Killers, drug dealers and perverts are among those jailed in September 2025

A dad who killed his own son in a drug fuelled driving collision was among those jailed in September 2025.

Daniel Burba lost control of his van on the M6 near Lancaster, killing his teenage son.

Also jailed were shoplifters, drug dealers and paedophiles. Each week dozens of defendants pass through the docks in Lancashire's courts. Advertisement

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In some cases, lengthy trials have been held in front of juries, while in others the criminals have pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

But in all cases a judge has decided their crimes are so serious only a custodial sentence will suffice.

An open, transparent criminal justice system is an important part of how our democracy works - so we make no apologies for devoting so much time to letting you know what happens in our courts.

Despicable cousins jailed for their roles in 'fake police' scam to fleece pensioners of their savings

The victims were persuaded to withdraw large amounts of cash to help in a fake police investigation -Credit:Getty

Two cousins who played a part in a fake police investigation to scam vulnerable Nelson [1] residents out of their savings have been jailed.

Jamal Yaqoob, 29, and Mubashar Ashfaq, 31, worked as couriers for the operation which deprived its victims of their confidence and dignity - as well as more than GBP30,000. At the time of the offences, each of the five victims believed they were helping the police in an investigation into counterfeit bank notes and Rolex watches, Preston [2] Crown Court [3] heard. Advertisement

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Each was persuaded to withdraw large amounts of cash or purchase Rolex watches to be collected by couriers as 'evidence' of counterfiet goods or notes being distributed.

However the cash and watches were genuine and the victims - who were in their 60s, 70s and 80s - were left out of pocket.

FULL STORY: Despicable cousins jailed for their roles in 'fake police' scam to fleece pensioners of their savings [4]

The tell-tale tracksuit that led cops to their tent-dwelling culprit

Niall Farmer

This is the footage that helped officers snare serial burglar Niall Farmer for a series of raids across Newton, Clifton and Freckleton. Operating under cover of darkness, he stole from cars, sheds and outbuildings for items he could sell on.

Each time he wore his distinctive tracksuit - but kept his head and face covered, wearing gloves to conceal his identity. Advertisement

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Dogged cops from Fylde [5] Rural Task Force scoured hours of CCTV footage, carried out door-to-door enquiries, checked mobile phone and travel logs to try to identify the culprit.

After weeks on the run, Farmer was found hiding in a tent near Preston [6] docks - wearing the same tell-tale tracksuit.

FULL STORY: The tell-tale tracksuit that led cops to their tent-dwelling culprit [7]

Out-of-work dad started his own drugs line to make ends meet - but got caught after just 3 weeks

Richard Roughley -Credit:Facebook

A dad started up his own drug dealing business to pay the bills after a motorbike accident left him unable to work.

In December 2023, Richard Roughley, 33, started selling cocaine from the family home he shared with his partner and two children.

But on January 11, 2024, police executed a warrant at the house in Lea Crescent, Ormskirk [8], and found a glass jar containing two wraps of the class A drug. Advertisement Advertisement

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They also found a tick list of people who owed him money and three mobile phones. One of the phones contained messages which revealed Roughley had been dealing cocaine for around three weeks, Preston [9] Crown Court heard.

Roughley was arrested and pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

FULL STORY: Out-of-work dad started his own drugs line to make ends meet - but got caught after just 3 weeks [10]

Horror moment lorry driver causes fatal crash while distracted by porn on his phone

Neil Platt

This is the horrifying moment an 'arrogant, selfish' lorry driver caused the death of a beloved dad-of-two in a motorway crash while being distracted by pornography on his mobile phone.

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Photographs of naked women appeared on the X social media feed of Neil Platt, 43, moments before the collision near junction four of the M58 in Skelmersdale [11] on May 17 last year. A "heavily distracted" Platt failed to notice stationary traffic ahead of him and struck the Hyundai Kona car of Danny Aitchison, 46, as he waited at the end of a queue.

