, 39, of Woodfield Road, Harrogate, conducted an 18-month harassment campaign against a woman in Harrogate, repeatedly appearing at her home with weapons including a lump hammer, Samurai sword, and bow-and-arrow, shouting threats such as 'I’ll kill someone', damaging her Ring Doorbell camera, and leaving her in fear, leading her to move home. About a year later, he confronted her at her old address, released his dog at her, and continued shouting. Separately, at Morrisons store on King Edward’s Drive, Bilton, he attempted to steal cider, refused to pay, rummaged in his pocket as if for a weapon, used a racial slur against the manager, and drank outside the store while demanding cigarettes.

Admitted harassment and racially aggravated disorderly behaviour; denied witness intimidation and robbery but pleaded guilty to theft; prior convictions for wounding, battery, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and attacking emergency workers; breached community order and conditional discharge; PTSD from military service in Iraq; will serve less than half before release on licence.

26 Nov 2025

Gene Neville Wright

Rape *

Sentence

18 years imprisonment

Gene Neville Wright targeted a woman and four young girls between 1996 and 2011, subjecting them to sexual assaults including rape of the woman and sexual and indecent assaults on the girls. The abuse came to light in 2019 when one victim disclosed it to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Further victims were identified during the North Yorkshire Police investigation. Wright denied all allegations and accused victims of lying. The victims suffered long-term effects including PTSD, panic attacks, guilt, nightmares, flashbacks, and distorted views of relationships and childhood.

Found guilty after trial of two counts of rape, one count of sexual assault of a child under the age of 13, and four counts of indecent assault. Placed on the Sex Offenders' Register and made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order indefinitely. Demonstrated no remorse; appeared in court under the influence of alcohol, resulting in bail revocation.

25 Nov 2025

Andrew Philip Russell

Stalking involving serious alarm or distress *

Sentence

5 years and 4 months imprisonment

Andrew Philip Russell, 35, from Pontefract, conducted a campaign of stalking involving serious alarm or distress against his victim over almost two years in the Selby district. While in a relationship with another woman, he manipulated and controlled the victim by masquerading as her imprisoned ex-partner, sending threatening messages from fake social media accounts, fitting a tracking device to her car, attempting to hack her accounts, breaking into her house, disabling her wifi and security cameras, and making threatening phone calls to her and her family. The victim, initially believing the threats came from her ex-partner who had assaulted her, lived in constant fear, refused to attend court, and was forced to move home multiple times with her children. Russell was caught via CCTV topping up a phone used in the stalking. The abuse caused profound mental health impacts, anxiety, and instability for the victim and her children.

Pleaded guilty to stalking. Described as a dangerous manipulator who inflicted emotional and psychological damage. Judge imposed a 10-year Stalking Protection Order on release.

21 Nov 2025

Rowan Potter

Inflicting grievous bodily harm *

Sentence

12 months imprisonment

On October 14, 2023, Rowan Potter, then 18, attacked the victim near Hall End Field in Harrogate. He punched the victim, causing him to fall, then kicked him twice to the head and stomach. The incident lasted about 15 seconds. The victim suffered a right eye socket fractured in two places, a fractured nose, facial bruising, chipped teeth, and a bottom lip 'hanging off'. The victim was taken to Harrogate District Hospital. Later that evening, Potter sent the victim a Snapchat message saying 'you deserved it'.

Pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm. Subject to a five-year restraining order.

19 Nov 2025

Ryan Lee Preston

Robbery *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

On May 14, 2025, at about 10pm, Ryan Lee Preston, 26, stole three bottles of spirits worth £120 from Asda on Bower Road in Harrogate. Intoxicated by drink and substances, he threatened to stab the pursuing security guard, revealing a six-inch kitchen knife in his waistband and placing his hand on the handle while maintaining eye contact. He warned the guard 'Do you want to get stabbed?' and 'Stop or I will stab you tonight.' The security guard believed the threat but continued to follow at a distance. Preston was identified from CCTV, handed himself in three weeks later, and was arrested. He attempted to evade identification by shaving his head.

