Latest
Philip Smith|Murder|Leicester Crown CourtDaniel Flatters|Sexual activity with a child|Liverpool Crown CourtPhillip Fraczek|Murder|Snaresbrook Crown CourtAdam Hall|Rape and causing grievous bodily harm|Newcastle Crown CourtHenry Hathaway|Conspiracy to commit robbery, grievous bodily harm, and criminal damage|Bristol Crown CourtDanius Melgailis|Conspiracy to commit robbery, grievous bodily harm, and criminal damage|Bristol Crown CourtMohammed Ahmed|Conspiracy to commit robbery, grievous bodily harm, and criminal damage|Bristol Crown CourtAlfie Cook|Causing death by dangerous driving|Bristol Crown CourtPhilip Smith|Murder|Leicester Crown CourtDaniel Flatters|Sexual activity with a child|Liverpool Crown CourtPhillip Fraczek|Murder|Snaresbrook Crown CourtAdam Hall|Rape and causing grievous bodily harm|Newcastle Crown CourtHenry Hathaway|Conspiracy to commit robbery, grievous bodily harm, and criminal damage|Bristol Crown CourtDanius Melgailis|Conspiracy to commit robbery, grievous bodily harm, and criminal damage|Bristol Crown CourtMohammed Ahmed|Conspiracy to commit robbery, grievous bodily harm, and criminal damage|Bristol Crown CourtAlfie Cook|Causing death by dangerous driving|Bristol Crown Court

