Newcastle Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 280 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

Peter Boyd

Assault by beating

September 18, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order, 20 rehabilitation days, £200 compensation, £85 costs, and £114 surcharge

Peter Boyd headbutted his mother's partner and delivered multiple kicks to him as he lay on the floor, after believing the victim was arming himself with a kitchen knife. The incident occurred on July 31, 2025, at a Wallsend address, amid prior conflicts between Boyd and the victim. Boyd's mother witnessed the assault and alerted the police, who had just left the scene.

Pleaded guilty to assault by beating; had previous convictions for assault; believed the victim was grabbing a knife; was experiencing stress due to work and relationship issues.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Mark Twizell

Assisting an offender

September 18, 2025

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

Mark Twizell helped Jake McIntyre hide the Mitsubishi Shogun used on the night of the attack and provided him with a BMW to use. He allowed the vehicle to be stored on land available to him in Stannington, Northumberland, and later moved it, knowing McIntyre was involved in an assault, though he claimed he did not know the full severity at first.

Pleaded guilty to assisting an offender. Had no previous convictions and acted out of misguided loyalty to his best friend, Jake McIntyre.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Steven Bennett

Importing pregabalin and possessing with intent to supply

September 18, 2025

Sentence: Eight months suspended for two years with £150 costs

Steven Bennett, of Oak Grove, Forest Hall, North Tyneside, used a false surname 'Spark' to import over 2,000 pregabalin tablets, a Class C drug, which were intercepted in a package at a Royal Mail international logistics centre on August 22, 2024. The package was declared as a 'healthcare product or supplement'. Police searched his home on September 20, 2024, and found an additional 156 similar tablets, with evidence indicating at least one prior successful delivery. His laptop showed contacts related to obtaining the drugs.

Pleaded guilty to importing pregabalin and possessing pregabalin with intent to supply. The court heard he was using the drug himself and supplying it to a small number of customers, but the judge rejected his claim of making no profit. He has long-term mental health issues that would be exacerbated by custody.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Jake Mcintyre

Manslaughter

September 18, 2025

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment

Jake McIntyre killed Andrew Peart with a wheel brace after a road rage incident that began as a minor traffic altercation in Guide Post, Northumberland on August 22, 2023. Andrew Peart, who was intoxicated, challenged McIntyre to a fight, prompting McIntyre to return armed and strike him on the head, leading to Peart's death eight days later.

Cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter. Had amateur boxing and cage fighting experience and bragged about the incident.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Darren Robinson

Taking a banned item into prison

September 17, 2025

Sentence: 6 weeks imprisonment

Darren Robinson attempted to smuggle a package containing 40 buprenorphine tablets and 45g of pregabalin into HMP Northumberland on January 21, 2024, by hiding it in his trouser leg. During a security check, he was observed dragging his left foot, and the package fell out. The drugs, both class C substances, were valued at up to £6,000 in prison. Robinson claimed he was desperate for money and did not know the contents, leading to his arrest and subsequent guilty plea.

Pleaded guilty to taking a banned item into prison. Had more than 20 previous convictions and was exploited by others for financial reasons. Recorder Andrew Latimer noted it was an amateurish attempt and highlighted the serious problems drugs cause in prisons.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kevin Jury

Assault by beating

September 17, 2025

Sentence: Fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 costs and £80 surcharge

On January 3, 2025, at a home in Alnwick, Kevin Jury was involved in an argument where he told a woman to 'f*** off'. He then approached a teenage boy, offered to shake his hand, which was declined, and slapped the boy in the face. The woman intervened, and police were called.

Pleaded guilty to assault by beating. Had seven previous convictions. Apologised, citing depression after breaking his arm. He and the victim have made up.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Takayama Silva

Breach of restraining order

September 16, 2025

Sentence: 52 months imprisonment

Takayama Silva, after being deported to Brazil in March for stalking his former partner, continued to contact the victim and her family via messages and social media. He breached a restraining order by sending messages declaring his love, attempting to follow the victim's accounts, and uploading photos of their past relationship. By May, he had re-entered the UK illegally, was found in Northern Ireland, and attempted to board a flight to Scotland. He was arrested at Belfast Airport on May 21.

