Andrew Bellard, Lancashire Telegraph Journalist Profile

Articles

Banned driver 'showed police taxi licence' during traffic stop

5 days ago | lancashiretelegraph.co.uk | Andrew Bellard

Javeed Butt pleaded guilty at Blackburn Magistrates' Court to driving while banned, but claimed, through his solicitor Zia Yasin, that he was not driving for reward. He also said there was nothing in the prosecution papers which provided evidence that he was. Courtney Thompson, prosecuting, said officers stopped Butt in King Street, Whalley, and told him he might not be insured as a taxi driver while he drove a Toyota Prius on Christmas Day last year.
Paedo dumped phone packed with indecent photos in dog poo bin

5 days ago | lancashiretelegraph.co.uk | Andrew Bellard

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard officers recovered the phone and discovered it contained 1,290 category A images, the most serious kind. Jack Stanley, 23, of Sandy Lane, Lower Darwen, pleaded guilty to possessing 1,290 category A images of children, 283 category B images, 191 category C images and six extreme pornographic images which displayed a person performing an act with dogs and horses.
Man turned up to house of ex who was 'afraid to say no to him'

6 days ago | lancashiretelegraph.co.uk | Andrew Bellard

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard Michael Heaton had been invited into the house by his ex, who later told police he was afraid to say no to him. Heaton, 32, of Grange Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to breach of a restraining order. He was jailed for 12 weeks and ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge on release. Courtney Thompson, prosecuting, said the complainant had called the police and told them Heaton had turned up at his home.
Teenagers in court charged with Blackburn copper cable theft

1 week ago | lancashiretelegraph.co.uk | Andrew Bellard

Blackburn Magistrates Court (Image: Anthony Moss) Two teenagers have appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged in connection with the theft of copper cable reels worth £28,000. The court heard a third man who had been involved in the offence was still being sought by police.
Man almost four times over limit told 'two beers' claim ridiculous

1 week ago | lancashiretelegraph.co.uk | Andrew Bellard

Blackburn magistrates heard David Hope then failed to provide an evidential sample when at the police station. District Judge Alexandra Preston told him it was clear he had got behind the wheel while well over the limit on December 29, 2024. "The reading you gave at the roadside gives me an indication of how much you had drunk," said District Judge Preston.
Election candidate assaulted and slandered rival during campaign

1 week ago | lancashiretelegraph.co.uk | Andrew Bellard

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard that prior to posting the lie, Paul Knighton had also assaulted the other man. This came after Wayne Fitzharris rejected his offer of a political alliance with other independent candidates. Both men were running for Hyndburn Council in 2023 in different wards as independents, Mr Fitzharris in Altham and Knighton in Overton.
Woman headbutted police after feeling 'humiliated' during search

1 week ago | lancashiretelegraph.co.uk | Andrew Bellard

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard how on both occasions Louise Windle assaulted a female officer. Windle, 42, of Brownhill Avenue, Burnley, pleaded guilty to two charges of assaulting an emergency worker, and was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison. District Judge Alexandra Preston said the offences were aggravated by the fact Windle has previous convictions for the same offence.
Homophobic gang to face Crown Court sentence over train station assault

1 week ago | lancashiretelegraph.co.uk | Andrew Bellard

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard the attack was preceded by homophobic abuse of the two men, who were returning from a night out in Manchester. The court was told that before the attack, all seven of the assailants, who claimed they had been out celebrating Eid, donned black balaclavas to conceal their identities.
Man sentenced for menacing email to Burnley MP Oliver Ryan

1 week ago | lancashiretelegraph.co.uk | Andrew Bellard

Oliver Ryan MP (Image: UK Parliament) A man who sent a menacing e-mail to Burnley MP Oliver Ryan has seen his "angry rant" excuse dismissed by a judge. Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard the email sent by Stuart Pennell on January 9 contained statements about people being "lined up and shot" and "never seeing the light of day again." It also contained a reference to Islam and the fact Mr Ryan had voted against an inquiry into a grooming scandal.
Shoplifter was back stealing a day after getting suspended sentence

1 week ago | lancashiretelegraph.co.uk | Andrew Bellard

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard Williams went on to commit four offences before he was arrested for those and other offences. Williams, 25, of High Street, Brierfield, pleaded guilty to stealing from Kitchen Service Station in Trafalgar Street, Burnley, and three thefts from a Spar store. The eight-month suspended sentence was activated, with a further month for the latest offences. Williams was also charged with burglary of a house in Coal Clough Lane and fraudulent use of a bank card.