Latest news with #PrestonCrownCourt
BBC News
3 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Man who slashed stranger's face outside sports bar jailed
A man who slashed a stranger's face in a drug-fuelled attack after his victim refused to buy him a drink in a bar has been O'Brien attacked the man outside the Spitfire Fun Vault on Borough Road, Darwen, in the early hours of 20 October, Lancashire Police victim was taken to hospital where he had to have plastic surgery for a life-changing facial injury.O'Brien, 25, who pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court to five years and eight months in prison. He was also given an extended licence period of three years. Police said O'Brien's attack outside the sports bar could have "so easily proved fatal". Deep cut O'Brien, of Industry Street, Darwen, was arrested a few hours after the attack after officers searched through court heard he had asked the man, who he had never previously met, to buy him a drink on several times in the bar. When the they refused, O'Brien asked him outside for what the victim thought would be a chat. Without warning O'Brien raised his hand and struck the victim to the face, in what he initially believed was a slap, a police spokesman said. But the 25-year-old had slashed him with a blade, causing a deep cut to the left side of the victim's face from his chin to the top of his ear.O'Brien pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court at an earlier hearing to wounding with intent and possessing a bladed article in a public place. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
BBC News
30-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Robber who targeted two women in Blackburn is jailed
A "career criminal" has been jailed for robbing two Cotton stole a handbag from the first woman in December after threatening her with a knife. The second woman was sprayed in the face with an aerosol can in January before her bag was stolen, Lancashire Police admitted burglary, robbery and assault at a previous hearing at Preston Crown 40-year-old, of Rolleston Road, Blackburn, was jailed for 10 years. 'So scared' Cotton committed the first offence on 23 December when his victim went outside her flat for a cigarette at about 18:00 GMT, police noticed a man and woman walk past her before the man, later identified as Cotton, turned back and asked her for a lighter. Cotton lit his cigarette, pulled out a knife and demanded her handbag before waving a knife at her and pulling at the bag. The victim was "so scared" she was going to be hurt, she let go of the bag, police approached the second victim in the Bank Top area of Blackburn at about 19:20 on 13 January and sprayed her in the face with an aerosol can. Police said there was then "a struggle" and Cotton stole the women's was identified from CCTV and charged with Karl Duckworth said: "Cotton is a career criminal who has no qualms about using violence and weapons to get what he wants."I welcome the sentence which gives the public some protection from Cotton's criminal behaviour." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
BBC News
28-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Daniel Burba: Dad admits killing son in Lancashire M6 van crash
The father a 14-year-old boy who was killed when a van the pair were travelling in crashed on the M6 has admitted causing death by dangerous Liam Morgan, from Morecambe, Lancashire, was a passenger in the Peugeot van when it left the carriageway between Junctions 34 and 33 and crashed into a tree on 20 father Daniel Burba, 31, suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital and later recovered before being of Arnside Crescent, Morecambe, also admitted driving without a licence and insurance and is set to be sentenced on 5 August at Preston Crown Court. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Burnley fan jailed for fatal one-punch attack on Blackpool supporter
A man who killed a rival football fan with a single punch has been Balmforth, 35, punched Tony Johnson, as rival fans clashed outside The Manchester pub on Blackpool Promenade after Blackpool played Burnley on 4 March Johnson, 55, from Blackpool, suffered a serious head injury and died in hospital two days later without regaining Robert Altham, Honorary Recorder of Preston, sentenced Balmforth, from Burnley, to five years after he was found guilty of manslaughter by a jury at Preston Crown Court earlier this month. The disturbance happened hours after the Championship match earlier in the day in had travelled to the resort to watch Burnley and was in The Manchester sports bar, which was a designated pub for Burnley Johnson was among a group of Blackpool supporters who gathered outside the the trouble that followed, Balmforth punched Mr Johnson once in the face, and the incident was caught on at the scene provided emergency medical assistance before Mr Johnson was taken to Blackpool Victoria of Tarvin Close, was also given a nine-year order banning him from football grounds. Det Ch Insp Andy Fallows said: "My thoughts remain very much with Tony Johnson's family."It has been a harrowing experience for them over the last two years, losing a loved one and having to relive the events of the evening of 4 March 2023 during the trial."This case shows how outbreaks of violence can lead to tragedy and what the terrible consequences of one punch can be."Following Mr Johnson's death, his partner paid tribute to him, saying she was "devastated" to have lost her "best friend, life partner and soul mate"."We all, as a family, are so heartbroken and our lives are never going to be the same," she other men who pleaded guilty to affray will be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on 4 August. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
BBC News
22-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Lancaster Crown Court set to close permanently over access and security
A crown court which has not been in use for the past six years is set to close Crown Court, which is based in medieval castle, has not been used for civil or criminal hearings since 2019, with criminal cases sent to Preston Crown Court HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) said the historical court "does not offer modern and flexible accommodation and has significant issues with security and accessibility".A consultation on the closure proposal is under way, with a deadline of 2 July for anyone wishing to respond. Jane Wignall from HMCTS North West said the court's issues could not be resolved due to the listed status of the building and because the castle complex operated as a tourist attraction. The proposal "is part of our ongoing work to review our estate to make sure that we continue to deliver access to justice, value for money and provide an efficient and effective service", she Crown Court is one of four crown courts in Lancashire, with the others being in Burnley, Preston Combined Court and Preston Sessions Wignall said Preston Crown Court was a modern and accessible building with capacity to accommodate any cases that would have been heard in Lancaster."The journey times to Preston have been carefully considered, along with the overall impact on court users, judiciary, and staff," she urged locals,judiciary staff and elected representatives to share their thoughts on the impact of the closure, adding: "We welcome views on any other options you think we should consider."Nearby Lancaster Courthouse is to remain in use for civil hearings. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
