Durham Crown Court Sentencing Results

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
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
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
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
Kalvin Atkin
Assault on emergency workers and intentional strangulation
August 18, 2023

Sentence: 54 months imprisonment, followed by a 3-year licence period

Kalvin Atkin, while serving a sentence for a 2016 stabbing, attacked four prison officers at HMP Deerbolt on August 11, 2023, by headbutting, punching, and biting them during an incident in the exercise yard, egged on by other inmates, resulting in injuries including a broken hand and the need for a tetanus jab. After his release in December 2023, he was involved in an incident on April 1, 2024, where he punched and strangled a female police officer who responded to a report of masked figures trying to enter a property on Cumberland Street in Darlington, leaving her bloodied and anxious, before he was subdued with a taser.
Pleaded guilty to the offences. Judge Jo Kidd noted his dangerous attitude towards police and prison officers, and that he expressed remorse. He has a history of 11 previous offences, including assaults on emergency workers, and was on prison recall at the time.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Ian Sale
Possessing amphetamine with intent to supply
August 11, 2023

Sentence: 12-month suspended sentence for 18 months, up to 30 rehabilitation activity sessions, and a 6-month alcohol treatment requirement

Ian Sale was involved in a drugs handover at a filling station forecourt on the A167 in Newton Aycliffe on August 26, 2021. As a front seat passenger in a black Volvo, he received a Morrison's bag containing 8kg of amphetamines of 21% purity from another vehicle. He was dropped off and arrested while carrying the bag, which he dropped upon confrontation by police. The offence was part of a larger police operation targeting drug supply, and Sale was interviewed but released initially, with proceedings delayed until he pleaded guilty.
Pleaded guilty to possessing amphetamine with intent to supply. Played a lesser role in the operation with no relevant prior convictions. Judge noted his limited involvement and prospects for rehabilitation, considering health issues and delay in proceedings.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Julie Jones
Burglary
August 8, 2023

Sentence: Just under two years and five months imprisonment

Julie Jones broke into an empty house in Moor View, Wheatley Hill, east Durham, sometime between April 25 and May 1. She attempted to force entry through the French doors but instead smashed a window to gain access. She stole a TV set and a kettle worth a total of £410, leaving a bloodstain at the point of entry that linked her to the crime. The house was being prepared for use as a communal home, and the owner reported losses and repair costs amounting to about £1,000, along with concerns about future break-ins.
Pleaded guilty to burglary. Has 51 past convictions, including two previous domestic burglaries, and was sentenced as a third-strike burglar. The sentence was reduced by 20 per cent due to the guilty plea.
Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Peter Hudson
Supply of cocaine
August 1, 2023

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment and an additional 40 days

Peter Hudson was involved in the supply of cocaine, having been stopped in 2020 with £6,000 in cash in his car. A search of his home uncovered another £8,000 and a cash counting machine. Forensic analysis of his phone showed he traded several kilograms of cocaine via the EncroChat network under the handle Boxer-Rapid. He was convicted in his absence and fled to Dubai before being arrested in Belgium and extradited back to the UK.
Absconded before trial, arrested in Belgium, extradited to the UK, and admitted failing to attend court. Prior investigation revealed drug dealing activities.
Sources: chroniclelive.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
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
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
Mark Walters
Intentional Strangulation and Assault by Beating
May 12, 2023

Sentence: 21-month suspended prison sentence, 120 hours unpaid work, 30 rehabilitation activity sessions, 6-month alcohol treatment requirement, £500 costs, and 5-year restraining order

Mark Walters assaulted his partner multiple times between late 2022 and 2023 while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Incidents included slapping her head and strangling her during an argument, dragging her from bed and pushing her against a deck chair after she returned from a friend's house, and slapping her face, dragging her around the room, pinning her to the floor, and attempting to kick her after drinking whisky. One assault resulted in the victim seeking hospital treatment for dizziness and headaches. His behaviour was described as 'Jekyll and Hyde' due to his drastic changes when intoxicated.
Pleaded guilty on the day of trial. Has issues with alcohol and anger management, is remorseful, and has voluntarily sought help for substance abuse. No offences committed since arrest in 2023.
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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