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Durham Crown Court Sentencing Results

August 2023 4 cases
Kalvin Atkin
Assault on emergency workers and intentional strangulation *
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.
18 Aug 2023
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Ian Sale
Possessing amphetamine with intent to supply *
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.
11 Aug 2023
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Julie Jones
Burglary *
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.
8 Aug 2023
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Peter Hudson
Supply of cocaine *
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.
1 Aug 2023
chroniclelive.co.uk
July 2023 3 cases
John Bostock
Intentional Strangulation *
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.
25 Jul 2023
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Dale Coulton
Sexual assault *
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.
25 Jul 2023
darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk
Stacie Mason
Unlawful wounding *
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.
10 Jul 2023
thenorthernecho.co.uk
May 2023 3 cases
Stephen Edward Oliphant
Bomb hoax *
Sentence
12 months imprisonment
In November 2021, Stephen Edward Oliphant, a 25-year-old pub bouncer, planted a fake bomb made from items including a bingo dabber in the toilet of the Hat and Feathers pub in Seaham, County Durham. He raised the alarm claiming to have found a suspicious device, leading to the evacuation of the pub and the deployment of a specialist bomb disposal team. The device was confirmed as a hoax, with Oliphant's DNA found on each component. Additional parts were discovered during a search of his home at Stanley Street, Houghton-le-Spring.
Pleaded guilty to bomb hoax, placing an article with intent. Admitted planting the device to look like a hero.
12 May 2023
thecaterer.com
Mark Walters
Intentional Strangulation and Assault by Beating *
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.
12 May 2023
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Roger Pilling
Conspiracy to sell criminal property *
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.
1 May 2023
herefordtimes.com
March 2023 1 case
Kurtis Mawson
Voyeurism *
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.
1 Mar 2023
thenorthernecho.co.uk
January 2020 1 case
Not Stated
Breach of restraining order *
Sentence
12 months' imprisonment suspended for 2 years
The defendant breached a restraining order from November 2018 by sending e-mails to Durham Constabulary that were not for reporting a crime or in a genuine emergency, one of which was racially abusive towards an officer.
Uplifted from 10 to 12 months' imprisonment in recognition of the racial aggravation. Pleaded guilty.
13 Jan 2020
cps.gov.uk
January 1991 1 case
Reginald Wilson
Murder *
Sentence
life imprisonment with minimum tariff of 30 years
On February 3, 1990, Reginald Wilson, aged 25, tricked his way into the home of Dr David Birkett, a 56-year-old consultant dermatologist, by posing as a motorcycle despatch rider with a parcel. Once inside on Cornfield Road in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, Wilson bludgeoned Dr Birkett about the head with a hammer wrapped in a plastic bag in the hallway, then dragged him into the study where he bound his arms with cord and inflicted 17 blows that crushed the doctor's skull. The attack was described as one of the most violent by Cleveland Police. Wilson taunted police with letters, stating the killing gave him a 'buzz better than smack' and detailing his plot to kill police officers. Forensics linked him via thumbprint; weapons including a sawn-off shotgun and crossbows were found at his hideout. Motive was to target police by murdering the doctor to provoke contact. Dr Birkett's 16-year-old daughter discovered the body.
Sentenced in 1991; tariff reduced to 18 years in 2008 but increased to 30 years on appeal; judge stated Wilson was so dangerous he must die in prison; has 'psychopath' tattooed on forehead; changed surname to Zenshen; deemed fit for release by Parole Board in 2025 after serving 34 years.
1 Jan 1991
chroniclelive.co.uk
Date Not Specified 1 case
Joseph Lee
Arranging or facilitating a child sex offence *
Sentence
four-year prison sentence
Joseph Lee, 46, from Durham, attempted to meet what he believed was a 15-year-old girl for sex at Framwellgate Moor on April 26, 2022, but was arrested in a police sting operation by the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) and Durham Constabulary's Online Child Abuse Investigator Team. He refused to comment during police interview.
Did not plead guilty but was convicted after trial. Also received a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the Sex Offender Register indefinitely.
1 Jan 0001
uknip.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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