Durham Crown Court Sentencing Results

Taranvir Galsinh
Rape
December 6, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Kieron Anthony Luke
Dangerous driving
December 1, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Jonathan Paton
Rape of a Child
November 30, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Adam Allison
Controlling or coercive behaviour
November 25, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Raila Mantas
Cultivation of cannabis
November 14, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
James Fawcett
Possession of a class A drug with intent to supply
November 10, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Levy Drew Richard Rowell
Rape
October 24, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Andrew Nicholson
Rape
October 22, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Malcolm Clixby
Attempted Rape
October 1, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Stuart Brown
Attempted theft
October 1, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Zoe Brown
Dangerous driving and escaping custody
October 1, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
David Cairns
Supply of cocaine
September 27, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Christopher Bell
Rape
September 26, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Jeevan Bathula
Fraud
September 26, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Robert Smith
Assault on emergency workers
September 21, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Sean Whitfield
Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order
September 21, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Joseph Coils
Causing Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent
August 22, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
David Hodgson
Rape
August 18, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Barry Williams
Attempt to engage in sexual communication with a child
August 8, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Rhys Conn
Rape
August 1, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Michael Lesko
Rape
July 24, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Ryan O'donnell
Breach of a restraining order
July 23, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Sharmeran Hussin
Possession of counterfeit goods
June 19, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Michael James Callaghan
Indecent Assault
June 19, 2025

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.
Sources: yorkshirepost.co.uk
Jordan Newton
Harassment
June 13, 2025

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'.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Matthew Hindhaugh
Kidnapping with intent to commit a sexual offence
June 6, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Wayne Macmaster
Assault occasioning actual bodily harm
June 6, 2025

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.
Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk
Connor Walker
Grievous Bodily Harm
December 3, 2024

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.
Sources: examinerlive.co.uk
David Langley
Assault by beating
September 8, 2024

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.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Mitchell Blackwood
Assault causing actual bodily harm
September 4, 2024

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

Mitchell Blackwood assaulted a man by striking him in the face with a wheel brace during a confrontation outside Chaplin's bar in Consett on May 19, 2022, shattering six teeth and requiring extensive dental treatment. Additionally, while on bail, he broke into a house on Beech Grove in Dipton on October 26, 2023, causing £2,000 worth of damage to furnishings and fittings using a metallic implement, and made threats including to petrol bomb the house and demand money.
Pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon, and burglary with intent to cause unlawful damage. Committed one offence while on bail for another. Has 13 prior offences, including wounding with intent and robbery. Suffers from ADHD and other disorders, exacerbated by alcohol use following a relationship breakdown and the death of a family member.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Kieran Kelly
Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm
September 4, 2024

Sentence: four years imprisonment

Kieran Kelly violently attacked a woman on multiple occasions, including biting her face and leaving her with two black eyes, as well as showing up at her home with a knife, which left her terrified.
Pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by beating, intentional strangulation, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and possession of a bladed article. A restraining order was also imposed to protect the victim.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Paul Ferguson
Rape
August 29, 2024

Sentence: Five years imprisonment

Paul Ferguson, when he was a teenager, carried out horrific rapes and sexual assaults on an eight-year-old boy on multiple occasions more than 20 years ago. The victim reported the abuse as an adult in May 2022, which led to an investigation, Ferguson's interview and denial in 2022, charging in 2024, and his eventual guilty plea during the trial at Teesside Crown Court. He was sentenced at Durham Crown Court.
Pleaded guilty to all offences during the trial. Detective Constable Niamh Birdsall commented on the trauma endured by the victim and encouraged others to report abuse.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Jack Riddell
Assault on emergency worker
August 29, 2024

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment

Jack Riddell was acting aggressively and disorderly at the Stanley Jefferson pub in Bishop Auckland on July 5, 2024. He resisted arrest, threatened to 'snap' the arms of a police officer while claiming to be an MMA fighter, and assaulted two officers by striking one repeatedly in the face and grabbing the other's neck, causing injuries including cuts, bruises, severe pain, and time off work.
Pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting an emergency worker. Has 16 previous convictions, including assaults and burglaries. Was recalled to prison for a prior 32-month sentence for burglary.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Lee Barker
Stalking
August 27, 2024

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

Lee Barker, a former soldier who served in Iraq in 2003 and 2004, engaged in a prolonged campaign of stalking against his ex-partner after their relationship ended in July of the previous year. He sent repeated threatening text messages, used withheld numbers to call her, and made veiled threats about her seeing other men. Barker attended her workplace, a hairdressing salon in Ferryhill, refusing to leave and once parking so close to her car that she could not leave. He also went to her home, shouting and screaming outside on October 9 of the previous year. Despite her efforts to block him, he created a fake Facebook account to contact her with an apology. The victim altered her daily routines, including dog walks and salon security, due to fear.
Pleaded guilty to stalking and three counts each of driving while disqualified and without insurance. Has 16 prior convictions, including for harassment and breaching restraining orders. Judge Richard Clews noted his PTSD from military service but stated it should not excuse his actions, and highlighted his failure to accept the end of relationships.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Colin Quinn
Endangering an aircraft
August 19, 2024

