Two men have been charged after police allege they tried to take barrels of oil from a pub in Newton-le-Willows and cooking oil from the bin area of a fast-food restaurant in Kirkby.
What has happened
The men named by police are Jack Ashton, 26, of South View Road, East Bierley, and Jordan Ford, 29, of Marsh Street, Cleckheaton — both addresses in West Yorkshire. The charges relate to an incident on 9 December 2025 at a public house in Newton-le-Willows, where officers say barrels of oil were targeted.
On the same date, the pair are also accused of attempting to take cooking oil stored in a padlocked bin area outside a Wendy’s restaurant at Knowsley Industrial Park in Kirkby. According to court records, both men face two counts brought under the Theft Act 1968.
Court appearance and next steps
Both defendants attended Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates' Court for a first hearing on 24 July. The case remains a matter for the courts; no trial outcome has been reported.
- Alleged incidents: 9 December 2025
- Locations: Newton-le-Willows (pub) and Knowsley Industrial Park, Kirkby (restaurant bin area)
- Charges: two counts under the Theft Act 1968
| Defendant | Age | Alleged offence locations |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Ashton | 26 | Newton-le-Willows pub; Wendy’s, Knowsley Industrial Park |
| Jordan Ford | 29 | Newton-le-Willows pub; Wendy’s, Knowsley Industrial Park |
Local impact and context
Businesses that store oils and similar supplies are frequently advised to use secure storage and controlled access because these items can be valuable on resale. The allegation that cooking oil was kept in a padlocked bin area highlights how even secured waste zones may still be targeted.
For local publicans and restaurant operators, the case is a reminder to review security arrangements for outside storage and bins, and to report suspicious activity to Merseyside Police. The matter is being progressed through the magistrates’ court and will return to the legal system for further hearings.
InfoRadar will update readers if the court publishes further details of the case or any sentencing information becomes available.
