September in the dock: the rioters, killers and thugs to face justice

In the dock: September 2024
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


September 2024 has seen more people locked up for their roles in riots whic swept the country in August.

One woman even took her child in a pushchair to join in the melee, in what was described as a 'misguided, naive and immature' move. Another, a 12-year-old boy, appeared in court in his school shoes as the youth court heard how he had got involved in large scale disorder on the streets.

Also in court was Mali Wright, a skilled boxer who killed a man when he visited Blackpool to start a drug dealing business by the sea. Others in the dock included drug dealers, sex offenders and a pimp who trafficked a woman to work in the sex trade.

Each month, dozens of defendants sit in the dock in Lancashire's courts and LancsLive reporters are on hand to cover the most serious cases. Here we take a look at who has been in court in September.

Driver with a dagger necklace was slumped at the wheel with machete at the ready

Scott  Simpson, 28, was jailed for 12 months
Scott Simpson, 28, was jailed for 12 months -Credit:Lancashire Police

A man was found slumped at the wheel of a car wearing a dagger as a necklace and a machete poised for action.

Scott Simpson, 28, was heavily under the influence of drugs and had 1.3g of cocaine and £1,400 cash on him when he was found in the Volkswagon Golf on Savick Avenue, on February 14, 2023.

The machete was wedged between the seat and the car door, in such a position as he could access it immediately and pull it from its sheath. When questioned by officers, Simpson claimed it was not his vehicle.

FULL STORY: Driver with a dagger necklace was slumped at the wheel with machete at the ready

Jealous thug told girlfriend 'you'll die in Crete' as he battered her after 20 holiday drinks

Kyle Speight
Kyle Speight

A jealous thug told his girlfriend "you’ll die in Crete during a ferocious holiday attack after downing 20 drinks.

Kyle Speight inflicted physical and mental scars on his now ex-partner through a series of brutal assaults earlier this year, triggered by his jealousy after consuming drugs and alcohol.

She was left to tend to her own injuries using nail glue.After meeting the woman online, Speight, 36, swiftly moved from his Bolton residence into her Penrith home. "The relationship lasted a mere 16 weeks," prosecutor Kim Whittlestone stated.

"But within those 16 weeks the victim was subjected to numerous violent offences by this defendant."

FULL STORY: Jealous thug told girlfriend 'you'll die in Crete' as he battered her after 20 holiday drinks

Ex-shopkeeper's double life as drug lord exposed after M6 stop

The crook was stopped in an Audi A4 near junction 37 of the M6
The crook was stopped in an Audi A4 near junction 37 of the M6

A shopkeeper turned property tycoon's secret life as a drug lord has been revealed after he was apprehended by police on the M6.

Islaam Bashir was found with 25kg of cannabis, valued at a minimum of £250,000 when he was stopped by officers. Known as Izzy, Bashir was travelling north with the stash, intending to distribute it to customers in the west of Scotland.

The 32-year-old was intercepted in an Audi A4 near junction 37 of the M6 in Cumbria on July 4. He was joined by his mate and co-conspirator Andrew McQuade, 32.

FULL STORY: Ex-shopkeeper's double life as drug lord exposed after M6 stop

Disgraced teacher begged girl for indecent pictures and suggested 'detention session'

A perverted teacher who begged a girl for pictures and asked if she wanted a detention session with him has been jailed.

Robert Collins, who was the head of art at a high school, was exposed for sending vile messages to several young girls over a four-year period. The extent of his misconduct came to light in June 2023 when Collins mistakenly messaged an undercover police officer, thinking she was a 12-year-old girl.

Believing he was conversing with a young student, he brazenly boasted about being a teacher and asked her "what's the naughtiest thing you've done?". Collins, from Southport, even suggested if she would like to have detention with him.

FULL STORY: Disgraced teacher begged girl for indecent pictures and suggested 'detention session'

The county lines kingpin who sat in his prison cell shipping heroin and cocaine from Manchester to Cumbria

Top (L-R) Al-Shakil Sadiq, Brandon McGuire, Gregory Bell. Bottom (L-R) Kirsty Davidson, Sarah Sadiq, Shamim Hussain
Top (L-R) Al-Shakil Sadiq, Brandon McGuire, Gregory Bell. Bottom (L-R) Kirsty Davidson, Sarah Sadiq, Shamim Hussain -Credit:Cumbria Police

Lieutenants and drug runners - acting on the orders of an incarcerated county lines kingpin - will tonight be joining their boss behind bars.

