Published 26th Oct 2026, 09:56 GMT
A number of serious criminal cases have recently been heard in courts across Yorkshire and beyond. Here is a round-up of some of the latest sentences and hearings.
Man convicted over police officer's killing handed second life sentence
A man convicted of manslaughter over the killing of Pc Sharon Beshenivsky in Bradford has been handed a second life sentence after becoming involved in a firearms conspiracy.
Faisal Razzaq, 45, was the getaway driver during a botched robbery at Universal Express travel agents in November 2005, which ended with the police officer being shot dead on her daughter's fourth birthday.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 11 years in 2006 before being released on parole in 2017.
However, after his release, Razzaq became involved in supplying firearms to criminals across London while running a luxury car hire business.
Harrow Crown Court heard he played a central role in a conspiracy involving the supply of guns to criminal gangs.
Police uncovered the operation after placing a listening device inside Razzaq's car, recording conversations about selling weapons and ammunition.
During one conversation, Razzaq told an associate to shoot at police if officers attempted to detain him.
A search of his home in September 2024 uncovered a pistol and eight rounds of ammunition.
Razzaq pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell or transfer prohibited firearms and other firearms offences.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of eight years.
Judge Hannah Kinch said: “It is no exaggeration to say that guns are a modern plague on our streets.”
Five other defendants were also jailed for their involvement in the conspiracy.
'Dangerous offender' jailed for rape and violence against multiple victims
A man described by police as a “serial perpetrator” of violence has been jailed after being convicted of rape, controlling behaviour and assaults involving multiple victims.
Owen Rowe, 23, was convicted of rape and coercive and controlling behaviour against one woman, alongside sexual assault and common assault against another woman and an attempted serious assault on a man.
Cleveland Police began investigating Rowe in early 2024 after a woman reported that he had raped and assaulted her.
She told officers he had subjected her to emotional blackmail, including threatening to take his own life if she reported his behaviour.
The woman also described him as controlling, possessive and jealous.
Rowe admitted what he called a “minor” assault but denied raping her.
As detectives continued their investigation, further allegations emerged from other victims.
Rowe was subsequently convicted of the offences and described as a “dangerous offender” during sentencing.
On Monday (Oct 19), he was jailed for 12 years, with an additional three years on licence.
DC Kirby, of Cleveland Police's Protecting Vulnerable People unit, said: “Throughout the investigation and trial, Rowe continued to deny what he’d done, minimising his actions and behaviour.”
The officer praised the victims for supporting the investigation.
Man jailed after homeowner held at knifepoint during Scarborough burglary
A man who held a kitchen knife to a homeowner's throat during a terrifying burglary in Scarborough has been jailed for six years and six months.
Matthew Williams, 35, and Kyle Smith, 19, forced their way into a property in the Esplanade area at around 10.40pm on Thursday (Aug 28), 2025.
The homeowner was asleep when the intruders entered his flat, threatened him with a knife and stole a television, wallet, alcohol and tobacco.
The pair fled in a previously stolen vehicle, but CCTV footage helped police trace them.
Officers recovered kitchen knives hidden behind a bin, while forensic examinations linked both defendants to the weapons and stolen property.
During his police interview, Williams claimed his DNA had been found on one of the knives because he had previously helped the victim prepare Sunday dinner by chopping onions.
However, the victim disputed his explanation.
Both men pleaded guilty.
In a victim impact statement, the homeowner said: “I was asleep in my home when I was suddenly awoken by intruders, one holding a knife to my throat. I felt completely helpless, in what should have been the safety of my own home.”
At York Crown Court on Thursday (Oct 22), Williams, of no fixed address, was sentenced to six years and six months in prison.
Smith, of Blenheim Terrace, Scarborough, received a three-year prison sentence suspended for three years.
Brothers jailed after shotgun fired at Barnsley property
Two brothers have been jailed after a shotgun was fired at a property in Barnsley, damaging a window.
Jamie Galfsky, 37, and Daniel Galfsky, 35, both of Silkstone View, Barnsley, were convicted of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
At around 9.30pm on January 21, CCTV footage captured the brothers travelling in a vehicle towards a property on Cemetery Road in Jump.
A shotgun was then fired, damaging a window at the premises.
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The vehicle, registered to Jamie Galfsky, was discovered burnt out near Wombwell Woods two days later.
Police launched an investigation and issued a public appeal to locate the brothers.
Daniel was arrested after officers received information that he was at a pub, while Jamie handed himself in shortly afterwards.
Both denied the firearms offence but were found guilty following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court.
On Friday (Oct 16), Jamie was jailed for six years and six months.
Daniel received a six-year prison sentence for the firearms offence and criminal damage.
Acting Detective Inspector Matt Barnes, of South Yorkshire Police, described the shooting as a reckless act which could have resulted in serious injuries.
Doncaster man jailed for using dogs to hunt wildlife and leaving injuries untreated
A Doncaster man who used dogs to hunt and kill wild animals before leaving them with untreated injuries has been jailed for three years.
Lewis Richard Wray, 38, of Runnymede Road, Intake, was also banned from keeping animals for life following sentencing at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday (Oct 12).
An investigation began after the RSPCA received intelligence from the Naturewatch Foundation about social media videos showing Wray's dogs hunting.
In December 2024, RSPCA investigators and South Yorkshire Police officers searched Wray's home.
They discovered four dogs, a lurcher named Ruby and three Patterdale terriers called Peanut, Pip and Sky.
All four had historical scarring caused by deep wounds which had not received veterinary treatment.
During the search, Wray denied owning a mobile phone, but officers heard it ringing upstairs when they called his number.
Evidence recovered from the device linked him to another man, Jake Dominik McLay, 30, of Armthorpe, who had also been involved in hunting.
A subsequent search of McLay's home in May 2025 uncovered three more dogs with deep scarring.
Sergeant James Shirley, of South Yorkshire Police's Motorcycle and Rural Crime Team, said: “People using dogs to hunt and kill wildlife is illegal, cruel, and unacceptable.”
Wray had also docked puppies' tails.