The Leader team has covered many cases this year - in both the Crown and Magistrates Courts.

We've selected some of the most shocking cases we have reported on throughout 2023.

Here are some of those cases, and the sentences they resulted in.

Life sentence for "cruel and heartless" murderer who killed friend in knife attack

The Leader: Mark Harley Jones, left, and Kyle Walley (Images: North Wales Police)Mark Harley Jones, left, and Kyle Walley (Images: North Wales Police) (Image: North Wales Police)A jury saw through this man's claims of self defence, convicting him unanimously of murder.

Throughout the trial, the court heard how the defendant had filmed his behaviour on the day and posted it to social media.

In video excerpts played to the court he told the camera, among other things: "Man's gonna get done for murder, get me?"

Man sentenced for attacking his mum in bout of "psychotic rage"

The Leader: Max Brock (NWP)Max Brock (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police)This man was arrested after repeatedly attempting to spit in his mother's face.

It came after he'd grabbed her arms and squeezed them, causing bruising, and accused her of wanting to kill him.

Wrexham man jailed for assaulting pedestrian on High Street

The Leader: Harry Jones (NWP)Harry Jones (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police)CCTV captured this man "shadow-boxing" in the street after kicking his victim in the face and leaving him slumped unconscious at the side of the road.

On the way to custody, he repeatedly spat in the police vehicle cell, and told officers "f*** off" whilst making a 'Nazi salute.'

Wrexham woman jailed for pub attack

The Leader: Tammy Evans (NWP)Tammy Evans (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police)This defendant found herself in the dock after throwing a pint glass at another woman.

The glass smashed in her face, causing permanent scarring.

Man jailed for knifepoint attack after pub argument

The Leader: William Jones (NWP)William Jones (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police)This man left a fellow New Year reveller 'disfigured' after attacking him in his home following an argument about missing money.

The victim was left with multiple missing teeth, a fractured eye socket, bruising and swelling.

Deeside man jailed for 'sustained and sickening' attack

The Leader: Liam Dowling (NWP)Liam Dowling (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police)This man subjected his victim to a series of punches, kicks and stamps to the head - knocking him unconscious.

In CCTV footage, he could be heard shouting: "You're f****** dead" and "get up". He also made references to being a professional ring fighter.

Judge Niclas Parry described the attack as "vicious, sickening and sustained".