Al-Shakil Sadiq, who controlled the Shakka OCG from his prison cell in South Yorkshire, used illicit mobile phones to coordinate the activities of his gang arranging for the transportation of Class A drugs from Manchester to Barrow to be sold. Today, the gang has been been jailed for a total of more than 50 years.

In September 2023, Cumbria Police set about dismantling the 'Shakka' organised crime gang (OCG) which ran the drugs line from a prison cell in HMP Lindholme. The gang flooded the streets of Barrow with class A drugs, using graft phones and bulk text messages to advertise their illicite wares. They even offered a delivery service, dropping drugs off at customers' homes.

FULL STORY: The county lines kingpin who sat in his prison cell shipping heroin and cocaine from Manchester to Cumbria

'All they can see is hate and anger and red mist' - judge's stern words to dad who strangled his ex in a car

Caption: Preston Crown Court
Caption: Preston Crown Court

A dad strangled the mother of his child while the pair travelled together in a car, a court heard.

Aaron McFayden, 34, grabbed the woman by the throat during a row on April 4, 2024. Preston Crown Court heard McFayden, of Fir Trees Close, Preston, had "been on a bender" of drink and drugs and may have had the residual effects when he assaulted the woman. At the time of the attack, the couple's child was also in the car and witnessed the attack on his mum.

McFayden pleaded guilty to strangulation - later telling a probation officer he was extremely sorry and would like help with his drink and drugs issues. He has also struggled with the disappointment of being unable to follow his dream of becoming a professional footballer, the court heard.

FULL STORY: 'All they can see is hate and anger and red mist' - judge's stern words to dad who strangled his ex in a car

Chorley nurse committed vile sex abuse offences during shift at hospital

A nurse from Chorley who wrote sick stories and shared images of child abuse has been struck off for life.

Rebecca Ruler was working as a ward manager on an adult respiratory ward at the Royal Bolton Hospital when she committed four offences including making and sharing indecent images of children. Ruler, previously of of Springfield Road, Coppull, was given a 12 month sentence, suspended for two years, last August.

A ruling by the Nursing and Midwifery Council has now revealed that Ruler, who was 32 at the time, logged onto the internet chat room while she was working at the hospital. The panel said in its ruling: "It is noted that the IP address used to log on to the chat site where the offences were committed was traced to the NHS Trust hospital where Miss Ruler was working."

FULL STORY: Chorley nurse committed vile sex abuse offences during shift at hospital

Mum, 21, who took toddler son in pram to asylum hotel riot spared jail

Nevey Smith
Nevey Smith leaving Manchester Crown Court after being handed a community order for her part in the riots outside a Holiday Inn . 23 September 2024

A "misguided, naïve and immature" young mum who brought her 20-month-old son in a pram to an asylum hotel riot has been spared jail.

Nevey Smith, 21, threw water at police officers trying to keep order outside a Holiday Inn on July 31. A mob had been throwing bottles, bricks and eggs at the hotel amid nationwide unrest after three girls were stabbed at a holiday club in Southport on July 29.

Smith admitted violent disorder last month. Judge Patrick Field KC said it was an "extraordinary and concerning feature" of the case that the single mother attended the incident with her todder son.

FULL STORY: Mum, 21, who took toddler son in pram to asylum hotel riot spared jail

Boots shoplifter jailed after stealing hundreds of pounds worth of skincare

Luke Roberts
Luke Roberts -Credit:Luke Roberts

A thief who stole hundreds of pounds worth of skincare from a Boots store has been jailed.

The products, worth £206, were stolen from the shop in Preston city centre on Wednesday (September 18). Luke Roberts was arrested on suspicion of theft after the incident was reported to police.

The 27-year-old, of West Park Avenue, was later charged with the offence and appeared before magistrates on Friday. He was sentenced to a total of 16 weeks in prison.

FULL STORY: Boots shoplifter jailed after stealing hundreds of pounds worth of skincare

'If I hadn't left him I would have been dead' says woman who feared for her life at the hands of violent construction boss

Glenn O'Connell
Glenn O'Connell

A dad-of-two pinned his partner on a couch and held a knife to her head after a drunk row over who had paid the bill on a night out.