Pleaded guilty to robbery and carrying a bladed article. Prior convictions for low-level violence, public disorder, and breaching court orders taken into account. Riddled with addiction to drugs and alcohol; offence direct result of dependency. Homeless at the time. To serve half the sentence behind bars, less time on remand, before release on licence.

14 Nov 2025

Grant Morgan Cowlishaw

Controlling and coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship *

Sentence

16 months imprisonment

Grant Morgan Cowlishaw, 57, from East Parade, Harrogate, engaged in controlling and coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship from April 2021. The victim reported the abuse in February 2025 after enduring violence on at least three occasions, repeated verbal degradation, and monitoring of her phone. The relationship ended in February 2025, but abuse continued into March 2025 with breaches of bail conditions, including sending repeated messages and turning up at a relative's home, causing further distress.

Changed plea from not guilty to guilty on September 22, 2025. Remanded in custody until sentencing. Behaviour included violence on at least three occasions, verbal degradation, monitoring phone use, breaching bail by sending messages and appearing at relative's home.

7 Nov 2025

Robert Arthur Nelson

Harassment and breach of restraining order *

Sentence

14 months imprisonment

Robert Arthur Nelson, 40, from Nora Avenue, off Stockwell Lane, Knaresborough, subjected his ex-partner to a six-month harassment campaign starting shortly after a restraining order was imposed in March 2025 following their separation in July 2024 after an eight-year relationship. Despite the order, he bombarded her with abusive texts, emails, WhatsApp messages, and voicemails, calling her names and threatening violence, including smashing her door and harming her and another man. In April, he jumped over her back gate, demanded entry, and lay on her garden furniture for hours when refused. He manipulated her into unblocking him on her phone out of fear, left over 20 voicemails in September, and made her feel trapped in her home, causing sleep issues and loss of appetite. He was arrested in mid-September, remanded in custody, and sentenced on November 4, 2025.

Pleaded guilty to harassment and breach of restraining order. Breached a prior one-year suspended sentence and 12-month restraining order from March for controlling and coercive behaviour, stalking, and assault. New five-year restraining order imposed. Will serve half behind bars before release on licence.

4 Nov 2025

Madeline Shaw

Fraud by abuse of position *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment

Madeline Shaw, 32, of Borrowby near Thirsk, was granted lasting power of attorney over her grandfather John Mallaby's finances on November 13, 2019, after he was placed in a care home in August 2019 following a fall in January 2019. She had been informally managing his finances prior. Authorities blocked her access in January 2020 due to concerns, but the block was removed after a warning in November 2020. Over the next 12 months, she withdrew £125,000 from his account, including five transactions after his death on September 18, 2021. The theft was discovered by his daughter, the executor, who found unpaid care home fees despite his pensions and savings. Shaw invested £53,626.93 in a property scam and used the rest on family expenses, claiming stupidity rather than planning.

Pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position. Sentenced on the basis that she had only benefited by £71,601.05. Faces an assets confiscation hearing next spring. Recorder Patrick Palmer noted that the grandfather's account had been drained, leaving his basic needs unmet and care home fees unpaid.

3 Nov 2025

October 2025 4 cases

Timothy Glen Jarrett

Sexual exploitation of children *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Between April and June 2024, Timothy Glen Jarrett, 45, of Flaxman Croft, Copmanthorpe, York, supplied drugs and alcohol to teenage girls in exchange for sexual acts, which he filmed on his phone and shared with others, including at least one video with one of the victims and two videos with two acquaintances. He drove one victim to his home where he provided drugs and alcohol before having sex with her, which he recorded. His actions targeted vulnerable teenage girls for his own sexual gratification.

Pleaded guilty to multiple offences including arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation, distributing and making indecent photographs/pseudo-photographs of a child, and offering to supply controlled drugs. Mobile phone seized containing 36 Category A, 27 Category B, and 17 Category C child sexual abuse images. Shared videos with two acquaintances.

28 Oct 2025

Anna Puczkielewicz

Theft *

Sentence

27 months imprisonment

Anna Puczkielewicz, 43, from Ironwood View, Seacroft, Leeds, systematically stole £30,000 from two disabled residents at a specialist care home on Claro Road in Harrogate run by Disability Action Yorkshire. She drained £25,000 from the bank account of a man with Alzheimer’s and £5,000 from another man who has since died. The thefts occurred over a sustained period while she was employed as a care worker and later deputy manager, exploiting her position of trust. She was arrested in March 2022, initially denied the allegations, but pleaded guilty shortly before her trial.

