Newcastle Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 181 verdicts at Newcastle Crown Court (Newcastle upon Tyne). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Paul Woodmass

Rape

September 26, 2025

Sentence: a long prison sentence

Paul Woodmass, a 66-year-old married grandfather from Linnel Drive, Lemington, Newcastle, met the vulnerable elderly victim while walking dogs. He returned to her home, where he raped her despite her lack of consent. The incident occurred in the afternoon, with the victim reporting the assault shortly after, leading to his identification via CCTV and police investigation. His saliva was found on her underwear, and he was found with condoms upon arrest, indicating premeditation.

Convicted of rape; judge indicated a lengthy term and requested a risk assessment by probation service due to his actions and forensic awareness.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Oussama Ettrii

Robbery

August 1, 2025

Sentence: 4.5 years imprisonment

Oussama Ettrii, armed with a knife, targeted a 20-year-old woman in an underpass on Eslington Road, Jesmond, Newcastle, around 4pm on May 26, asking for an iPhone charger while holding the knife. She panicked, shouted for help, and fled to her car. Hours later, shortly before midnight on the same day, he approached a 20-year-old man on Claremont Place, Newcastle city centre, with a knife in his tracksuit bottoms, demanding his phone and attempting to force him to log out of his iCloud. He dragged the victim towards bushes, took the phone, and left. Ettrii was arrested four days later, and the stolen phone was found at his home. The victims reported significant stress, anxiety, and terror as a result.

Pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and robbery. He has no previous convictions and committed the offences for financial reasons while studying in the UK. His defence stated he is remorseful and embarrassed.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Benjamin Porter

Cocaine plot

August 1, 2025

Sentence: more than 20 years imprisonment

Benjamin Porter, from North Shields or Sunderland, was involved in a cocaine plot as part of a drugs gang trio. The gang was caught following the police's dismantling of the EncroChat communications network, leading to their sentencing.

Part of a drugs gang involved in a cocaine plot. Locked up after police smashed the EncroChat communications network.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Carl Stewart

Cocaine plot

August 1, 2025

Sentence: more than 20 years imprisonment

Carl Stewart, from North Shields or Sunderland, was involved in a cocaine plot as part of a drugs gang trio. The gang was caught following the police's dismantling of the EncroChat communications network, leading to their sentencing.

Part of a drugs gang involved in a cocaine plot. Locked up after police smashed the EncroChat communications network.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Darren Gilmore

Cocaine plot

August 1, 2025

Sentence: more than 20 years imprisonment

Darren Gilmore, from North Shields or Sunderland, was involved in a cocaine plot as part of a drugs gang trio. The gang was caught following the police's dismantling of the EncroChat communications network, leading to their sentencing.

Part of a drugs gang involved in a cocaine plot. Locked up after police smashed the EncroChat communications network.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Dhroo Singh

Fraudulent evasion of prohibition on importation of cannabis

July 31, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment

Dhroo Singh, 21, of Ebrington Road, West Bromwich, West Midlands, agreed to import cannabis to pay off a debt. On April 18, 2025, he flew into Newcastle Airport from Thailand via Doha and Heathrow in business class, carrying a Nike backpack and two large suitcases purchased in Thailand. He was stopped by Border Force, confirmed the suitcases were his, and stated he was en route to see a friend in Middlesbrough. The suitcases contained 33 kilograms of cannabis in sealed bags, and he expected to be paid £3,000 plus the holiday for the importation.

Pleaded guilty to the fraudulent evasion of the prohibition on the importation of cannabis. Judge Recorder Tom Moran highlighted the deliberate and calculated nature of the crime for financial reward, with deterrence as a factor. Defendant is of previous good character, was in credit card debt, and acted on instructions from others he had not met.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Paul Robinson

Blackmail

July 31, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment, suspended for two years

Paul Robinson targeted a millionaire businessman by threatening to disclose false damaging information, including claims about the victim's business and alleged inappropriate behaviour with a young female. He demanded thousands of pounds, with an initial payment of £5,000 transferred via an intermediary. Further demands were made via email, causing the victim significant stress and anxiety attacks. Robinson was arrested after the victim reported the incidents.