Glenn O'Connell, 59, also pushed his partner down the stairs and stepped over her as she lay on the floor in a separate attack, a court heard.

The woman, who had been in an 18-month relationship with the thug, said: "If I hadn't left him I would have ended up dead." She said she had been a vibrant woman with a large group of friends but since her relationship with O'Connell her confidence is at rock bottom.

FULL STORY: 'If I hadn't left him I would have been dead' says woman who feared for her life at the hands of violent construction boss

'I'd do time for both of you' - dad's chilling threats as he held a knife to his son's throat

Caption: Preston Crown Court
Caption: Preston Crown Court

A dad held a knife to his son's throat and said he would 'do time for both of you'.

James Cresswell, 49, was at a caravan park in Ulverston when he made the chilling threats to his ex wife and son. On January 9, 2022, he became moody after his wife spoke with their grandchild, who he was not in contact with.

His young adult son left the room but Cresswell took a flick knife and held it towards him. Cresswell's wife heard her ex telling their son: "I'm going to slit your throat. I'd do time for both of you."

FULL STORY: 'I'd do time for both of you' - dad's chilling threats as he held a knife to his son's throat

Pimp flashed cash and danced on camera as smiles hid his wicked crimes

Jean Marinel Mihai dancing around while he flashes notes to the camera
Jean Marinel Mihai dancing around while he flashes notes to the camera

A vile sex trafficker who enslaved a vulnerable woman, subjected her to physical abuse and stole her earnings was caught on camera gleefully dancing with a wad of cash.

Jean Marinel Mihai, 29, raked in at least £100,000 over a span of 15 months as he forced the woman into prostitution on the streets. Mihai had lured the woman with promises of a better life after she had endured "years of physical and emotional abuse" in her home country of Romania.

He flew her to Liverpool in December 2018, where he lodged her in a guest house and made her work on the streets of Manchester. This week, he faced justice at Manchester Crown Court, where he was sentenced to ten years behind bars after admitting to modern slavery and exploitation, the M.E.N. reports.

FULL STORY: Pimp flashed cash and danced on camera as smiles hid his wicked crimes

'If I hadn't left him I would have been dead' says woman who feared for her life at the hands of violent construction boss

Glenn O'Connell
Glenn O'Connell

A dad-of-two pinned his partner on a couch and held a knife to her head after a drunk row over who had paid the bill on a night out.

Glenn O'Connell, 59, also pushed his partner down the stairs and stepped over her as she lay on the floor in a separate attack, a court heard.

The woman, who had been in an 18-month relationship with the thug, said: "If I hadn't left him I would have ended up dead." She said she had been a vibrant woman with a large group of friends but since her relationship with O'Connell her confidence is at rock bottom.

FULL STORY: 'If I hadn't left him I would have been dead' says woman who feared for her life at the hands of violent construction boss

'Don't start in front of my kid' Mum's terror as woman glassed her after Bible study

Dalton Street, Burnley
Dalton Street, Burnley -Credit:Google

A woman smashed a glass on mum's head after doing her Bible study in her front garden, a court heard.

Rosanne Rourke, 42, had been sitting outside her house in Burnley when she saw her victim walking down the street with her four-year-old child. The mother had been socialising with friends but had left the gathering to see her boyfriend, who lived a few streets away.

As she made her way down Dalton Street, Rourke began walking towards her with a wine glass in her hand. Noticing Rourke’s body language, the mother said: “Don’t start anything in front of my kid.” She then handed the child her phone, telling her to run to a neighbour.

FULL STORY: 'Don't start in front of my kid' Mum's terror as woman glassed her after Bible study

Drug dealer travelled from Manchester to sell drugs on Blackpool's streets

Police followed the car to the car park of the Grand Hotel where Michael Mulligan had booked a room
Police followed the car to the car park of the Grand Hotel where Michael Mulligan had booked a room -Credit:Google

A drug dealer who sold heroin and crack on the streets of Blackpool has been jailed for two years.

Michael Mulligan, 24, was seen in a car on November 9, 2022. Officers carried out a check on the vehicle and found intelligence linking it to drug dealing.

They followed the car along the Promenade and stopped it at the Grand Hotel. Mulligan had a black shoulder bag containing a mobile phone and £591 cash. Another mobile phone was found between his legs in the car, Preston Crown Court heard.

