Durham Crown Court Sentencing Results

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Steven Patrick
Intentional strangulation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm
June 19, 2024

Sentence: 14-month suspended prison sentence, 200 hours unpaid work, 120-day alcohol abstinence requirement, and 27 rehabilitation activity days

Steven Patrick, after drinking with friends and his partner at The Old England pub in Great Lumley on January 1, 2024, drove erratically, which angered his partner. Upon arriving home, he pushed her down stairs, causing her to fall and feel dizzy. He then shouted at her, threw items, grabbed her, thrust her into a wall, pulled out clumps of her hair, and strangled her by the throat, leaving her struggling to breathe and fearing for her life. He later called emergency services falsely claiming she was burgling his flat, leading to his arrest.
Pleaded guilty to charges. No prior convictions. Expressed remorse in a letter to the court. Judge noted elements of victim blaming in initial account but considered his good character, acceptance of guilt, and employment status for suspending the sentence.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Michael Kane
Assault by beating of an emergency worker
June 10, 2024

Sentence: 28 weeks imprisonment

Michael Kane resisted arrest at an address in Easington Colliery on April 6, 2024. Police attended an incident around 8pm for an unrelated offence and attempted to arrest him. He became limp, possibly indicating a medical episode, but then turned aggressive, shouting abusively, refusing to be searched or stand, and had to be forcibly moved. He kicked an officer in the face while being placed in a police van, causing immediate pain, despite his shoes being removed. He was later interviewed at a police station and made no replies.
Admitted assault by beating of an emergency worker. This offence occurred within the suspension period of a previous sentence, with judge commenting on the defendant's history of violence and failure to reform. Defence noted he is attempting to respond to rehabilitation and settle into family life, though he has replaced alcohol with drugs.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Ben Doyle
Causing grievous bodily harm with intent
May 31, 2024

Sentence: 45 months imprisonment

Ben Doyle attacked his neighbour with a baseball bat during a noise dispute outside their homes on Coxwold Drive, Darlington, in the early hours of June 21, 2023. He threw a bottle at the neighbour first, then struck him hard on the head, causing him to fall unconscious, and hit him again before fleeing the scene. The victim suffered a fractured skull, haemorrhages, and ongoing issues including exhaustion, sleep difficulties, memory problems, and inability to obtain life insurance.
Pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Has a prior referral order for assault and a drug possession conviction. Expressed remorse and was considered immature at the time of the offence.
Sources: darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk
Elle Louise Kathleen Burnside
Assisting an offender
May 31, 2024

Sentence: Seven-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months

Elle Louise Kathleen Burnside drove Ben Doyle away from the scene after he attacked his neighbour with a baseball bat on Coxwold Drive, Darlington, in the early hours of June 21, 2023. Her involvement was limited and unplanned, occurring after the assault had taken place.
Admitted to assisting an offender by driving Ben Doyle from the scene. Has a drug possession conviction and was motivated by loyalty to her partner at the time. Ordered to attend up to 30 rehabilitation activity sessions.
Sources: darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk
Bethany Carr
Robbery
May 14, 2024

Sentence: 40 months imprisonment

Bethany Carr targeted a lone male householder in Ferryhill in 2023, knocking on his door at 11pm claiming to be hungry. Once inside, she demanded money, went through his pockets, and stole his wallet containing bank cards and £70-£80. Almost a month later, she and Tracey Cornish entered another victim's home, where Carr remained in the living room while Cornish committed the robbery. Carr had been warned by police not to approach the victim beforehand.
Pleaded guilty to robbery and handling stolen goods, sparing the victim from testifying. Her offences were driven by drug addiction; this is her first custodial sentence, and she has engaged with prison drug and alcohol recovery programmes.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Ellis Punshon
Assault causing actual bodily harm and witness intimidation
May 7, 2024

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment and a five-year restraining order

Ellis Punshon assaulted his partner twice during the breakdown of their five-year relationship. On January 28, 2023, he entered her bedroom without permission, punched her in the face, broke her mobile phone, and damaged property before leaving. On March 26, 2023, he dragged her into a bedroom and inflicted multiple blows to her face, side, and body, leaving her in significant pain with swellings and bruising. Between January 12 and February 2, 2024, while on bail, he repeatedly messaged her to drop the allegations and not attend court, warning of consequences, which terrified her and aimed to obstruct justice.
Pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm and one count of witness intimidation. Judge noted lack of self-control and breach of bail conditions. Defendant was misusing drugs and alcohol at the time and has prior motoring offences.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Jonathan Deric Stuart
Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order
April 3, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Jonathan Deric Stuart, a registered sex offender classified as high risk, was arrested in Bishop Auckland in October after a police dog named Louie detected a hidden mobile phone and other devices, including covert USB pens and hard drives, believed to be used for possessing indecent images of children. This led to charges for multiple breaches of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He was initially set for trial but changed his plea to guilty, resulting in his sentencing.
Pleaded guilty to multiple breaches of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order. His devices will be destroyed and he was remanded into custody prior to sentencing.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Dylan Renwick
Money laundering
April 1, 2024

Sentence: 24-month suspended sentence, 200 hours unpaid work, and six-month curfew

Dylan Renwick, 31, of Tindale Street, Consett, admitted to five offences including acquiring, transferring, and converting criminal property. Between January and December 2021, he deposited £97,457 into 12 different Post Office accounts, mostly in £1,000 amounts, which was then filtered into other accounts and converted into cryptocurrency worth £87,000, with £10,000 kept for personal spending. He gave no comment during police questioning.
Early guilty pleas, minimal criminal record, and possibility of rehabilitation in the community. Judge noted he came close to immediate imprisonment and that prisons were full.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Christopher Orton
Money laundering
April 1, 2024

