Sentencing and Judicial Commentary
Billy Sharratt, 24, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court via video link to be sentenced for dangerous driving and cannabis possession. The offences occurred in Billinge in August 2025.
During the hearing, Judge Simon Medland KC linked Sharratt’s criminal behaviour to cannabis consumption, stating: “My daily experience in this court is cannabis is an extremely dangerous drug that destroys people’s mental health and wellbeing.” The judge warned that continued use, combined with criminal activity, would lead to increasingly lengthy custodial sentences.
Prosecution Delays
Beyond the specific charges, the proceedings highlighted significant administrative issues. Judge Medland criticised the prosecution for the time taken to bring the case to court, noting that the matter could have been resolved during a previous sentencing hearing in January. The judge remarked that the case demonstrated a lack of coordination, questioning why it took from August 2025 to June 2026 to charge the defendant.
Rehabilitation Efforts
Despite his history of convictions, the court heard that Sharratt has made efforts toward rehabilitation while in custody. He has completed qualifications in maths and English, begun training as a personal trainer, and expressed gratitude for the structure provided by prison life, which has facilitated a break from cannabis use.
Sharratt was sentenced to 10 months in prison and received a further driving disqualification of two years and five months.
Source: St Helens Star
