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Man who attacked bus driver in riot jailed

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November 15, 2024
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A man who launched a “violent and unprovoked attack” on a bus driver during a riot in Manchester has been jailed.

Jack Cregan, 32, told police he had been committing crime in Derbyshire when violent disorder broke out in Oldham Road in Newton Heath on 31 July so they had got the wrong man.

But videos on his mobile phone, which he had hidden but left on vibrate, showed he had been there.

He was sentenced to two and a half years.
‘Shouted and goaded’

Analysis of the mobile phone showed Cregan, of Argyll Close, Failsworth, was on Oldham Road during the riot.

GMP said they found his phone taped under a kitchen cabinet at his home after he left it on vibrate, saying “all it took was one phone call to unravel his lies”.

So far 20 people have been sentenced for disorder at Newton Heath, it added.

Another man, Colin Brown, 37, was jailed for two years and four months for his role in a riot in Piccadilly Gardens in the city on 3 August.

Brown pleaded guilty to violent disorder and robbery.

GMP said he was in the group that breached the metal barriers and shouted and goaded other protests groups and stole a scarf after pulling it from someone’s face.

He was also part of a group that attacked a man, the force said.

Det Ch Insp Jill Billington said officers were committed to protecting communities, and was continuing to investigate those involved in “deplorable and unnecessary violence”.

BBC News

Two more thugs admit roles in sickening attack on black man amid Piccadilly Gardens violence – as two others, including 13-year-old boy, plead guilty following disorder

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October 22, 2024
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A string of men and boys have been hauled to Manchester Magistrates’ Court this week, with 16 so far admitting their crimes following the ugly scenes in Manchester city centre; disorder outside a hotel in Newton Heath; and trouble in Bolton. More defendants appeared before District Judge Lucy Hogarth today.

Two more thugs have admitted their involvement in a sickening mob attack on a black man during violent scenes in Piccadilly Gardens after ‘protesters’ flooded into Manchester city centre. A teenager has also pleaded guilty to violent disorder having being accused of confronting cops trying to control crowds, breaking through a barrier and snatching beer from someone leaving a Sainsbury’s store.

There was large-scale disruption in the city centre last Saturday (August 3) following a demonstration dubbed ‘Enough is Enough’. Counter-protesters also gathered as tensions flared.

A string of men and boys have been hauled to Manchester Magistrates’ Court this week, with 16 so far admitting their crimes following the ugly scenes in the city centre; disorder outside a hotel in Newton Heath; and trouble in Bolton. More defendants appeared before District Judge Lucy Hogarth today (Saturday, August 10).

Two men – Kane Kelly, 23, of Woodford Road, Failsworth, Oldham; and Daniel Hanslip, 33, of Central Avenue, Shipley, West Yorkshire – will be behind bars tonight having been remanded into custody after admitting their guilt in relation to the attack on a lone black man in Piccadilly Gardens by dozens of thugs.

Earlier this week, other men admitted their role in the sickening assault – including Liam Ryan, 28, of Thirkleby Royd, Bradford; Joseph Ley, 30, of Hollywood Towers, Stockport; Colin Demulder, 36, of Birch Lane, Longsight, Manchester; and Anthony Livesey, 31, of Moorfield Avenue, Denton, Tameside.

As Kelly and Hanslip appeared in court, prosecutor Karen Saffman said members of the mob shouted ‘kill him’ and ‘stamp on his f*****g face’. District Judge Hogarth described the incident as a ‘racially aggravated assault’.

Ms Saffman described the violent scenes, which were caught on camera, saying: “It’s a group assault on a lone, black male. The group is heard saying, ‘kill him… stamp on his f*****g face’. The male is then dragged away and then falls to the ground.”

The court heard Hanslip was seen throwing security fencing before joining a ‘melee’ alongside Kelly. Kelly appeared to join the ‘group assault’, the court heard. Ms Saffman said the two men were identified in footage from the incident, some of which has been published on YouTube. She described the clip as ‘disturbing’.

Both men will be sentenced at the Crown court on August 16. Addressing Kelly, District Judge Hogarth said: “This is a racially aggravated group assault in broad daylight in full view of the police and it’s well out of the sentencing powers of this court.”

No application for bail was made for Kelly, who has no previous convictions. His family members were in the courtroom when the judge ruled he would be remanded into custody.

Hanslip was also remanded into custody after his application for bail was rejected. Michelle Man, defending, told the court he has no previous convictions, has a well-paid job and lives with his partner, who was in court and was due to go on holiday with him this week.