Mr Aitchison's vehicle was pushed into the rear of a tanker and his car exploded into flames on impact. Preston [12] Crown Court [13] heard that Platt persistently viewed content on his phone during a three-hour journey from Dumfries, Scotland, along the M6 [14] and then when he joined the westbound carriageway of the M58.

FULL STORY: Horror moment lorry driver causes fatal crash while distracted by porn on his phone [15]

'Highly dangerous' predator locked up for 14 years for attacks on 39 young girls

Stuart Latham -Credit:Stuart Latham

A paedophile branded a "predator" has been jailed for 14 years for child sex offences against 39 young girls. Advertisement

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Unemployed Stuart Latham, 22, raped one youngster aged 12 and targeted hundreds of others through "catfishing" - creating a fake online persona, posing as 14-year-old "Josh" on Snapchat.

He preyed on girls, sometimes offering GBP200 for "nude" images or persuading others to send indecent images and videos then threatened to reveal them online if they did not do as he wished, Preston [16] Crown Court [17] heard.

Latham physically abused two youngsters and committed dozens of offences online against the other 37, the court heard - all aged between 12 and 15, who lived across the UK.

FULL STORY: 'Highly dangerous' predator locked up for 14 years for attacks on 39 young girls [18]

Blackburn tour operator pocketed GBP50,000 in fraudulent Covid 'bounce back' loan

Raja Imtiaz was sentenced at Preston Crown Court on September 18

A tour operator has been jailed for two years after fraudulently securing two maximum-value GBP50,000 Covid Bounce Back Loans, despite businesses being entitled to only one.

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Raja Imtiaz, 52, of London Road, Blackburn [19], unlawfully applied for a second Bounce Back Loan on behalf of his company, Al Fayroz Travel & Tourism Limited, just two weeks after receiving an initial GBP50,000 loan in summer 2020.

At Preston [20] Crown Court [21] on Thursday (September 18), Imtiaz was jailed for two years and two months and disqualified from acting as a company director for six-and-a-half years.

David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: "Raja Imtiaz exploited a scheme designed to support small businesses during the pandemic.

"The rules of the Bounce Back Loan Scheme were crystal clear - businesses were only allowed a single loan. Advertisement Advertisement

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"Imtiaz's dishonesty has landed him behind bars and serves as a warning that the Insolvency Service will relentlessly pursue fraudsters who so cynically abused Covid support schemes."

FULL STORY: Blackburn tour operator pocketed GBP50,000 in fraudulent Covid 'bounce back' loan [22]

Police knocked on a monster's door - what they found put him back behind bars

Ian Beeby

A convicted sex offender has been sent back to prison after police came knocking at his door.

Ian Beeby, 71, had previously been jailed for sexual offences against young boys. After being released, he was placed under surveillance as part of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

This routine monitoring is implemented to prevent and discourage repeat offending.

Earlier this year, officers carried out a home inspection following concerns that Beeby had violated his order. Advertisement Advertisement

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He was arrested in July at his Bolton residence after the National Probation Service raised concerns that he had engaged in discussions with male children who were recording themselves for a YouTube channel in Manchester city centre.

After investigations, officers were able to identify Beeby in footage uploaded by the children's family and he was subsequently charged with breaching his sexual harm prevention order for communications with a child.

Beeby is now back in prison for three years after appearing at Bolton Crown Court on Thursday (September 18)

FULL STORY: Police knocked on a monster's door - what they found put him back behind bars [23]

Drug dealer caught next to Accrington school as kids left for the day

Declan Cook -Credit:Lancashire Police

A drug dealer who was caught next to a secondary school in Accrington [24] has been jailed.

Police pulled over Declan Cook as he was driving a Volkswagen Passat near to Mount Camel High School in Accrington just prior to the children finishing for the day in January last year.