Sentence: Six-month suspended sentence for 18 months, and 150 hours unpaid work

Christopher Orton, 30, of Loveless Gardens, Gateshead, admitted to one count each of acquiring and transferring criminal property. He received sums of money into his bank account as part of a scheme where large amounts were deposited and transferred, exceeding his legitimate income. He claimed the money related to purchasing a car and motorcycle.
Played a lesser role in the offences and has a minimal criminal record, with his last offence in 2011.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Kelly Traynor
Robbery
March 31, 2024

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment

Kelly Traynor entered a Tesco store in Chester-le-Street and attempted to leave without paying for meat products worth between £20 and £30. When challenged by a store assistant, she produced a needle and threatened to use it if necessary to escape. The incident lasted about three minutes and caused fear for the assistant's safety. Traynor was arrested later and admitted the offences at a hearing on March 10, 2024.
Pleaded guilty to robbery and having an article with a blade or sharp point. Has 76 convictions for 151 offences, including 124 for theft or similar offences. Judge Nathan Adams noted her prolific shoplifting history, the threat of using a needle, and that she was under post-sentence supervision at the time.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Oliver Bright
Perverting the course of justice
March 31, 2024

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months, 140 hours unpaid work, 6 penalty points, 6-month driving ban, £1,000 costs

Oliver Bright was driving an uninsured black Hyundai vehicle when stopped by police on the A68 near West Auckland on October 18, 2023. He provided false identity details, including the name and date of birth of an innocent man, to avoid consequences for driving without insurance and not in accordance with his licence. This led to the innocent man being contacted by police and suspected of the offence, causing him concern. Bright was traced, arrested on October 23, 2023, and admitted to the acts.
Pleaded guilty to charges. Judge described it as a serious offence crossing the custody threshold and noted the defendant's otherwise clean record, employment, and potential for rehabilitation.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Brandon Whitehouse
Assault causing actual bodily harm
February 1, 2024

Sentence: 18-month community order with 30-session programme requirement and 20 days of rehabilitation activity requirement

In July 2023, during an unhappy relationship, Brandon Whitehouse pushed a lighter flame onto his then-partner's leg as a supposed joke while drinking. This impulsive action caused a permanent scar, leaving the victim feeling completely helpless and with a constant reminder of the incident.
Pled guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm. Judge noted it was his first time in court, considered his mental health challenges, and hoped it would be his last appearance. The charge of controlling and coercive behaviour was not proceeded with.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Craig Fitch
Fraud by false representation
January 27, 2024

Sentence: 12-month prison sentence suspended for two years and 240 hours unpaid work

Craig Fitch, while working as an account manager for Spotless Cleaning in the North East of England, used a company fuel card supplied to him to obtain fuel not required for business purposes, making thousands for himself between March 28 and August 15, 2023.
Pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation. Ordered by Judge Jo Kidd. Proceeds of crime investigation found he benefited £24,143 but only £1 available for confiscation.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Mark Charters
Theft by an employee
January 1, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Mark Charters, a 51-year-old hospital technician at the University Hospital of North Durham, stole medical equipment by removing items from the hospital, storing them in his loft, and selling them on eBay. He sold 154 items between November 2022 and December 2023, generating £34,180, while the items were valued at £77,386 by the trust. Police recovered equipment from his home in Shiney Row in January 2024, and he was released from prison on licence after serving his sentence.
Pleaded guilty to theft by an employee and concealing, disguising or converting criminal property. Judge Jo Kidd described it as a gross breach of trust with significant impact on the NHS.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Aiden Ward
Breaching Sexual Harm Prevention Order
December 15, 2023

Sentence: 12-month prison sentence

Aiden Ward breached a Sexual Harm Prevention Order seven times shortly after it was imposed, following a previous suspended prison sentence. These breaches occurred in late 2023, leading to his admission of guilt and subsequent sentencing in December 2023.
Admitted seven breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The sentencing judge in December stated he would serve up to half of the sentence behind bars before release on licence supervision, and he was under supervision at the time of further breaches.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Joseph Anthony Coils
Causing grievous bodily harm with intent
August 22, 2023

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment with an extended 3-year licence period

Joseph Anthony Coils broke into his ex-partner's home in Shildon on December 1, 2022, via an insecure window, breaching a restraining order issued just weeks earlier. He attacked a man in the bedroom and ejected him, then assaulted his ex-partner, ignoring her protests, by dragging her downstairs by her hair and delivering repeated blows to her face, which fractured her eye socket and caused cuts, bruises, and permanent facial scarring. The victim suffered serious psychological harm and expressed fear of future attacks.
Pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent but was found guilty; admitted breaching the restraining order. Judge Nathan Adams noted the assault was prolonged and persistent, and highlighted that the defendant had previously been warned by the court.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Claire Makepeace
Wounding with intent
August 19, 2023

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment, must serve two-thirds before release on licence

Claire Makepeace posted online threats to slash the victim's face, then approached and attacked her in The Avenues, Chester-le-Street, on November 21, 2023, using a bladed implement to inflict a 12cm cut from the left jaw to cheekbone, piercing muscle tissue and leaving permanent scarring; the victim required surgical sutures, experienced physical and mental trauma, became reclusive, and the attack was premeditated as an act of revenge related to a short-lived relationship the defendant had with a man the victim was with that night.
Convicted after pleading not guilty; has previous convictions for driving-related offences and a caution for battery in 2011; mitigating factors include mental health issues such as ADHD and PTSD, a history of volatile relationships, and drug dependency from which she has since recovered while in custody.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk

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