Newcastle Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 530 verdicts at Newcastle Crown Court (Newcastle upon Tyne). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Dylan Finlay

Assault by beating and criminal damage

December 19, 2025

Sentence: £200 fine, £100 compensation, £85 costs, £80 victim surcharge

On June 20, 2025, Dylan Finlay, aged 22, of St Peter's Road in Byker, became angry with his girlfriend after she messaged her dad, suspecting infidelity. He threatened to smash her house up, called her abusive names, kicked a baby gate off its hinges, hit a cupboard causing a crack, emptied a bin over the kitchen floor and walls, and slammed the front door against her back as she tried to leave. The victim felt emotionally drained and wanted him to leave her alone.

Pleaded guilty to assault by beating and criminal damage. Had one prior conviction for possession of a bladed article in 2024, for which he received a suspended sentence. Defence stated he suspected partner was cheating and did not intend to assault her with the door.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Ian Boyd

Dangerous driving

December 19, 2025

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment

On November 18, Ian Boyd, of Slatyford, ignored police signals to pull over in a BMW in Blyth and led a high-speed chase across North East roads. He reached 90mph in a 30 zone, went through a red light, lost control at Moor Farm Roundabout on the A189 driving the wrong way, hit 100mph on the A19, and 140mph on the A1. The pursuit ended in Fenham after police used a tactical manoeuvre; he attempted to flee again but was arrested. He refused a sample and possessed small amounts of cocaine and cannabis.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to provide a specimen, driving while disqualified, having no insurance and possessing cocaine and cannabis. Has 31 previous convictions, including for driving offences, and was on bail pending sentence for other driving matters. Banned from driving for three years upon release. Judge commented it was a 'dreadful piece of driving'. Defence noted life had spiralled out of control after father's death from dementia in February, leading to excessive alcohol use; now alcohol and drug free in custody with job lined up in January.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

James Barrass

Rape

December 18, 2025

Sentence: 24 years imprisonment

James Barrass, 37, of Priory Grange, Blyth, Northumberland, was convicted of a series of offences against two women, including rape, attempted sexual assault, and assault by penetration. The attacks had a devastating impact on the victims, with one suffering night terrors, flashbacks, daily panic attacks, and severe mental health issues. The victim described him as a 'narcissist and a pathological liar' with no remorse, only sorry for being caught.

Found guilty by jury after trial. Must serve two-thirds behind bars. Judge Penny Moreland described him as 'extremely dangerous' and posing a significant risk of serious harm to the public. Pre-sentence report noted he minimises and distorts his offending and places responsibility on victims. Must sign sex offenders register for life and given indefinite restraining orders.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Callum Hackett

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

December 17, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment

Callum Hackett subjected his then-partner to a sustained and sickening assault in Newcastle, which escalated from an argument and spilled into the street. He grabbed her by the hair, pulled out her hair extensions, forced her to the floor, kicked and punched her, and mercilessly beat her face with a metal deodorant can. Part of the attack was captured on video, showing him shouting while she screamed. A neighbour heard the argument, and the woman tried to seek refuge but was followed and attacked. She suffered bruising to her face, a deformed nose, and lost a tooth, leaving her distraught and covered in blood. After the assault, Hackett sent her unpleasant messages and tried to blame her for the argument.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Branded a 'coward' by Judge Tim Gittins for attacking a defenceless woman in front of distressed children. Has six previous convictions including arson, affray, possessing an offensive weapon, and supplying class B drugs. Given a restraining order. Long-standing mental health difficulties noted.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Chloe Warwick

Robbery

December 17, 2025

Sentence: jailed

Chloe Warwick, of Sunderland, robbed and stole from a vulnerable neighbour at the supported accommodation where she and the victim were living, threatening to falsely brand him a pervert.

Connor Dunford

Assaulting an emergency worker

December 17, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment

On October 12, 2025, Connor Dunford, 27, of Aire Quay, Leeds, was under the influence of drugs including ketamine, cocaine, and alcohol after a binge at a hotel in Jesmond, Newcastle. He was restrained by friends and shouting when an ambulance was called. After being sedated and transported to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle, he punched a female ambulance support technician in the face while she was explaining the procedure to move him from a stretcher to a hospital bed, causing her a nose bleed and pain. The incident occurred due to his drug-induced state following personal setbacks including the death of his former partner and an ACL injury that affected his work and rugby playing.

Pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker. Was subject to a suspended sentence at the time. Judge Gavin Doig commented that the defendant deserves to go straight to prison for punching an ambulance support practitioner who was trying to help him.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Stephen Plant

Rape

December 17, 2025

Sentence: 15 years imprisonment

Stephen Plant, 24, of Washington, committed multiple sexual offences. He was found guilty of three counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault against a woman earlier in 2025 following a Northumbria Police investigation, where he raped and assaulted his victim several times. Separately, a Durham Constabulary investigation revealed that when Plant was 16, he met a girl in public places multiple times, gave her alcohol, and had her perform sexual acts on him, leading to his admission of four counts of sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15. The victim in the first case reported the abuse to police.

Found guilty of three counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault on a woman. Admitted four counts of sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15. Described as 'extremely dangerous' by police.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Paul Mullen

Robbery

December 16, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 7 months imprisonment

On July 15, 2025, Paul Mullen followed a 76-year-old pensioner from West Jesmond Metro Station into a back alley near The Lonsdale pub in Jesmond after the victim had been out in Newcastle. Mullen attacked from behind by putting a wire, similar to a charging cable, around the victim's neck, which the victim pulled away. Mullen then beat the victim to the ground, kicking and stamping on him, including to the head. The victim fought back by punching Mullen. Mullen stole the victim's mobile phone, bank cards, Metro and bus pass, Tesco Clubcard, tobacco, house keys, and a card holder with family pictures and a prayer card. He demanded and received the PIN number, using a stolen card three times the next day. Items were later returned. The victim suffered an abrasion to the head but no serious injuries. The attack left the victim terrified, feeling cut off from family, and disrupted his life, requiring lock changes.

Pleaded guilty to robbery and fraud. Has 133 previous convictions. Relapsed into drug use at the time. Shown genuine remorse and feels shame.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

James Wheeler

Assault by penetration and sexual assault

December 16, 2025

Sentence: 11 years imprisonment

James Wheeler, 48, of Bishopton Road, Stockton, subjected a vulnerable woman to sickening sex attacks in Northumberland. He intimidated her by threatening violence, standing on her feet, gripping her arms, and telling her he knew nasty people. The victim now rarely leaves the house without company, suffers from fear of encountering him, recurring nightmares, and has attempted self-harm due to the trauma.

Convicted after trial of six offences of assault by penetration and two of sexual assault. Must serve two-thirds in prison, sign the sex offenders register for life, and subject to an indefinite restraining order. Continues to deny wrongdoing.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Ryan Dodd

Inflicting GBH

December 15, 2025

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

On September 13, 2025, around 4.45am, Ryan Dodd, aged 27, of Coppice Way, Shieldfield, Newcastle, punched Mason Hedley in the face in a tunnel under a road in Newcastle city centre as Mason was leaving Powerhouse nightclub after celebrating his 18th birthday. The punch knocked Mason unconscious, causing him to crack his head on the ground, resulting in a traumatic brain injury and skull fracture. Mason required life-saving surgery to remove both sides of his skull to prevent brain death, was placed on life support, and now suffers lifelong effects including mobility and speech issues, memory loss, unsteadiness, difficulty processing information, fear in public, and a visible scar. The attack stemmed from an argument between Dodd and one of Mason's friends, with Dodd acting as the aggressor despite Mason doing nothing wrong. Dodd left the scene in a taxi but was identified via an anonymous tip-off.

Pleaded guilty to inflicting GBH. Has 26 previous convictions including affray, racially aggravated assault, battery and burglary. Under the influence of alcohol at the time. Expressed remorse and has no recollection of the incident.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Sean Reay

Murder

December 12, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment

Sean Reay, along with Kelvin Lawson and Thomas Sterling, was involved in the shooting murder of Barry Dawson, who was shot through the broken window of his terraced home in Stanley on April 5, 2025, turning the street into a scene resembling something from TV.

Stefan Ciuraru

Sexual Assault

December 12, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

Stefan Ciuraru, 23, of Brinkburn Avenue, Gateshead, carried out offences between 2015 and 2019 against vulnerable girls aged 13 to 16 in the Gateshead area. He sexually assaulted four girls, engaged in sexual activity with a child, and incited a child to engage in sexual activity, exploiting their unhappy home lives and providing alcohol or cigarettes for favours.