Pleaded guilty to blackmail. Has 27 previous convictions. Sentence suspended due to prison overcrowding and assessed low risk of reoffending.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Scott Orr

Wounding with intent

July 31, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 2 months imprisonment with an extended licence period of 3 years

Scott Orr confronted a group on New Bridge Street in Newcastle on October 23, 2024, after claiming his girlfriend had been brushed past by the victim's girlfriend. He turned around, shoved the woman, and when her partner intervened, Orr used a concealed blade to slash the victim multiple times, causing severe injuries including lacerations to the face, neck, and chest, resulting in permanent scarring and nerve damage. Eight bladed weapons were found at his home upon arrest.

Pleaded guilty to wounding with intent. Has one previous conviction for assault. The judge noted the injuries were extremely unpleasant and that Orr claimed his drink had been spiked, which was disproven by CCTV.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Philip Byrne

Aggravated Burglary

July 30, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Philip Byrne was involved in burgling a vulnerable elderly couple in Chopwell with Lyon Dunn on June 21, 2023, entering their home without permission and stealing a TV after demanding money for gardening work. Additionally, on August 1, 2024, and in subsequent incidents, he participated in aggravated burglaries in Birtley and Gateshead, where he and others armed with weapons like crowbars and machetes entered homes, demanded drugs and cash, threw broken bottles, smashed windows, and used substances believed to be ammonia, causing injury and terror to victims.

Admitted to burglary, two counts of aggravated burglary, and one count of attempted aggravated burglary. Had a difficult childhood and was addicted to drugs, though not the prime mover in the aggravated burglary offences.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Ian Ashby

Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm and Strangulation

July 30, 2025

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment and an indefinite restraining order

Ian Ashby subjected his partner to violence on two separate occasions. On July 31, 2024, while she was at his sister's home, he became angry, headbutted her nose, grabbed her head and smacked it against a door, threw a bottle of lager at her causing cuts to her arm and ankle, and strangled her, making it difficult for her to breathe. On October 26, 2024, during a drunken argument, he shoved, punched, bit her ear and breast, strangled her by putting his arm on her windpipe, and punched her seven times in the ribs, leaving her with bruising, bite marks, and other injuries. She required hospital treatment and reported a significant impact on her mental health and daily life.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and strangulation. Has an extremely limited history of offending with three previous convictions and has been remanded in custody for more than nine months.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kyle Frost

Assault

July 30, 2025

Sentence: Imprisonment

Kyle Frost of Shiremoor strangled, beat, and pushed his partner down a flight of stairs during a shocking attack in North Tyneside as she attempted to protect her son.

Lyon Dunn

Burglary

July 30, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

In June 2023, Lyon Dunn targeted a vulnerable elderly couple in Chopwell, Gateshead, by knocking on their door and offering gardening work for £40, which he demanded in advance. He drove the victim, who had suffered a stroke, to a cashpoint while disqualified from driving, and repeatedly returned to demand more money for a broken strimmer. On June 21, 2023, he attended with Philip Byrne, demanded £60, and after limited work was done, entered the home without permission and stole the couple's TV.

Admitted to burglary, fraud, and driving while disqualified. The judge described the offences as cruel, callous, and cowardly. His behaviour declined due to cocaine use and upsetting personal news.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kasam Ali

Possession with intent to supply

July 29, 2025

Sentence: Three years and seven months imprisonment

Kasam Ali, a 34-year-old from Croydon Road, Newcastle, supplied MDMA to George Harle in October 2020. This led to Harle sharing the drug at a house party in the Rialto Building, Melbourne Street, Newcastle, where Nathaniel Pavlovic, a 21-year-old student, took the MDMA and died shortly after. Ali was arrested on October 5 with 8.87g of MDMA at 96% purity, along with cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, scales, bags, and cash in his Vauxhall Insignia.

