Patrick Edrich

Merseyside Police sergeant Daniel Hughes was convicted of eight counts of unauthorized access to computer material and three counts of unlawfully disclosing personal data after repeatedly searching police systems for associates linked to EncroChat crime networks. Although prosecutors said he did not pass intelligence directly to criminals or profit financially, he maintained concealed social relationships with offenders and shared sensitive information in WhatsApp exchanges. The jury cleared him of dozens of additional charges. Hughes, who had served since 2006 and suffered serious injuries and PTSD in attacks on duty, was dismissed by the force and sentenced to 12 months in prison suspended for two years, 10 rehabilitation days, 250 hours of unpaid work and a £750 fine.

A 23-year-old man received a suspended 17‑month sentence after admitting to repeatedly beating and ultimately killing a French bulldog he had been asked to care for. Evidence presented in Liverpool Crown Court showed the dog suffered severe non‑accidental injuries over multiple assaults. The defendant’s mental health difficulties and recent diagnoses were cited as mitigating factors, leading to a suspended sentence accompanied by unpaid work, rehabilitation days, a mental health treatment requirement and a ban on owning dogs.

A primary school headteacher in Liverpool, Matthew Hargreaves, has been charged with multiple offences involving indecent images of children, including creating and taking category A, B and C images. The Great Schools Trust suspended him immediately upon learning of his arrest and is cooperating with authorities, emphasising that the charges do not involve pupils at King's Northway Primary Academy. Merseyside Police confirmed he remains in custody as specialist officers continue the investigation and urged the public not to share information that could impact proceedings. The acting headteacher informed families of the situation and assured them that safeguarding measures and support are in place while the case progresses.