These are the faces of 66 Merseyside criminals who were jailed in July

A YouTube drill rapper, a fake priest and a disgruntled Countdown contestant were among the defendants locked up last monthFrom left; Bridie Trotter, Harry Ford and Molly Breen(Image: Cheshire Police)

A YouTube drill rapper, a disgruntled Countdown contestant and a dad who falsely claimed to be a reverend were among the criminals from across Merseyside who were jailed this month. Also locked up was a man who fled the country with his dog after pocketing hundreds of thousands of pounds selling dodgy streaming subscriptions.

Meanwhile, Liverpool Crown Court heard that a teenager killed a 79-year-old man after losing control of his car while inhaling nitrous oxide. Here are the faces of 66 defendants from our region who were imprisoned during July:

Martin Threlfall, Dylan Threlfall and Keelan WestbrookMartin Threlfall, of Windermere Road in Ince, aged 29(Image: Merseyside Police)

Three brothers have been jailed after throwing wheelie bins and missiles at police officers. Martin Threlfall, Dylan Threlfall and Keelan Westbrook all became embroiled in violent scenes in Southport last summer, having travelled to the scene of the disorder from their homes in the Greater Manchester area.

The latter will now miss the birth of his firstborn child as a result of his involvement, with the middle sibling also being due to become a father again later this year. Their incarceration was labelled a “traumatic event for the family”, some of whom were seen in tears as their loved ones were led to the cells.

Dylan Threlfall, of Freshfield Avenue in Atherton, aged 23(Image: Merseyside Police)

All three brothers admitted violent disorder. A suited Martin Threlfall, who also admitted possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, was locked up for two years, with one woman in the public gallery being seen with her head in her hands and another wiping away tears.

Keelan Westbrook, of Freshfield Avenue in Atherton, aged 21(Image: Merseyside Police)

Dylan Threlfall, who wore a grey suit in the dock, was handed 18 months, having also admitted possession of cannabis, while Westbrook, who sported a white short sleeved shirt and a striped tie, received 16 months behind bars. Their supporters waved and gave them thumbs up as they carried their belongings to the cells in Aldi and TK Maxx bags for life.

Danny SmithDanny Smith, of no fixed address, aged 34(Image: Merseyside Police)

A prisoner threw a kettle full of boiling water over his sleeping cellmate amid a row over a vape. Danny Smith left his victim writhing in agony following a brutal behind bars assault at HMP Altcourse before alleging that his victim was “going to kill him”.

It came after the serial offender had been placed into the same cell as another inmate in spite of long standing warnings against such a practice. A judge “urged” him to seek support for his mental health “for his own sake”.

Smith admitted one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Appearing via video link to HMP Liverpool wearing a grey t-shirt with a navy jumper around his shoulders, he was jailed for 16 months.

Pham Van CuongPham Van Cuong, of no fixed address, aged 35(Image: Merseyside Police)

A dad tried to hide in the loft when the police came knocking at his door. Pham Van Cuong was caught red-handed tending to plants inside a cannabis farm which had been set up in an empty house.

The 35-year-old admitted one count of production of cannabis. Appearing via video link to HMP Altcourse while assisted by an interpreter, he was jailed for 14 months and may be liable for deportation.

Maria Rivas SantosMaria Rivas Santos, 32 from Liverpool, was sentenced to four years, eight months in prison(Image: Surrey Police)

A drug courier who was stopped by armed police officers with 5kg of cocaine stashed in her boot. Maria Rivas Santos, 32, was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison after admitting conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Kevin MarshallKevin Marshall(Image: Merseyside Police)

A dad-of-three falsely claimed to be a reverend as he sought to groom two schoolgirls. Kevin Marshall, who posted pictures of himself wearing a priest’s collar and a Moncler coat on Facebook, booked hotel stays and arranged to meet up for coffee with the teenagers after befriending them via social media.

But, unbeknown to him, he was actually being ensnared in a paedophile hunter sting. He was left in tears in court, as well as feeling “disgusted and embarrassed”, after his “nasty” secret was exposed.

Marshall pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted sexual communications with a child and two charges of arranging or facilitating a child sex offence. Appearing in the dock wearing a grey t-shirt and sporting short dark hair, he was seen wiping tears away with a tissue at times during the hearing before being jailed for three years.