Pleaded guilty to possessing MDMA, cocaine, ketamine, and cannabis with intent to supply. Drugs worth up to £2,000 and £800 cash were found in his vehicle. The judge noted his responsibility in the tragic death of Nathaniel Pavlovic.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Jay Ryan-Dee

Robbery

July 29, 2025

Sentence: two years and eight months imprisonment

Jay Ryan-Dee and his brother approached a 74-year-old woman from behind while she was walking along High Street West in Sunderland in November 2024, yanking her bag and causing her to fall and sustain a broken arm. The victim was left traumatised, anxious, and nervous about going out. Members of the public witnessed the incident and directed police to a nearby dessert shop where the brothers were arrested, with Jay carrying the victim's phone and other items.

Pleaded guilty to robbery, possessing a knuckle duster and cannabis, and an unrelated assault on an emergency worker. Judge Robert Spragg noted that the defendants targeted a vulnerable elderly woman in a cowardly manner. The defendant had no prior convictions, was homeless at the time, and was using alcohol and drugs but has made progress in prison.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

George Harle

Supplying MDMA

July 29, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months with 150 hours unpaid work

George Harle, a 25-year-old from Shield Street, Newcastle, bought MDMA from Kasam Ali and shared it with friends at a house party in October 2020 in the Rialto Building, Melbourne Street, Newcastle. The party involved alcohol and drugs, and Nathaniel Pavlovic, who was inexperienced with drugs, took the MDMA, leading to his death due to a fatal dose.

Admitted supplying MDMA. Was immature at the time and expressed genuine remorse, wishing it had been him who died instead of Nathaniel Pavlovic. He was training to be a nurse.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Christopher Ryan-Dee

Robbery

July 29, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

Christopher Ryan-Dee and his brother approached a 74-year-old woman from behind while she was walking along High Street West in Sunderland in November 2024, yanking her bag and causing her to fall and sustain a broken arm. The victim was left traumatised, anxious, and nervous about going out. Members of the public witnessed the incident and directed police to a nearby dessert shop where the brothers were arrested, with Christopher carrying the victim's bank cards.

Pleaded guilty to robbery. Judge Robert Spragg noted that the defendants targeted a vulnerable elderly woman in a cowardly manner. The defendant had no prior convictions, was homeless at the time, and was using alcohol and drugs but has made progress in prison.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Robert Falloon

Possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of offensive weapons

July 29, 2025

Sentence: 16 months suspended for two years

In the early hours of November 3, 2024, police responded to an allegation of a triple assault on Stanley Street in Blyth. Robert Falloon was seen running away, detained, and found in possession of a credit card knife, a knuckle duster, cocaine worth approximately £300, ketamine worth approximately £200, and £1,027 in cash. He stated that the drugs were intended for sharing with friends and not for onward supply, and the cash was earned from selling puppies.

Pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and ketamine with intent to supply and possessing a bladed article and an offensive weapon. The cash seized was claimed to be from selling puppies, not drugs. Judge emphasised that carrying weapons and supplying class A drugs is treated seriously by the courts. He had been remanded in custody for two months before being cleared of wounding charges.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Spencer Maddison

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

July 28, 2025

Sentence: 11 months imprisonment

Spencer Maddison assaulted his former partner by headbutting and punching her in the face and back, causing injuries including a lump on her forehead and redness, while children were present. This occurred in June 2025 during an argument at her home on Tyneside. He was on a suspended sentence for a prior assault on the same victim. Additionally, he returned and burnt the letters 'SM' into the window frame and 'S' into the front door, though no separate penalty was imposed for this arson.

Was on a 12-month suspended sentence for a previous assault. Expressed remorse and had mental health problems at the time.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Daniel Curtis

Sexual activity with a girl

July 28, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Daniel Curtis, a 40-year-old from Hugh Gardens in Benwell, Newcastle, abused a girl by persuading her to send sexually explicit messages via social media. The abuse was reported, leading to charges in 2022 for multiple sexual offences. He repeatedly failed to appear in court, prompting a police manhunt. He was eventually caught and, after a trial in May, found guilty of seven offences of sexual activity with a girl. The victim endured a difficult investigation and expressed relief at the conviction.

Found guilty after a trial; will be on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, and was given a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order and restraining order. The victim reported significant impact, including attempts to take her own life.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Dean Matthews

Drug dealing

July 28, 2025

Sentence: 13 years imprisonment

Dean Matthews, a drug dealer from South Shields, was involved in drug-related activities that led to his arrest and conviction. His unique foot tattoo played a key role in identifying him.

