Durham Crown Court Sentencing Results

March 2026 4 cases

Connor Bradley

Burglary *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Connor Bradley, 32, of Bessemer Street, Ferryhill, committed two burglaries shortly after his release from a 10-year prison sentence for serious sexual offences in 2015. On December 3, 2025, he burgled a home in Darlington while the homeowner and her daughter were inside, stealing a rucksack, handbag with mobile phone and bank card, and four bottles of vodka valued at £405. He used the stolen bank card to spend £14 at a Shell garage and on vending machines at Darlington Memorial Hospital. He was identified via Ring doorbell camera footage. The victim felt completely violated. On December 5, 2025, he burgled a home in Consett by climbing through a bathroom window but fled empty-handed when disturbed, leaving fingerprints. He was arrested in January 2026 and has been on remand since.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and one count of fraud. Judge Jo Kidd presided. Prior convictions for 13 offences, including a 10-year sentence in 2015 for serious sexual offences. Struggling to adjust to life outside jail, used alcohol as coping mechanism, suffered childhood trauma and severe anxiety.

13 Mar 2026

James Thomas Barker

Making indecent images and possession of extreme porn *

Sentence

10 month prison sentence suspended for 2 years, 100 hours unpaid work, 35 rehabilitation days

James Thomas Barker, 27, of Acton Dene, Stanley, County Durham, downloaded and possessed child abuse images and extreme pornography between 2016 and 2023. He had 1,533 category C images, 668 category A images (some depicting rape of children as young as three), 1,001 category B images, and five extreme images involving women and dogs.

Pleaded guilty. No previous convictions. Judge Jo Kidd noted social isolation leading to excessive porn consumption escalating to child abuse images. Subject to 10 year sexual harm prevention order and sex offenders' register.

13 Mar 2026

Jamie Jenkins

Fraud by false representation *

Sentence

40 months imprisonment

Jamie Jenkins, 47, from Toward Road, Sunderland, defrauded 12 companies out of a total of £36,496 between September 2020 and his arrest. He used various alias names and created fake companies to perpetrate the frauds. Methods included claiming online purchases were not received to obtain refunds, opening credit accounts for fake companies, buying items, then claiming payments were sent to the wrong bank account, ignoring invoices, and providing fake proof of payment. One victim lost over £10,000, leading to severe cash-flow issues, £100,000 in loans and credit card debt, business collapse, emotional strain, and ongoing repayment of over £30,000. Items from the frauds were found at his home and sold online. Fake documents and a passport under an alias were discovered, and he filed false accounts to Companies House to inflate company values for better credit. He frustrated court proceedings by dismissing his defence multiple times before being charged in June 2022.

Found guilty by unanimous jury decision of 13 counts of fraud by false representation, three counts of delivering false information to Companies House, providing false information to the electoral registration officer, and making a false statement in an application for a postal vote. A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing is scheduled for April 21.

13 Mar 2026

Mark Burton

Sexual assault of a child *

Sentence

12 years imprisonment

Mark Burton, a former councillor in Darlington, sexually abused a boy shortly after being elected for the first time. The abuse included assault by penetration, three counts of sexual assault of a child, two counts of sexual activity with a child, and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, committed on separate occasions. The offences pre-dated his 2012 conviction. The abuse came to light following his 2012 prison sentence. The victim, now an adult, stated the abuse has severely impacted his mental health, leading him to use cannabis as a coping mechanism.

Found guilty after trial. No remorse shown. Prior conviction in 2012 for 22 months for sexual assault. Placed on sex offenders' register for life. Subject to indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

10 Mar 2026

February 2026 6 cases

Kerry Anne Pickersgill

Causing unnecessary suffering to animals *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment suspended for 2 years

Kerry Anne Pickersgill, previously disqualified from keeping animals for life in May 2015, neglected 22 horses and 21 dogs at her farm in Marwood, Barnard Castle, County Durham. Dead, dying, and skeletal horse remains were found alongside living animals in filthy, faeces-filled barns and stables reeking of rotting flesh. Horses were underweight, infested with lice and worms, had overgrown hooves and untreated teeth, with no clean water or bedding. Some horses ate their own faeces due to starvation. Dogs were kept in dark, damp sheds and trailers with mouldy faeces matted in their fur, suffering from emaciation, dental disease, inflamed ears, infected eyes, and flea infestations. The neglect caused unnecessary suffering over several months, leading to eight horses being euthanized and all animals seized on February 12, 2025.

