Yorkshire court round-up: Rapist jailed, killer gets life and fraudster imprisoned
A series of serious cases heard in courts across Yorkshire has resulted in prison sentences for offences including rape, murder, fraud and perverting the course of justice.
Rapist jailed after attack on vulnerable victim
A man has been jailed after raping a vulnerable male victim who had fallen asleep in Leeds city centre.
Leeds Crown Court heard how Abdi Wahab Abdulla, 31, approached the 19-year-old in Queens Arcade before following him and carrying out sexual assaults, including rape and attempted rape.
The victim had been on a night out and was heavily intoxicated, leaving him unable to consent.
Abdulla was identified through CCTV and later linked by DNA evidence. He was found guilty following a trial and sentenced to seven and a half years in prison.
He will also be placed on the Sex Offenders Register.
Killer jailed for “brutal” attack on vulnerable man
A man has been jailed for life after carrying out what was described as a “brutal attack, verging on torture” on a vulnerable man.
Julian Hargreaves was found seriously injured at his home in Staithes on March 14, 2024, after being assaulted the previous evening.
Leeds Crown Court heard how Huw Owen, 42, repeatedly attacked him and struck him with a lamp before leaving him on the floor.
Mr Hargreaves died weeks later from injuries linked to the assault. Owen was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years and 110 days.
Keighley man jailed for lying over speeding offences
A Keighley man has been jailed after repeatedly lying to police to avoid speeding penalties.
Ayaan Rafiq, 31, falsely claimed his number plates had been stolen after being caught speeding in Shipley and later on the M1.
Investigators used mobile phone data to place him in the vehicle at the time of the offences.
Rafiq, of Castle Road, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice and making a false report. He was jailed for 20 months at Bradford Crown Court and banned from driving for 22 months.
Drug dealer ordered to repay £129,000
A Leeds drug dealer has been ordered to repay more than £129,000 or face more time in prison.
Andre Craig, 31, was jailed for 45 months in November 2024 after admitting drug offences involving cocaine, cannabis and MDMA.
Following his conviction, financial investigators identified assets including cash, silver bars and a property.
At Leeds Crown Court he was ordered to repay £129,030 within three months or face a further 15 months in prison.
Terror suspect appears in court
An alleged far-right extremist has appeared in court accused of planning an attack on an asylum hotel in Hull.
Mikka Lee Anderson, 23, is charged with preparing acts of terrorism and related offences.
The Old Bailey heard he had allegedly identified a hotel housing asylum seekers and attempted to recruit someone to assist, who alerted police.
He has been remanded in custody ahead of a provisional trial at Newcastle Crown Court later this year.