Leeds Crown Court Round-up: Twelve callous criminals who have been locked up this week

Published 22nd Oct 2023, 16:30 BST

Dealers caught with £8,000 worth of drugs at Leeds Festival, a pervert who was caught by police three times before eventually being jailed, a rapist who ruined the life of a 10-year-old girl and man who killed another on a Leeds streets with a single punch.

These are the heartless criminals who have faced justice this week at Leeds Crown Court, with jail sentences ranging from just a few months up to many years.

Just a few of the faces who are starting jail sentences this week. (pics by WYP)

1. Court round up 22 Oct 2023.jpg

Just a few of the faces who are starting jail sentences this week. (pics by WYP) Photo: WYP

Hotaj was found in an end-terrace property on Garton Terrace on Richmond Hill tending to a cannabis farm worth upwards of half-a-million pounds. More than 290 cannabis plants were found across four floors, along with the professional set-up of lamps, filters and fans to ensure the plants grow. The 29-year-old was given 22 months’ jail after the judge said he played a "significant role” in the operation. (pic by WYP)

2. Isa Hotaj

Hotaj was found in an end-terrace property on Garton Terrace on Richmond Hill tending to a cannabis farm worth upwards of half-a-million pounds. More than 290 cannabis plants were found across four floors, along with the professional set-up of lamps, filters and fans to ensure the plants grow. The 29-year-old was given 22 months’ jail after the judge said he played a "significant role” in the operation. (pic by WYP) Photo: WYP

Stephen Lemon was jailed this week after footage was found of him having sex with a woman to which she had not given consent. The 49-year-old, who has along history of violence against women, admitted a charge of voyeurism, along with three counts of breach of a restraining order and making threats with a knife.
The court was told that Lemon had only been released from prison when he began trying to confront the woman, despite being warned to stay away from her. Lemon, formerly of Westgate, Wakefield, but now of no fixed address, was jailed for 28 months. (pic by WYP)

3. Stephen Lemon

Stephen Lemon was jailed this week after footage was found of him having sex with a woman to which she had not given consent. The 49-year-old, who has along history of violence against women, admitted a charge of voyeurism, along with three counts of breach of a restraining order and making threats with a knife. The court was told that Lemon had only been released from prison when he began trying to confront the woman, despite being warned to stay away from her. Lemon, formerly of Westgate, Wakefield, but now of no fixed address, was jailed for 28 months. (pic by WYP) Photo: WYP

Monster Michael King was handed an 11-year extended jail sentence this week after being found guilty after a trial of repeatedly raping a 10-year-old girl. The 33-year-old was convicted of three counts of rape of a child under 13, four counts of sexual assault and one of inciting or engaging in sexual activity with a child. King, who is from the Farsley area, targeted the child over a series of months. A statement from the child's mother was presented the court and read: "It’s absolutely devastating. It’s an experience that can’t be undone or taken away. We have had to put our faith in the British justice system and it’s not been easy. What happened to her is simply horrifying." (pic by WYP)

4. Michael King

Monster Michael King was handed an 11-year extended jail sentence this week after being found guilty after a trial of repeatedly raping a 10-year-old girl. The 33-year-old was convicted of three counts of rape of a child under 13, four counts of sexual assault and one of inciting or engaging in sexual activity with a child. King, who is from the Farsley area, targeted the child over a series of months. A statement from the child's mother was presented the court and read: "It’s absolutely devastating. It’s an experience that can’t be undone or taken away. We have had to put our faith in the British justice system and it’s not been easy. What happened to her is simply horrifying." (pic by WYP) Photo: WYP

Liam Petch was jailed this week for killing a man with one punch in Seacroft. The victim, 47-year-old Scott Foster, had been part of a group in which another member had crossed words with Petch over the sale of a bike. As 32-year-old Petch got closer, he said he saw Mr Foster move into his peripheral vision so lashed out at him, claiming he thought he would be attacked. The punch sent Mr Foster crashing to the floor with his head fatally striking the pavement. Despite surgery he died hours later. A remorseful Petch, from Seacroft, admitted manslaughter and was jailed for four years and eight months. (pic by WYP)

5. Liam Petch

Liam Petch was jailed this week for killing a man with one punch in Seacroft. The victim, 47-year-old Scott Foster, had been part of a group in which another member had crossed words with Petch over the sale of a bike. As 32-year-old Petch got closer, he said he saw Mr Foster move into his peripheral vision so lashed out at him, claiming he thought he would be attacked. The punch sent Mr Foster crashing to the floor with his head fatally striking the pavement. Despite surgery he died hours later. A remorseful Petch, from Seacroft, admitted manslaughter and was jailed for four years and eight months. (pic by WYP) Photo: WYP

Nichol attacked his former partner and later sent her a voicemail said he enjoyed making her suffer. He was deemed a “dangerous young individual” after he ignored a restraining order to stay away from the woman and continued to torment her. He went to her home and tire to strangle her when she refused to hand over her phone when he became jealous. The 20-year-old from Headingley, later admitted two counts of breaching a restraining order and intentional strangulation. The judge handed Nichol 36 months’ detention in a young offender institute.

6. Alistair Nichol

Nichol attacked his former partner and later sent her a voicemail said he enjoyed making her suffer. He was deemed a “dangerous young individual” after he ignored a restraining order to stay away from the woman and continued to torment her. He went to her home and tire to strangle her when she refused to hand over her phone when he became jealous. The 20-year-old from Headingley, later admitted two counts of breaching a restraining order and intentional strangulation. The judge handed Nichol 36 months’ detention in a young offender institute. Photo: WYP