Patrick HeronPatrick Heron(Image: Merseyside Police)

A dad called 999 and falsely reported that his van had been stolen during a night in the pub after his workmate ran a red light in the vehicle and fatally struck a pensioner. John Newton was out jogging on February 25 last year when he was hit by a Ford Transit van as he crossed Utting Avenue East in Norris Green.

The “fit and healthy” grandad, who still worked as a part-time mechanic, was left dying in the street before succumbing to his “catastrophic” injuries in hospital the following day, aged 81. “Cowardly” Christopher Daly, who had been banned from the roads for more than 20 years, callously fled the scene of the crash then denied that he had been driving when police came knocking at his door.

His colleague Patrick Heron meanwhile sought to assist in covering his tracks by reporting the vehicle, which was hired in his name, stolen. The gas fitter was left blowing a kiss to his tearful loved ones as he too was locked up.

Heron admitted one count of perverting the course of justice. Appearing in the dock wearing a black polo shirt and sporting short grey hair, he bowed his head as he was jailed for 14 months then blew a kiss to his tearful partner in the public gallery while being led to the cells.

Daly was unanimously found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving by a jury of six men and six women, having previously admitted causing death by careless driving and causing death by driving while disqualified and uninsured. He was jailed for 12 years in August last year.

John Thornley and Kenneth ShollicarJohn Thornley(Image: Merseyside Police)

A convicted drug dealer told a judge that he “panicked” when he crashed his car into a tree after he had “had a few shandies”. John Thornley fled on foot from the scene of the accident, leaving his passenger unconscious and with serious injuries.

Having been subject to a suspended prison sentence at the time, he then convinced another man, Kenneth Shollicar, to falsely claim that he had been behind the wheel at the time of the collision. But the ill-fated scheme ultimately left both men behind bars.

Kenneth Shollicar(Image: Merseyside Police)

Thornley admitted causing serious injury by careless driving, perverting the course of justice and breaching a suspended sentence order. Wearing a green Castore t-shirt in the dock, he was jailed for three years and disqualified for 28 months.

Shollicar pleaded guilty to perverting the course. Appearing via video link to HMP Liverpool wearing a grey North Face t-shirt, he was handed 12 months.

John DeverJohn Dever, 25, of Good Shephard Close in Croxteth

A man met a 14-year-old girl on social media before forming a sexual relationship with her over the course of more than a year. John Dever engaged in the “vile and predatory” exploitation of the schoolgirl before police were notified of his behaviour when staff at a hotel raised concerns over her age.

It was then discovered that the now 25-year-old had booked rooms across Liverpool and Southport in order to carry out his crimes. He pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual activity with a child, arranging or facilitating a child sex offence and five charges of making indecent images of a child and was sentenced to five years and three months in prison.

Gary JonesGary Jones, of Birchtree Road, Aigburth(Image: Merseyside police)

A drug dealer raked in a small fortune with his “one man band” business, blowing his ill-gotten gains on designer bags, a Louis Vuitton purse and a Rolex watch worth £21,750. Gary Jones was said to have returned to a life of crime after losing his job at a garage.

Police later raided his Liverpool city centre flat and seized a treasure trove of illegal goods. This included 2.3kg of cannabis and cannabis resin, with an estimated value between £16,711 and £28,473, and £64,945 in cash.

A designer bag was found in the bedroom, along with further designer goods such as a Louis Vuitton purse and a Rolex worth £21,750. Jones pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply and possession of criminal property and was jailed for 28 months.

Odday El-SaddiOdday El-Saddi, 48, of Regency Square, Warrington

A man has been jailed for his campaign of sexual abuse on a child over the course of three years, starting when they were nine years old. Odday El-Saddi was sentenced to 17 years in prison after being found guilty of 15 sexual offences, including sexual assault and rape.

Filip StasiukFilip Stasiuk, 25, was jailed for 38 months(Image: Cheshire Police)

A drug dealer who used an excessive number of air fresheners in an attempt to disguise the smell of his cannabis has been jailed. Filip Stasiuk pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis after being stopped by police in a silver Chrysler car and was locked up for 38 months.

Michael AleyMichael Aley, of Nassau Odijkstraat, Netherlands(Image: Cheshire police)

An 83-year-old man from the Netherlands exposed himself to a 15-year-old girl during a series of perverted Skype calls. Michael Aley preyed on the teenager for a period of three months, leading to him being extradited to the UK and arrested upon touching down at an airport.