Tattoo of the word 'ouch' on his foot helped police officers to snare him as a drug dealer.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

George Taylor

Intentional strangulation

July 28, 2025

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

George Taylor, 68, who had recently retired as a carer, subjected his disabled wife of 40 years to a relentless and terrifying attack at their home in the Gateshead area. The ordeal began after a doctor's appointment on March 21, where he refused mental health support. Over several hours, he repeatedly told her 'I want you dead', held a sofa cushion over her head to suffocate her, pushed her to the ground, squeezed her neck while sitting on her stomach, barricaded her in the kitchen, attempted to force paracetamol into her mouth, and held a knife to her neck threatening to slit her throat. She escaped later that day and described him as looking 'evil', leading to her suffering from severe nightmares.

Pleaded guilty to the charges. Described as a first-time offender and a quiet family man; the incident was out of character due to health worries and overwhelming personal issues. The judge noted it was a prolonged and terrifying ordeal, and Taylor expressed utter remorse.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Mark Mcdonald

Possessing heroin with intent to supply

July 28, 2025

Sentence: 18-month community order with a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement

On July 5, 2022, a police officer on Chatton Street, East Howdon, Wallsend, saw Mark McDonald dressed only in his underpants. He entered a police vehicle, appeared to be in distress with heavy and laboured breathing, and collapsed, leading to him being taken to Cramlington Hospital. Police subsequently searched his home due to concerns for others and discovered 400g of heroin worth approximately £9,000, cash, scales, and four mobile phones.

Pleaded guilty to possessing heroin with intent to supply on the basis he was holding the drugs for others and being paid in drugs. He has 124 previous convictions.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Barrie Fowler

Strangulation

July 27, 2025

Sentence: 2 years suspended sentence, 100 hours unpaid work, and 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement

Barrie Fowler subjected his partner to a series of violent attacks while under the influence of alcohol and cocaine. In May 2023, while on holiday in Tunisia and with the victim pregnant, he confined her in a bathroom, bit her thumb causing a wound, dragged her by the arm causing bruising, and pushed her on the balcony. In July 2023, he grabbed her by the neck, strangled her against a wall for five to six seconds making it hard for her to breathe, and threatened her. In September or October 2023, he raised a clenched fist as if to hit her and punched a door, causing it to splinter. In August 2024, he became abusive, wished he had killed her, and damaged a staircase, injuring her leg. The victim reported emotional harm, loss of confidence, and changes to her self-esteem.

Pleaded guilty to the offences. The victim withdrew her support and begged the judge not to imprison him, stating he has changed after giving up alcohol and cocaine. Judge Sarah Mallett noted he is remorseful, capable of being a good parent, and acknowledged his behaviour as appalling.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Aiden Heppell

Assault by beating

July 26, 2025

Sentence: Community order, £120 fine, £85 costs, £104 surcharge, and a two-year restraining order

On February 23, 2025, Aiden Heppell assaulted his then-partner by punching her twice in the back during a verbal argument at a home in Newcastle. Later that day, as she was on the phone to the police reporting the incident, he punched her again. The victim followed him to ensure he left the area, but he pursued her and made threatening gestures. There were six domestic abuse call-outs related to this victim, highlighting a pattern of abusive behaviour.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by beating. Has one previous conviction for assaulting an emergency worker. Considered high-risk due to multiple domestic abuse call-outs. Suffers from mental health issues, learning difficulties, and severe depression.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Christopher Scott

Theft and Burglary

July 25, 2025

Sentence: 1,240 days imprisonment

Christopher Scott, of Byker, Newcastle, stole a Mr Brainwash Spray Can piece of art worth £9,950 from Clarendon Fine Art gallery in Newcastle city centre in February 2024 by snapping a security cable and walking away with it. He also burgled a woman's house in April 2024, stealing a laptop worth £500, £500 in coins, and several bottles of spirits, and stole power tools worth more than £4,000 from a building site on Collingwood Street in May 2024. He was arrested while in possession of cocaine and has over 100 previous convictions, including 58 for theft and similar offences.

