Good morning, these are the latest ECHO headlines today.
'Top Cat' the Liverpool 'council flat' drug boss and his extravagant life of crime
A Liverpool man who died 18 years ago made a name for himself as one of the city's leading criminals.
Tommy Comerford, known as Tacker and Top Cat, was one of the first Liverpool men to become involved in international drug crime.
Comerford, from Vauxhall, grew up in post-war Liverpool when the docklands provided opportunities for criminals to smuggle, steal and make money.
READ MORE: ' Reservoir Dogs' raid that made city hard men pack in robbery
He started out as a lorry driver and then became involved in one of the city's most famous ever bank robberies.
On his release from prison Comerford abandoned robbery and became involved in serious drug crime.
Read the full feature on his Comerford's story here.
Drug dealer's shameless Christmas tree which formed part of his spectacular downfall
A shameless criminal revelled in his exploits as he decorated his Christmas tree in cash and drugs.
Marvin Porcelli captured the tasteless festive spectacle in a photo that was later retrieved by police.
It added to the long list of evidence showcasing his key role in a major drugs gang about to spend Christmas behind bars.
READ MORE: EncroChat drug gang's empire crumbles as members jailed for over 89 years
Porcelli played an “operational function” in a network of criminals described by Judge Anil Murray as running “a large, professional, sophisticated, well-planned, well-organised and successful” operation.
Liverpool Crown Court heard he was involved in the storage, couriering, cutting and supply of drugs on behalf of those higher up the enterprise, with Judge Murray telling him: “The conspiracy could not have operated without the actions you took.”
Read the full story here.
63 criminals Liverpool judges handed longest jail sentences to in 2021
People are sentenced every week at Liverpool Crown Court for a variety of crimes and the ECHO is often there when it happens.
Those in the dock include killers who have committed what is considered the most serious offence of all - taking another person's life - from murderers to those convicted of the lesser offence of manslaughter.
Rapists, paedophiles and sex attackers are often brought to justice thanks to the bravery of their victims, who are sometimes left mentally scarred forever, but find the courage to come forward.
READ MORE: Whopping lies and excuses used by crooks to save their skin
Gun thugs who use weapons themselves or endanger lives by putting at risk the safety of innocent bystanders are treated very seriously by the judges.
Drug dealers, who by selling Class A substances like heroin and crack cocaine spread misery and addiction, which in turn fuels much of the crime seen in society, are also severely punished by judges.
Here our court reporter takes a look back at the longest sentences handed down by Merseyside's judges in 2021.
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