The pensioner pleaded guilty to causing a child to watch sexual activity. He was sentenced to 10 months in prison, and will serve his sentence back in his home country.

Harry FordHarry Ford was jailed for more than three years(Image: Cheshire Police)

A drug dealer who thought he was “working under the radar” but was quickly identified by police and jailed. Harry Ford was pleaded guilty to possession of heroin and cocaine with intent following a raid at his home and was locked up for 30 months.

Steven McCrackenSteven McCracken has been jailed for 12 years(Image: Merseyside Police)

A man has been jailed after police searched a property and found 10kg of Class A and B drugs, more than £30,000 in cash, three firearms and a silencer. Steven McCraken was sentenced to 12 years and eight months in prison following a major police investigation.

Kieran SizeKieran Size, 26, of Kilnyard Road, Crosby

A drug dealer was jailed after police found a graft phone in his car when he was stopped. Kieran Size was sentenced to 40 months behind bars for offences of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

Chris BeyaChris Beya(Image: Merseyside Police)

A war of words between two drill rappers on YouTube led to scenes of terror at a place of worship. Chris Beya, aka “Crashbandit” traded figurative shots online with Rashan Hamilton, known as “R1”, before ambushing him with an imitation firearm.

The terrifying assault came as the victim left a mosque following afternoon prayers. Their dispute is said to have formed part of a wider rivalry between the “Lodge Lane” and “Berkley Crew” gangs of L8, with the two men having links to a spate of cruel street robberies and even murder cases.

Beya admitted possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. Appearing in court via video link to HMP Liverpool, he was jailed for three years.

Molly BreenMolly Breen

A woman who attempted to smuggle class A drugs into Creamfields has been jailed for more than two years. Molly Breen confessed that she had a total of 74 MDMA tablets and 15 small snap bags, worth around £1,200, secreted on her person after being approached by a police officer upon entering the music festival.

An analysis of her mobile phone thereafter revealed that she had been asked to convey the drugs into the site by an unknown person after requesting to purchase drugs from him. The 26-year-old was sentenced to 27 months behind bars after admitting possession of MDMA with intent to supply.

Thomas GibsonThomas Gibson(Image: Merseyside Police)

A teenager killed a 79-year-old man when he lost control of his car, having been inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon while driving. Thomas Gibson ploughed his vehicle into Edward Hickey and his nephew, moments after the two men had left the pub where they had been watching a Liverpool FC game on TV.

The then 18-year-old driver had only passed his test weeks beforehand. He was said to have spent the day huffing NOS with friends at the beach prior to the fatal collision, in which he left his victims with “no chance of getting out of the way”.

Gibson admitted causing death by dangerous driving. Appearing in the dock wearing a white shirt, he sat with his arms throughout the hearing before being jailed for four-and-a-half years.

Daniel BirchmoreDaniel Birchmore, of Manley Street, Wigan(Image: Merseyside Police)

A dad “motivated by racial hatred” joined an angry mob which wreaked havoc on the streets of Southport. Daniel Birchmore, who was caught on camera hurling a wheelie bin and a brick at police officers as violence broke out in the seaside town in summer last year, was jailed for two years after admitting violent disorder.

Benjamin SharpBenjamin Sharp, 43, of York Road, Wallasey(Image: Merseyside Police)

A paedophile who developed a sick obsession with a little girl went on to sexually abuse her. Benjamin Sharp preyed on the youngster when she was aged between seven and nine after telling her “if she was older, he would marry her”.

The 43-year-old was found guilty of three counts of gross indecency with a child and one count of indecent assault following a trial, having admitted a further charge of sexual assault. He was jailed for four years.

James ElliottJames Elliott(Image: Merseyside Police)

A chef left a teenager bloodied, barefoot and in tears in the street after violently raping her during a party. James Elliott “didn’t seem like that sort of lad”, having apparently sought to comfort his victim when she became upset following a row.

But the dad-of-two then “started getting weird” and pinned her onto a bed before subjecting her to a harrowing sexual assault. He is said to have been left “disappointed” with the verdict of the jury and sat with his head in his hands as he was locked up.

Elliott was found guilty of one count of rape by a jury. Appearing via video link to HMP Liverpool wearing a black Technicals coat, he was jailed for eight years.