Admitted 12 counts of causing unnecessary suffering, two counts of not meeting needs, breaching a previous ban on keeping animals. Ordered to complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 100 hours of unpaid work and a six-month mental health treatment order. Expressed regret and apportioned blame to herself.

20 Feb 2026

Ellie Newby

Causing unnecessary suffering to animals *

Sentence

12-month community order with 150 hours unpaid work

Ellie Newby, along with her mother, neglected 21 dogs at the family farm in Marwood, Barnard Castle, County Durham. The dogs were kept in dark, damp sheds, stables, and trailers littered with mouldy faeces and debris, with no clean water or dry resting areas. The overwhelming smell of ammonia was present. Many dogs were underweight, matted with faeces, and suffered from health issues including fur loss, dental disease, inflamed ears, infected eyes, tender paws from damp conditions, and flea infestations. Four dogs were emaciated, having suffered for months. All dogs were seized on February 12, 2025, and most were rehabilitated and rehomed.

Admitted two offences of causing unnecessary suffering in relation to two dogs. Disqualified from keeping dogs for five years. No previous convictions; described as under the influence of her mother and having significant problems with a solitary existence.

20 Feb 2026

Ian Stead

Possession with intent to supply cocaine *

Sentence

2 years and 4 months imprisonment

On Sunday, January 18, 2026, around 5.15pm, Cleveland Police response officers from Stockton spotted Ian Stead, a 40-year-old from Tovil Close, Stockton, on Thornaby Road while attending an unrelated incident. He was pursued on foot onto Northumberland Road, where he was arrested in possession of a quarter of a kilo of cocaine worth up to £25,000.

Convicted of possession with intent to supply class A drug. Startled by officers and pursued on foot before arrest.

18 Feb 2026

Michael Barclay

Affray *

Sentence

26 months imprisonment

On August 1, 2025, Michael Barclay, 31, of Murray Street, Hartlepool, participated in a targeted group attack on a man at a property on Derwent Street, Hartlepool. Barclay climbed a drainpipe to enter the property, opened the door to let co-accused Geoffrey Vanes inside, and later squirted an unknown liquid into the victim's face after the victim fell from a window, sustaining a dislocated elbow and spinal fractures. The attack was captured on CCTV, and the victim sought refuge at a Sainsbury's store. Vanes struck the victim with a weapon, possibly a hammer.

Pleaded guilty to affray. Had 19 previous convictions for 49 offences. Was on a suspended prison sentence for possession of a knife at the time of the attack, in breach of that sentence. Involved in a targeted group attack; stood by casually as victim lay injured and squirted an unknown liquid into his face.

16 Feb 2026

Ellis Eyles

Misconduct in a public office *

Sentence

8 months imprisonment

Ellis Eyles, a 24-year-old prison officer at HMP Deerbolt in County Durham, engaged in illicit communications with inmate Mitchell Ingham between March and August 2023. This included regular messaging, FaceTime calls (one lasting 37 minutes), and relaying information about his family and another prisoner's location. The offence was discovered in June 2023 when an iPhone hidden in another prisoner's cell was found, containing messages from Eyles such as 'miss you' with kisses, and Ingham calling her 'babe'. Eyles was arrested at her home, and her phone was seized. She had completed anti-corruption training but abused her position of trust.

Pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office. No previous convictions. Judge noted challenging childhood but continued to work after leaving prison service. Defence highlighted immaturity and limited training.

12 Feb 2026

Mark Thirkell

Fraud *

Sentence

19 months imprisonment

Between March 2020 and February 2022, Mark Thirkell, 49, of Laburnum Park, Brandon, attended customers' properties, gave quotes for rendering work, took deposits or down payments for materials, but often failed to return to carry out the work, using excuses like a broken-down van, equipment not working, or attending hospital. On rare occasions he returned, he performed only minimal or substandard work. He conned 24 victims out of more than £31,000, with one customer losing £10,000, the largest amount. Customers requested refunds, and even during investigations, Thirkell promised repayments but never followed through.

Labelled as 'thoroughly dishonest' with a 'lack of empathy and insight for the victims.' Case brought by Durham County Council.

12 Feb 2026

January 2026 5 cases

Daryl Mcburnie

Coercive or controlling behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm *

Sentence

27 months imprisonment

Daryl McBurnie, 28, subjected his partner to a violent and controlling five-year relationship from 2020 to 2025, involving assaults, isolation, manipulation, property damage, emotional abuse, and suicide threats. On September 5, 2025, he bit her several times, causing visible injuries including bite marks and bruising to her head, arms, and legs. On October 9, 2025, he bit her again and held a knife to her throat in her County Durham home, leaving her with significant injuries including a busted lip; she called 999 feeling in severe danger. The abuse caused severe mental damage requiring medication.