Pleaded guilty to theft of the piece of art, two burglaries, and possessing cocaine. Has a long-standing drug addiction, PTSD from being stabbed in the late 1990s, and a history of homelessness and custodial sentences. He is extremely remorseful.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Paul Nicholson

Burglary

July 25, 2025

Sentence: 63 months imprisonment

Paul Nicholson broke into the Fighting All Cancers Together building in Wrekenton, Gateshead on June 13, 2024, using a piece of metal to break a window and gain entry. He searched through cupboards, carried boxes, and caused extensive damage to the premises, including attempting to escape through the roof, which led to substantial structural damage. He also damaged mobile phones, laptops, crockery, kitchen appliances, computer monitors, and raffle prizes, and caused 'significant soiling' with food trampled into the carpet. The total repair cost was £64,868, affecting a charity that provides support to cancer victims and their families.

Pleaded guilty to burglary and a series of other offences, including assaulting an emergency worker. He has 37 previous convictions, including burglaries and a robbery.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Brian Morton

Felling growing timber without a licence

July 24, 2025

Sentence: £400 fine and £160 surcharge

Brian Morton, a pensioner from Whiteadmiral Place, Newcastle, felled growing timber on land at Middleton Hall in Belford without the required licence. The offence took place between January 15 and February 14, 2023, and he was prosecuted alongside a firm for the same violation.

Aged 68, charged with felling growing timber without a licence under section 9(1) of the Forestry Act 1967. The offence was carried out between January 15 and February 14, 2023.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Stephen Flynn

Inflicting GBH

July 24, 2025

Sentence: 12 months suspended for 18 months with 100 hours of unpaid work

On December 20, 2023, a mix-up over children's coats at Sue Hedley Nursery in Hebburn escalated into violence. Stephen Flynn's son had accidentally taken the victim's son's coat home, and both families had returned the items. However, the victim confronted Flynn at the nursery, accusing him of theft. During a heated argument outside, Flynn believed the victim had thrown or kicked something at his car, leading him to exit his vehicle, grab the victim, and headbutt him once. The victim sustained a cracked eye socket, broken nose, and sinus injuries, requiring open surgery, and experienced significant pain, headaches, and scarring.

Pleaded guilty to inflicting GBH. No previous convictions. Judge noted that the reaction was entirely over the top and that the victim initiated the insults, but the attack was unjustified. Defence highlighted that the incident was out of character, triggered by stress and a perceived threat.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Stephen York

Possession with intent to supply

July 23, 2025

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment

Stephen York, while serving a previous sentence at HMP Northumberland, was found in possession of four sheets of A4 paper laced with spice, 856 bromazolam tablets, 93 buprenorphine pills, and two new mobile phones during a cell search in February 2024. Some items were hidden in a latex glove inside a salt shaker. This followed his earlier conviction for large-scale drug supply conspiracies.

Pleaded guilty to possessing three drugs with intent to supply on the basis he was storing them for someone else. Judge Tim Gittins stated that such drugs provide significant currency and a source of power in prison, and emphasised the need to deter involvement in the drug trade within custodial settings.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Camille Brown

Shoplifting

July 23, 2025

Sentence: fined

Camille Brown, 44, from Newcastle upon Tyne, shoplifted over £1,000 worth of clothing from a Go Outdoors store in Northumberland and escaped in a vehicle before being caught and sentenced.

Darren Horner

Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm

July 23, 2025

Sentence: 2 years suspended for 2 years with 100 hours unpaid work and a 5-year restraining order

On February 3, 2023, Darren Horner assaulted his then-partner at their home in Sunderland. While drunk, he grabbed her around the neck with both hands, knelt on her chest, and throttled her during an argument, causing her to struggle for breath and panic. She managed to scratch him and escape. He later breached a non-molestation order three times by communicating with her, despite her efforts to seek help and protection.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and three counts of breaching a non-molestation order. He has six previous convictions, including for stalking in 2015 and dangerous driving. The defendant is remorseful and is a self-employed construction manager.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Mark Wilson

Supplying MDMA

July 23, 2025

Sentence: two years suspended for two years with 150 hours unpaid work

Mark Wilson supplied MDMA to a man who had an adverse reaction and died on New Year's Day 2023 at The Lofts nightclub in Newcastle. An arrangement was made via Snapchat for six bags of MDMA. Police searched his home on Fountains Crescent, Houghton-le-Spring, and found 20g of MDMA worth around £600, 60g of ketamine worth around £700, eight bags of cannabis worth around £220, four LSD tabs, and two other drugs. Messages on his phone confirmed the arrangement, including details of a car park meeting.