FULL STORY: Drug dealer travelled from Manchester to sell drugs on Blackpool's streets

Boy rioter, 12, appears at court in school shoes after handing himself in

SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Riot police hold back protesters near a burning police vehicle after disorder broke out on July 30, 2024 in Southport, England. Rumours about the identity of the 17-year-old suspect in yesterday's deadly stabbing attack here have sparked a violent protest. According to authorities and media reports, the suspect was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents, but the person cannot be named due to his age. A false report had circulated online that the suspect was a recent immigrant who crossed the English Channel last week and was "on an MI6 watchlist." (Photo by Getty Images)

A 12-year-old boy who threw stones at police after rioting erupted outside a mosque in Southport is believed to have become the youngest person sentenced after this summer’s disorder.

The boy, accompanied by his father at Liverpool Youth Court, had admitted at an earlier hearing a charge of violent disorder on July 31. He handed himself in to the police after he was captured on camera throwing stones at officers while a mob shouted racist abuse and targeted a mosque..

District Judge Wendy Lloyd gave the youngster, who wore a black fleece and school shoes, a 12-month referral order, a three-month curfew order and his father a six-month parenting order. His father was also ordered to pay £85 costs and £200 compensation to Southport Mosque.

FULL STORY: Boy rioter, 12, appears at court in school shoes after handing himself in

Prolific Blackburn shoplifters who made hardworking traders' lives a misery jailed

Scott Chinnery and David Yates
Scott Chinnery and David Yates

Two prolific shoplifters who made life a misery for traders have been jailed.

David Yates and Scott Chinnery were arrested following investigations by Blackburn Police. Officers detained Chinnery, 35, on September 4 in connection with a number of thefts that had taken place at various businesses across the town.

Chinnery, of no fixed address, appeared in court the next where he pleaded guilty to the charges. He was jailed for 36 weeks.

Yates, 39, of no fixed address, was arrested on September 10 and was charged with 14 shoplifting offences and two breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order. He appeared in court on September 11 where he was jailed for 22 weeks.

FULL STORY: Prolific Blackburn shoplifters who made hardworking traders' lives a misery jailed

Dad who won Pride award unable to watch in court as 'horrifying' video showed his crimes

A dad who had previously been heralded as a hero with a Pride award faced the stark glare of condemnation in court for attacking police officers with bricks, concrete, and a wheelie bin.

Joshua Cropper was honoured last year for saving five dogs were trapped inside a burning house. However the 31-year-old found himself at the heart of violent clashes in Southport after the fatal stabbings of three young schoolgirls.

The dad-of-three was unable to watch as shocking video footage revealed his crimes. He covered his eyes in the dock of Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (September 17) as he was played footage of himself stripping off his t-shirt to use as an improvised mask, before trying to smash the window of a police van while one PC was still trapped inside.

FULL STORY: Dad who won Pride award unable to watch in court as 'horrifying' video showed his crimes

Drunk woman beat ex-girlfriend with chair leg in booze-fuelled attack at her Blackpool flat

Pauline Sumner
Pauline Sumner

A woman feared she was going to die in a vicious attack with chair legs and an alarm clock at the hands of her ex.

Pauline Sumner, 49, was drunk when she arrived at her ex's flat in Blackpool and declared she was still in love with her, on December 9, 2023. The pair argued about issues in their past relationship but when the woman tried to leave, Sumner pushed her back into the bedroom.

She began hitting and kicking the woman, who felt 'defenceless' as Sumner rained down blows on her. Sumner took the legs from a chair and continued to beat her with them. She left the room briefly but returned, swinging an alarm clock by its cable and launching other household items at her ex.

FULL STORY: Drunk woman beat ex-girlfriend with chair leg in booze-fuelled attack at her Blackpool flat

9-year neighbours feud left woman blind after family 'acted like animals'

Tempers flared between neighbours in Richmond Road
Tempers flared between neighbours in Richmond Road

Three men who acted "like a pack of animals" when a nine-year neighbour dispute got out of hand appeared in the dock to be sentenced.

Mohammed Zulefqar Nasar, 21, Mohammed Bilal Nasar, 23, and their father Mohammed Sattar, 51, set upon a woman after Sattar's wife was blinded in a feud between warring families. On April 11, 2023, a window at their home in Accrington was smashed causing tempers to flare.