Sentence: 4 months imprisonment and £154 statutory court surcharge

Colin Quinn shone a laser pen from his house in Ferryhill towards a police helicopter that was assisting in a missing person inquiry on June 29. This action caused interference with the helicopter's operations and raised safety concerns for the crew. He was the only male occupant at the address, initially denied involvement, but a green laser pen was found hidden in the couch where he was sitting. The incident was captured on footage, leading to his arrest.
Pleaded guilty to the charge. Sentence passed as a deterrent to others. Must pay the surcharge by November 4.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Jill Davison
Theft
August 5, 2024

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment

Jill Davison stole £4,618 from her retired mother by making approximately 150 unauthorised withdrawals using her mother's bank card between July and November 2023. She was originally given a 12-month suspended sentence in July of the previous year but breached the order by failing to complete required unpaid work and rehabilitation activities, leading to the activation of 10 months of the sentence.
Pleaded guilty to theft. Breached suspended sentence due to poor compliance with probation requirements, including failing to attend appointments and unpaid work. Suffered health issues such as mini strokes and mental health problems, and returned to drug use.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Jake Andrew Greaves
Assault causing actual bodily harm
August 1, 2024

Sentence: 36 months imprisonment

On March 16, 2024, Jake Andrew Greaves launched an unprovoked attack on his relatively new partner aboard a North Sea ferry from North Shields to Amsterdam. While in their cabin, he punched her with full force in the face while wearing a ring, followed by multiple punches to her face, head, and neck, then kicked and stamped on her while she was on the floor, causing severe injuries including a fractured elbow, bruising to her neck, face, jaw, and legs, lumps on her head, and a cut inside her lip. The attack was unexpected, and he threatened her verbally during the incident.
Pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm; has 12 previous convictions including battery and assault; was subject to a ten-month suspended sentence at the time; mental health disorders and substance misuse contributed to the offence.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Bernard Conlin
Non-fatal strangulation
July 31, 2024

Sentence: 42 months imprisonment

Bernard Conlin, 33, of Inchcape Terrace, Grants Houses, Horden, committed a catalogue of violence against his ex-partner in Seaham between October 2023 and March 2024, including two counts of non-fatal strangulation, four assaults, two instances of criminal damage, and two threats with an offensive weapon. He also threatened a neighbour and her son, leading the victim to flee her house by jumping from a bedroom window on March 24.
Made subject of five-year restraining orders relating to his ex-partner and her neighbour.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Mark Hunt
Burglary
July 31, 2024

Sentence: 876 days imprisonment

Mark Hunt entered a property in John Street, Easington Colliery, as a trespasser and stole a bank card and medication on April 21. He was arrested, failed to attend an initial hearing, but later appeared and pleaded guilty. He has a history of burglary offences, including previous third-strike cases.
Pleaded guilty to burglary. Has multiple prior burglary offences and was treated as a third-strike offender. Sentence reduced by 20% for guilty plea. Judge Richard Bennett presided.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Hugh Holmes
Wounding with intent
July 30, 2024

Sentence: 15 years imprisonment with 3 years extended licence and 15-year driving ban

Hugh Holmes, 36, of Tudhoe Moor, Spennymoor, drove at a man he was fighting with, James Cowie, in Ferryhill on December 19, last year, but struck an innocent passer-by who intervened, causing long-term life-changing brain injuries. He also admitted driving while disqualified, without insurance, and failing to provide a breath specimen.
Convicted after trial.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Thomas Robson
Rape
July 30, 2024

Sentence: 19 years imprisonment with 2 years extended licence

Thomas Robson, 70, formerly of Durham and recently of Tutbury, Burton-on-Trent, in Staffordshire, was convicted of 13 historic sexual offences, including rape and attempted rape, against two young girls. The offences came to light in 2019 when one victim informed a teacher of the abuse she suffered several years previously.
Convicted after trial of historic sexual offences.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Liam Johnson
Blackmail
July 24, 2024

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

Liam Johnson, 34, formerly of Stanley and more recently of Gartland Road, Grindon, Sunderland, blackmailed his ex-partner over an eight-month period, demanding about £7,500 to fund his cocaine addiction, with threats of violence and damage to her and her home, as well as to her mother.
Made subject of a ten-year restraining order prohibiting contact with his ex-partner.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Ian Maughan
Sex offences
July 18, 2024