Mark BrockleyMark Brockley(Image: City of London Police)

A judge told a fraudster “nice to see you” after he fled the country with his dog. Mark Brockley pocketed hundreds of thousands of pounds by selling pirated subscriptions which enabled his customers to stream Premier League and Champions League matches.

Having then scarpered with his profits, he spent years on the run in France and Spain. But he has now finally been tracked down on the continent and has been extradited back to the UK.

Brockley was found guilty of distributing articles infringing on copyright and fraudulently evading income tax by a jury in his absence, with the dock remaining empty as he was previously jailed for five years. But he was brought before the court last week for the execution of a warrant which was issued for his arrest, and he is now beginning his sentence.

Jordan LytollisJordan Lytollis(Image: Merseyside Police)

A dad has been banned from every JD Sports and Footasylum store in the country. Jordan Lytollis attacked members of staff in a Liverpool ONE store with a metal bar after being caught shoplifting, warning them: “If you come anywhere near me, I’ll take your head off.”

It came amid a spree of thefts worth thousands of pounds at stores across Merseyside and Greater Manchester. A judge labelled him a “greedy and violent individual” and told him: “Violence and dishonesty seems to be second nature to you.”

Lytollis admitted affray, criminal damage and a total of 10 counts of theft. Appearing in the dock wearing a grey Montirex tracksuit, he shook his head as he was jailed for 27 months and handed a criminal behaviour order.

This will ban him from entering every branch of JD Sports, Footasylum and Blacks in the UK for the next four years. His partner was meanwhile seen in tears in the public gallery as he was led to the cells.

Paul ChowlesFormer National Crime Agency officer Paul Chowles(Image: Crown Prosecution Service)

A National Crime Agency officer stole Bitcoin worth more than £4million from a criminal who ran a dark web black market for drugs. Thomas White was able to live a life of luxury on the back of his illegal Silk Road website, via which class A and B illicit substances were freely traded, before police raided his waterfront flat in Liverpool city centre.

Paul Chowles, who formed part of the NCA team which brought the dropout Liverpool John Moores University student down, seized on the opportunity to steal 50 Bitcoin from the man who he had been tasked with investigating. This stolen cryptocurrency was worth around £60,000 at the time of the theft, but its worth has since ballooned to more than £4million.

The former intelligence analyst and unit manager was said to have believed that he had “gotten away with” his crimes for years, quietly spending his ill-gotten gains on day-to-day expenses rather than expensive cars or exotic holidays. His brazen scheme was ultimately only revealed when White was released from prison and pointed out the missing coins to police, with the officer having now been put behind bars himself.

Chowles admitted theft, transferring criminal property and concealing criminal property. Appearing suited in the dock and sporting glasses, short mousey brown hair and a beard, he showed no reaction as he was handed five-and-a-half years behind bars.

Alexander DavidsonAlexander Davidson(Image: Merseyside Police)

A thug stabbed a man in the neck in a “revenge” attack after apparently being “ripped off” in a drug deal. Alexander Davidson was said to have carried out the brutal assault in a pharmacy while “desperate” for heroin and crack cocaine.

The addict thereafter ditched the weapon which he used to stab his victim before being arrested in Liverpool ONE later the same day. A judge today told him that he was “exceptionally lucky” not to be facing a murder charge in an incident that could have “easily” killed the other man.

Davidson admitted one count of unlawful wounding and, appearing via video link to HMP Liverpool, was jailed for 33 months. Asked whether he understood his sentence, he replied: “Yes, but I don’t agree with your summarisation.”

Laura GreenwoodLaura Greenwood(Image: Merseyside Police)

A former Countdown contestant sent a string of alarming death threats to presenter Rachel Riley after developing a menacing grudge. Laura Greenwood made it to the quarter finals of the Channel 4 game show before being sectioned, after which the convicted arsonist began bombarding online fan forums with a series of vile posts.

These criticised the programme for descending into “kid’s stuff and b****cks” and accused a long serving producer of being a paedophile and a “slimy weirdo”. A string of further abusive messages then threatened that it was a “question of when, not if” he and Ms Riley would be murdered, with one ranting diatribe stating: “When I’m ready it’s him and Riley first, and then as many as I can possibly take before I go to prison.”

Greenwood, who appeared via video link to HMP Downview wearing a blue cardigan over a grey t-shirt and sporting long brown hair and glasses, admitted three counts of sending a communication conveying an offensive and three of sending a message threatening death or serious harm. Judge Brian Cummings KC imposed a further prison sentence of six months, which will run consecutively to a current prison term of two years and eight months.

