Roy Hickman, 42, admitted breaching a serious crime prevention order at Liverpool Crown Court, giving a thumbs up to the judge as the hearing concluded. The former drug offender was arrested in Liverpool city centre in July, months after his release from prison.
Details of the arrest
Hickman was jailed for 14 years and five months in 2019 for drug offences and was subject to a serious crime prevention order. He was released on licence in November 2024. However, on July 6 this year, police stopped a car on William Jessop Way in Liverpool city centre, seizing cannabis and recovering mobile phones during a subsequent search of an address.
Recalled to prison, Hickman appeared via video link from HMP Altcourse. He pleaded guilty to breaching the order, which prohibited him from possessing more than one mobile phone. He denied possession of cannabis.
Legal proceedings
Prosecutor Jonathan Keane accepted the plea to count one and invited the court to lie count two on the file. Defence lawyer John Rowan said he would normally request immediate sentencing, but noted that pre-action protocol had been lodged to judicially review the recall decision, citing procedural errors.
Judge Charlotte Crangle adjourned sentencing until August 19, pending the potential review. She told Hickman: "You will be given credit for that guilty plea in due course." He was remanded in custody.
As the hearing closed, Hickman, wearing a grey t-shirt, replied "Ok. Thank you" and gave a thumbs up to the judge.