Found guilty of four counts of sexual assault, one of sexual activity with a child and one of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Likely to be released due to time on remand and electronically monitored curfew. Was 15 and 16 at the time, from Romania, no schooling prior to UK. Must sign the sex offenders register and subject to sexual harm prevention order and restraining order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Thomas Sterling

Murder

December 12, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment

Thomas Sterling, along with Sean Reay and Kelvin Lawson, was involved in the shooting murder of Barry Dawson, who was shot through the broken window of his terraced home in Stanley on April 5, 2025, turning the street into a scene resembling something from TV.

Klaudio Aleksiu

Rape

December 12, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Klaudio Aleksiu, 28, of Church Terrace, Windsor, from Albania, committed offences between 2015 and 2019 against vulnerable girls aged 13 to 16 in the Gateshead area. He raped one girl, exploiting her vulnerabilities in a context of sexual exploitation involving alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs.

Convicted of one count of rape. Continues to deny offence. Of previous good character, has a young child. Must sign the sex offenders register and subject to sexual harm prevention order and restraining order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Leonard Paun

Rape

December 12, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 1 month imprisonment

Leonard Paun, 24, of Windsor Avenue, Gateshead, from Romania, offended between 2015 and 2019 against vulnerable girls aged 13 to 16 in the Gateshead area. He supplied class A drugs and exploited the girls' vulnerabilities, with some incidents involving heavy drinking in a park. The victims had unhappy home lives and were dependent on defendants.

Found guilty of one count of rape, one of sexual activity with a child, two counts of arranging the commission of a child sex offence, supplying a class A drug, sexual assault and distributing indecent images of a child. Was 16 and 17 at the time of offences. Must sign the sex offenders register and subject to sexual harm prevention order and restraining order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kelvin Lawson

Murder

December 12, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment

Kelvin Lawson, along with Sean Reay and Thomas Sterling, was involved in the shooting murder of Barry Dawson, who was shot through the broken window of his terraced home in Stanley on April 5, 2025, turning the street into a scene resembling something from TV.

Henry Renton

Child Rape

December 12, 2025

Sentence: 15 years imprisonment

Henry Renton, an 81-year-old pensioner, was unmasked as a paedophile through a Sarah's Law application and convicted for striking again with child rapes in North East Northumberland.

Serving sentence for multiple child rapes; latest convictions likely mean he will die in prison.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Codrin Dura

Rape

December 12, 2025

Sentence: 13 years imprisonment

Codrin Dura, 27, of Rippon Street, Gateshead, carried out offences between 2015 and 2019 against vulnerable girls aged 13 to 16 in the Gateshead area. He had a sexually transmitted infection and had sex with one girl, blackmailed another by threatening to show her parents an intimate picture, and supplied class A drugs. The victims were exploited through alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs in exchange for sexual favours, some incidents occurring in a Tyneside park.

Found guilty of four counts of rape, one of attempted rape, three of sexual activity with a child, blackmail, assault by penetration, arranging the commission of a child sex offence and supplying class A drugs. Continues to deny offences. Must sign the sex offenders register and subject to sexual harm prevention order and restraining order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Bogdan Gugiuman

Rape

December 12, 2025

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment

Bogdan Gugiuman, 44, of Westbourne Avenue, Gateshead, carried out offences between 2015 and 2019 against vulnerable girls aged 13 to 16 in the Gateshead area. He raped three girls and supplied class A drugs, exploiting their immaturity and desire for attention through alcohol and cigarettes in exchange for sexual favours.

Found guilty of three rapes and supplying class A drugs. Limited contact with other defendants except cousin Paun. Must sign the sex offenders register and subject to sexual harm prevention order and restraining order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Philip Coats

Rape

December 11, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment

Philip Coats, aged 28 from Ingham Grange, South Shields, sexually abused two children when he was a schoolboy. He was convicted of two counts of rape and two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. He threatened one victim with pushing them down stairs and used his greater strength to overpower them. He told the other victim their mother wouldn't love them if they reported the abuse. The victims described lasting pain, fear, and emotional impact, including effects on schooling and trust issues.