Officers approached the vehicle and noticed a strong smell of cannabis. Following a search of the Passat, a quantity of cannabis was discovered underneath the driver's seat, which he attempted to claim was for personal use.

Cook was arrested on suspicion of supplying cannabis.

Later that month, Cook was again stopped, this time driving a Volkswagen Golf on Cobham Road in Accrington. Upon searching him and the vehicle, two snap bags containing white powder, and two snap bags containing cannabis were found. The white powder was later confirmed to be cocaine.

Cook was arrested again in July 2024, after evidence linking him to the supply of cannabis was discovered.

He was in possession of cannabis, weighing scales and two mobile phones.

FULL STORY: Drug dealer caught next to Accrington school as kids left for the day [25]

Pals lived in a tent in Preston stealing cars and breaking into homes to fund their drug-addled lifestyle

Niall Farmer and Aiden Craigie

A pair of fugitive criminals who were found living in a tent have been jailed for their crime [26] spree across Preston [27] and South Ribble [28].

Aiden Craigie, 26, and Niall Farmer, 19, clocked up 36 separate offences of car theft, burglary, fraud and theft between them before their arrests in May 2025.

They stole cars, motorbikes, tools, laptops and bank cards - sometimes leaving items from previous break-ins at the scene of their next offences.

One woman, whose Jaguar was stolen from outside her house, was unable to go to work as her essential work kit was in the vehicle when it was stolen. When her car was recovered it was so badly damaged it was written off by the insurance company.

Another victim had to pay for specialist valeting to rid his Nissan Quashqai of the stench of cannabis after it was stolen by Craigie, Preston Crown Court [29] heard.

FULL STORY: Pals lived in a tent in Preston stealing cars and breaking into homes to fund their drug-addled lifestyle [30]

Shoplifter who was banned from town centre jailed after entering store

Connor Bradley -Credit:Lancashire Police

A shoplifter has been recalled to prison after breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) preventing him from entering Blackpool [31] town centre.

Connor Bradley, 31, of no fixed abode was arrested and charged with breach of a CBO after he was seen entering a shop on Adelaide Street West, Blackpool.

On Wednesday (September 10), he appeared before Lancaster [32] Magistrates Court [33] where he pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced to 10 weeks in prison.

On the 31st of January 2025, Bradley was handed a Criminal Behaviour Order at Lancaster Magistrates Court which prevents him from entering Blackpool town centre until January 2027.

FULL STORY: Shoplifter who was banned from town centre jailed after entering store [34]

'Significant risk' - lad, 24, delayed giving his phone to police and what they found on it landed him in jail

David Hawkyard -Credit:Lancashire Police

A convicted paedophile has been jailed after police made a disturbing discovery while looking through his phone.

Officers from the Internet Child Exploitation team paid a routine visit to David Hawkyard, a registered sex offender, in July 2025 but when they went in, he was acting suspiciously and delaying handing over his mobile devices.

He was arrested on suspicion of breaching his sexual harm prevention order and when detectives from the ICE team examined his devices, indecent Images of children were identified.

Detectives secured three charges of making indecent images of children, and one charge of a breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order against Hawkyard, and he was remanded into custody.

Hawkyard, 24, of Lady Acre, Bamber Bridge [35], admitted the charges and was sentenced at Preston [36] Crown Court [37] this week to 21 months in prison.

He was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) which will allow police to closely monitor his activities online following his release.

FULL STORY: 'Significant risk' - lad, 24, delayed giving his phone to police and what they found on it landed him in jail [38]

American predator extradited to UK 50 years on from horrific campaign of abuse in Lancashire

Robert Flynn -Credit:Lancashire Police

A paedophile has been jailed after he was extradited from the United States to face justice for crimes he committed almost 50 years ago.

Robert Flynn, an American citizen, was working in the UK in the 1970s when he sexually abused his teenage victim over a number of years.

Flynn returned to the US in 1976 but after the victim reported what had happened to him to police in 2021 an extradition process was launched.