Teenager Aaron Davy pleaded guilty for his part in the violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens. The 18-year-old’s birthday was days ater the incident on Saturday (August 3), which he was accused of being ‘heavily involved’ in.

Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard Davy, of Liney Road, Cheadle, Stockport, was part of a large, chanting group who confronted police. Davy, who was wearing a mask, was pushed back from the police line and later broke through a metal barrier to get closer to counter-protesters.

He was then seen with a man snatching a pack of beer from someone leaving a nearby branch of Sainsbury’s. Karen Saffman, prosecuting, told the court, adding: “He was an active part on this day. He wasn’t just a by-stander – he wasn’t just observing.”

Davy was granted bail after the court heard he tried to kill himself last year. Claire Parrott, defending, said: “In reality this is a very, very frightened young man.” Ms Parrott told the court Davy’s family, who were watching the hearing from the public gallery, were concerned about an older ‘friend’ who took the teenager out that day, but said that the teenager went there ‘on his own volition’ and realises the ‘enormity of the situation’.

She added: “He states that he would never put himself in this situation again.” DJ Hogarth granted bail with conditions that require him to live and sleep at his home address with an electronic tag, ensuring he remains indoors between 7pm and 7am.

Davy must also not gather in a group of more than two without an adult family member there. The judge warned Davy he may be arrested if he breaches any of these conditions and put in a cell overnight. She also told the teenager that he may receive a custodial sentence.

Explaining her decision to grant bail to Davy, DJ Hogarth said: “What I’m about to say now makes no promises about how the Crown Court deals with you. This is very serious conduct that has made communities feel frightened and has made the police’s job more difficult.”

Davy will be sentenced by the Crown Court on Friday, August 16.

On Saturday, a 13-year-old boy was the latest child to appear before DJ Hogarth. The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to violent disorder after he was caught throwing missiles at police outside the hotel – thought to be housing asylum seekers – in Newton Heath. His mum watched from the public gallery.

The court heard he was ‘caught up’ in the violent scenes as the ‘hostile’ and ‘aggressive’ crowd gathered on July 31. The crowd threw glass bottles, bricks and eggs at cops.

Prosecuting, Karen Saffman said: “[The boy] was seen throwing missiles at police and the hostel. He was also seen with a group of youths hitting and kicking a bus with the bus driver and members of the public on that bus.”

Ms Saffman read a statement written by a bus driver who was attacked by the mob. He wrote: “The incident has left me very stressed. It’s made me scared to deal with members of the public because I would never have expected to experience this when I started my shift at the beginning of the day.”

DJ Hogarth told the boy she would adjourn the case and request a report from the youth offending service. He was granted bail with conditions that he lives and sleeps at his home address every night; does leave the property between 7pm and 7am; and does not meet in groups of more than two people without an adult family member present.

Addressing the defendant, DJ Hogarth said: “Very serious things have been happening around you and you joined in. We need to look at how serious that was and what we’re going to do about it.”

The case was adjourned until a hearing on September 17. The boy’s mum was heard saying: “Thank you, thank you so much.”

Others to appear in court on Saturday were:

Anthony Whitelegg, 40, of Mulberry Close, Heald Green, Stockport: Charged with violent disorder in relation to the Piccadilly Gardens incident on August 3. No plea indicated. Remanded into custody ahead of Crown Court hearing on September 16

Darren Butler, 41, of Cattlin Way, Oldham: Charged with violent disorder following the incident in Newton Heath on July 31. No plea indicated. Remanded into custody ahead of Crown Court hearing on September 13

David Whittaker, 36, of Farnborough Road, Miles Platting, Manchester: Charged with violent disorder in relation to the Newton Heath incident on July 31. Not guilty plea. Remanded into custody ahead of Crown Court hearing on September 13

Colin Brown, 37, of Moorcroft Road, Manchester: Charged with violent disorder in relation to Piccadilly Gardens disorder; and robbery. He is alleged to have stolen a woman’s scarf. No pleas entered. Remanded into custody head of Crown court hearing on September 13

Manchester Evening News

Gang jailed over armed £10k Co-op and Spar robberies

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December 12, 2022
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Daniel Lewis (L) received the heaviest sentence of 19 years after admitting seven robberies while Daniel Holding (R) received 15 years



A gang has been jailed for more than 50 years over a string of armed shop robberies across Lancashire.

The balaclava-wearing men threatened staff with weapons at Co-op and Spar shops in Leyland, Preston and Chorley as well as Warrington, Cheshire.