Shaun AshleyShaun Ashley(Image: Merseyside Police)

A mum discovered a horrifying secret after looking at her daughter’s tablet computer. Messages contained within the device, which the teen had exchanged with her boyfriend via social media, revealed that the youngster had suffered repeated sexual assaults at the hands of Shaun Ashley.

The remorseless pervert then “bribed” his victim with cash in order to buy her silence. He remains “adamant” that he is an innocent man, however, having “refused to take responsibility for what he did”.

Ashley was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault of a girl under 13 and one of sexual activity with a child following a trial. Appearing via video link to HMP Liverpool wearing a black t-shirt and glasses, he was jailed for seven-and-a-half years.

Nathan Simpson, Nathan Davies, John Lally, Daniel RNathan Simpson(Image: Cheshire Police)

Seven EncroChat gang members who supplied class A and B drugs at an “industrial” level have been jailed for more than 55 years. The organised crime group was led by Nathan Simpson, Nathan Davies, and John Lally, who used the handles “Gardenfella”, “Chillifella” and “Silverfella” on the encrypted communications platform.

Daniel Roberts, Steven Dodd, Connor Lawton, and Dominic Bourdet were meanwhile evidenced as having significant roles and were trusted members of the crime group, helping to collect, store, and distribute the gang’s illicit products. Simpson and Davies meanwhile planned drive-by shootings of their rivals, while the former plotted a series of arson attacks alongside Lally and Roberts.

Lally was jailed for 12 years and 4 months years for conspiracy to supply cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis, possession of cocaine with intent to supply, handling stolen goods, encouraging or assisting an offence and arson with intent to endanger life. Davies received nine years and eight months for conspiracy to supply cannabis, production of cannabis, possession of cannabis and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

The gang has been sentenced to a combined 55 years in jail(Image: Cheshire Police)

Dodd was handed six years and nine months for conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis and possession of cannabis. Lawton was sentenced to three years and four months for conspiracy to supply cannabis.

Roberts was locked up for three-and-a-half years for conspiracy to supply cannabis. Bourdet was given three years and eight months behind bars for conspiracy to supply cannabis and possession of amphetamine and cannabis.

Simpson was jailed for 16 years and two months. He admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis, possession of cannabis and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Bridie TrotterBridie Trotter, 36, of Scott Street, Warrington(Image: Merseyside police)

A drug driving mum caused a head-on crash with her two young sons in her car. Bridie Trotter was high on cocaine when she swerved into the opposite lane and crashed into a vehicle carrying a heavily pregnant woman, two children and their day.

Her own five-year-old son suffered serious injuries and was placed into an induced coma as a result of the incident. The other boy, aged four, was also injured, having apparently not been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.

Trotter pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, drug driving and drink driving. She was jailed for 27 months and banned from driving for four years.

Lee SmithLee Smith, 41, of no fixed abode(Image: Merseyside Police)

A man pressed a blade into a taxi driver’s stomach and threatened to kill him after he tried to collect his girlfriend’s unpaid fare. Lee Smith had been out of prison for just two months when he told the driver: “I’ll stab you, I’ll kill you”.

The 41-year-old pleaded guilty to threatening a person with a blade in a public place, and racially aggravated common assault. He was jailed for a total of 30 months.

Adam Wilson and David BowenAdam Wilson(Image: Merseyside Police)

Two hapless thieves returned to the scene of a burglary hoping to steal a Rolex but instead shot an innocent man. Adam Wilson and David Bowen had hoped to pilfer an expensive watch which they believed had been missed during the initial break-in.

But when a neighbour of the intended target questioned their presence on his street late at night, the thugs mistook him for the owner of the Rolex. Having then demanded that he hand over the valuable watch without success, they went on to shoot him in the leg.

David Bowen(Image: Merseyside Police)

Both defendants, who appeared via video link to LMP Liverpool, admitted wounding with intent and possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable only offence. Bowen, who wore a blue Hugo Boss jumper and sported short red hair, was jailed for 10 years and four months while Wilson was given 11 years and eight months.

They will be required to serve two thirds of these terms behind bars before becoming eligible for release on parole, and were also handed extended licence periods of four years. Lifelong restraining orders were imposed on both.