And in May 2025 the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) and the U.S.

Marshals Office of International Operations (OIO) arrested Flynn at an address in Ohio. He was flown back to the UK and was arrested at Heathrow Airport in June this year.

Flynn, 77, of Dunham Road, Maple Heights, Ohio, earlier admitted four counts of indecent assault on a boy under 16. The crimes were committed in the Rossendale [39] area.

FULL STORY: American predator extradited to UK 50 years on from horrific campaign of abuse in Lancashire [40]

Blackburn sex offender jailed for two years after sharing indecent images of children on Snapchat

Jake McMahon-Bates of Witton Parade, Blackburn, -Credit:Lancashire Constabulary

A sex offender from Blackburn has been jailed for two years and handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order after sharing indecent images of children on Snapchat.

Jake McMahon-Bates, of Witton Parade, Blackburn [41], was arrested on suspicion of possessing and distributing indecent images of children May 1 after police received a tip off about his latest offending, which involved uploading two indecent videos of children to Snapchat.

After seizing items from inside the property [42], police discovered two of McMahon-Bates' electronic devices, which contained a total of 59 indecent images of children, with the youngest being four years old.

FULL STORY: Blackburn sex offender jailed for two years after sharing indecent images of children on Snapchat [43]

'Devious' Lancashire casino manager ruined girl's childhood after 'heinous' abuse

Alex Hughes, from Poulton-le-Fylde

Two men have finally been brought to justice for their "calculated and devious" sexual abuse of young girls, years after the horrific events took place.

Alex Hughes, from Poulton-le-Fylde [44], managed to evade the repercussions of his vile actions for more than a decade, during which time he became a casino manager and fathered five children.

One of his victims was also preyed upon by Daniel Ford, who has since become a father himself.

Despite maintaining his innocence, one of the women whose life was upended by their crimes bravely told the court: "While other girls were playing with their friends, enjoying the innocence of childhood, I was being taken advantage of."

During a trial at Liverpool Crown Court, it was revealed that the defendants and victims were part of a group of youngsters who would gather in St Helens town centre in the late 2000s and early 2010s. One of the victims, referred to as Girl A for her protection, was just 11 when she met Hughes, who was five years older than her, the ECHO [45] reports.

FULL STORY: 'Devious' Lancashire casino manager ruined girl's childhood after 'heinous' abuse [46]

Blackpool gang exposed after filming themselves bagging up cannabis from USA

Members of the Organised Crime Group who have been jailed

An organised crime group that trafficked drugs from the USA to Blackpool has been jailed following a major investigation.

Zack Higginson and Andrew Taylor filmed themselves bagging up the drugs from the USA and orchestrated the transport [47] and delivery of them in parcels to other members of the Organised Crime [48] Group (OCG). Lancashire [49] Police found that Higginson ran the drug supply line in Blackpool [50] and St Annes, selling heroin, crack and cocaine, which operated between February 2022 and April 2023.

They used a number of drivers, dealers and runners, including their girlfriends, other family members and associates. When one of those runners was released from custody after being arrested, Higginson's girlfriend Nicola Morely, who played a 'crucial role' in Higginson being able to run his drug line over the years, sent a photo of his custody release paperwork, where the photo showed Higginson's hand, with distinctive tattoos, holding the paper down.

Detectives say Higginson is thought to have used at least 15 different telephone numbers, including both UK and USA numbers.

Analysis of his phone found 25 videos that were drug or money related.

FULL STORY: Blackpool gang exposed after filming themselves bagging up cannabis from USA [51]

'My son died in terror after his drug-fuelled dad collapsed at wheel - his final brave act still haunts me'

Ryan Morgan, 14

A devoted mother's world was shattered when her teenage son was killed in a crash on the M6 [52] by his father, just as she was nearing the end of a long custody battle to bring him home.