Sentence reduced by around two-thirds due to being a child at the time of the offences. No prior convictions. Must sign the sex offenders register, subject to a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order. Continues to deny the offences.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Timothy Paul Nellis

Conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation

December 10, 2025

Sentence: 17 years and 9 months imprisonment

Timothy Paul Nellis, alongside Sundeep Singh Chahal, operated a sophisticated fraud through shell companies from a hotel room at Gosforth Grand Park Hotel, Newcastle, between October 2018 and April 2019. They created fake invoices to deceive banks including Ultimate Finance, Lloyds Bank, Aldermore Bank, and Barclays Bank into providing factoring finance, resulting in losses of £825,387.14. Laundered money financed organised crime activities such as setting up cannabis farms and selling unlicensed prescription medicines. The investigation began after hotel staff discovered suspicious items including mobile phones, documents, and banking details in the room following Nellis failing to pay a £6,850 hotel bill.

Sundeep Chahal

Conspiracy to commit fraud

December 10, 2025

Sentence: 20 years imprisonment

Sundeep Chahal, along with Timothy Paul Nellis, controlled around 30 shell companies used to perpetrate frauds against banks via fake invoices, resulting in losses of £825,387.14. The scheme also involved fraudulent Covid bounce back loans totalling £722,000 and laundering proceeds to fund cannabis farms and the illegal sale of Class C drugs online, generating over £600,000. Chahal remains at large following his absconding during the trial.

Convicted in absence after absconding. Also convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine in relation to an EncroChat case. Banned from being a company director for 12 years.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Sundeep Singh Chahal

Conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation

December 10, 2025

Sentence: 20 years imprisonment

Sundeep Singh Chahal, alongside Timothy Paul Nellis, operated a sophisticated fraud through shell companies from a hotel room at Gosforth Grand Park Hotel, Newcastle, between October 2018 and April 2019. They created fake invoices to deceive banks including Ultimate Finance, Lloyds Bank, Aldermore Bank, and Barclays Bank into providing factoring finance, resulting in losses of £825,387.14. Laundered money financed organised crime activities such as setting up cannabis farms and selling unlicensed prescription medicines. The investigation began after hotel staff discovered suspicious items including mobile phones, documents, and banking details in the room. Chahal absconded before trial and remains at large.

Convicted in absence after absconding; also convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine in relation to an EncroChat case.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Bryan Storey

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving

December 10, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 3 months imprisonment

On September 14, around 4.15pm, Bryan Storey, 39, of no fixed address, fell asleep while driving a borrowed heated Vauxhall Corsa on a single carriageway section of the A1 near Alnwick, Northumberland, after a sleepless night in a cold caravan at Haggerston Castle holiday park. He had driven to Tyneside to collect earnings from roofing work and was returning when he dozed off, causing the vehicle to drift into the oncoming southbound lane. It collided head-on with a Jeep driven by a 29-year-old woman with her 29-year-old friend in the passenger seat. The passenger suffered breaks to both bones in her forearm requiring surgery with metal plates. The driver sustained a knee injury with nerve damage that could be lifelong. Another driver in an Audi took evasive action but was also struck, causing his vehicle to spin out of control. Storey was unconscious behind the wheel at the time.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, failing to provide a specimen and having no insurance. Has 76 previous convictions, including for dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, drink driving, and in 2017 was jailed for ten years for robbery, aggravated vehicle taking and having an offensive weapon. Sentence to be served concurrently with existing prison recall until 2032. Banned from driving for 2 years upon release. Remorseful; thought his previous driving ban had expired but had not taken extended retest. Severely injured himself in the incident.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Charline Alston

Transferring criminal property

December 10, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months with 200 hours unpaid work

Charline Alston assisted in the fraud by preparing false accounts and paperwork for 15 shell companies to secure £722,000 in fraudulent Covid bounce back loans. She was paid handsomely for her work, which enabled the companies to appear as legitimate going concerns. The loans were not repaid, and the companies were wound up shortly after receiving the funds.

Admitted transferring criminal property from Covid bounce back loan profits. Played a pivotal role as a part-qualified accountant preparing false accounts for the fraudulent companies, with almost daily contact with Nellis from May to November 2020. Banned from being a company director for 5 years.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Daniel Kristiansen

Sexual assault

December 9, 2025

Sentence: jailed

Daniel Kristiansen, of Gateshead, carried out a sex attack on a victim in the 1980s, which involved promising to get her a Cabbage Patch Kids doll before abusing her.

Darren Goulding

Shoplifting

December 9, 2025

Sentence: jailed

Darren Goulding repeatedly shoplifted over four days in September, showing no remorse to staff; described being caught in a cycle of homelessness and crime.