Staff were left “shaken” and “distressed” after the eight raids between November 2021 and April.

Lancashire Police said the gang netted more than £10,000 each time they hit the convenience stores.

Daniel Lewis, 35, of Battersby Street, Wigan, was jailed for 19 years after he admitted seven robberies.

His co-defendant Daniel Holding, 33, of Arley Close, Wigan, pleaded guilty to six robberies and was jailed for 15 years.

He was jailed at Preston Crown Court alongside Anthony Heaton, also 33, who admitted his part in five robberies.

Heaton, of Marshall Avenue, Warrington, was jailed for 14 years while Matthew Lowe, 34, of Petticoat Lane, Wigan, was jailed for seven years after he pleaded guilty to two robberies.
Anthony Heaton and Matthew Lowe

(L-R) Anthony Heaton and Matthew Lowe were jailed for their parts in the robberies

Det Insp Denise Fardella said: “The men entered the store wearing balaclavas or masks, while brandishing weapons and threatening people who were simply trying to do an honest day’s work.”

She added: “In each case there were two or three members of staff working when the offences were committed and many say they were left distressed and extremely shaken and are still feeling the effects of that today.”

BBC News

Blackpool knifepoint robber jailed

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September 20, 2018
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A DRUG addict who robbed a college lecturer at knifepoint has been jailed.

Craig Gilroy, 23, of Ribble Road, central Blackpool, took cash, an iPhone and food from his victim when he pounced on the man in an alleyway at the back of a mini market on Palatine Road.

The thug pleaded guilty to robbery at Preston Crown Court yesterday, and was jailed for two years and eight months.

Louise Whaites, prosecuting, said Gilroy approached his victim on November 3 and was holding a glinting eight inch bladed knife by his waist.

Gilroy demanded money, but the lecturer, who was walking home from Blackpool and the Fylde College university campus on Palatine Road, said he did not have any.

Miss Whaites told the court: “The defendant pushed him against the alleyway wall, raised the hand holding the knife and held it to his neck and again requested money.”

The man gave him £10 cash and went on to give him his iPhone, worth £495, and a bag of food.

He waited in the alley until Gilroy had rejoined two other men and moved away from the area, and became extremely distressed when he arrived home.

Gilroy, who was wearing a hooded top at the time, with a scarf up to his nose, later sold the mobile for £20 and bought two bags of heroin.

The thief, who has 65 previous offences on his record, told his partner he had “jacked some guy”, but denied the offence when questioned by police.

Paul Humphries, defending, said his client accepted using the knife to threaten, but denied any intent to use it to cause harm. He also denied threatening to kill the man if he went to the police.

Mr Humphries said: “He tells me he is very sorry. He understands the pain and misery he has caused the male and his family.

“He wishes he could turn the clock back. He was at a low point in his life.

“There was also a food shortage in the house.”

Gilroy had also been on a methadone programme but was not attending at the time.

Judge Philip Butler said: “It must have been a terrifying experience for the man.

“That he suffered no physical injury is very little mitigation because one can imagine the psychological effect”.

From 2011

Blackpool Gazette

Teenager locked up over cab driver knife attacks

By
September 14, 2018
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A TEENAGER who pulled a knife on two cab drivers in two days will be detained in a young offenders’ institution for 12 months.

Alex Grogan brandished a knife at the cabbies after they asked him to pay his fare, Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday.

The 19-year-old, of South Parade, Cleckheaton, swung the knife at one of the drivers, who then suffered a cut to his hand when he tried to defend himself.

The incidents happened on April 22 and 23 this year, when Grogan had been drinking.

In the first, Grogan was taken from his home to another address in Cleckheaton. When they arrived, Grogan claimed he needed to get some money but, when asked by the driver to leave something as insurance, he produced a six-inch knife, the court was told.

Prosecutor Duncan Ritchie added: “He swore at the driver then walked away.”

The following day, Grogan booked a cab with a different company to take him from Dewsbury to Cleckheaton. When he was asked for the fare, Grogan pulled out a knife and swung it towards the driver, who fought back.

After a struggle, Grogan got out of the car but dropped his mobile phone and another knife, which the cabbie drove off with. Grogan was arrested the next day.

Mr Ritchie said: “The driver was struggling to sleep after the incident. He feared the defendant might attack him again in the future.”

At an earlier hearing, Grogan pleaded guilty to six offences — two of having a bladed article in a public place, two of making off without paying, threatening a driver and causing actual bodily harm.