Ryan-Liam Morgan, 14, died on April 20 when his father, Daniel Burba, lost control of a van near Lancaster [53] and crashed while high on cocaine and suffering an epileptic fit. Moments before the fatal collision, Ryan-Liam desperately tried to grab the steering wheel in an effort to save their lives and a court [54] heard how the youngster died "in terror".

Burba, 32, had no driving licence or insurance and blood tests revealed that the defendant was four times above the legal drug-drive limit. CCTV footage captured the moment Burba [55] walked into a petrol station moments before causing his son's death by dangerous driving.

FULL STORY: 'My son died in terror after his drug-fuelled dad collapsed at wheel - his final brave act still haunts me'[56]

The twisted Nazi-loving teen from Lancs who researched 'how to make a bomb'

A man who was caught with Nazi material and guides on 'how to make a bomb' when he was just 17 has been jailed for four years.

Miller Rawcliffe, now 20, had his home searched by police when he was 17, leading to the discovery of terrifying materials including a copy of Mein Kampf, drawings of Swastikas and his own written manifesto, as well as graphic videos showing the killings of black people.

Rawcliffe, of Calf Hall Road, Barnoldswick, who was found guilty after a trial of two counts of disseminating terrorist material and four counts of collecting information likely to be useful to a terrorist, has now been jailed for four years, YorkshireLive reports [57].

His Honour Judge Crowson said he shared right-wing, anti-Semitic and neo-Nazi ideology. The judge said he did not accept Rawcliffe's claim during his trial that his "views" were "an attempt to be cool and edgy."

FULL STORY: The twisted Nazi-loving teen from Lancs who researched 'how to make a bomb'[58]

Preston shoplifter who stole booze and washing tablets banned from every SPAR in the country

Christopher Batstone comitted nine shoplifting offences -Credit:Lancashire Constabulary

A serial shoplifter from Preston has received a jail sentence and Criminal Behaviour Order after being charged with nine shoplifting offences.

Christopher Batstone of Milner Street, Preston [59], stole items including alcohol and washing tablets from various SPAR stores over a number of weeks, and was jailed yesterday (September 4) for eight weeks at Preston Magistrates Court [60].

Batstone was also given a three year Criminal Behaviour Order which prevents him from entering any SPAR store in the United Kingdom.

The arrest was part of Operation Vulture, Lancashire [61] Constabulary's response to shoplifting across the county, backed by Lancashire's Police and Crime [62] Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.

FULL STORY: Preston shoplifter who stole booze and washing tablets banned from every SPAR in the country [63]

Rogue builders exposed by 'loads of lemons about' voice note in GBP37k scam

Tom Lee (left) and Freddy Young

Two rogue traders who conned a pensioner out of GBP37,000 for "shockingly poor" roof repairs worth just GBP3,000 have been jailed.

Tom Lee, 39, and Freddy Young, 27, targeted a man in his mid-60s at his home in Crawshawbooth, Rossendale [64], pressuring him for repeated payments as they carried out shoddy and overpriced work. Preston [65] Crown Court [66] heard how the scam only came to light when the victim's bank raised concerns over large cash withdrawals and contacted police.

Voice notes recovered from Lee's phone included a contact of Lee talking about the victim, saying: "This job, love it Tom, absolutely love it.

There's loads of lemons about."

FULL STORY: Rogue builders exposed by 'loads of lemons about' voice note in GBP37k scam [67]

Drug dealer crashed car into tree trying to escape from police

Spencer Darer-Conroy

A drug dealer who crashed his car into a tree while attempting to flee from police has been jailed for more than five years.

Spencer Darer-Conroy was spotted driving suspiciously on Station Road in Bamber Bridge [68] on Saturday, August 1.

When officers from Lancashire [69] Constabulary's Road Crime [70] Team signalled for him to stop, he failed to do so, driving off and crashing into a low-level barrier and a tree on Loom Crescent before trying to run away.

He was arrested nearby on suspicion of dangerous driving.