Prolific thief stuck in 'vicious circle'; repeatedly shoplifted over four days in September and told supermarket staff 'I'm not bothered'; stated 'Custody is better than being homeless'.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

James Ramshaw

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

December 9, 2025

Sentence: 9 years and 4 months imprisonment

James Ramshaw, 41, of Hambleton Court, Ashington, was a trusted associate in Shaun Monaghan's organised crime group operating March to June 2020. He handled cash collection and cocaine supply in the Northumberland area as part of the gang's distribution of over 50kg of cocaine, 20kg of heroin, and 200kg of amphetamine. The group used EncroChat, infiltrated by police, and transported goods in disguised vans. Ramshaw's involvement was exposed through surveillance leading to his arrest with significant cash.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. Previously jailed for life with a minimum of 12 years for murder in 2005, released on life licence. Responsible for collecting cash and supplying cocaine, mainly in Northumberland. Arrested after surveillance observed an exchange and £100,000 cash was recovered on May 29, 2020.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Steven Graham

Conspiracy to supply cocaine and possess firearms

December 9, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Steven Graham, 45, of Alston Gardens, Throckley, participated in Shaun Monaghan's organised crime group between March and June 2020. As Monaghan's brother-in-law, he acted as an intermediary for cocaine supply and arranged the burial of a firearm on behalf of the gang, which had access to an arsenal including machine guns, pistols, and grenades. The group moved over 50kg of cocaine, 20kg of heroin, and 200kg of amphetamine nationwide using disguised vehicles and EncroChat, exposed by police.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to possess firearms on the basis of acting as a go-between for a prohibited weapon without direct possession. Monaghan's brother-in-law, involved in arranging for a firearm to be buried.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Simon Lancaster

Conspiracy to supply class A drugs and firearms

December 9, 2025

Sentence: 14 years and 8 months imprisonment

Simon Lancaster, 34, was part of an organised crime group led by Shaun Monaghan operating between March and June 2020 in the North East of England. The gang distributed over 50kg of cocaine, 20kg of heroin, and 200kg of amphetamine, and had access to firearms including a machine gun, pistols, and a grenade. Lancaster used EncroChat for communications, which was infiltrated by French police. He fled the UK after the hack, using a false passport, and was eventually returned from Oman. Police raids uncovered weapons and drugs at associates' properties.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin and amphetamines, conspiracy to supply firearms, and conspiracy to possess ammunition without a certificate. Described as a highly trusted lieutenant to Shaun Monaghan, involved in receipt, storage, supply of drugs, handling cash, storage of firearms, and quality checking and cutting of cocaine. Fled to Dubai, Thailand, and Oman before extradition.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Monsur Miah

Supply of drugs

December 9, 2025

Sentence: jailed

Nahid Miah, Muhon Miah and Monsur Miah came to the police's attention in a car in South Tyneside while trying to evade police, leading to their arrest for drug dealing.

Tyneside drug dealers who drew attention to themselves by trying to evade police.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Muhon Miah

Supply of drugs

December 9, 2025

Sentence: jailed

Nahid Miah, Muhon Miah and Monsur Miah came to the police's attention in a car in South Tyneside while trying to evade police, leading to their arrest for drug dealing.

Tyneside drug dealers who drew attention to themselves by trying to evade police.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Nahid Miah

Supply of drugs

December 9, 2025

Sentence: jailed

Nahid Miah, Muhon Miah and Monsur Miah came to the police's attention in a car in South Tyneside while trying to evade police, leading to their arrest for drug dealing.

Tyneside drug dealers who drew attention to themselves by trying to evade police.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Nathan Smith

Theft of vehicles

December 9, 2025

Sentence: jailed

Nathan Smith, along with three other men, stole two lorries from a North East depot in a rampage; the vehicles were later involved in a ram-raid on a JD Sports store.

Involvement in gang who stole two lorries in North East depot rampage, along with three other men; vehicles later used in ram-raid on JD Sports store.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Robert Keegan

Common assault, harassment and criminal damage

December 8, 2025

Sentence: 18 month community order

Robert Keegan, in a relationship with a deaf woman since 2014 with whom he has two children, was caught kissing another woman during their anniversary night out on October 14, 2022, at a pub and nightclub in Newcastle, leading to an assault by shutting the door on her. The relationship ended by August 2023, but on one night around midnight, he appeared at her kitchen window, terrifying her, and used sign language to threaten 'Let me in or I will kill you', banged on the window, and rang the doorbell. The next morning, she found he had damaged her car by tearing off the rear window wiper, damaging the mirror, and writing 's***' on the door. He later sent an apologetic message, asked her not to contact police, offered to fix the car, and sent a picture implying a suicide threat.