The men went to their rivals' house in Richmond Road and began throwing objects into the grounds. A piece of wood was thrown back, hitting Sattar's wife in the face. She 'immediately doubled over in pain', Preston Crown Court heard.

FULL STORY: 9-year neighbours feud left woman blind after family 'acted like animals'

Predatory paedophile, 67, left lives 'shattered' by vile crimes over five decades

A depraved paedophile whose actions have left a trail of devastation over five decades has been sentenced to prison.

Peter Wilson, 67, has been handed a 27-year sentence due to the courage of his victims. Spanning 51 years from 1972, Wilson preyed on seven individuals.

He admitted to two charges of sexual assault on a child under 13 and making an indecent image of a child. A jury also convicted him of an additional 23 sexual offences against children and adults, including indecent assault and rape, following a trial.

FULL STORY: Predatory paedophile, 67, left lives 'shattered' by vile crimes over five decades

Preston teen, 13, attacked lollipop man while on bail for spree of violence

Tim Akroyd with the hamper collected by teachers, parents and pupils
Tim Akroyd with the hamper collected by teachers, parents and pupils -Credit:Facebook/Tim Akroyd

A Preston teenager who attacked a lollipop man was on bail for a separate spree of violence when he injured the school crossing patrol man.

Tim Ackroyd suffered a fractured rib when he was assaulted at work outside Queens Drive Primary School, on Black Bull Lane, Fulwood. The 74-year-old was kicked to the ground by a teenager, who was riding on the back of a motorbike which sped up, moments before the attack.

The 14-year-old, who can not be named for legal reasons, has been handed a 12 moNth youth referral order for the attack on Tim, as well as violence against a married couple six weeks earlier.

FULL STORY: Preston teen, 13, attacked lollipop man while on bail for spree of violence

Killer who stabbed vulnerable flat mate to death was housed with victim after release from prison

Frank Wrona
Frank Wrona

A killer who murdered his house mate in a drug fuelled frenzy had been placed in the house following his release from prison.

Frank Wrona, 44, had only been free from custody for three weeks when he killed Richard Chamberlain on Easter Sunday (March 31, 2024).

Richard, 34, was a vulnerable man who lived with the challenges of autism. His family described him as a loving and caring man who enjoyed art and nature, and dreamed of becoming a fashion designer.

Wrona, 44, was a violent thug who had just been released from a 31 month sentence for attacking his brother with a broken mirror. Following his release, on March 6, he spent a night on the streets before being housed at the property in New Market Street, Colne, where Richard and another man lived.

FULL STORY: Killer who stabbed vulnerable flat mate to death was housed with victim after release from prison

He sighed and scoffed throughout the court hearing, then the Judge threw the book at him

A dad of two who hurled missiles at police and joined in racist chants in Southport has become the latest to appear in the docks at Liverpool Crown Court. Jordan Gibson, from Whelley, Wigan, was part of a 1,000-strong mob which descended on the town on Tuesday, July 30, one day after the fatal stabbings of six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice Da Silva Aguiar. Gibson, 33, had travelled to the town to lay flowers at a vigil in memory of the three girls. But as grieving families and members of the community left the area, he joined a huge gang outside a mosque on nearby St Luke's Road, where violence quickly broke out as police were called to the scene.

A racist thug who hurled bricks at police while joining in with racist chants of "we want our country back" and "Allah, Allah, who the f*** is Allah" has been jailed.

Jordan Gibson was part of a mob of 1,000 that descended on Southport on July 30 - a day after the tragic deaths of children Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Da Silva Aguiar. The dad-of-two had journeyed to the town to pay his respects at a vigil for the three young victims.

FULL STORY: He sighed and scoffed throughout the court hearing, then the Judge threw the book at him

Boxer Mali Wright jailed for killing Daniel Allsop in 'brutal' Blackpool attack

Mali Wright
Mali Wright -Credit:Lancs Police

A boxer who killed a man after punching him so hard that he broke several of his ribs and ruptured his spleen has been jailed for more than 14 years.

Daniel Allsop, 38, was brutally attacked by Mali Wright, 30, in Blackpool at around 4.30pm on October 2 last year. The victim had walked to Bethesda Road with the intention of buying drugs.

