Manchester's two crown courts are where the full details of shocking crimes are revealed in public for the first time. Even as the country remains in lockdown and we are compelled to socially distance, cases are continuing to be held remotely, using the internet.
From gangland abductions to sex beasts, monstrous violence to benefit fraud on an industrial scale, here are some of the most shocking cases heard so far this year.
It was a missing persons appeal that sparked a huge reaction, and a front page M.E.N. story. Seven months later, in February, the grim details of the tragic fate of popular chef Hiran Chauhan emerged.