Pleaded guilty to coercive or controlling behaviour and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Ex-Army serviceman with mental health difficulties and prior motoring convictions. Judge noted alcohol and cocaine were relevant factors.

22 Jan 2026

Benjamin Carr

Robbery *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

On August 15, 2025, in Chester-le-Street, Benjamin Carr, heavily intoxicated after smoking crack-cocaine, turned aggressive towards his partner's friend who had arrived in her new car. Under the delusion that the car belonged to his mother, he ordered the women into the vehicle, sat in the back, then climbed onto the driver's lap while she drove, pushing her with force and pressing the accelerator. The woman fought back and turned the car around to return to the house. Upon arrival, Carr smashed the driver-side window, pulled her out, and drove off erratically. He crashed into a parked Nissan Juke, moving it two car spaces and snapping a wooden pylon, then continued and struck a 14-year-old boy walking on the street, breaking his collar bone and propelling him under a hedge. Carr fled without helping. He was 16 times over the legal limit for cocaine (800mcg by-product in blood). The woman described the incident as incredibly frightening; her car was written off. The boy now feels anxious, has trouble sleeping, and cannot complete day-to-day tasks.

Pleaded guilty to robbery, aggravated vehicle taking, driving without insurance, and failing to stop at the scene of an accident. Banned from driving for 5 years and must take an extended re-test. Had 12 previous convictions for 22 offences, including 20 months in 2022 for intentional strangulation and battery. Released from prison one week prior to the offences. Undergoing episode bordering on psychotic due to substantial drug use; long-standing addiction to crack-cocaine since age 12, but has made substantial steps to address it.

14 Jan 2026

Irmantas Zilinskas

Intentional strangulation and intentional suffocation *

Sentence

36 months imprisonment

On June 19, 2025, Irmantas Zilinskas, intoxicated after a day of drinking with his then-partner, attacked her in a home in Bishop Auckland, County Durham. He grabbed her from behind, covered her mouth and nose causing her to suffocate and fall to the floor, then dragged her to the bedroom, sat on her, and repeated the suffocation while laughing and saying 'no one is coming for you'. The victim feigned an epileptic fit and fainted, waking in the bathroom. The attack continued as he strangled her with a towel around her neck. She injured her ankle kicking a mirror. Zilinskas then drove her to hospital, stopping at a petrol station where she wrote 'help' on the car window and sought help from a police officer present.

Pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation and intentional suffocation. No previous convictions. Judge noted it was a terrible and violent assault aggravated by drink. Lifelong restraining order imposed.

9 Jan 2026

Peter Dawson

Bringing prohibited article into prison *

Sentence

7 months imprisonment

On July 17, 2023, Peter Dawson, aged 53 and of no fixed address, visited a prisoner at HMP Durham. During the visit in a visitation suite, he was observed by a prison officer picking up an item from the floor and placing a package on a pack of biscuits. The prisoner then picked it up, pretending to eat a biscuit, and placed it in his mouth. The officer intervened, and a search revealed the package contained 60 Zopiclone pills and 10 Subutex pills, both Class C drugs.

Pleaded guilty to bringing a prohibited article into a prison. Had 24 previous convictions for 43 offences, including conspiracy to supply crack-cocaine and possession of an offensive weapon. Defence highlighted delays in charging and court proceedings, and substance misuse issues.

9 Jan 2026

John Harris

Fraud *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

John Harris, 35, of Stephenson Street, Ferryhill, befriended his 75-year-old widowed neighbour after moving next door in 2020 following her husband's death. He gained her trust by helping with shopping and chores, obtaining a house key for access. Between 2021 and 2024, he exploited her vulnerability by taking out iPhone contracts and purchasing Apple Mac laptops in her name, defrauding her of £12,123 total, including £7,780 withdrawn from her Santander savings, £1,000+ iPhone contract, £183 on Barclay's card, and attempted use of Capital One credit card. He also stole three guitars (one limited edition) belonging to her late husband, selling them on eBay for £1,500 which he spent on alcohol, denying any agreement to sell. The victim discovered the fraud in September 2024 via a £3,000 Sky Go payment demand and reported to police. She now feels fragile, nervous, vulnerable with trust issues, and wishes to move after 25 years in the area.