Pleaded guilty to various drugs offences. Judge stated he cannot be blamed personally for the death. Defence noted he is working, apologetic, and has real prospects.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Grant Marshall

Racist abuse and assault on a police officer

July 23, 2025

Sentence: suspended prison sentence

Grant Marshall, 42, from Newcastle upon Tyne, spat at a police officer and engaged in racist abuse after drinking, leading to his arrest and sentencing.

Claimed he had no recollection of the events after drinking six beers and was described as 'disgraceful' for racist behaviour.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Jamie Eunson

Perverting the course of justice

July 22, 2025

Sentence: 12 months suspended for two years with a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement

Jamie Eunson agreed to give a false witness statement implicating one brother in assaulting another in return for £50 to buy drugs. This occurred in October of the previous year, leading to the innocent brother being arrested and held in police custody for five days while under investigation, although he was not charged. She emailed the police 11 hours later to admit her lie, but the email was not noticed immediately due to the officer's workload.

Pleaded guilty. Was bribed with £50 by her brother to provide a false statement, knowing she was drug dependent. Judge noted it was a very serious offence that interfered with public justice and mentioned exceptional circumstances due to manipulation and her attempt to retract the statement.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Johnathan Hobson

Causing serious injury by careless driving

July 22, 2025

Sentence: 3 months imprisonment suspended for 15 months, 250 hours unpaid work, 15 months driving ban

On May 13 of the previous year, Johnathan Hobson was driving his red Skoda Fabia at approximately 60mph in a 40mph zone on the A1172 in Cramlington, Northumberland. He failed to see Justin Moore, a cyclist, turning right ahead of him and did not brake until he was virtually on top of him, resulting in a collision. Mr. Moore was thrown from his bike, suffering a broken femur, broken collarbone, ten fractured ribs, and a collapsed lung. He required hospitalisation for eleven days and was off work for seven months, leaving him with scars and wariness about cycling again.

Pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving. No previous convictions. The defendant is remorseful and has lost his job as a result of the driving ban.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Daniel Clerkson

Burglary

July 22, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Daniel Clerkson, 32, of no fixed abode, stole more than £100 worth of laundry products from a store on Moorhouse Lane in Ashington on May 28. He returned to the same premises twice more in the following week, forcing entry and stealing alcohol valued at over £1,600. He also targeted premises on Remscheid Way on June 2, stealing alcohol worth nearly £300. Later, on June 7, he joined David Chivers to smash a window and use an axe to steal more alcohol and a cash till from Moorhouse Lane. He was arrested shortly after another offence on June 11.

David Chivers

Burglary

July 22, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

David Chivers, 35, of Cowley Place, Blyth, joined Daniel Clerkson on June 7 to smash a window at premises on Moorhouse Lane in Ashington and use an axe to steal alcohol and a cash till. He was also involved in another offence on June 11 at premises on Remscheid Way. He was arrested within an hour of the incident.

David Smith

Stalking

July 22, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment and 3 years on licence

David Smith subjected his former partner, Louise Sutherland-Knowles, to a campaign of abuse starting in 2018, including controlling her clothing, isolating her from friends, monitoring her phone, and continuing to stalk her after their 2022 split with texts, calls, emails, and uninvited appearances at her home and work. In one incident, he scaled a fence with a knife and attempted to break into her home at 2am. He also sexually assaulted her and pushed a pizza into her face during another encounter.