A search of a nearby property [71] found 40 wraps of Class A and Class B drugs, along with around GBP2,000 in cash and several mobile phones.

FULL STORY: Drug dealer crashed car into tree trying to escape from police [72]

Dad tracked down 'dangerous pervert' hiding in bushes near playground after girl, 10, reported distressing incident

The images taken of Laura Mart by a concerned parent after a young girl raised the alarm -Credit:Lancaster Police

A serial sex offender admitted being 'unable to control my urges' after flashing near a children's play area.

Laura Ashleigh Mart, who was born male but now identifies as female, is banned from loitering near play areas and schools under a sexual harm prevention order imposed for previous similar offences.

But on July 18, 2025, a 10-year-old girl who was playing on the monkey bars in Williamson Park, Lancaster, saw 'a man with long hair and a green jumper' looking at her. She said the man exposed his penis and wiggled it at her, before putting it away, Preston Crown Court heard.

The girl was confused and ran to tell her dad and friends what had happened. Another dad searched the park and found Mart - who claimed to be out walking - in a bush.

The dad took photos of the pervert and handed them into the police.

FULL STORY: Dad tracked down 'dangerous pervert' hiding in bushes near playground after girl, 10, reported distressing incident [73]

Lenny Scott gunman Elias Morgan jailed for 45 years for 'revenge attack' murder

Elias Morgan -Credit:Elias Morgan

A criminal who shot dead the prison officer who found an illicit phone in his jail cell has been jailed for life with a minimum 45 years before parole.

Elias Morgan, 35, gunned down father-of-three Lenny Scott, 33, who had found the phone which revealed Morgan was in a sexual relationship with a female prison officer, Preston [74] Crown Court [75] heard. Morgan first tried to bribe Mr Scott, at the time working at HMP Altcourse, offering him GBP1,500 to not report the find.

When he refused and reported the phone Morgan threatened his victim's family before vowing revenge, telling Mr Scott, "I'll bide my time" and making a gun gesture. Almost four years later, after Morgan had served his sentence and Mr Scott had left the Prison Service, he carried out the threat.

Mr Scott was leaving a gym in Skelmersdale [76] on the evening of February 8 last year.

Morgan shot his victim with a 9mm handgun once in the head and five times in the body, before fleeing on an electric scooter.

FULL STORY: Lenny Scott gunman Elias Morgan jailed for 45 years for 'revenge attack' murder [77]

Mum 'furious' after discovering what man did when she checked daughter's TikTok

Jack Spencer -Credit:-

A mother was left "furious" after discovering a pervert had been sending inappropriate messages to her teenage daughter on TikTok.

Jack Spencer used the social media platform to proposition the girl with GBP500 for sexual acts. His scheme was thwarted the very next day when the girl's mother conducted a routine check of her daughter's account.

This led to the police uncovering that the same man had been sending similar messages to numerous other children, and had also amassed a disgusting collection of indecent images. Liverpool Crown Court [78] heard how Spencer, from Southport [79], approached the girl on TikTok in January of the previous year using the username "Jack47".

The 31-year-old then "enquired whether she was single" and asked how old she was before telling her: "Great set of t**s by the way."

FULL STORY: Mum 'furious' after discovering what man did when she checked daughter's TikTok [80]

Dangerous predator who told police 'he isn't a nonce' caged over horrific crimes against girl

Bradley Hawkins -Credit:-

A 'dangerous and violent' paedophile who told police he 'doesn't do these types of offences and isn't a nonce or a rapist' has been jailed for horrific crimes against a young girl.

Lancashire Constabulary [81] detectives say when Bradley Hawkins was a teenager, he raped an eight-year-old girl in Cheltenham.

He also assaulted the same victim, raped her again and caused or incited her to engage in sexual activity.

The victim, who now lives in Lancashire, stayed silent about what had happened to her for years through fear. However, she bravely reported the offences to police in 2023 which sparked an investigation.