Pleaded guilty to seven offences of fraud and one offence of theft. Committed offences while subject to a community order for impersonating a police officer. Battling alcoholism and mental health issues; no compensation ordered due to lack of assets.

5 Jan 2026

December 2025 5 cases

Taranvir Galsinh

Rape *

Sentence

11 years and 3 months imprisonment

Taranvir Galsinh, a 45-year-old man from Sunderland, raped and sexually assaulted two underage girls aged 14 and 12. He took the 14-year-old to a hotel where he raped and sexually assaulted her, paid her for sex, assaulted her in a car multiple times, and on one occasion tried to strangle her. He raped the 12-year-old and forced her to engage in sexual activity in his vehicle before paying her.

Pleaded guilty to rape of a girl aged 13 to 15, two counts of rape under 13, intentional strangulation, three counts of paying for sexual services of a girl, sexual assault of a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and assault by penetration of a child. Made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and lifetime restraining orders against both girls.

6 Dec 2025

Thomas Lee Sterling

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 26 years

Thomas Lee Sterling, with Sean Reay and Kelvin Craig Lawson, shot 60-year-old Barry Dawson through his living room window in South Moor, Stanley on April 5. The shooting occurred on an ordinary residential street where children had been playing moments earlier.

Found guilty of murder.

1 Dec 2025

Sean Reay

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 32 years

Sean Reay, with Kelvin Craig Lawson and Thomas Lee Sterling, shot 60-year-old Barry Dawson through his living room window in South Moor, Stanley on April 5. The shooting occurred on an ordinary residential street where children had been playing moments earlier.

Found guilty of murder and concurrent 76 months for firearms offence.

1 Dec 2025

Kelvin Craig Lawson

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 28 years

Kelvin Craig Lawson, with Sean Reay and Thomas Lee Sterling, shot 60-year-old Barry Dawson through his living room window in South Moor, Stanley on April 5. The shooting occurred on an ordinary residential street where children had been playing moments earlier.

Found guilty of murder.

1 Dec 2025

Kieron Anthony Luke

Dangerous driving *

Sentence

4.5 years imprisonment

Kieron Anthony Luke, 27, of Station Town, Wingate, drove a Mitsubishi Shogun into a house in Trimdon Station, County Durham, just after midnight on August 9, 2025, following a dispute with the occupants. No one was injured in the initial crash, but he caused significant damage to the property. He fled the scene and was pursued by Durham Roads and Armed Policing officers. During the chase, he crashed into two parked cars and a police car while reversing at high speed, injuring an officer's wrist seriously. He abandoned the vehicle, but DNA from blood spots in the car matched him, leading to his arrest.

Disqualified from driving for 45 months and ordered to pay £228 in costs. Pleaded not guilty but convicted.

1 Dec 2025

November 2025 4 cases

Jonathan Paton

Rape of a Child *

Sentence

13 years imprisonment

Jonathan Paton, 36, of Chester-le-Street, met a teenage girl online in summer 2020 pretending to be 20-year-old 'Jonny', had sex with her at his house multiple times over months despite her saying no, encouraged her to have his baby at 16, and deleted messages when reported; victim was under 16.

Found guilty following a trial of rape of a child and four counts of sexual activity with a child, as well as grooming.

30 Nov 2025

Adam Allison

Controlling or coercive behaviour *

Sentence

27 months imprisonment

Adam Allison, 29, of Rutland Terrace, Haswell, County Durham, engaged in controlling or coercive behaviour towards his on-off partner since 2019, between December 17, 2024, and August 31, 2025. He threatened to slit her throat and have her children watch her bleed out, to throw acid in her face, and to kill her. He called her degrading names like prostitute, checked her mobile phone, attended her friends' addresses, insulted her about her weight while preventing her from losing it, and used her bank card to spend money. After the relationship ended earlier in 2025, he bombarded her with over 1,400 calls in a week (200 calls and 19 voicemails on July 16-17, over 500 between July 17-23, 900 between July 23-24), sent threatening texts to damage her property, emailed her threatening to kill himself, and tried to add her on Snapchat and TikTok despite arrest and bail. The victim felt trapped, unable to eat or sleep.

Pleaded guilty to controlling or coercive behaviour. Has 23 previous convictions for 34 offences, including breaching a non-molestation order and harassment. Has personality disorder, ADHD, and learning difficulties. Made subject of a five year restraining order.

