SKELMERSDALE OFFENDER RICHARD BENNETT JAILED FOR FIREARM THREATS AND BURGLARY
A violent offender named Richard Bennett, also known as Richard Shacklady, has been convicted for multiple serious crimes.He threatened his ex-partner Natalie Stewart and fired a gun in public in front of an innocent eight-year-old child, causing severe fear and trauma.
The incident involved Bennett wielding a sawn-off shotgun during a confrontation in Skelmersdale, which was recorded on the victim’s phone, showing him making threats and shooting the gun away from the involved individuals, including the child.
He then drove away in the stolen car and fled the country, making him one of Skelmersdale’s most wanted.
The court found Bennett guilty of the offences, which also included burglary, car theft, assault occasioning ABH, and a separate incident where he injured a man who had recently undergone leg amputation.
The judge sentenced him to 81 months in prison and considered applying a dangerous offender status, but decided against it.
Bennett has a long history of violent behaviour, including previous convictions for battery, wounding, and smashing up a milkshake bar, where he assaulted an elderly man and his ex-girlfriend.
Despite his recent progress, the court acknowledged the danger Bennett poses, and a restraining order against his victims will be considered later.
Bennett’s lawyer argued that he was trying to improve, was no longer taking drugs, and planned to leave Skelmersdale to stay away from trouble.
The outcome reflects the court’s recognition of his dangerous past and the seriousness of his recent crimes.