Pleaded guilty to theft a week before trial. Prior police caution in 2014 for stealing a phone. Judge noted she abused position of trust and targeted vulnerable victims. Will serve half the sentence before release on licence. No compensation ordered as funds dissipated.

24 Oct 2025

Taurean Harte

Assault causing actual bodily harm *

Sentence

30 months imprisonment

On 26 April 2025, Taurean Harte, aged 29, along with an accomplice, arrived at a drug dealer's home in Middlesbrough to collect an unpaid debt of £14,000 owed to a drug supplier. Harte threatened to break down the door, then assaulted the victim upon entry, while the accomplice attacked with a wooden pole. Harte sprayed the victim with CS gas, causing a minor head injury. Police arrested Harte later that evening outside his Brompton Street residence, still in possession of the gas canister. A search revealed cannabis worth £570, small plastic bags, and weighing scales.

Pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm, possession of a weapon, use of CS gas with intent to injure, and possession of a class B drug. History of convictions including robbery, battery, and witness intimidation. Was under the influence of cocaine and cannabis at the time but has since become drug-free in custody. Will serve 40% before eligible for release on licence.

19 Oct 2025

Oliver Hartley

Causing death by careless driving *

Sentence

12 months' imprisonment and 6 months driving ban

Oliver Hartley, 24, of Bentley Lane, Meanwood, Leeds, stole his mother's black Audi A7 from her home in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, after spending the evening drinking. He went on an intoxicated joyride, speeding southbound on the A6055 between Catterick and Leeming Bar at around 2.18am on August 1, 2021. Location data showed he travelled up and down the A1(M) and A6055 seven times, exceeding speed limits, reaching speeds of 95-105mph immediately before the collision and at least 72mph at impact. He was driving on the incorrect side of the road when he smashed head-on into 65-year-old Linda Stockdale's blue Kia Ceed. Linda was returning home to Tunstall after babysitting her grandchildren and died at the scene. Hartley recorded 119-203mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, above the legal limit of 80mg.

Offered a lesser plea of causing death by careless driving, which was accepted by the court. Previously disqualified from driving for 20 months for drink-driving offence at York Magistrates’ Court on February 1, 2022. Admitted driving without permission and without insurance.

17 Oct 2025

September 2025 3 cases

Joe Mckenna

Wounding with intent *

Sentence

2 years and 9 months imprisonment

Joe McKenna, 34, bit a chunk out of a man's ear during a drunken fight outside Harrogate Homeless Project's Bower Street shelter on March 7. The incident involved both men grappling on the ground, with McKenna as the aggressor. He was heavily intoxicated, initially gave a false name to police, and was arrested the following day. The victim suffered bleeding and required medical treatment.

Pleaded guilty at the last minute. CCTV footage showed him as the constant aggressor during the incident.

3 Sep 2025

Sally Hanford

Harassment *

Sentence

22 months imprisonment

Sally Hanford, 46, engaged in a prolonged harassment campaign against a charity worker at the Harrogate Homeless Project on Bower Street. This included spitting at the victim and attempting to throw cider at her on August 2, 2023, making repeated threats such as 'I’m going to take your f**** head off' and 'I will put a bag over your head'. She visited the hostel multiple times over three months in 2023 and breached a restraining order in July 2025 by returning to the area, causing the victim significant distress and fear for her safety.

Admitted to harassment and breaching a restraining order. Had 23 previous convictions for offences including violent behaviour. Judge Sean Morris commented that she returned to intimidate the victim and described it as causing 'absolute misery, fear and mental torture'.

2 Sep 2025

Ashley Watson

Stalking and Common Assault *

Sentence

7 months imprisonment for stalking and 3 months imprisonment for assault, to run consecutively

Ashley Watson stalked and assaulted his ex-partner, making over 90 phone calls in one night, threatening to cause damage to property, and attending her place of work to check on her whereabouts. He also assaulted the same woman on a separate occasion.