However, when he arrived Wright attacked him, breaking his ribs and rupturing his spleen before chasing him away. A short time later Mr Allsop collapsed in the doorway of a nearby McDonalds restaurant and was taken to hospital.

FULL STORY: Boxer Mali Wright jailed for killing Daniel Allsop in 'brutal' Blackpool attack

'Top boy' of multi-million Lancashire OCG with 'Shark' and 'Rambo' lines caught at Manchester Airport after a year on the run

The 'top boy' of a multi-million pound drug supply ring has finally been jailed after nearly a year on the run.

Rafhan Sarwar was one of the leaders of an Pendle and Burnley based organised criminal group (OCG) operating throughout the North-West, Yorkshire and the Midlands. With the long arm of the law closing in, the 34-year-old went on the run for nearly 12 months before being detained at Manchester Airport.

During that time, his co-conspirators were given prison sentences totalling over 60 years. Sarwar, formerly of Charles Street, Nelson, but now of no fixed address, will now be joining them after he was jailed for a total of nine and a half years by Judge Simon Medland KC at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday (September 10).

FULL STORY: 'Top boy' of multi-million Lancashire OCG with 'Shark' and 'Rambo' lines caught at Manchester Airport after a year on the run

'These are dangerous offences': Preston perv had duck porn and searched for 'pre-pubescent boys'

Preston Crown Court
Preston Crown Court -Credit:Lancs Live/Jude Tolson

A pervert was caught with a haul of sickening sex images, which included a person having sex with a duck.

Mark Crook, 65, also had indecent images depicting pre-pubescent boys when police searched his devices in August 2023. Preston Crown Court heard Crook, of Porter Street, Preston, was on the sex offenders register after being caught with child abuse images in 2011.

However from 2015 he returned to his old ways and began accessing the illegal material online. On August 25, officers visited Crook's home and seized devices which included two mobile phones, a laptop, a tablet, a Kindle and six USB sticks. When analysed, the devices were found to contain around 500 indecent images of children, ranging from category A to C, as well as the extreme animal porn.

FULL STORY: 'These are dangerous offences': Preston perv had duck porn and searched for 'pre-pubescent boys'

Nurse left 10-week-old son to die at home while she went to work

An NHS nurse who left her 10-week-old baby to die while she went to work at hospital has been jailed for three years after being caught trying to flee to Nigeria.

Single mother Ruth Auta, 28, abandoned Joshua Akerele in her nurse's accommodation for eight hours so she could work her shift at Royal Bolton Hospital. When she returned, she found Joshua lifeless and dialled 999, telling operators her son was not breathing.

Despite efforts to resuscitate Joshua, he was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. When the police arrived, Auta initially lied, claiming that she had picked up Joshua from his childminder after her shift.

FULL STORY: Nurse left 10-week-old son to die at home while she went to work

'Gentle giant' burst into home, licked man's face and slapped his mum's bum

A self-proclaimed "gentle giant" high on cocaine burst into an estranged friend's home, licked his face and slapped his mum on the bum.

James Costello, 39, told his victim that he "loved him" after climbing on top of him on a sofa before kicking a dog during the bizarre episode. Appearing at court yesterday (September 11), he thanked a judge for "giving him the biggest gift" in the sentence she imposed upon him, and begged: "Give me more if you can."

Costello "used to be friends with" his victim before the two "drifted apart." However, he bumped into the man's mother in a shop in the in March this year.

FULL STORY: 'Gentle giant' burst into home, licked man's face and slapped his mum's bum

Cruel dog owner beat and shouted at pets as they 'screamed in pain'

A cruel dog owner who abused and intimidated his pets repeatedly over five months as they screamed in pain has avoided jail.

Over 30 harrowing video recordings of the Doberman and Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross crying out in fear and distress after the animals were allegedly beaten, shouted and sworn at were passed to the RSPCA. On at least 20 of the clips, they could be heard making screaming or screeching noises after banging, thudding or slap-like sounds - accompanied by a male voice - had come from the house.

Robert Jones, from Southport, was handed a 22-week suspended prison sentence and a ten-year ban on keeping dogs after he was prosecuted by the RSPCA for intimidating and physically abusing them. The court heard how the recordings, which were taken between January and July last year, were passed to the animal welfare charity by someone who was concerned about the dogs’ welfare, and an investigation was then started by the RSPCA.