25 Nov 2025

Raila Mantas

Cultivation of cannabis *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Police executed a warrant at an address in Burnopfield, County Durham, and uncovered almost 250 cannabis plants throughout the first and second floors of the premises. Each room had electric lamps, fans, timers, irrigation systems, CCTV in operation, and a drying room.

Admitted the cultivation of class B drug cannabis at a previous hearing.

14 Nov 2025

James Fawcett

Possession of a class A drug with intent to supply *

Sentence

40 months imprisonment

James Fawcett, 23, was stopped by police on Newburn Road in Stanley, County Durham, on April 25, 2024, due to the smell of cannabis from his Ford Fiesta. Officers found a 186g block of 88% pure cocaine in the footwell. Upon arrest, he admitted to more drugs at his family home, where police recovered additional 95.3g of 98% pure cocaine, 63.3g of MDMA, hundreds of ecstasy tablets, £500 cash, and a list of debtors. The total value of the drugs was estimated between £27,000 and £33,910. He began using cannabis at 15, leading to involvement with dealers.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a class A drug with intent to supply. Judge noted the high purity and quantity of cocaine suggesting wholesale dealing. Defence highlighted his employment, family support, and emotional distress.

10 Nov 2025

October 2025 5 cases

Levy Drew Richard Rowell

Rape *

Sentence

8 years imprisonment

Levy Drew Richard Rowell, 21, of Shildon, subjected a teenage girl to a horrendous rape and assault by penetration in October 2022. The victim was able to flee and alert police, leading to his arrest. He denied knowledge of the crime in interview, but evidence led to charges. The assault had a devastating impact on the victim, causing self-harm due to trauma.

Pleaded not guilty but found guilty. Also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Victim granted a restraining order. Showed no remorse and tried to stall the case.

24 Oct 2025

Andrew Nicholson

Rape *

Sentence

14 years imprisonment

Andrew Nicholson, 30, of Consett, raped two women and sexually assaulted a further victim in separate incidents, targeting them as they slept. Police discovered video footage he filmed of one of the rapes during their investigation. The attacks were described as truly abhorrent.

Admitted two counts of rape and two of sexual assault. Subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and restraining orders lasting 15 years. Must serve two thirds before release on licence.

22 Oct 2025

Malcolm Clixby

Attempted Rape *

Sentence

14 years extended sentence (8 years imprisonment + 6 years extended licence)

Malcolm Clixby, 43, of Darlington, followed a teenager through South Park in Darlington to a party, grabbed her from behind, and attempted to rape her; she bit his hand and escaped to a petrol station for help.

Admitted sexual assault; found guilty by jury of attempted rape.

1 Oct 2025

Stuart Brown

Attempted theft *

Sentence

33 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, 30 rehabilitation days, 18-month drug rehabilitation programme, and 200 hours unpaid work

On October 5, 2024, Stuart Brown and Paul Haughton attempted to steal a BMW motorcycle in Ferryhill by trying to force it into a Vauxhall Insignia, damaging the bike in the process. They were confronted by the owner and fled. Later, on October 8, 2024, Stuart was in the car driven by his wife Zoe when police pulled them over, leading to a dangerous chase as they escaped.

Pleaded guilty to attempted theft. Has 80 previous offences, mostly theft-related. The escape was described as pathetic and spur of the moment.

1 Oct 2025

Zoe Brown

Dangerous driving and escaping custody *

Sentence

12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, 200 hours unpaid work, two-year drug rehabilitation programme, and disqualified from driving for one year

Zoe Brown was driving a Vauxhall Insignia with her husband Stuart on October 8, 2024, when police pulled over the vehicle due to its connection to an attempted theft. She fled from police, leading a dangerous chase through County Durham, overtaking cars, struggling to control the vehicle, and narrowly avoiding a collision until the pursuit ended with a stinger device.

Pleaded guilty to escaping custody and dangerous driving. Was serving a community order for drug-driving at the time.

1 Oct 2025

September 2025 5 cases

David Cairns

Supply of cocaine *

Sentence

22 years imprisonment

David Cairns, of County Durham, was involved in a cocaine supply network, including hiding £188,000 in dirty cash and drugs in a quarry, which was discovered through law enforcement efforts.

Jailed for being concerned in the supply of cocaine, with a gang that stashed drugs and cash in a quarry; Gary Mitchell was also jailed as part of the same operation after EncroChat infiltration.

27 Sep 2025

Christopher Bell

Rape *

Sentence

24 years imprisonment followed by 3 years licence supervision

Christopher Bell, 33, of Sedgefield, subjected three women to multiple sexual offences, including rapes, sexual assaults, and strangulation until they struggled to breathe. He admitted the offences after two victims gave evidence during his trial. The crimes left victims as 'an empty shell' of their former selves, with reports of controlling behaviour, manipulation, and severe psychological impact.