Norman O’Connor and Colin MillerNorman O’Connor(Image: Merseyside Police)

A gang of robbers smashed their way into the home of a 76-year-old man and stole his Jaguar after threatening him with a hammer. Norman O’Connor and Colin Miller formed part of a team of criminals, alongside a 14-year-old boy, who brazenly pinched cash from the pensioner’s pockets during a cruel burglary.

They then made off at speed in his classic car, which they ultimately wrote off in a head-on crash as they sought to evade the clutches of the police. A judge told them that their victim’s “independence and pride was shattered by their actions”.

Colin Miller(Image: Merseyside Police)

O’Connor admitted robbery, theft, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, theft and going equipped for theft. He was locked up for a total of nine years.

Miller pleaded guilty to robbery and theft. Appearing in the dock wearing a grey Under Armour tracksuit, he was jailed for eight years and one month.

Christopher HindChristopher Hindley of Braithwaite Road, Lowton, Warrington(Image: Cheshire police)

A depraved paedophile sexually abused a six-year-old boy. Christopher Hindley targeted the youngster over the course of a number of years from the late 1980s onwards.

The now 59-year-old was found guilty of five counts of indecent assault, 10 of indecency with a child and two charges of attempted rape by a jury following a trial. He was handed a total of 12 years behind bars.

Luke CooperLuke Cooper(Image: Cheshire Police)

A road rage driver who punched a man following a row in a supermarket car park has been jailed. Luke Cooper left his victim with multiple facial fractures following the incident outside Morrisons in Ellesmere Port.

The 35-year-old, who had early come close to striking the 59-year-old victim with his car, pleaded guilty to one count of causing grievous bodily harm without intent. He was sentenced to 16 months behind bars.

Leroy Parris, Raymond Escoffrey and Raymond NichollsLeroy Parris, of Carter Street, aged 41(Image: Merseyside Police)

A handcuffed drug dealer successfully fled the clutches of police as his accomplice wrestled with officers and shouted “get off, leave these to me”. Both Raymond Escoffrey and Raymond Nicholls were able to avoid arrest as Leroy Parris “created a diversion” which allowed his co-conspirators to escape.

The incident saw £70,000 of heroin and crack cocaine seized from the boot of a Land Rover, with weapons including an air rifle and a stun gun also being seized from the gang. It came after two PCs “stumbled across” the class A ring’s “base of operations”, having believed the property had been burgled due to its open front door.

Raymond Escoffrey, of Shakespeare Avenue in Kirkby, aged 41(Image: Merseyside Police)

All three admitted conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine and possession of heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply. Wearing a black Puma t-shirt in the dock, Parris, who also pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of a firearm when prohibited for life, was jailed for nine years.

Raymond Nicholls, of Princes Road, aged 38(Image: Merseyside Police)

Escoffrey, who wore a grey tracksuit top over an orange North Face t-shirt and also admitted escaping from lawful custody, was handed eight-and-a-half years. Nicholls similarly pleaded guilty to escaping from lawful custody but remained absent from court as he was locked up for eight years and eight months.

Neil SpencerNeil Spencer, of Eastfield Walk in Kirkby, aged 43(Image: Merseyside Police)

A dad fired a crossbow at the windows and doors of a nan’s house while her grandchildren were inside during a “revenge attack”. Neil Spencer unleashed five shots at the property with the “very dangerous” weapon, including launching bolts directly towards the grandma and one of her daughters, in retaliation for his own kids having apparently been bullied.

One of the masked man’s victims says she “still repeats in her head what could have happened if the bolt hit her”. He is meanwhile said to been left “disappointed and ashamed” over his “misguided and stupid enterprise”.

Spencer admitted making threats with an offensive weapon and two counts of criminal damage. Appearing via video link to HMP Liverpool wearing a grey Montirex t-shirt, he was jailed for 18 months and handed an indefinite restraining order.

Brian StoreyBrian Storey(Image: NCA)

An Encrochat dealer has been jailed over a £900,000 heroin plot. Brian Storey, of Fulwood Park, fled the country after four accomplices were arrested for importing high-purity class A drugs.

The 49-year-old was able to flee moments before the National Crime Agency raided his home after he was identified as the user of the handle “Rich Jay”. He was thereafter believed to have travelled to the south of Spain using a fake passport.