Hawkins, who is a career criminal, was interviewed in prison but before the interview could start, he said he 'doesn't do these types of offences and he isn't a nonce or a rapist'. He also said that 'all his life he has been robbing' and that 'no one wants this put to their name as this is scum of the earth stuff'.

FULL STORY: Dangerous predator who told police 'he isn't a nonce' caged over horrific crimes against girl [82]

The smiling sock manufacturer from Preston who stole GBP97m

Arif Patel's Ferrari 575 Superamerica has been seized -Credit:HMRC

The mastermind of one of the UK's biggest ever carousel tax frauds has been ordered to pay back more than GBP90million with the sale of property [83] across London, Preston [84] and overseas.

Sock manufacturer Arif Patel, 57, of Preston, and his criminal gang tried to steal GBP97 million through VAT repayment claims on false exports of textiles and mobile phones.

They also imported and sold counterfeit clothes that would have been worth at least GBP50 million, had they been genuine.

The proceeds of the crimes funded a property empire, including commercial and residential premises in Preston and London, purchased through offshore bank accounts and companies.

He also owned property in Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Now a judge at Chester Crown Court [85] has ruled that more than GBP90m of his property assets should be sold - with the money returned to fund UK public services. Arif Patel's Ferrari 575 Superamerica has also been restrained and will be sold at auction.

FULL STORY: The smiling sock manufacturer from Preston who stole GBP97m [86]

'Prolific shoplifter' jailed after stealing hundreds of pounds worth of goods

Ben Skelly -Credit:Lancashire Constabulary

A man has been labelled a 'prolific shoplifter' after stealing more than GBP400 worth of goods in two weeks, a court [87] has heard.

Ben Skelly, of no fixed address, appeared at Preston [88] Crown Court on Tuesday for the offences, which were all committed while he was serving a suspended sentence for shoplifting and dangerous driving. Skelly, 36, stole on six different occasions from April 6 to April 21 this year, racking up more than GBP400 worth of goods before he was caught.

With shoplifting convictions dating back to 2002, Skelly had 19 previous offences for shoplifting and pleaded guilty to the recent spree.

The court heard Skelly entered a One Stop store with three others on April 6, where he stole GBP112 worth of goods, including cheese, butter, tuna, coffee, and drinks.

FULL STORY: 'Prolific shoplifter' jailed after stealing hundreds of pounds worth of goods [89]

Vigilante jailed for arson attack at home of man he thought was a paedophile

Gareth Morgan -Credit:Lancashire Constabulary

A man from Leyland [90] who set a man's house on fire in a 'revenge attack' after hearing rumours the victim had committed a sexual offence against a child has been jailed.

Gareth Morgan, 45, had pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life after setting fire to a bin outside a man's property [91] in Leyland.

The fire spread to the home's plastic door and caused significant damage.

Preston [92] Crown Court [93] heard Morgan, of Cheetham Meadow in Leyland, had planned the act after seeing an online vigilante group claim the victim had committed a sex act with a child.

He was reported to have told a neighbour: "You will never guess what I have done.

I have just put the door through of that nonce."

Then, when he saw the neighbour talking to police, he was seen to mouth "shush, don't be a grass" before running off.

FULL STORY: Vigilante jailed for arson attack at home of man he thought was a paedophile [94]