Admitted to six counts of rape, one count of strangulation, and one count of assault by penetration on the second day of his trial in August. Victims described long-lasting effects, including loss of confidence and mental health decline. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life and given a 30-year restraining order.

26 Sep 2025

Jeevan Bathula

Fraud *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment and deportation order

Jeevan Bathula was involved in a call centre scam operated from outside the UK, where victims were deceived into believing their bank accounts were at risk. They were instructed to withdraw money and send it to an address in Durham, where Bathula counted, verified, and laundered the funds, resulting in over £50,000 stolen from elderly and vulnerable individuals.

Pleaded guilty to concealing and converting criminal property. Involved in a call centre scam targeting elderly victims across the UK.

26 Sep 2025

Sean Whitfield

Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order *

Sentence

12 months imprisonment

Sean Whitfield, a 37-year-old from Stewart Street East, Seaham, was originally convicted of making indecent images of children and received an eight-month suspended sentence with a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He breached the order by downloading or installing software for gaming purposes and was found in possession of additional category B and C indecent images, as well as prohibited images. These offences occurred shortly after his initial conviction, leading to his appearance in court.

Pleaded guilty to breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Had prior convictions for making indecent images and ignored his suspended sentence.

21 Sep 2025

Robert Smith

Assault on emergency workers *

Sentence

30 weeks imprisonment

Robert Smith, while serving a prison sentence at HMP Deerbolt in Barnard Castle, County Durham, assaulted two prison officers during a cell search on June 7, 2024. The incident began when officers detected a mobile phone, and Smith became aggressive, punching one officer in the face and another twice, leading to a scuffle where he bit one officer's finger, causing injury. The bitten officer required tests for HIV and hepatitis. An iPhone was later found in his cell, and he denied the assaults during an interview.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting an emergency worker. He was already serving a nine-year sentence for conspiracy to supply heroin and has a history of violence with 28 previous convictions for 73 offences.

21 Sep 2025

August 2025 4 cases

Joseph Coils

Causing Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent *

Sentence

10 years imprisonment

Joseph Coils broke into his ex-partner's home in Shildon in the early hours of December 1, 2024, just 13 days after being released from prison for a previous attack. He dragged her out of bed by her hair, punched her repeatedly, and attempted to gouge her eyes out so she could not see another man, leaving her with a fractured eye socket. The attack happened in front of their three-year-old son, who hid under the bed covers.

Pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order, but was found guilty by a jury of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The offence occurred shortly after his release from prison, and he showed contempt for the justice system.

22 Aug 2025

David Hodgson

Rape *

Sentence

24 years imprisonment

David Hodgson, 34, from Gateshead, raped a victim in a manner that degraded and humiliated them, leading to his conviction.

Cocaine-addicted and described as having degraded and humiliated his victim.

18 Aug 2025

Barry Williams

Attempt to engage in sexual communication with a child *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order

In February 2024, Barry Williams engaged in online communication with who he believed was a 14-year-old girl, sending explicit messages and requesting indecent images and videos. He possessed a 'truly horrific' collection of Category A, B, and C indecent images and videos featuring hundreds of child victims. Williams attempted to evade capture by changing platforms, creating new profiles, and trying to legally change his name to Colin Brown before charges were filed.

Pleaded guilty to all charges. Attempted to change his identity to avoid prosecution.

8 Aug 2025

Rhys Conn

Rape *

Sentence

11 years imprisonment

Rhys Conn offered a teenager a lift home after meeting her in a pub, then sexually assaulted and raped her in his van. He ignored her protests and continued his advances despite knowing she had a boyfriend.

Found guilty of two counts of rape, three of sexual assault, and one of attempted sexual assault after a trial. His victim described him as evil.

1 Aug 2025

July 2025 2 cases

Michael Lesko

Rape *

Sentence

10 years imprisonment

Michael Lesko, 29, travelled approximately 120 miles from his home in Bridlington to County Durham to harass and abuse a woman. In autumn of the previous year, he waited for her at a bus station, followed her onto a bus to Ferryhill, pursued her into a pub, and later confronted her outside, pushing her, grabbing her hair, lifting her up, and hitting her head on the road. The victim also reported that she had been sexually assaulted and raped by him on another occasion. He was arrested and convicted for these actions.

