Trio on violent crime charges
POLICE have charged three men who were wanted over violent crimes in Skelmersdale after launching public appeals.
Richard Bennett, also known as Richard Shacklady, 29 and Adam Moores, 29, were arrested last week, while Curtis Fox, 24, was found earlier this week.
The trio were wanted by police in connection with several offences committed in Skelmersdale in recent months and had been subject of warnings to the public.
On July 26, a man in his 50s was attacked in the Ennerdale area suffering serious leg and facial injuries and a day later two men were seen in possession of weapons in the Alderley and Abbeywood areas.
Bennett and Moores were wanted in connection with the offences.
Meanwhile, Bennett was also wanted in connection with an incident at Feltons on February 28 where a woman was assaulted, threats to life were made and a shotgun fired.
The pair were arrested on separate days last week after detectives shared public appeals and warnings about them.
Moores, of Elmstead was charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and went before Preston Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, August 1.
Richard Bennett, of no fixed address but believed to be living in Skelmersdale, was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, common assault, Section 18 wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and possession of a bladed article.
He went before the Magistrates Court on Monday and both will next appear at Preston Crown Court.
Meanwhile, Fox was arrested earlier this week and went before the magistrates court on Tuesday.
As reported in last week’s
Advertiser, Fox, of Thurston, was wanted in connection with a range of offences including a harrowing incident which saw a man doused in petrol through his car window and be threatened to be set on fire.
Detectives continued to ask for information through the weekend and he was later arrested and charged with administering a noxious substance, making threats to kill, and making threats to cause criminal damage.
The appeals came as part of a continued plea from Chief Inspector Ian Jones, West Lancashire’s top police officer, for those with information about crime and criminals to speak with law enforcement.