Grogan must also pay a £900 criminal court charge and a £100 victim surcharge.

Telegraph & Argus

Axeman jailed for six years

By
July 12, 2018
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AN axe-wielding robber who terrorised staff and customers in a Spar store is to spend six years behind bars after a witness singled him out in an ID parade.

Andrew Stevenson and an accomplice, who is still on the run, targeted the store on Thelwall New Road, Grappenhall, on May 23 this year.

The 24-year-old entered the shop dressed in a black disguise, brandishing an axe and shouting at a shop assistant to open the till, Warrington Crown Court heard.

His accomplice stood in the doorway with his face covered and held what is thought to have been a 12 inch knife.

The defendant, of St Peter’s Way, Orford, who has 10 previous convictions for 23 offences – including shoplifting, theft of a motor vehicle and using a lead bar during a robbery – held the axe above cashier, Emma Cooper’s head, when she went to find someone to help her open the till.

Debra White, prosecuting said Mark Stoddard, the area manager saw Stevenson on the CCTV from the shop’s office. He went into the shop and said to the robber: “Take what you want.”

Mr Stoddard fell trying to open the office door that appeared to be locked.

While on the floor Stevenson hit him with metal part of the axe bruising his arm.

A third member of staff, the store manager opened the till and gave Stevenson £500 cash.

The defendant demanded the keys to the safe and took Mr Stoddard’s phone and wallet, which contained around £185.

He was arrested on June 17 after an ID parade.

Simon Berkson, defending, said: “In prison he had been attending courses in bricklaying, plastering and he has been doing some rail engineering work.”

Mr Berkson said his client’s guilty plea was an apology to his victims.

Judge Thomas Teague said: “It was an absolutely terrifying incident and those who witnessd it will be terrorised by it for the rest of their lives.”

Warrington Guardian

From 2008.

Robbers who raided Plymouth shop with a machete are jailed.

By
April 22, 2018
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Serial criminals Steven Danvers, aged 30, and 28-year-old Benjamin Rogers jailed for four and a half years

Two thugs have been jailed for robbing a city shop with a machete.

Serial offenders Steven Danvers, aged 30, and 28-year-old Benjamin Rogers raided the convenience store to grab £280.

But Rogers at least had little chance of getting away with it as he was a regular customer, Plymouth Crown Court heard.

Jailing both men for four and a half years, Judge Peter Johnson told the pair: “Both of you have very poor records. You hatched a plan that a robbery would take place at this convenience store.

“You Rogers carried out reconnaissance and Danvers you used a knife, a very threatening machete and you got away with a reasonable sum of money.”

He ruled that Danvers and Rogers were dangerous, meaning they will not be released at the usual half-way point of their sentence.

They will only be set free after serving two-thirds of the term, at three years, and then only if the parole board deems they no longer pose a public danger.

Both will have two-year extended licence periods upon their release.

Danvers and Rogers, both of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to robbery at the West Hoe Convenience Store on January 4.

Danvers also admitted having a bladed article.

The court heard that the two men entered the store just after 8pm with Danvers carrying the machete.

They threatened the male cashier with the weapon before escaping with the cash.

Ali Rafati, for Danvers, said his client was vulnerable.

He added the defendant had mental health difficulties and ended up sleeping rough in all weathers.

Mr Rafati said: “The robbery lasted about 30 seconds. No harm was caused to anyone. If any resistance had been offered he would have turned on his heels.

“He wanted money so he could drink and carry on living on the streets.”

Steven Danvers (left) and Benjamin Rogers, also known as Clancy

Steven Danvers (left) and Benjamin Rogers, also known as Clancy

Michael Green, for Rogers, also known as Clancy, said: “It is hardly the most sophisticated robbery. He was a regular there and they would know him and recognise him.”

Mr Green said that his client also had trouble with mental health problems and finding a settled address.

He added: “He is 28 years old and since 2010 until August last year he was in prison or at a psychiatric hospital. That is the sad reality.”

Plymouth Herald

Jail for robbers who kicked and stamped on drunk man

By
October 25, 2016
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Dean Thompson, left, and Jamie Welsh have each been jailed for three years.

Dean Thompson, left, and Jamie Welsh have each been jailed for three years.

A pair of robbers who knocked a drunk man to the ground and kicked him in the head have been jailed for three years.

The victim had been enjoying a night out in Newcastle city centre when he started talking to Jamie Welsh and Dean Thompson.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how the pair followed him along the street and grabbed him with such force that he fell to the ground.

