Adam Everett

Taxi driver Robert Cretu admitted making 30 fraudulent pet insurance claims to five insurers between December 2023 and August 2025, using fictitious dogs, false identities and forged veterinary documents. The scheme generated £31,700 in actual losses, including a £1,100 payout from Pinnacle Pets UK, while other claims were rejected or remained unpaid. Cretu cited financial difficulties and family responsibilities, but the judge questioned inconsistencies in his explanation. He received a 20-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, along with a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 20 days.

Rachael Talbot, 50, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to four months in prison after admitting three counts of conveying prohibited articles into HMP Liverpool and possession of cocaine. She had hidden ketamine, cannabis resin and cannabis leaf in her bra while attempting to visit an inmate known as Carlos. Talbot said she agreed to smuggle the drugs for £200 but was later threatened when she tried to withdraw. Despite her role as the sole carer of three children and her low risk of reoffending, Judge Simon Medland KC said the serious impact of drugs in prisons required an immediate custodial sentence.

Liam Redmond senior and his sons, Liam Redmond junior and Luke Redmond, admitted affray after a drunken fight at a wake at Prenton Golf Club in October 2024. The altercation involved thrown glasses, punches, kicks and attempts to gouge victims' eyes. William Donaldson suffered a split nose requiring nine stitches, glass fragments in his eye and a permanent facial scar, while other attendees and the venue manager were also injured. Liverpool Crown Court sentenced Redmond senior to nine months in prison suspended for 18 months, while his sons received community orders; all three must pay Donaldson £250 compensation. The judge condemned the incident as a disgraceful transformation of a solemn wake into a brawl.

Annika Sands admitted stalking Bradley McCreath, a man she briefly dated, and his new partner Corinne Roberts over an extended period. The court heard that she repeatedly followed and confronted them, monitored their movements and searched their personal information, causing both victims serious distress and forcing them to move home. Sands received an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years, along with six-year restraining orders prohibiting contact with both victims and an order to pay £700 in costs.

Neil Jones was jailed for 51 months after admitting causing the death of 72-year-old Linda Donnelly by careless driving and committing further offences during a road-rage incident at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. Jones had been travelling at about 45 mph in a 30 mph area when he struck Donnelly in Bootle in December 2024, then falsely claimed she had run into the road. A year later, he drove aggressively toward a family, assaulted two men, threatened them with a claw hammer and twice pinned another man between vehicles before fleeing. He was also banned from driving for 51 months, ordered to take an extended retest and made subject to seven-year restraining orders.

A man entrusted with caring for a rehomed French bulldog killed the dog in a violent assault after losing his temper, having previously abused the animal. Evidence presented in Liverpool Crown Court showed fractures, repeated injuries and attempts to suffocate the dog. Luke Walker admitted causing unnecessary suffering and related offences, with mental health issues noted in mitigation. The judge deemed the case highly culpable due to prolonged cruelty but imposed a suspended 17‑month sentence with unpaid work, rehabilitation requirements, mental health treatment and a ban on owning dogs.

Alex Midgley, known as the Spanish Scouser, was sentenced to four years and ten months for conspiring to supply cannabis, launder £5 million of drug profits for crime boss Francis Coggins, and possessing criminal property. EncroChat messages revealed plans to move large quantities of cannabis and attempts to convert criminal cash into Bitcoin through various contacts. Arrested in April with undeclared business cash, Midgley’s defence cited immaturity, personal trauma, and efforts to rebuild his life. The judge acknowledged his remorse and previous good character but highlighted his significant role in organised drug activity.

A man was shot in both legs outside his Croxteth home in a mistaken-identity attack carried out by Daniel Lawless, who had been seen displaying a shotgun moments earlier. Victim David Forbes sustained serious and lasting injuries requiring extensive hospitalisation. CCTV evidence showed Lawless retrieving the weapon, confronting Forbes, firing at close range and fleeing. His criminal history and ongoing behavioural issues in prison were detailed in court. Lawless admitted wounding with intent and firearm possession with intent to endanger life and received an 18-and-a-half-year sentence plus four years on licence after the judge emphasised the gravity of the unprovoked attack and his prior convictions.

A police raid on Daniel Estridge’s Liverpool flat uncovered a converted Walther pistol hidden in a slow cooker, significant quantities of cannabis and cocaine, and more than £25,000 in cash. Estridge made an incriminating remark during the search and later admitted multiple firearms and drug offences. DNA linked him to the weapon and ammunition. The defence highlighted his limited criminal history and personal challenges, while the judge stressed the dangers of illegal guns and drugs before sentencing him to five years and ten months in prison.