Kyle

Today, five men have been sentenced to a total of 12 and a half years in prison for large-scale ticket fraud, following an extensive Merseyside Police investigation. The men were sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today, after pleading guilty to the charges. They are: - Joseph Johnson, 42, of Chelford Road, Eccleston, St Helens: sentenced to four years and six months for Conspiracy to Commit Fraud by Abuse of Position; Conspiracy to Commit Fraud by False Representation; and Conspiracy to Sell Tickets Fraudulently - Louis James, 37, of Lapford Crescent, Kirkby: sentenced to two years and four months for Conspiracy to Commit Fraud by Abuse of Position; Conspiracy to Commit Fraud by False Representation; and Conspiracy to Sell Tickets Fraudulently - Liam Rice, 35, of Mount Crescent, Kirkby: sentenced to two years and 10 months for Conspiracy to Sell Tickets Fraudulently - Lee Smith, 38 of Moss Lane, Bickerstaff, Ormskirk: sentenced to two years and 10 months for Conspiracy to Commit Fraud by Abuse of Position; and Conspiracy to Sell Tickets Fraudulently - James Johnson, 34, of Westcombe Road, Anfield: sentenced to 21 months (suspended), for Conspiracy to Commit Fraud by Abuse of Position; and Conspiracy to Sell Tickets Fraudulently The group dishonestly obtained and resold tickets mainly for @LFC matches at inflated prices through unofficial channels, creating over 1,000 fake memberships and even setting up a website to advertise tickets. Their scam, which grew into an international operation, has now been dismantled thanks to close work between Merseyside Police and LFC. Detective Chief Inspector Lynsay Armbruster said: "This was a complex, long-running investigation. These sentences send a clear message: ticket fraud will not be tolerated. Buying from unofficial sources risks losing money and being denied entry." LFC added: "We have zero tolerance for ticket misuse. Fans should only buy through official channels." ✅ For genuine tickets, visit LFC’s official site. ❌ Don’t risk buying from unofficial sellers.