While on the floor he was aware his rucksack was being pulled from him by Welsh, 18, and Thompson, 21.

Jenny Haigh, prosecuting, told the court: “Both defendants started to kick him to his head and stand on him.

“He raised his arms to try and protect himself, he felt there was blood running down his face.”

The victim, who lost possessions including a gold iPhone and his wallet and bank cards, managed to get away and went to a bar for assistance.

Tthe items taken from the victim were recovered from the defendants after the attack in August.

Welsh, formerly of Tyneside Foyer, Newcastle, and Thompson, of Westgate Road, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to robbery.

While on bail, Welsh broke into the empty home of a woman diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and stole an ashtray containing money from a car.

He admitted burglary, theft and criminal damage in connection with those offences.

Barry Robson, defending Welsh, said he’d had to leave home due to his drug taking and had been living on the streets after being asked to leave the Tyneside Foyer.

In relation to the robbery, Mr Robson said: “We are dealing with someone who is 18 and has been coming before the courts since March 2015.

“The situation has gradually got worse.”

Paul Currer, defending Thompson, said: “He’s a young man, he has a learning disability and has problems with his mental health.

“He doesn’t seek to blame others, he’s a very immature 21-year-old, but he understands the seriousness of the offence.”

Recorder William Lowe QC told the pair: “A young man was making his way home after a night out in Newcastle, he had a lot to drink and admitted he was drunk. He was therefore vulnerable.

“He had on his back a rucksack, and a wallet containing credit cards, when he was set upon by these two men.

“He was set to the ground with considerable force. When he was on the ground he was stamped on by these two.

“CCTV was able to capture these two young men and their victim. They were arrested very close to the scene of the offence of robbery.

“They had the items that had been stolen from their victim including the credit cards from his wallet.

“This was in my view a serious offence of robbery.”

Recorder Lowe QC sentenced both Welsh and Thompson to three years in prison.

Sunderland Echo

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Joshua Dempsey jailed: ‘He is undoubtedly a dangerous man who thought nothing of using a knife’

By
May 14, 2016
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JD

Police have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on robberies after armed robber Joshua Dempsey was jailed for nine years.

Yesterday, Dempsey, 25, of Convamore Road, Grimsby was sentenced at Grimsby Crown Court after being branded a dangerous offender.

He previously pleaded guilty to the following:

Robbery on the December 3, 2015 at the Betfred Bookmakers of Ladysmith Road
Robbery on the December 6, 2015 at the Betfred Bookmakers of Laceby Road in Grimsby respectively
Two counts of being in possession of a knife/blade
Affray
Three counts of criminal damage

Dempsey also admitted the robbery on at Segal’s Jewellers on December 21, and this was taken into account.

Following the sentencing, Humberside Police said it remains “committed” to bringing offenders to justice.

Detective Constable Neil Haigh, the officer in charge of the investigation, said: “I am delighted Dempsey has been sentenced to nine years and am convinced he would have continued to offender if he’d remained at large.

“He is undoubtedly a dangerous man who thought nothing of using a knife to threaten innocent members of the public during two armed robberies in Grimsby. The robberies were terrifying for his victims and their bravery throughout should be commended. I am sure that they will welcome the fact he will is now behind bars.

“Dempsey was arrested on Christmas Day after members of the public called the force in response to a wanted person appeal. Unfortunately, he took to the roof tops to try and evade arrest causing disruption to family’s festive plans, as well as causing significant damage to property and vehicles area. I am sure they will all be pleased he has received such a significant sentence.

“I hope the case serves as a warning to other offenders that robbery will not be tolerated and any offences will be robustly investigated to ensure offenders are brought to justice and the public are kept safe.”

Dempsey was jailed for nine years for Christmas Eve disruption, pictured above, betting shop robberies and jewellers’ robbery

Detective Chief Inspector Nicki Miller, Humberside Police force lead for Robbery, added: “Across Humberside we are committed to bringing robbers to justice, while also working with the public and business to try and prevent offending in the first place. We have robust investigation plans in place to ensure we respond quickly and effectively to capture all evidence and ensure any potentially prolific offenders are taken off the streets quickly.

“This was the case in the Dempsey case with all the pillars of the police force coming together to secure a conviction with detectives, community teams, response officers and Crime Scene Investigators all playing their part.

“I hope that Dempsey’s case sends out a strong message to other likeminded offenders that we can and will do everything possible to bringing you to justice if you offender in the Humberside Police area.”

Grimsby Telegraph

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