Found guilty after a trial in March, in breach of a suspended sentence order. Described as a controlling and dangerous offender with no remorse, living in a fantasy world and taking no responsibility for his actions.

24 Jul 2025

Ryan O'donnell

Breach of a restraining order *

Sentence

community order

Ryan O'Donnell, 30, an 'arrogant' Peterlee businessman, assaulted his ex-partner and later breached a restraining order by contacting her on Instagram four years after the initial order was imposed.

Admitted breach of a restraining order after assaulting his ex-partner and breaching it four years later on Instagram.

23 Jul 2025

June 2025 5 cases

Michael James Callaghan

Indecent Assault *

Sentence

7 years imprisonment

Michael James Callaghan, a monk and housemaster at Ampleforth College in North Yorkshire, sexually abused two teenage boys. In the 1990s, he committed 12 counts of indecent assault on one pupil, grooming the boy by engineering ways to be alone with him, taking him out for meals, giving him cigarettes, and engaging in manipulative and controlling behaviour, including kissing and simulating sex. In the 2010s, he committed one count of sexual assault on another teenager, which involved fondling the boy's bottom. The victims described the abuse as deeply traumatic, with one stating his life was 'hijacked' at age 14 and the other finding it 'weird and quite frightening' due to Callaghan's role as a priest.

The judge stated that his actions brought the Catholic church and the school into serious disrepute. He had no previous convictions, expressed remorse after conviction, and will be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and placed on the sex offender register for life.

19 Jun 2025

Sharmeran Hussin

Possession of counterfeit goods *

Sentence

Conditional discharge

Sharmeran Hussin, 25, a shop worker in County Durham, was found in possession of counterfeit cigarettes, leading to his sentencing.

Caught with a haul of counterfeit cigarettes in a Sports Direct bag.

19 Jun 2025

Jordan Newton

Harassment *

Sentence

30 months imprisonment

Jordan Newton, 29, from Charlotte Street, South Moor, Stanley, subjected his ex-partner to a campaign of harassment despite a non-molestation order that banned contact. This included bombarding her with calls in July and October 2024, where he demanded to meet and discuss matters. On October 4, 2024, he met her in a car park in the early hours, initially appearing calm but then becoming aggressive. He prevented her from leaving, followed her vehicle while speeding and flashing lights, and at a garage, he punched her car window, shattering it, before assaulting her by punching her four to five times in the head, causing injuries. He later called her, laughing and threatening that she would never see her children if she contacted the police. The victim reported feeling terrified, with her self-worth destroyed.

Pleaded guilty to harassment, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, breach of a non-molestation order, and criminal damage. Had 21 previous offences and a difficult upbringing involving exposure to domestic violence as a child. Recorder Paul Reid described his behaviour as 'appalling and reprehensible'.

13 Jun 2025

Matthew Hindhaugh

Kidnapping with intent to commit a sexual offence *

Sentence

16 years imprisonment

Matthew Hindhaugh targeted a girl walking in the street in Newton Aycliffe, punched her in the face, covered her mouth, and forced her into his house where he held her down on his bed in an attempt to sexually assault her. The victim escaped after convincing him to let her go and alerted the police. Evidence included CCTV footage, witness statements, the victim’s shoe found at the scene, a 'rape list' of social media influencers, and a sword in his bedroom. He was also wearing a chastity belt at the time of arrest.

Pleaded guilty to kidnap, kidnap with intent to commit a sexual offence, intentional strangulation, possession of an offensive weapon, and making indecent images of children. Placed on the Sex Offender’s Register for life, issued a restraining order, and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

6 Jun 2025

Wayne Macmaster

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm *

Sentence

28 months imprisonment and an indefinite restraining order

Wayne MacMaster assaulted his partner of 15 years after she told him she wanted to end their abusive relationship. The incident occurred on March 8, 2025, while they were drinking at home in Darlington. He punched her numerous times in the face, kicked her to the chest and legs, causing her to fall, and then broke a bannister spindle to repeatedly hit her on the face and head, leaving her covered in blood. Her screams were heard by neighbours down the street, and when one neighbour intervened, MacMaster also assaulted him.

Pleaded guilty to common assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Has 16 previous convictions, including battery and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Judge Jo Kidd noted it was a drug-fuelled violent incident and that the victim had been a prior victim of domestic violence at his hands.