But Storey was ultimately located nearly two years later while police were investigating reports of an assault in Chester city centre. He admitted importing and supplying heroin and was jailed for 12 years and seven months.

Hayden Brooks, Anthony Fox and James SpindlerAnthony Fox, 23, of Byron Close, in Huyton

Members of the “Scouse Jeff” county lines gang have been jailed for a combined total of 11 years. Hayden Brooks, Anthony Fox and James Spindler formed part of a Merseyside-based organised crime group who trafficked class A drugs into Congleton, Cheshire.

Hayden Brooks, 19, of Neston Street, in Liverpool

Fox, 23 was sentenced to five year and six months in prison while Brooks received three years behind bars. Spindler was locked up for two years and six months.

James Spindler, 23, of Arpley Street, in WarringtonThomas HootonThomas Hooton, of Victoria Road West in Crosby, aged 30(Image: Merseyside Police)

The user of the EncroChat handle “Own Raptor” was unmasked by his takeaway orders and purchase of Liverpool FC tickets. Thomas Hooton utilised the encrypted messaging service in order to traffic heroin, cocaine, ketamine and cannabis worth more than £600,000 across the country.

A network of couriers and his “enthusiastic involvement in the supply of drugs” on an “almost daily basis” allowed him to become “well established and trusted by those involved in top level” criminality. But, following his downfall, scores of “prominent individuals”, including West Derby MP Ian Byrne and a knight of the realm, have penned a series of character references to the court, showing “another side to the defendant” and his “genuine remorse”.

Hooton admitted conspiracy to supply heroin, cocaine, ketamine, cannabis and cannabis resin. Appearing via video link to HMP Berwyn wearing a sky blue polo shirt, he was jailed for 10 years and eight months.

Gillian ShawGillian Shaw(Image: Merseyside Police)

A mum told police “you should just put me away now” when she was arrested on suspicion of murdering her terminally-ill partner. Steven Cox died aged 63 following an assault at the hands of his long term girlfriend and carer Gillian Shaw on New Year’s Eve last year.

The 62-year-old confessed that she had “tried to gouge his eyes out” during the incident, which led to his death in the early hours of New Year’s Day. It came after she had dreamt that her victim “was going to go back to his ex wife”, having also developed the paranoid belief that he “loved cigarettes more than her”.

Shaw pleaded guilty to manslaughter during a previous hearing, with a charge of murder having been dropped by the prosecution. Appearing in the dock wearing a navy top and sporting glasses and long brown hair, she waved to family members in the public gallery as she was led to the cells after being jailed for five years.

Damien EvansDamien Evans, of Prescot Road in St Helens, aged 34(Image: Merseyside Police)

A domestic abuser flirted with women on TikTok then turned violent when his girlfriend objected. Damien Evans throttled his partner until she passed out after flying into a rage on one occasion.

Despite promising that he would never repeat such an attack, he then strangled her once more only weeks later. Having branded his victim’s account as “lies” and threatened to walk out of court yesterday, he has now pledged he will not take steroids again.

Evans admitted two counts of intentional strangulation and assault. Appearing in the dock wearing a grey long sleeved top and with a tattoo of the word “blessed” above his right eyebrow, he was jailed for 16 months and handed a five-year restraining order.

Christopher Atkinson

A £650,000 drug trafficking operation was dismantled after tip-offs led to a house being raided by police. Christopher Atkinson admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, cannabis and zopiclone and was jailed for seven years and four months.

Thomas Dures(Image: Lancashire Police)

Thomas Dures was jailed for life for the murder of Matthew Daulby. The 21-year-old killer fled the country hours after he stabbed his teenage victim to death during a street brawl in Ormskirk.

Dures was convicted of murder and wounding with intent this week following a trial. He was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 23 years behind bars.

Jack NelsonJack Nelson, of Ullswater Avenue in Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire, aged 26(Image: Merseyside Police)

A dad raped a woman within hours of meeting her during a night out in Liverpool city centre. Jack Nelson‘s sickening sex attack led to a “profound impact” on his victim, who was left feeling suicidal in the aftermath.

The 26-year-old was convicted of one count of rape by a jury following a trial. Appearing in the dock wearing a beige long-sleeved shirt and sporting short mousey brown hair and a beard, he was jailed for eight years.