Pleaded guilty to common assault and stalking. Was subject to a seven-year restraining order.

1 Sep 2025

August 2025 6 cases

Ion Paun

Conspiracy to commit burglary *

Sentence

Six years and two months imprisonment

Ion Paun drove the group to target elderly people in their 80s and 90s across Yorkshire, where they posed as trainee doctors to commit distraction burglaries. They stole cash and jewellery from victims in Harrogate, York, Scarborough, and Bridlington. A neighbour in Scarborough challenged the group on May 22, leading to their eventual arrest.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary. The group targeted older victims, and the crimes were described as disgusting by the investigating officer.

22 Aug 2025

Zavaian Paun

Conspiracy to commit burglary *

Sentence

Six years and two months imprisonment

Zavaian Paun assisted in driving the group to various locations in Yorkshire to target elderly individuals in their 80s and 90s. They posed as trainee doctors, entered homes under false pretences, and stole cash and jewellery in Harrogate, York, Scarborough, and Bridlington. The group's activities were stopped after a neighbour intervened in Scarborough on May 22.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary. The offences involved a spree of distraction burglaries against vulnerable elderly people.

22 Aug 2025

Monika Dumitra

Conspiracy to commit burglary *

Sentence

Six years and two months imprisonment

Monika Dumitra, along with accomplices, posed as a trainee doctor to enter the homes of elderly people in their 80s and 90s in Yorkshire. They stole cash and jewellery through distraction burglaries in locations including Harrogate, York, Scarborough, and Bridlington. A neighbour's intervention in Scarborough halted one attempted burglary on May 22.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary. The crimes involved preying on elderly and vulnerable individuals, as noted by the investigating officer.

22 Aug 2025

Levantica Dragusin

Conspiracy to commit burglary *

Sentence

Seven years imprisonment

Levantica Dragusin, along with accomplices, posed as a trainee doctor wearing NHS-style clothing to gain access to the homes of vulnerable elderly people in their 80s and 90s across Yorkshire. They conducted distraction burglaries, stealing cash and jewellery from victims in Harrogate, York, Scarborough, and Bridlington. On May 22, their activities were interrupted by a vigilant neighbour in Scarborough. The group used a vehicle driven by male accomplices to travel between locations and escape after the crimes.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary and received an extra 10 months for a separate burglary. The group preyed on elderly victims, and the investigating officer described the crimes as disgraceful.

22 Aug 2025

Jack Michael Whitehouse

Dangerous Driving *

Sentence

16 months imprisonment and banned from driving for three-and-a-half years

On October 30, 2024, Jack Michael Whitehouse was showing off by pulling a wheelie at excessive speed above the 30mph limit while overtaking vehicles on Knaresborough Road, Harrogate. He collided with an oncoming Astra, causing damage to vehicles and sustaining a severe leg injury that required surgery with pins. The motorbike had false plates, was uninsured, untaxed, and without an MoT. He had prior driving disqualifications and was under a community order at the time.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, fraudulent use of a registration mark, and using a vehicle without third-party insurance. Judge noted his bad driving record, lack of remorse, and previous non-compliance with court orders.

14 Aug 2025

Adrian Phipps

Indecent Assault *

Sentence

4 years and 4 months imprisonment

In the mid-1990s, Adrian Phipps sexually assaulted a teenage boy at a property in Harrogate, using his charisma and joviality to groom the victim, who tried to resist but was overpowered. Additionally, between 2019 and 2020, Phipps engaged in online sexual conversations with another teenage boy and received indecent images from him. The offences were not connected to his role at Harrogate Hospital Radio Station.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of a child. Found guilty of two counts of indecent assault. Judge described him as a cunning and calculating man who groomed the victim, noting the monumental impact on the victim's life, including post-traumatic stress disorder and self-loathing.

12 Aug 2025

July 2025 3 cases

Rodney Abbott

Rape *

Sentence

18 years and 8 months imprisonment

Rodney Abbott, of Moor Lane, Myton-on-Swale near York, repeatedly raped, sexually abused, and attacked a young girl under the age of 14, starting when she was five years old and continuing into her teens. The offences dated back to the 1980s, turning her childhood into a constant stream of sexual assaults. She was helpless and without means to escape, leading to a miserable upbringing.