Pleaded guilty to stalking, possession of a pointed article, criminal damage, assault on a female by penetration, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The court noted his manipulative and abusive behaviour.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Bailey Reed

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving

July 22, 2025

Sentence: Two years suspended for two years, six month curfew between 8pm and 6am, £1,000 costs, and 80 hours of unpaid work

Bailey Reed, while at a party at Kingston Park Stadium in Newcastle in May of the previous year, was more than twice the drink drive limit and decided to drive his Fiat 500 despite friends' pleas to stop him. He reversed the car, hitting his friend Isobel Pickard, who was standing by the open passenger door, knocking her to the ground and trapping her leg under the wheel. He reversed again, dragging her before she was freed, resulting in her sustaining a deep laceration to her knee, other injuries, and requiring ten days in hospital. She has scarring and experienced a temporary loss of independence.

Pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and drink driving. Judge Penny Moreland described the actions as utterly inexplicable and highly dangerous. Character references noted his remorse, embarrassment, and positive traits such as being respectful, kind, hard-working, and considerate.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Vu Nguyen

Producing cannabis

July 22, 2025

Sentence: eight months imprisonment

Vu Nguyen, a 33-year-old Vietnamese national, entered the UK five years earlier on the back of a lorry and was found tending to a cannabis farm with approximately 400 plants at a property on Wallsend Road in North Shields, North Tyneside. The plants, valued between £21,000 and £96,000 with a potential yield of 10.2 to 32.4 kilos, were growing in three ground floor rooms and the loft. He was living in squalid conditions, with a makeshift bed in the kitchen, and received food parcels delivered by taxi every two months. Neighbours confirmed he had been at the address for about a year but rarely left due to fear and disorientation.

Admitted producing cannabis. Judge Robert Adams noted he lived in miserable conditions and is likely to be deported, a matter for the Home Office. Defence highlighted he was living in squalid conditions with a makeshift bed in the kitchen.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Christopher Wilson

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

July 21, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with 80 hours unpaid work, £1,000 compensation, and a 3-year restraining order

Christopher Wilson, motivated by jealousy, attacked his ex-partner's new partner, Wayne Parker, multiple times after spotting them in a bar in South Shields in July 2024. The incidents involved punching Mr. Parker in the face, knocking him to the ground, and further assaults on two occasions. He also pushed his ex-partner, Clare Edwards, to the ground during the altercation. Mr. Parker sustained injuries including lumps to his head and face, two black eyes, swelling, cuts, and tenderness to his ear and head. Wilson was found in possession of cocaine at the time of his arrest.

Pleaded guilty at the magistrates' court. The violence was unprovoked and sustained, motivated by jealousy. He expressed remorse and did not deflect blame onto the victims. Defence highlighted that he is a working man who lost control but did not seek trouble.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Coner Williamson

Criminal damage

July 21, 2025

Sentence: £120 fine, £200 compensation, £85 costs, and £48 surcharge

Coner Williamson, after arguing with his ex-partner and sister, smashed his 19-month-old daughter's bedroom window with a paving slab on December 22, 2024, at his ex-partner's home in North Shields. This followed his initial refusal to see his daughter over Christmas, but he became angry upon learning his sister was visiting with gifts, leading him to threaten and carry out the damage, leaving his ex-partner terrified for her safety.

Pleaded guilty to criminal damage. Had two prior convictions for being drunk and disorderly. The incident occurred in the heat of the moment due to suffering from depression at the time.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Marie Allman

Assault of an emergency worker

July 21, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order, £100 compensation, and 20 rehabilitation days

Marie Allman called the police following a domestic incident on February 2, 2025, after her boyfriend took her mobile phone. Both appeared drunk, and when her partner was arrested for breach of the peace, she became aggressive, swearing, shouting, kicking at officers, and spat at an officer when warned of her own arrest.

Pleaded guilty to the offence. Has 23 previous convictions and issues with alcohol. Defence noted she has joined a gym to get fit and healthy.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Nathan Robinson

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving

July 21, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment and 7.5 years driving ban

Nathan Robinson was driving his Ford Fiesta recklessly on a residential street in Sunderland last September, screeching tyres before losing control, colliding with a parked vehicle, narrowly missing a pedestrian, and crashing into a garden wall. His 19-year-old passenger suffered catastrophic injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, leaving him unable to walk, talk, communicate, or recognise family voices, requiring 24-hour care. Robinson fled the scene after seeing the injured passenger but was later arrested.

Pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to provide a specimen, driving without a licence, and failing to stop and report an accident. Has a previous conviction for drug-driving. Judge noted elements of panic and cowardice in fleeing the scene, and described the harm as of the highest order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Paul Bell

Coercive Control

July 21, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 10 months imprisonment

Paul Bell, 38, of Newton Street, Dunston, repeatedly assaulted his victim at a property in South Tyneside by slapping her across the face, causing a bloody nose and burst lip. The abuse included coercive control, criminal damage, common assault, and an attempt to pervert the course of justice by arranging for an acquaintance to contact the victim from prison to discourage her from attending court. The incidents occurred over a period leading up to his arrest at the scene after the victim called the police.

Found guilty at trial of three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, criminal damage, common assault, coercive control, and perverting the course of justice. A 15-year restraining order was imposed. The victim reported being terrified and permanently scarred, and Bell showed no remorse.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Barry Richardson

Assault by beating

July 20, 2025

Sentence: £200 fine, £80 costs, and £85 surcharge

On September 5, 2024, Barry Richardson engaged in an altercation with his mother in the street over washing clothes. He was seen thrashing and screaming at her, then punched her in the back of the head. He later threw washing at her and kicked out at her. When a neighbour intervened and pulled his mother away, he approached the neighbour and slammed a door on her arm twice, causing bruising. Police arrested him while he was still combative and shouting.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by beating. Has mental health issues; courtroom was cleared briefly due to concerns about his health.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Aidan Frier

Fraud

July 18, 2025

Sentence: suspended prison sentence

Aidan Frier, of South Shields, conned his grandfather out of his life savings through fraud by fabricating a job and requesting money for non-existent training courses, leaving his grandfather ruined.

Repaid a lifetime of kindness with a nasty and cynical fraud in which he made up a job and claimed he needed financial help for training courses.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Melanie Cook

Being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury

July 18, 2025

Sentence: 29 months imprisonment

Melanie Cook was in charge of a Belgian Malinois named Rogue, which her brother had trained to attack people wearing hi-vis clothing due to his dislike of police officers. On September 29, 2023, outside McDonald's in Ashington, the dog bit a man in a hi-vis jacket on his right thigh and a woman on her leg, causing puncture wounds that required hospital treatment for tetanus injections and antibiotics. Cook had only recently taken responsibility for the dog as her brother was banned from keeping animals.

Pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury, as well as separate charges of fraud and theft. She has 51 previous convictions and was street homeless at the time, having been asked to look after the dog by her brother who trained it to attack people in hi-vis clothing.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

James Jones

Being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury

July 18, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

James Jones was with Melanie Cook outside McDonald's in Ashington on September 29, 2023, when a Belgian Malinois named Rogue, trained to attack people in hi-vis clothing, bit a man in a hi-vis jacket on his right thigh and a woman on her leg, resulting in puncture wounds that needed hospital treatment for tetanus injections and antibiotics. Jones shouted a warning to the first victim and later admitted the dog should have been muzzled. The dog was destroyed following a separate incident.

Pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury, as well as separate charges of fraud, theft, possessing a bladed article, and threatening another with a bladed article. He has 84 previous convictions and attempted to warn the first victim by shouting 'hi-vis', expressing guilt and agreeing the dog should have been muzzled.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Mark Defty

Robbery

July 17, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 1 month imprisonment

Mark Defty and Dean Baird targeted two men in Newcastle city centre. They first approached a man walking home around 3am on December 27, 2024, on Westgate Road, where they pinned him down, stole his wallet and phone, and later extorted £100 for the return of his phone, followed by an additional £30. Half an hour later, they approached a pilot on Neville Street, demanding his Canada Goose jacket, threatening to stab him, and punching him in the face, leaving him with a black eye and blurred vision that prevented him from flying.

Pleaded guilty to robbery and attempted robbery. Has a long list of previous convictions and significant mental health problems. Has been doing well in prison, receiving a most improved attitude award and completing a hairdressing course.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

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