Pleaded guilty. Ten-year restraining order imposed. Must pay £500 costs and £350 compensation. No previous convictions.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Joey Barton

Offensive communications

December 8, 2025

Sentence: suspended sentence

Joey Barton, 43, a former Newcastle United player, made offensive social media posts on X targeting Jeremy Vine and Eni Aluko.

Spared jail for offensive social media posts on X targeting Jeremy Vine and Eni Aluko.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Callum Bruce

Assault by beating and assaulting a police constable

December 8, 2025

Sentence: £665 fine

On March 23, 2025, Callum Bruce, aged 34, of Brookland Terrace in North Shields, was drunk and sat in the middle of the road in Walker. He approached a passing motorist's car, banged on it, and when she got out and pushed him away, he pushed her causing her to fall backwards against her car. Police arrived, and while being taken into custody, he banged his head, leading to him being placed in a van. He then spat on a female officer and apologised.

Pleaded guilty to assault by beating and assaulting a police constable. Ordered to pay £75 compensation to each of two victims. Had 25 prior offences but none since 2012. Sought help for alcohol use and mental health.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Michael Ainsley

Burglary

December 7, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Michael Ainsley, 41, from Chester-le-Street, hit an elderly man with a hammer and demanded he give him drugs.

Christopher Cook

Robbery

December 5, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

On August 24, 2025, Christopher Cook broke into the Veterans At Ease charity shop on Shields Road, Byker, Newcastle, by damaging the roof, causing thousands of pounds in damage. He attempted to open a safe with a screwdriver, stole money from the till and tombola bucket, and took jewellery from the counter. When confronted by the manager at 8am, Cook made stabbing motions with the screwdriver and muttered unintelligibly. The manager bravely subdued him, disarming him after a struggle. Cook fled but was arrested nearby matching the description, appearing under the influence with stolen items found on him.

Pleaded guilty to robbery. Has 147 previous convictions. Relapsed into drug use after partner's overdose. Expressed remorse for targeting a veterans' charity.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kenneth Roberts

Burglary

December 5, 2025

Sentence: 19 months imprisonment

On June 26, 2024, Kenneth Roberts broke into Beaumont Lodge, a sheltered accommodation complex in Sunderland for people aged 55 and over. He entered a resident's flat while the resident was asleep, stealing a wallet containing bank cards, £90 in cash, and a jar with further money. He used the stolen bank card to make purchases worth £87 at a fuel station. Roberts also broke into the manager's office, stealing paperwork, keys, tea, coffee, biscuits, clothing, and a speaker, and caused damage in the garden. The resident felt fearful and unsafe, worrying Roberts might return. The manager noted the burglary showed no regard for the vulnerability of elderly residents and could have had terrible consequences. Roberts admitted the offences but claimed he couldn't remember due to being under the influence of drugs.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary, two counts of fraud, and contempt of court. Subjected Judge Amanda Rippon to vile misogynistic abuse when remanded in custody. Has 85 previous convictions and was on a suspended sentence at the time. Remorseful and working well in prison.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

John Reid

Conspiracy to commit arson

December 4, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 6 months imprisonment

John Reid, along with others, participated in two arson attacks on January 31 and February 2, 2025, at a mixed business and residential property on Fossway, Byker, occupied by John Henry Sayers. On January 31, a VW Golf was set alight outside the property. On February 2, a Range Rover was reversed into the cafe below the residence and set on fire, but the fire was prevented from spreading by Sayers.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit arson, reckless as to whether life would be endangered. Claimed to be encouraged or coerced; no knowledge of the target or Sayers family connection.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Grant Royal

Conspiracy to commit arson

December 4, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 9 months imprisonment

Grant Royal, along with others, participated in two arson attacks on January 31 and February 2, 2025, at a mixed business and residential property on Fossway, Byker, occupied by John Henry Sayers. On January 31, a VW Golf was set alight outside the property. On February 2, a Range Rover was reversed into the cafe below the residence and set on fire, but the fire was prevented from spreading by Sayers.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit arson, reckless as to whether life would be endangered. Involved due to unpaid drug debt; drove others to the scene; no prior knowledge of the target or Sayers family.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Grant Curley

Arson

December 4, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 9 months imprisonment

Grant Curley, along with Walter Patterson, directly carried out the arson attacks on January 31 and February 2, 2025, at a mixed business and residential property on Fossway, Byker, occupied by John Henry Sayers. On January 31, they doused a VW Golf in fuel and set it alight. On February 2, Curley drove and reversed a Range Rover into the cafe below the residence, after which it was set on fire.