Durham Crown Court Sentencing Results

January 2025 1 case
Mark Dodds
Sexual assault *
Sentence
20 years imprisonment with 6 years extended license
Over a ten-year period, Mark Dodds used Snapchat to incite numerous girls, aged between 8 and 15, from across the UK and the US into carrying out sexual acts over live video calls. He then used covert recordings of these calls as leverage, blackmailing his victims into further acts by threatening to distribute the videos if they failed to comply. When arrested, thousands of indecent images were recovered from multiple devices at his home.
Found guilty after trial of five charges of sexual assault and one of inciting a child into sexual activity. Previously pleaded guilty to 58 offences including sexual communication with children, blackmail, and taking, possession and distribution of indecent images.
6 Jan 2025
cps.gov.uk
December 2024 3 cases
Thomas Reay
Child rape and sexual assault *
Sentence
25 years imprisonment
Thomas Reay subjected two young girls to multiple rapes and sexual assaults over a number of years, stealing their childhoods. The abuse was reported by victims to a loved one, leading to his conviction.
Died from bowel cancer on July 9, 2025, while serving sentence at HMP Holme House. Healthcare was commended by PPO report.
23 Dec 2024
chroniclelive.co.uk
Callum Griffiths
Assault occasioning actual bodily harm *
Sentence
8 months imprisonment
On November 1, 2024, Callum Griffiths, 28, of Buddle Walk, Newton Aycliffe, assaulted his then-girlfriend at her home in Shildon after an argument over sexual messages on his phone. While drinking together, he locked her inside, pinned her to the floor, smashed a bowl over his own head causing shards to lacerate her nose, bent her fingers back until they cracked, and damaged a bedroom door costing £200. She fled with her young child, and he chased her down the street before she sought help. She required hospital treatment for her nose and stated she was left terrified and lost trust in people.
Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage. Judge Robert Adams noted it was a sustained assault in the woman's own home. Imposed 10 year restraining order. Has 29 previous convictions for 76 offences, mostly theft or criminal damage, including prior assaults. Now off drugs but accepts binge drinking as an issue.
19 Dec 2024
chroniclelive.co.uk
Connor Walker
Grievous Bodily Harm *
Sentence
22 months imprisonment
Connor Walker, 29, of Park Road, Durham, launched an unprovoked attack at York Railway Station on September 6, 2024, around 6pm. He was shadowboxing aggressively, left and returned multiple times, then punched the victim with his right fist, causing the victim to drop to the floor instantly. The victim was unconscious for two minutes, sustained a fractured skull and two bleeds on the brain requiring urgent surgery. Walker was identified from a photo by Northumbria Police, arrested two days later in Durham town centre.
Admitted grievous bodily harm. Investigating officer commented on the unpredictable and volatile actions.
3 Dec 2024
examinerlive.co.uk
November 2024 1 case
Charles Neasham
Assault *
Sentence
16 months imprisonment
Drunken thug attacked step-dad after downing cocktails in Newton Aycliffe.
Attacked step-dad after drinking Disaronno and lager cocktails.
4 Nov 2024
chroniclelive.co.uk
September 2024 3 cases
David Langley
Assault by beating *
Sentence
7 months imprisonment
David Langley, 44, assaulted his then-partner twice at her flat in Easington Colliery. On December 13 last year, he became aggressive during a row, pinned her to the wall, threatened to smash her face, pulled her to the floor, and stamped on her, causing pain and bruising to her right shoulder. Two days later, on December 15, another argument over money led to him slapping her in the face and making threats. The victim reported ongoing abuse and fear of retaliation, describing how he treated her like a dog and controlled her behaviour between September 25 and December 15 last year.
Changed plea and admitted to two counts of assault by beating. Has 25 prior convictions, including seven for violence against the person. Due to time served on remand since December 17 last year, he is expected to be released immediately. A restraining order was imposed for five years.
8 Sep 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Kieran Kelly
Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm *
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.
4 Sep 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Mitchell Blackwood
Assault causing actual bodily harm *
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.
4 Sep 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
August 2024 6 cases
Paul Ferguson
Rape *
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.
29 Aug 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Jack Riddell
Assault on emergency worker *
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.
29 Aug 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Lee Barker
Stalking *
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.
27 Aug 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Colin Quinn
Endangering an aircraft *
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.
19 Aug 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Jill Davison
Theft *
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.
5 Aug 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Jake Andrew Greaves
Assault causing actual bodily harm *
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.
1 Aug 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
July 2024 15 cases
Bernard Conlin
Non-fatal strangulation *
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.
31 Jul 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Mark Hunt
Burglary *
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.
31 Jul 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Thomas Robson
Rape *
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.
30 Jul 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Hugh Holmes
Wounding with intent *
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.
30 Jul 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Liam Johnson
Blackmail *
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.
24 Jul 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Ian Maughan
Sex offences *
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.
18 Jul 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Jonathan Andrew Cummings
Attempted rape *
Sentence
12 years imprisonment with eight years on extended license
Jonathan Andrew Cummings subjected a woman in Durham to a violent attempted rape in her own home in April 2024. The victim was watching videos in her bed after a night out when Cummings, wearing a balaclava, entered her bedroom. He stated his intent to have sex with her, leapt on the bed, and strangled her. She escaped his grip and ran to the door but was pulled back by her chest. After another struggle, she broke free but was strangled again. She eventually escaped the property and hid behind a nearby car. Prior to the attack, Cummings removed his vehicle's license plate and turned off his phone while traveling from Chester-Le-Street to Durham, and hid his van afterward before taking a taxi home.
Pleaded guilty to one charge of attempted rape, two charges of intentional strangulation and one charge of trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence.
18 Jul 2024
cps.gov.uk
Christopher Quartey
Possession of a class C drug *
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.
18 Jul 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Peter Connelly
Fraud *
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.
17 Jul 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Luke Curley
Assault causing actual bodily harm *
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.