Riley MaloneyRiley Maloney, of Roughwood Drive in Kirkby, aged 21(Image: Merseyside Police)

A thug who left a boy with a shattered kneecap celebrated his crimes in the pub and was handed fistfuls of cash as a reward. A masked Riley Maloney sent two teenagers flying from the e-bike which they were riding before taking the stolen vehicle to a social club and selling it.

One of his young victims was left on crutches and off school for months as a result of the “callous” assault. But their assailant was ultimately caught out by his New Balance tracksuit and “distinctive” trainers, leaving his hopes of joining the navy in tatters.

Maloney admitted robbery, inflicting grievous bodily harm, theft and possession of a cannabis. Appearing via video link from prison wearing a grey Under Armour tracksuit, two women in the public gallery were seen in tears as he was jailed for three years and handed a seven-year restraining order.

Geraldine KnibbGeraldine Knibb, of St Edmond’s Road in Bootle(Image: Merseyside Police)

The owner of a vicious dog covered her face as she was told her pet would be destroyed. Geraldine Knibb‘s American bulldog Stella mauled three different victim in the space of only two months, including an ambulance driver who was helping a patient on crutches to walk into his home.

The 58-year-old pleaded guilty to three counts of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury. She was jailed for a total of 12 months, which will be served consecutively to an existing seven-year sentence which was imposed for drug offences earlier this year.

Martin GreenMartin Green, of Beech Avenue in Lowton, aged 36(Image: Merseyside Police)

A man who killed a dad after crashing his car into a tree has been jailed. Jonathan Mennell died aged 36 after the vehicle he was travelling in as a passenger was involved in the collision on Southworth Road in Newton-le-Willows.

Martin Green pleaded guilty to causing his death by dangerous driving, having been speeding at up to 121mph in a 30mph zone prior to the fatal accident. He was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Daniel BoneDaniel Bone, 38, of Hale View, Runcorn (Image: Cheshire Police)

A smirking drug dealer flooded an area with cocaine before he was brought to justice for the second time in a year. Daniel Bone was actively selling significant quantities of class A drugs to downstream sellers and users in Runcorn.

The 38-year-old pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine. He was handed 25 months in prison, a sentence which will run concurrently to an existing six-year jail term.

Thomas JardineThomas Jardine, of Chapelhill Road in Moreton, Wirral, aged 34(Image: Merseyside Police)

A drug dealer’s cocaine use spiralled after he was stabbed in the head with a machete and led him back to prison. Thomas Jardine‘s fingerprints were found on a haul of crack cocaine which was seized by police from his co-defendant Keith O’Callaghan.

The latter was pulled over by officers for routine checks, but his “nervous” demeanour led to the “shaking” driver’s secret stash of illicit class A substances being uncovered. However, the courier was spared the same fate and walked free from court

Appearing in the dock wearing a black coat, Jardine pleaded guilty to possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply and was jailed for 27 months. O’Callaghan, who wore a short sleeved check shirt, admitted the same charge and was handed a 24-month imprisonment suspended for two years.

Brandon OrmondBrandon Ormond, of Ripon Road in Wallasey, Wirral, aged 29(Image: Merseyside Police)

A predatory sex offender abused a missing 15-year-old girl after encountering her alone at night. Brandon Ormond convinced his victim that he was a “good person” after approaching her in the street and handing her religious literature.

But he then whisked the vulnerable teen away to a secluded area near to a beach, where he subjected her to a series of vile sexual acts. Having then abandoned her once more in the early hours, she was ultimately discovered by police in distress near to a Morrisons supermarket.

Ormond admitted two counts of sexual activity with a child and causing a child to engage in sexual activity. Appearing via video link to HMP Liverpool wearing a navy blue Regatta fleece and with a crucifix on show around his neck, he was jailed for 38 months.

Matthew LeeMatthew Lee, of Bala Street, aged 31(Image: Merseyside Police)

A convicted drug dealer turned violent following a furious row with his flatmates concerning his 13 dogs. Matthew Lee pulled a “zombie knife” on his victim after he complained over the mess that his pets were making.

This led to the man’s finger being sliced open with the gruesome weapon during a struggle before he was attacked again with a stick. The bizarre incident saw his attacker throw away the second chance which he had been given by a judge after he was caught with a stash of cocaine and cannabis for onward supply.

Lee admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm, making threats with a bladed article and breaching a suspended sentence order. He was jailed for three-and-a-half years and given a seven-year restraining order.