Assize court
The most serious criminal offences were dealt with by assize courts. In Lancashire, the Palatinate of Lancaster had its own jurisdiction, until 1876 when it was replaced by the Northern Circuit of the assizes. Use the criminal registers for England and Wales 1791 to 1892 (National Archives) first to see if it contains the information you need.
Assize Court records are held at the National Archives.
Greater Manchester Police Museum holds calendars of prisoners for the Assize Court of Manchester 1882 to 1964 (with gaps).