FULL STORY: Cruel dog owner beat and shouted at pets as they 'screamed in pain'

Mum of riot boy, 12, who flew to Ibiza while son was in court hit with £1,200 fine

IBIZA, SPAIN - JULY 28: Tourists and locals sunbathe on Figueretas beach on July 28, 2020 in Ibiza, Spain. The United Kingdom, whose citizens comprise the largest share of foreign tourists in Spain, added Ibiza and other Spanish islands to its advice against non-essential travel to the country, citing a rise in coronavirus cases. The change follows the UK's decision to reimpose a 14-day isolation period for travelers returning from Spain. (Photo by Andres Iglesias/Getty Images)

The mother of one of Britain’s youngest criminals involved in this summer’s riots who went to Ibiza when her son was due in court has been ordered to pay compensation amounting to the cost of her holiday by a judge.

The 30-year-old single mother, who appeared at Manchester Magistrates Court, alongside her son, 12, told District Judge Joanne Hirst her holiday to the Spanish island had cost £1,000. After an hour-long hearing, the judge ordered the mother to take part in a six-month parenting course and to pay compensation of £1,200, telling her, “You know it’s approximately the same cost as your holiday to Ibiza.”

She told the youngster he had been involved in “the worst type of feral behaviour in our country” and if an adult, he would be going to jail for up to five years, but she was giving him a “chance” and instead ordered him to complete a 12-month referral order. The boy, who has ADHD, was described as a “lovely affection little boy,” by his mother, but who had at times a “chaotic” home life.

FULL STORY: Mum of riot boy, 12, who flew to Ibiza while son was in court hit with £1,200 fine

Nursery worker cries and hangs head in shame as she's shown what happened when 'adrenaline got the better of her'

A nursery worker who hurled racial abuse and struck out at a police officer's riot shield during violent scenes has been remanded into custody and warned to face jail.

Ellie Clarke cried and hung her head in shame in court as she was shown what happened when "the adrenaline got the better of her". The 21-year-old was seen "at the front of the mob" in Southport on July 30 - the day after the fatal stabbings of three young girls.

A court yesterday (September) heard how Clarke pointed towards a cordon which had been formed by officers and shouted "if it was your f***ing daughter who was stabbed dead by a f***ing p**i" and "pushed aggressively" at one of their riots shields. Crowds had gathered in the area of St Luke's Road in the town and hurled missiles towards police at the Southport Islamic Society Mosque with more than 50 officers suffering injuries.

FULL STORY: Nursery worker cries and hangs head in shame as she's shown what happened when 'adrenaline got the better of her'

Prolific shoplifter jailed as police hail 'good news' for businesses

Amy Barnes has been jailed for 12 weeks
Amy Barnes has been jailed for 12 weeks

A prolific shoplifter has been jailed 'for a number of months' after terrorising local businesses.

Police said Amy Barnes 'continuously' committed offences of shoplifting in the Nelson area. She was charged with a number of offences of theft from shops and appeared before magistrates on Friday (September 6).

LancsLive previously reported in 2022 how Barnes was jailed for 14 weeks for her significant amount of shoplifting. She was also made the subject of a criminal behaviour order banning her from local stores following her release from prison.

FULL STORY: Prolific shoplifter jailed as police hail 'good news' for businesses

He covered his face with an England flag and threw a wheelie bin and 18 bottles at police, but 'struggles to understand why'

Paul Harrison threw a wheelie bin and 18 bottles at police but 'can't understand why on earth he got involved'
Paul Harrison threw a wheelie bin and 18 bottles at police but 'can't understand why on earth he got involved'

A violent thug who used an England flag to cover his face and threw a wheelie bin at police during the Southport riots has been jailed.

Paul Harrison, 30, was captured on shocking footage launching the receptacle at a group of police officers during the disorder on July 30. He can later be seen wrapping a St George's Cross flag around his face before picking up glass bottles from a recycling bin to lob at a retreating police van.

He was part of a mob that had descended on the seaside town after three young girls were knifed to death at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club event a day earlier. The racially-motivated violence was spurred on by false online rumours that the killer was a Muslim immigrant who travelled to the UK illegally and yobs targeted a mosque in the town before attacking police.

FULL STORY: He covered his face with an England flag and threw a wheelie bin and 18 bottles at police, but 'struggles to understand why'

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