15 Jul 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Jordan Boyle
Affray *
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.
11 Jul 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Ricky Drewett
Grievous Bodily Harm *
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.
11 Jul 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Darryl Anderson
Causing death by dangerous driving *
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.
9 Jul 2024
itv.com
Ian Tate
Engaging in sexual activity with a child *
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.
4 Jul 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
David Greaves
Rape *
Sentence
15 years imprisonment
David Greaves, a 42-year-old taxi driver from Spennymoor, County Durham, raped a female passenger after picking her up from a night out in Newton Aycliffe. Despite her friend instructing him to ensure she got home safely as she was intoxicated, he took her to a secluded cemetery car park where he committed the rape. The victim woke up bruised and sore, confronted Greaves who admitted to having sex with her, leading her to contact police. He denied the offence claiming consent, but was convicted.
Found unanimously guilty by jury. Classified as a dangerous offender in pre-sentence report. Died in prison on 15 January 2026.
1 Jul 2024
chroniclelive.co.uk
June 2024 2 cases
Steven Patrick
Intentional strangulation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm *
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.
19 Jun 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Michael Kane
Assault by beating of an emergency worker *
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.
10 Jun 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
May 2024 4 cases
Elle Louise Kathleen Burnside
Assisting an offender *
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.
31 May 2024
darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk
Ben Doyle
Causing grievous bodily harm with intent *
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.
31 May 2024
darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk
Bethany Carr
Robbery *
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.
14 May 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Ellis Punshon
Assault causing actual bodily harm and witness intimidation *
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.
7 May 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
April 2024 3 cases
Jonathan Deric Stuart
Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order *
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.
3 Apr 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Dylan Renwick
Money laundering *
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.
1 Apr 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Christopher Orton
Money laundering *
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.
1 Apr 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
March 2024 4 cases
Kelly Traynor
Robbery *
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.
31 Mar 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Oliver Bright
Perverting the course of justice *
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.
31 Mar 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Steven Kay
Affray *
Sentence
18 months imprisonment
In the early hours of May 19, 2024, Steven Kay, 32, of Sunny Blunts, Peterlee, instigated a violent disturbance in Peterlee, County Durham, where he used a glass vodka bottle to strike a man and a woman, leaving them with bloodied facial injuries. Kay himself sustained a significant cut requiring hospital treatment. Police received a confused call from a woman naming Kay as the attacker who smashed bottles over everyone, but witnesses did not provide statements.
Pleaded guilty to affray on the day of trial. Has 38 prior offences, including 8 assaults; previously jailed for 2 years in 2020 for grievous bodily harm. Judge noted he poses a high risk of serious harm to the public. Suffers from physical and mental health problems, uses alcohol for self-medication.
8 Mar 2024
chroniclelive.co.uk
Anthony Wilkinson
Causing Grievous Bodily Harm *
Sentence
9 months imprisonment
In summer 2024, Anthony Wilkinson, 36, of Weavers Close, Peterlee, was drinking and playing pool at Eden Bar in Peterlee when an argument broke out with another man. The victim verbally threatened Wilkinson, who then smashed a pint glass into the victim's face, causing a deep gash above the left eyebrow that reached the bone, and pushed him to the side of the room before leaving. The victim required 20 stitches and has suffered memory issues since.
Pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm. Judge Jo Kidd noted high risk of reoffending and that the act was inherently dangerous and deliberate. Prior convictions for threatening or abusive behaviour and drink driving. Defence highlighted positive work ethic and need for probation rehabilitation.
7 Mar 2024
chroniclelive.co.uk
February 2024 2 cases
Brandon Whitehouse
Assault causing actual bodily harm *
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.
1 Feb 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Richard Pallister
Arson *
Sentence
3 years imprisonment
Richard Pallister, 36, from Bede Street, Easington Colliery, threatened to set fire to his neighbours’ house during an argument in June 2019. When the couple dismissed the threat and went to the pub, they received a call that their home was ablaze. CCTV footage showed Pallister leaving the property moments before smoke billowed from inside. He was arrested soon after but initially denied the crime. After a lengthy probe, he admitted the offence.
Pleaded guilty to arson. Ordered to pay £170 victim surcharge.
1 Feb 2024
uknip.co.uk
January 2024 3 cases
Craig Fitch
Fraud by false representation *
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.
27 Jan 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Mitchell Ingham
Possession of mobile phone in prison *
Sentence
9 months imprisonment
While serving a life sentence for murder at HMP Deerbolt in County Durham, Mitchell Ingham possessed and used an illicit iPhone to communicate with a female prison officer, Ellis Eyles, including FaceTime calls and messages where he called her 'babe' and she responded 'miss you'. He also messaged family members and asked Eyles about the location of another prisoner, stating he wanted him 'done in'. The phone and charger were discovered in June 2023 behind a false panel in a cabinet during a cell search. Ingham, aged 25, had Googled himself and signed messages as 'Mitch'.
Pleaded guilty to possession of a mobile phone in prison and using the phone while behind bars. First offence behind bars, expressed remorse, completed courses in prison. Served consecutively to existing life sentence.
16 Jan 2024
chroniclelive.co.uk
Mark Charters
Theft by an employee *
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.
1 Jan 2024
thenorthernecho.co.uk
December 2023 1 case
Aiden Ward
Breaching Sexual Harm Prevention Order *
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.
15 Dec 2023
thenorthernecho.co.uk
August 2023 2 cases
Joseph Anthony Coils
Causing grievous bodily harm with intent *
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.
22 Aug 2023
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Claire Makepeace
Wounding with intent *
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.
19 Aug 2023
thenorthernecho.co.uk

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Crown Court
United Kingdom

About Durham Crown Court

Durham Crown Court is a Crown Court that handles serious criminal cases including murder, rape, robbery, and other indictable offences. With 114 sentencing records in our database, it processes cases heard before a judge and jury, with the power to impose the full range of sentences available under UK law.

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