Admitted to multiple offences on May 12, including rape and indecent assault. Also received a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a restraining order, and must sign the sex offenders register indefinitely. Detective Constable Mike Cope noted the victim's bravery and the hope for closure.

18 Jul 2025

John Andrew Smith

Causing death by dangerous driving *

Sentence

11 years imprisonment

John Andrew Smith, 24, from Byram, Selby, was driving a van belonging to his friend Ryan Lee without insurance or a licence. On June 17, 2023, after leaving a pub in Eggborough, he ran a red light, approached a sharp bend at high speed, and misjudged an overtake on the A645 Weeland Road, resulting in a head-on collision with another vehicle. This crash killed his friend Ryan Lee and seriously injured the other driver, who required multiple operations and now faces reduced mobility.

Convicted of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving, causing death while driving uninsured and without a licence. He admitted guilt, avoiding a trial.

8 Jul 2025

Mckenzie Dicicco

Manslaughter *

Sentence

6 years and 8 months imprisonment

Footballer McKenzie Dicicco killed James Hitchcock, 32, with a one-punch attack at a York railway station after a nonsensical argument; they did not know each other, words were exchanged, and Dicicco punched him despite no violence from Hitchcock, causing a fatal head injury.

Pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

1 Jul 2025

June 2025 1 case

Liam John Harbottle

Fraud by False Representation and Theft *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment suspended for 2 years, repay £19,231, and 180 hours of unpaid work

Liam John Harbottle posed as a professional bathroom fitter and defrauded customers by taking advance payments for work he never completed. He targeted vulnerable individuals, including an 85-year-old woman who paid £2,500 for a bathroom refurbishment that was never done, another victim who paid £3,700 upfront and was left with a damaged room, and a hotel owner who paid over £7,500 for ensuite refurbishments and had bathroom fittings worth over £5,000 stolen and sold on eBay. The incidents occurred between various dates, with victims experiencing financial losses and lost revenue of around £20,000. Harbottle manipulated victims with pleading texts about his personal financial troubles, which were linked to his gambling debts.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation and one count of theft. Used alias names and changed business names to evade bad reviews. The court noted that his requests for money coincided with spikes in his gambling debts.

19 Jun 2025

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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The Castle, York YO1 9WZ, York, YO1 9WZ, United Kingdom

+441904645121

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

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 17:00

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About York Crown Court

York Crown Court, located in York, is a Crown Court that handles serious criminal cases including murder, rape, robbery, and other indictable offences. With 126 sentencing records in our database, it is one of the Crown Courts serving the York 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 The Castle, York YO1 9WZ, YO1 9WZ.

Accessibility provisions at this court include wheelchair accessible entrance.

For enquiries about cases heard at this court, you can contact the court by telephone on +441904645121 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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York Crown Court Sentencing Results

Mia Howarth

David Grundy

Clifford Church

Liam Rodgers

James Blundell

Eid Anwar Fathi Najjar

Robbie Nelson

Alexander Decker

John Paul Wilson

Michael Balog

Liam Edmondson

David James Bell

Daniel James Bell

George Michael Casson

Ethan Anderson

Brandon Hyde

Joshua Mckittrick

Louis Bradbourne

Joseph King

Lauren Thompson

Sharon Thompson

Bradley Thompson

Jack David Anthony Merry

Liam Mayhew

Nixon Newton-Hayes

Michael Peter Sutcliffe

Gene Neville Wright

Andrew Philip Russell

Rowan Potter

Ryan Lee Preston

Grant Morgan Cowlishaw

Robert Arthur Nelson

Madeline Shaw

Timothy Glen Jarrett

Anna Puczkielewicz

Taurean Harte

Oliver Hartley

Joe Mckenna

Sally Hanford

Ashley Watson

Ion Paun

Zavaian Paun

Monika Dumitra

Levantica Dragusin

Jack Michael Whitehouse

Adrian Phipps

Rodney Abbott

John Andrew Smith

Mckenzie Dicicco

Liam John Harbottle

About York Crown Court

Nearby Courts

York Magistrates Court

Harrogate Magistrates Court

Leeds Crown Court

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