Durham Crown Court Sentencing Results

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Dale Coulton
Sexual assault
July 25, 2023

Sentence: 7 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, sign sex offenders' register for 10 years, 30 days rehabilitation activity, sex offenders' programme, and sexual harm prevention order for 10 years

Dale Coulton sexually assaulted a primary school-aged girl, committing a sex act on her, which caused significant turmoil for the victim and her family. The incident was reported, and despite Coulton's denials, he was found guilty by a jury. The victim is described as vulnerable, and her parents provided statements in court detailing the emotional impact. Coulton has a history of neglect and abuse in his childhood, along with intellectual disabilities, which were considered in sentencing.
Pleaded not guilty but was found guilty by a jury. Has a troubled childhood with neglect and abuse, and significant intellectual disabilities. Judge noted he continues to deny responsibility and shows no remorse. Victim's family described the sentence as a 'joke' and expressed heartbreak.
Sources: darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk
John Bostock
Intentional Strangulation
July 25, 2023

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

On Christmas Day, John Bostock, while intoxicated, punched and strangled his father after being questioned about missing beer at his father's home in Trimdon Station. He assaulted his sister when she intervened, grabbed his father by the throat causing him to fear for his life, threatened his nephew with a knife, and later returned to the home two days later to threaten his father again by grabbing his neck and saying 'I’m going to kill you'.
Had prior convictions including assaults dating back to 1996; judge noted he left his family traumatised and completely lost his temper; mitigating factors included a period of good behaviour between 2007 and 2018 before heavy drinking resumed.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Stacie Mason
Unlawful wounding
July 10, 2023

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years

Stacie Mason invited friends to her home for drinks on April 22, 2023. During a drunken row, she was pushed and lost her footing, then picked up a glass bottle and struck a man on the head, causing a 4cm cut that required stitches. The victim reported ongoing headaches and discomfort. Mason has no memory of the incident but accepted responsibility, amid her mental health struggles and prior hospitalisation for an overdose.
Pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding. Suffered significant mental health difficulties and adverse childhood experiences. Judge imposed 30 rehabilitation activity days and a 120-day alcohol abstinence requirement, with a warning that further offences could activate the sentence.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Roger Pilling
Conspiracy to sell criminal property
May 1, 2023

Sentence: five years and two months imprisonment

Roger Pilling, a 77-year-old metal detectorist from Loveclough, Lancashire, was involved in conspiring to sell 44 ninth-century Anglo-Saxon coins worth £766,000, which were part of the Herefordshire or Leominster Hoard discovered in 2015. The coins, believed to have been buried by a Viking between 874 CE and 879 CE, included two rare two-headed examples showing Alfred of Wessex and Ceolwulf II of Mercia. Pilling attempted to sell them to an undercover police officer posing as an expert for a wealthy buyer, after they were not declared as treasure. Forty-four coins were recovered in a sting operation, though two were never found as Pilling claimed they were broken.
Convicted of conspiring to sell 44 ninth-century coins that were not declared as treasure. A confiscation order was later granted for £103,000, with a potential additional 12-month prison sentence if unpaid. Judge comments emphasised that crime should not pay and highlighted the defendant's intent to profit from stolen treasure.
Sources: herefordtimes.com
Kurtis Mawson
Voyeurism
March 1, 2023

Sentence: 25 months imprisonment

Kurtis Mawson, a sex offender, engaged in repeated voyeuristic activities, including covertly filming women using a public toilet next to The Odeon Cinema in Durham and performing a sex act on himself in public while standing behind a female tourist taking a photo of Durham Cathedral. These offences occurred in 2022 and 2023.
Admitted to offences including voyeurism committed in 2022 and 2023. Breached a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. A psychiatric report is to be updated for further proceedings.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk

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