Pleaded guilty to arson, reckless as to whether life would be endangered. Involved due to significant drug debt; directly participated in both attacks by dousing and setting vehicles alight.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Carl Minto

Racially aggravated assault and burglary

December 4, 2025

Sentence: jailed

Carl Minto racially abused and assaulted shop workers who challenged him after brazenly stealing Stella Artois.

Bernadette O'donnell

Possession of cocaine with intent to supply

December 4, 2025

Sentence: walks free

Bernadette O'Donnell, of Lemington, was found with around £3,000 of cocaine at her home during a police raid. She sold cocaine to fund her crack habit and buy food.

Found with around £3,000 of cocaine at her home during a police raid. Sold cocaine to fund her crack habit and buy food.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Mitchell Smith

Conspiracy to commit arson

December 4, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 4 months imprisonment

Mitchell Smith, along with others, participated in two arson attacks on January 31 and February 2, 2025, at a mixed business and residential property on Fossway, Byker, occupied by John Henry Sayers. On January 31, a VW Golf was set alight outside the property. On February 2, a Range Rover was reversed into the cafe below the residence and set on fire, but the fire was prevented from spreading by Sayers.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit arson, reckless as to whether life would be endangered. Described as at the bottom rung of an organised crime group; no knowledge of the address's connection to the Sayers family.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Walter Patterson

Arson

December 4, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Walter Patterson, along with Grant Curley, directly carried out the arson attacks on January 31 and February 2, 2025, at a mixed business and residential property on Fossway, Byker, occupied by John Henry Sayers. On January 31, they doused a VW Golf in fuel and set it alight. On February 2, after Curley reversed a Range Rover into the cafe below the residence, Patterson set it on fire; he was apprehended by occupants.

Pleaded guilty to arson, reckless as to whether life would be endangered. No previous convictions; involved due to cocaine addiction and desperation; claimed to be tricked by higher individuals; expressed remorse to the Sayers family.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Leon Appleton

Inflicting GBH

December 3, 2025

Sentence: 21 months suspended for 2 years

On July 1, 2023, in Sunderland city centre, Leon Appleton, 21, of Spruce Court, Shildon, County Durham, became aggressive towards an 18-year-old victim who was out drinking with his cousin and talking to two young women. Appleton challenged the victim to fight outside a bar, despite the victim's repeated refusals and lack of prior involvement in fights. Appleton then punched the victim around ten times to the head and face without retaliation. The victim initially had swelling and blurred vision, but later suffered severe pain and was diagnosed with a detached retina requiring three operations. The victim's mother identified Appleton online. The injury ended the victim's dreams of becoming a firefighter and severely impacted his confidence and outlook.

Pleaded guilty to inflicting GBH. Recorder Toby Hedworth KC noted the attack was gratuitous against a blameless victim. Suspended sentence to allow work with probation service to address behaviour. Remorseful, claims no memory of incident, helps care for two disabled people. Was already on a community order for affray at the time.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Charles Arnot

Animal Welfare Act offences

December 2, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order, 100 hours unpaid work, 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days, 10-year animal ban, £560 costs, £114 victim surcharge

RSPCA Inspector Rachael Hurst was called to the address on Hotchpudding Lane, Newcastle, on May 23, 2025, following concerns for the welfare of two dogs. The dogs, Tyson the German Shepherd and Aurora the husky, were found severely underweight, with visible spines, hips and ribs, hair loss, flea infestation, overlong nails, and covered in urine, faeces and filth. They showed signs of thirst and suffering due to inadequate food, water and care, estimated to have lasted at least three months. The dogs were taken to a vet, confirmed suffering, seized by police and placed in RSPCA care.

David Simons

Animal Welfare Act offences

December 2, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order, 100 hours unpaid work, 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days, 10-year animal ban, £560 costs, £114 victim surcharge