Latest cases from Preston's courts - Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Man admits cannabis charge

A man has admitted growing illicit cannabis plants at an address in Preston, as well as causing £15,000 damage to a property called Hillcrest in the city.

Paul Nuttall, who gave his address as Wok’s Cooking, Blackpool Road, Lea, Preston, pleaded guilty to producing a class B drug.

The offence happened over a period between April 28 and August 8 last year.

During a hearing before Preston Crown Court, the 52-year-old defendant also admitted an allegation that over the same period he and two other men had caused damaged to a property.

The case was adjourned by Judge Philip Parry for reports.

Nuttall is now expected to appear before the same court to be sentenced on January 17 next year.

Sports thief had ‘Stanley knife’

A shoplifter was found in possession of a yellow Stanley knife at a sports store, a court has heard.

Stephen James Williams, of Maple Grove, Ribbleton, Preston, was arrested after stealing a blue jacket worth £150 from Sports Direct in Preston, Preston Magistrates’ Court heard.

The blade was found on him during the investigation.

The bench imposed a 16 week prison sentence, but agreed to suspend it for 12 months.

Williams was given a curfew and was ordered to have drug treatment.

The 34-year-old defendant was also ordered to pay a £115 victim surcharge and £85 towards his prosecution costs.

The bench also ruled the knife must be forfeited under Prevention of Crime Act 1953 and destroyed.

Banned animal man was keeping six pets

A man who was banned from keeping animals in 1997 was found with a two dogs, a cat, a budgie, a hamster and a guinea pig at his Lancaster home.

Andrew John Rooney, of Mayfield Avenue, Lancaster, was given a 14 weeks jail term, suspended for two years.

The 45-year-old defendant admitted breaching the lifelong disqualification between January 17, 2016, and July 17, 2018, by keeping two dogs, known as Shadow and Max, a cat known as

Magic, alongside a bird, hamster and guinea pig.

He pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to one of the dogs, a Labrador, by failing to seek adequate veterinary treatment for its skin condition between February and April 27 this year.

During an appearance before Lancaster Magistrates’ Court he was prosecuted by the RSPCA charity.

He was sentenced to a rehabilitation activity requirement and 150 hours of unpaid work.

He must also pay a £115 victim surcharge and £500 towards his prosecution costs.

Court snaps

Michelle Karly Bentham, of Ridge Square, Lancaster, has pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer. Lancaster Magistrates’ Court heard the incident happened to an on duty Lancashire officer, PC Buddo, on June 5 in Lancaster. The bench ordered the 34-year-old defendant to pay an £80 fine. She must also pay a £30 victim surcharge and £100 court costs.

Shaun Christopher Smith, 37, of no fixed abode, was jailed for 14 weeks after admitting stealing alcohol worth £147.50 from a Booths store, and was ordered to pay a £115 victim surcharge by the bench at Preston Magistrates’ Court.

Melvyn Speight, 66, of Betony, Morecambe, is expected to appear before Preston Magistrates’ Court on Thursday accused of causing death by careless driving.The court case follows an accident on the A683 Caton Road on May 5 in which victim Russell Curwen was killed.

Jamie Ashton, 19, of Leyland Lane, Leyland, is due to appear before Preston Magistrates’ Court on Thursday accused of a string of motoring offences including two counts of drug driving, having no insurance, and having no licence. It is alleged he was under the influence on Towngate on July 6 when driving a Fiat Punto.

Samantha-Jay Watson, of Broadgreen Close, Leyland, was found guilty of a charge of failing to give driver information. The 33-year-old driver was ordered to pay a £660 fine, a £66 victim surcharge, and £85 costs at Preston Magistrates’ Court.

Jordan Terry Bullen, 23, of Collins Avenue, Bispham, Blackpool, admits being drunk and disorderly after an incident Preston and must pay a £120 fine, £30 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Carl Gaskell, 38, of Princess Street, Chorley, was given a curfew after admitting stealing alcohol and must pay £90 compensation, £85 surcharge, and £85 costs.

Becky Louise McGuigan, 27, of Warren Grove, Heysham, Preston, admits having no insurance and must pay a £120 fine, £30 surcharge, and £85 costs.