Sentence: 13 years imprisonment, with a minimum of 8 years and 8 months to serve

Ian Maughan, a 65-year-old from Consett, committed sexual assaults against victims, threatened them with an offensive weapon (a baseball bat), possessed the weapon, engaged in stalking that caused serious alarm, and made threats to kill. These offences occurred after the death of his wife and another family bereavement, leading to deep psychological effects on victims, including nightmares and the need for counselling. He deliberately delayed proceedings and was manipulative throughout.
Pled guilty to all charges after initially remaining silent; no prior pattern of sexually obsessive behaviour; suffering from adjustment disorder and depressive symptoms following bereavements; judge described him as a deeply manipulative and controlling individual; will be subject to licence supervision for the remainder of the sentence, notification as a sex offender for life, and lifelong restraining orders.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Christopher Quartey
Possession of a class C drug
July 18, 2024

Sentence: 12-month community order with ten further hours of unpaid work and extension of drug rehabilitation requirement by six months

Christopher Quartey was stopped and searched by police on March 26 in Horden, where a small box containing temazepam pills was found in his pocket. He admitted purchasing the pills for £70 from a drug dealer the previous day without a valid prescription, which breached his existing suspended sentence for previous drug offences.
Breached a suspended sentence by possessing a class C drug; judge noted he was making progress on rehabilitation and decided not to activate the suspended prison term.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Peter Connelly
Fraud
July 17, 2024

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment and banned from being a company director for six years

Peter Connelly, as the sole director of Peter Connelly Ltd, made two illegal applications for loans under the Government-backed Bounce Back scheme in May and June 2020. He inflated the company's turnover figure, leading to the receipt of £22,000 and £37,500 from different lenders. The company, incorporated in 2008, went into voluntary liquidation in August 2021 with deficiencies over £170,000, and no repayments have been made on the loans. This fraud exploited a scheme intended to support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pleaded guilty to dishonestly making false representation. Of previous good character, with health and financial difficulties.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Luke Curley
Assault causing actual bodily harm
July 15, 2024

Sentence: 42 months imprisonment

Luke Curley, 22, of Hawthorn Crescent, Horden, assaulted his partner, causing bruising to her arm and a black eye during a row in September last year, and later threatened to throw ammonia over her face, smash her property, and burn down her sister's home after their relationship ended. The offences included two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm, intentional suffocation, intimidation, and threats to damage property.
Described as immature and made subject of indefinite restraining orders prohibiting contact with his victim and her sister.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Ricky Drewett
Grievous Bodily Harm
July 11, 2024

Sentence: 40 months imprisonment

Ricky Drewett, who had been released from prison just hours earlier, engaged in a street brawl on Coronation Street North in Murton on April 2. He was captured on camera stabbing a man in his 30s with a knife during the altercation, which occurred after police were called to reports of an aggressive man. Officers tasered Drewett and arrested him on site. The victim made a full recovery, though he did not support the prosecution. Drewett's actions were influenced by alcohol and his history of drug use.
Had a history of drug use and was drunk at the time of the offence. The judge, Recorder Mark Giuliani, commented on his criminal lifestyle and urged him to stop taking drugs to become a productive member of society.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Jordan Boyle
Affray
July 11, 2024

Sentence: 32 weeks imprisonment

Jordan Boyle was found in an intoxicated state at an address on School Terrace, Stanley, on May 10, 2024, during a disturbance. He was shouting at police officers, smelled of alcohol, and had glazed eyes. Upon arrest, a butterfly knife was found in his pocket. While in the police vehicle, he spat repeatedly and threatened to kill an officer and his family. He later claimed he did not know how the knife got into his pocket and had little memory due to intoxication. This incident was aggravated by his prior convictions, including a 2019 sentence for wounding with intent.
Pleaded guilty to charges of affray, threatening and abusive words and behaviour, and possession of a knife. Was on licence from a 126-month sentence for wounding with intent. Judge Recorder Mark Giuliani noted his previous offending history, threats to an officer, and behaviour in the police vehicle.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Darryl Anderson
Causing death by dangerous driving
July 9, 2024

Sentence: 17 years imprisonment

Darryl Anderson, 38, was drink driving and collided with another vehicle at speeds exceeding 140mph on the A1(M) in County Durham on 31 May 2024, causing the deaths of eight-month-old Zackary Blades and his 30-year-old aunt Karlene Warner.
Smashed into another car at over 140mph while drink driving, killing eight-month-old Zackary Blades and 30-year-old Karlene Warner. The incident occurred in May 2024.
Sources: itv.com
Ian Tate
Engaging in sexual activity with a child
July 4, 2024

Sentence: 15 years imprisonment

Ian Tate abused two girls, one under 16 and the other under 13, by engaging in or inciting sexual activity with them. Despite his denials, he was convicted of five offences following a trial. The abuse caused the victims severe psychological harm, including flashbacks, depression, anxiety, self-harm, and substance misuse, as they were told they would not be believed if they reported it.
Denied the offences but was convicted by jury. Has a previous clean record except for motoring offences. Suffered mental health issues exacerbated by alcohol intake. Judge noted lack of remorse and classified him as an offender of concern. Subject to lifetime sex offender registration, restraining orders for 20 years, and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 20 years.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk

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