A busy day at Liverpool Magistrates Court saw cases ranging from drug driving to domestic violence and weapon charges.
More serious crimes go to Crown Court. Murder and rape are examples. Crown Court can give harsher penalties.
Magistrates Court sentences are shorter. They can imprison someone for six months, or twelve months for multiple crimes. Community service is another option, and they also issue fines. Driving or animal bans are possible too. Defendants stand trial here, and their family and friends watch. Everyone facing charges goes here first, so this court is always busy.
Zara McMullin appeared in court. She drove under the influence of cannabis last July. A police officer stopped her. He smelled cannabis in her car. McMullin said her dad smoked around her. But she failed a roadside drug test and a blood test confirmed she was over the limit. The judge gave her community service and a fine. She lost her driver’s license for 16 months.
Lewis Mahoney was next. He threatened to damage his girlfriend’s property. Police got a report about a domestic issue. Ring doorbell footage showed the girlfriend fleeing. Mahoney picked up a brick and threatened to smash her car window. He also broke a prior sentence, which was for controlling behavior. He will be sentenced later.
Terrance Stewart appeared also. He acted abusive and threatening. Police found him acting disruptive in Southport. He swore at the officers and threatened to set his dog on them. The dog was an XL Bully breed. He had a bottle of vodka and was drunk. He threatened to hit an officer. The judge sentenced Stewart to prison for eight weeks.
Marcus Miller was guilty of assault. He strangled his girlfriend and acted threateningly. The victim said he took drugs. She tried to wake him, and he woke up angry. He chased and choked her. Miller threatened her and her child. The judge sent the case to Crown Court for sentencing.
Jamie O’Brien admitted to theft and breaching his bail. He stole two vacuum cleaners and hid them in bin bags. O’Brien said he had a debt from past cocaine use. Currently, he claims to be drug-free. He has three children and no money. He stole out of desperation. The judge gave him community service.
James White pleaded guilty to assault. His case was delayed because they need a pre-sentence report. Serious cases are discussed here too. But these details stay private to protect fair trials. Discussing them could influence jurors.
Jason Bridge did not appear in court. He faces charges of strangulation and assault. There are charges for criminal damage, too. A warrant was issued for his arrest.
Terrance McCann was in custody. He argued with staff and the judge. He faces assault and weapon charges. He possessed a knuckle duster. He will appear in Crown Court.
Joseph McKenna breached a restraining order and harassed his ex-girlfriend. She had been stalked by him. He was banned from contacting her before. He texted and called her repeatedly. McKenna claimed homelessness drove his actions. The judge sent him to prison, and he will serve 32 weeks.
Fahad Al Eniezi appeared with an interpreter. He faces rape and sexual assault charges and denied the charges. His case goes to Crown Court. The court closed for lunch after this. They use interpreters often; this helps non-English speakers.