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References

^ Nelson (www.lancs.live)
^ Preston (www.lancs.live)
^ Court (www.lancs.live)
^ Despicable cousins jailed for their roles in 'fake police' scam to fleece pensioners of their savings (uk.news.yahoo.com)
^ Fylde (www.lancs.live)
^ Preston (www.lancs.live)
^ The tell-tale tracksuit that led cops to their tent-dwelling culprit (uk.news.yahoo.com)
^ Ormskirk (www.lancs.live)
^ Preston (www.lancs.live)
^ Out-of-work dad started his own drugs line to make ends meet - but got caught after just 3 weeks (uk.news.yahoo.com)
^ Skelmersdale (www.lancs.live)
^ Preston (www.lancs.live)
^ Court (www.lancs.live)
^ the M6 (www.lancs.live)
^ Horror moment lorry driver causes fatal crash while distracted by porn on his phone (uk.news.yahoo.com)
^ Preston (www.lancs.live)
^ Court (www.lancs.live)
^ 'Highly dangerous' predator locked up for 14 years for attacks on 39 young girls (www.lancs.live)
^ Blackburn (www.lancs.live)
^ Preston (www.lancs.live)
^ Court (www.lancs.live)
^ Blackburn tour operator pocketed GBP50,000 in fraudulent Covid 'bounce back' loan (uk.news.yahoo.com)
^ Police knocked on a monster's door - what they found put him back behind bars (www.lancs.live)
^ Accrington (www.lancs.live)
^ Drug dealer caught next to Accrington school as kids left for the day (uk.news.yahoo.com)
^ crime (www.lancs.live)
^ Preston (www.lancs.live)
^ South Ribble (www.lancs.live)
^ Court (www.lancs.live)
^ Pals lived in a tent in Preston stealing cars and breaking into homes to fund their drug-addled lifestyle (uk.news.yahoo.com)
^ Blackpool (www.lancs.live)
^ Lancaster (www.lancs.live)
^ Court (www.lancs.live)
^ Shoplifter who was banned from town centre jailed after entering store (uk.news.yahoo.com)
^ Bamber Bridge (www.lancs.live)
^ Preston (www.lancs.live)
^ Court (www.lancs.live)
^ 'Significant risk' - lad, 24, delayed giving his phone to police and what they found on it landed him in jail (www.lancs.live)
^ Rossendale (www.lancs.live)
^ American predator extradited to UK 50 years on from horrific campaign of abuse in Lancashire (www.lancs.live)
^ Blackburn (www.lancs.live)
^ property (www.lancs.live)
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^ 'Devious' Lancashire casino manager ruined girl's childhood after 'heinous' abuse (www.lancs.live)
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^ Blackpool gang exposed after filming themselves bagging up cannabis from USA (uk.news.yahoo.com)
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^ CCTV footage captured the moment Burba (uk.news.yahoo.com)
^ 'My son died in terror after his drug-fuelled dad collapsed at wheel - his final brave act still haunts me' (uk.news.yahoo.com)
^ YorkshireLive reports (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
^ The twisted Nazi-loving teen from Lancs who researched 'how to make a bomb' (uk.news.yahoo.com)
^ Preston (www.lancs.live)
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^ Preston shoplifter who stole booze and washing tablets banned from every SPAR in the country (uk.news.yahoo.com)
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^ Rogue builders exposed by 'loads of lemons about' voice note in GBP37k scam (uk.news.yahoo.com)
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^ Drug dealer crashed car into tree trying to escape from police (uk.news.yahoo.com)
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^ Preston (www.lancs.live)
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^ Lenny Scott gunman Elias Morgan jailed for 45 years for 'revenge attack' murder (uk.news.yahoo.com)
^ Court (www.lancs.live)
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^ Mum 'furious' after discovering what man did when she checked daughter's TikTok (uk.news.yahoo.com)
^ Lancashire Constabulary (www.lancs.live)
^ Dangerous predator who told police 'he isn't a nonce' caged over horrific crimes against girl (www.lancs.live)
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^ The smiling sock manufacturer from Preston who stole GBP97m (uk.news.yahoo.com)
^ court (www.lancs.live)
^ Preston (www.lancs.live)
^ 'Prolific shoplifter' jailed after stealing hundreds of pounds worth of goods (uk.news.yahoo.com)
^ Leyland (www.lancs.live)
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^ ourt (www.lancs.live)
^ Vigilante jailed for arson attack at home of man he thought was a paedophile (www.lancs.live)
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