6 Jun 2025

April 2025 1 case

Darren John Waugh

Grievous Bodily Harm *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

While on remand at HMP Durham on D Wing for a section 18 wounding offence, Darren John Waugh approached another prisoner from behind and punched him forcefully to the head, knocking him unconscious. The victim suffered a fractured skull, bruising to the brain, a wound to the left side of his head, nerve damage to an eye, and now requires medication, uses a walking stick, and experiences memory difficulties. The attack occurred after ongoing aggravation between the two, including the victim gesturing and calling Waugh a 'nonce'.

Pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm. Has 37 previous convictions for 79 offences, including GBH, battery, attempted robbery and common assault. Sentence to be served consecutively to existing 9-year extended sentence (6 years custodial) for section 18 wounding. Claimed self-defence but CCTV showed attack from behind after being called a 'nonce' amid prior bad feelings.

10 Apr 2025

January 2025 1 case

John Jefferson

Attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and robbery *

Sentence

six-and-a-half years imprisonment

In August 2024, John Jefferson, 65, of Trimdon Station, was driving when he jumped out of his car to attack a vulnerable man with autism and learning difficulties in broad daylight. He repeatedly punched and kicked the victim, snatched a gold chain from his neck, continued the assault when the victim tried to sit up, and then fled. The attack was filmed by teenagers, leaving the victim seriously injured at the roadside and requiring several days of hospital treatment. Forensic evidence linked the stolen gold chain recovered from Jefferson's home to the victim.

Found guilty after trial of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and robbery. Attempted to claim self-defence but was disproven by CCTV evidence. Judge commented on the awful attack in broad daylight.

6 Jan 2025

December 2024 2 cases

Thomas Reay

Child rape and sexual assault *

Sentence

25 years imprisonment

Thomas Reay subjected two young girls to multiple rapes and sexual assaults over a number of years, stealing their childhoods. The abuse was reported by victims to a loved one, leading to his conviction.

Died from bowel cancer on July 9, 2025, while serving sentence at HMP Holme House. Healthcare was commended by PPO report.

23 Dec 2024

Connor Walker

Grievous Bodily Harm *

Sentence

22 months imprisonment

Connor Walker, 29, of Park Road, Durham, launched an unprovoked attack at York Railway Station on September 6, 2024, around 6pm. He was shadowboxing aggressively, left and returned multiple times, then punched the victim with his right fist, causing the victim to drop to the floor instantly. The victim was unconscious for two minutes, sustained a fractured skull and two bleeds on the brain requiring urgent surgery. Walker was identified from a photo by Northumbria Police, arrested two days later in Durham town centre.

Admitted grievous bodily harm. Investigating officer commented on the unpredictable and volatile actions.

3 Dec 2024

September 2024 1 case

David Langley

Assault by beating *

Sentence

7 months imprisonment

David Langley, 44, assaulted his then-partner twice at her flat in Easington Colliery. On December 13 last year, he became aggressive during a row, pinned her to the wall, threatened to smash her face, pulled her to the floor, and stamped on her, causing pain and bruising to her right shoulder. Two days later, on December 15, another argument over money led to him slapping her in the face and making threats. The victim reported ongoing abuse and fear of retaliation, describing how he treated her like a dog and controlled her behaviour between September 25 and December 15 last year.

Changed plea and admitted to two counts of assault by beating. Has 25 prior convictions, including seven for violence against the person. Due to time served on remand since December 17 last year, he is expected to be released immediately. A restraining order was imposed for five years.

8 Sep 2024

Durham Crown Court Sentencing Results

Connor Bradley

James Thomas Barker

Jamie Jenkins

Mark Burton

Kerry Anne Pickersgill

Ellie Newby

Ian Stead

Michael Barclay

Ellis Eyles

Mark Thirkell

Daryl Mcburnie

Benjamin Carr

Irmantas Zilinskas

Peter Dawson

John Harris

Taranvir Galsinh

Thomas Lee Sterling

Sean Reay

Kelvin Craig Lawson

Kieron Anthony Luke

Jonathan Paton

Adam Allison

Raila Mantas

James Fawcett

Levy Drew Richard Rowell

Andrew Nicholson

Malcolm Clixby

Stuart Brown

Zoe Brown

David Cairns

Christopher Bell

Jeevan Bathula

Sean Whitfield

Robert Smith

Joseph Coils

David Hodgson

Barry Williams

Rhys Conn

Michael Lesko

Ryan O'donnell

Michael James Callaghan

Sharmeran Hussin

Jordan Newton

Matthew Hindhaugh

Wayne Macmaster

Darren John Waugh

John Jefferson

Thomas Reay

Connor Walker

David Langley

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