Admitted to entering the UK without leave and three offences of breach of a restraining order. Has a previous conviction for a public order offence. Judge commented that the only reason for re-entering the UK was to breach the restraining order. Will be automatically deported again and received an indefinite restraining order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Trevor Morris

Assault

September 16, 2025

Sentence: Community order, five-year restraining order, and £2,500 compensation

Trevor Morris assaulted the victim outside Aldi on Stamfordham Road, Newcastle, on February 24, 2025, by punching him in the face with considerable force, breaking his nose. The attack stemmed from jealousy over both men having been in relationships with the same woman. Morris had previously threatened the victim by phone in December of the previous year. The victim suffered physical injuries including a fractured and swollen nose, as well as mental health issues such as PTSD, requiring counselling.

Pleaded guilty to assault. Had been subject to a suspended sentence three days prior and was remanded in custody since February. Judge noted his good behaviour in custody as a factor in sentencing.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Aidn Cowen

Rape

September 16, 2025

Sentence: 17 years and 8 months imprisonment with an extended licence period of 2 years

Aidn Cowen sexually abused two young boys, including causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and assault by penetration on the first victim, who tried to resist and was threatened. For the second victim, he committed two counts of rape and causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, threatening the victim to keep it secret. While on bail, he raped an adult victim who protested, ignoring their refusals. The offences occurred when Cowen was aged between 16 and 20.

Convicted of offences against two children and admitted to raping an adult while on bail. No previous convictions. Refused to accept verdicts. Will be on the sex offenders register for life and subject to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

David Wearmouth

Burglary

September 15, 2025

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months, 150 hours unpaid work, and £300 compensation

David Wearmouth and his accomplices broke into a vacant property in Hexham, Northumberland, that was undergoing renovation. The burglary occurred overnight on July 12, 2024, during which they stole copper and tools worth £6,000. Wearmouth sold the copper at a local scrap yard, causing inconvenience to those renovating the property. He was identified from CCTV footage and arrested.

Pleaded guilty to burglary other than dwelling. Has been offending since 1987 and was tempted by the offer of easy money. His role was less active than his accomplices, according to CCTV footage.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

William Sharp

Fraud by false representation

September 15, 2025

Sentence: 2.5 years imprisonment

William Sharp, a 72-year-old finance team supervisor at Connor Solutions in Houghton-le-Spring, abused his position to create and process 95 fraudulent invoices between September 2012 and August 2023, embezzling £375,667. He used the funds for personal expenses, including supplementing his income, funding luxury holidays for his family, providing money to his sister for her negative equity house, and paying off his own debts of £26,000. The fraud was discovered during an internal investigation after his retirement in 2023, when a discrepancy was noticed by a supplier. Sharp timed some fraudulent payments to occur when his replacement was on annual leave.

Pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation between 2012 and 2023. He also faces Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings. The judge noted it was an egregious breach of trust over a sustained period, impacting the company financially.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Scott Patterson

Production of cannabis

September 14, 2025

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Police discovered a cannabis farm with 99 plants in a property on Darras Road, Darras Hall, Ponteland on October 7, 2019. Scott Patterson was found inside moving soil and was an account manager who knowingly supplied hydroponic equipment for the production of cannabis. The setup was elaborate and sophisticated, with a potential yield of over ten kilos worth up to £52,000.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of cannabis and possessing £37,244 of criminal property. Has 18 previous convictions, including for producing cannabis in 2012. Is utterly remorseful, primary carer for his partner and children, works as a wind turbine technician, and has stopped smoking cannabis.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Martin Hawdon

Production of cannabis

September 14, 2025

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Police discovered a cannabis farm with 99 plants in a property on Darras Road, Darras Hall, Ponteland on October 7, 2019. Martin Hawdon was found inside moving soil and had messages on his phone seeking advice on managing the plants. The setup was elaborate and sophisticated, with a potential yield of over ten kilos worth up to £52,000.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of cannabis. Has one unrelated prior conviction. Involved due to financial desperation, is remorseful, has caring responsibilities including for children, and is employed.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Johnny Smith

Threatening or abusive behaviour

September 14, 2025

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

On May 7, 2025, Johnny Smith was at his home on Dalton Crescent in Byker when his neighbour asked him to turn down the music. Instead of complying, he stormed out, banged on the victim's window, shouted racist abuse including calling him a black c***, and invited him to fight, causing harassment, alarm, and distress to the victim, who called the police.

Pleaded guilty to the offence. Has 32 prior offences on his record and was drunk at the time, with issues including severe anxiety and depression.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Cameron Foale

Violent disorder

September 12, 2025

Sentence: Eight months custody, suspended for 18 months, with 100 hours unpaid work

Cameron Foale attended a mass riot in Sunderland on August 2, out of curiosity and while intoxicated. He threw a pole towards police officers attempting to manage the violent disorder, but it did not hit anyone. He was captured on CCTV committing the act.

Pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, no injury caused, intoxicated at the time, of positive good character, remorseful, young with immaturity playing a part, and cares for his baby daughter.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Toby Adeniji

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

September 12, 2025

Sentence: 12 months community order with 150 hours unpaid work and £500 compensation

Toby Adeniji, a bouncer at The Social Club in Newcastle, punched a customer four times in the head after the customer punched him in the abdomen during a struggle. The incident occurred around 2.45am on October 22, 2024, following the victim accidentally knocking into a woman and being restrained by bouncers. The victim suffered a fractured eye socket and nasal bones, impacting his ability to play rugby and box.

Pleaded guilty to assault. The assault was impulsive and occurred during his employment as a bouncer after he was punched in the abdomen. He has left the security industry and is now working in a call centre.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Susan Farrow

Indecent Assault

September 11, 2025

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment

Susan Farrow, along with her husband and their friend, sexually abused a child in the Sunderland area during the 1990s. She was convicted of one count of indecent assault after the victim reported the abuse more than 20 years later.

Found guilty of one count of indecent assault. She will spend 10 years on the Sex Offenders' Register and was handed a lifelong restraining order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Khaled Ibrahim

Assault by penetration

September 11, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment and must sign the sex offenders register indefinitely

Khaled Ibrahim encountered a drunk and lost young woman who had separated from her friends in Wallsend. He posed as a Good Samaritan, offering help, and led her to a secluded, dark park behind Wallsend Health Centre. There, he grabbed her, kissed her, grabbed her breasts, put his hands down her trousers, and sexually assaulted her by penetration. She struggled and escaped, seeking help from a nearby resident who contacted the police. The incident occurred late at night.

Found guilty by a jury. Judge Adams highlighted the victim's vulnerability as a lone, drunk female at night. Defence claimed there was consensual activity prior, but this was not upheld.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Joseph Willis

Rape

September 11, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment

Joseph Willis sexually abused a child in the Sunderland area during the 1990s. He was convicted of one count of rape after the victim reported the abuse more than 20 years later, following two trials.

Found guilty of one count of rape. He will spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders' Register and was handed a lifelong restraining order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

David Farrow

Rape and Indecent Assault

September 11, 2025

Sentence: 20 years imprisonment

David Farrow sexually abused a child in the Sunderland area during the 1990s. The offences included seven counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault, which occurred before the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The victim reported the abuse more than 20 years later, leading to his conviction after two trials.

Found guilty of 11 offences, including seven counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault. He will spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders' Register and was handed a lifelong restraining order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Danny Dennis

Sexual assault of a child

September 10, 2025

Sentence: 17 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, 30 rehabilitation days, and 150 hours unpaid work

Danny Dennis, 23, from Kent, pretended to be 15 years old and lost in South Tyneside. He met two schoolgirls and convinced one to let him stay at her home on an airbed. During the night, he got into her bed and sexually assaulted her, threatening her by saying, 'Just do what I'm telling you to do or something bad will happen.' The victim, who was a schoolgirl at the time, provided video and pictures to the police, leading to his arrest.

Pleaded guilty to the offences. No previous convictions. Judge indicated a suspended sentence and imposed an indefinite restraining order, a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, and registration on the sex offenders' register for 10 years.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Muhammed Ahmed

Being concerned in the supply of cocaine

September 10, 2025

Sentence: 2 years suspended for 2 years with 200 hours unpaid work

On March 28, 2024, Muhammed Ahmed was driving a silver VW Golf with Neelah Qureshi as passenger in Newcastle. Police witnessed a suspected drug deal where a customer entered the car and then exited. Upon search, cocaine was found, and messages on the customer's phone related to drug dealing were discovered. He was arrested and admitted his involvement.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine. Has two prior convictions for drug driving. Judge noted he made a stupid decision under pressure and warned about the dangers of drugs.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Neelah Qureshi

Possessing cocaine with intent to supply

September 10, 2025

Sentence: 2 years suspended for 2 years with 200 hours unpaid work

On March 28, 2024, police observed Neelah Qureshi in the passenger seat of a silver VW Golf driven by her partner in Newcastle. Officers saw a suspected drug deal occur, during which a customer entered the car briefly. Upon search, 17 bags of cocaine worth £850 and £390 in cash were found in her handbag. She was arrested and admitted the offense.

Pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply. No previous convictions. Judge warned that drugs kill and noted she saw a quick way to make money.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Nicola Walker

Attempting to cause GBH with intent

September 9, 2025

Sentence: Two years suspended for two years with a rehabilitation activity requirement

Nicola Walker, during a volatile argument at a hotel in Washington on March 7, 2025, accused her partner of cheating, bit his arm, spat in his face, and punched him in the head. After being asked to leave the hotel, she attempted to drive away while intoxicated and disqualified from driving. She reversed her Nissan Juke into him, causing him to stumble, and then drove towards him, striking his hip and leg with a glancing blow, as captured on CCTV, resulting in him sustaining cuts, bruises, and abrasions.

Pleaded guilty to attempting to cause GBH with intent, assault by beating, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and having no insurance. She has mental health issues and provided character references from her family.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kyle Kirkpatrick

Affray

September 9, 2025

Sentence: 9 months imprisonment

Kyle Kirkpatrick approached children at the back of a home in North Tyneside in June 2025, prompting their mother to confront him. He became aggressive, shouting threats to stab her and reaching into his trousers, making her fear for her safety. He also threatened a neighbour, saying he would 'slice' him, and pulled a 20cm kitchen knife from his trousers. Police arrived, arrested him, and found the knife under a van. He was intoxicated at the time.

Pleaded guilty to affray and having a bladed article. Has 19 previous convictions, including for violence. Judge noted that carrying a knife can escalate situations. Defence highlighted his difficult upbringing and positive prison behaviour.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Ashleigh Stephenson

Arson

September 9, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years, with programme requirements

Ashleigh Stephenson, along with another woman, carried out an arson attack on a home in Gateshead in October 2023. The attack was motivated by gossip suggesting the male resident was a paedophile. They shoved paper doused in nail polish remover through the letterbox and set it alight with a match, causing fire damage to the front door of a council-owned flat. The property was empty at the time, and the fire was quickly extinguished by the fire service after an emergency call. The door cost approximately £1,000 to replace.

The defendant admitted arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered, had 41 previous convictions, was under the influence of drink and drugs, and was influenced by another woman. The judge noted her dreadful upbringing, mental health issues, and that this was an exceptional case to suspend the sentence despite breaching a prior suspended sentence.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Andrew Wright

Kidnap

September 8, 2025

Sentence: Seven-and-a-half years imprisonment

Andrew Wright was part of a gang that kidnapped a terrified taxi driver at gunpoint in Jesmond Vale on August 24, 2024. The group blocked the taxi with a Range Rover, took the victims to Gateshead, and Wright was in the driver's seat with a realistic firearm. The offence was planned for financial gain, involving intimidation and threats.

Pleaded guilty to kidnap, possessing a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to commit an offence, and driving while disqualified. He has 42 previous convictions and played a leading role in the offence.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Joseph Henderson

Participating in activity for an organised crime group

September 8, 2025

Sentence: Two years imprisonment

Joseph Henderson drove the Range Rover as part of an organised crime group's operation on August 24, 2024, assisting in the kidnapping of a taxi driver and passenger from Jesmond Vale to Gateshead at gunpoint for financial gain.

Pleaded guilty to participating in activity for an organised crime group. His role was limited to driving the Range Rover in convoy with the kidnapped taxi.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Simon Walton

Kidnap

September 8, 2025

Sentence: Four-and-a-half years imprisonment

Simon Walton participated in the kidnapping of a taxi driver and a passenger in Jesmond Vale on August 24, 2024. He helped remove the second man from the car and take him to a flat in Gateshead as part of a targeted attack involving a realistic firearm.

Pleaded guilty to kidnap. He has previous convictions for wounding and aggravated burglary.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kamran Adil

Food safety and hygiene violations

September 7, 2025

Sentence: £833 fine, £761 costs, and £333 victim surcharge

Kamran Adil, owner of Lyric Wines in Throckley, Newcastle, was found to have kept his shop in a filthy condition, breaching food safety and hygiene regulations. Inspectors discovered dust and dirt on shelves and stock, filthy fridges containing milk, pies, and cheese, damp walls, disgusting carpets, an open bag of putrefied food waste, and a filthy basin blocked by boxes. Further issues included building waste, damp in the basement, and a dirty toilet room during inspections on February 28, 2024. Despite prior warnings and promises to improve, only partial improvements were made by a subsequent visit.

Pleaded guilty to the offences; had previous convictions for selling dangerous items in 2016 and counterfeit cigarettes in 2018; the shop was found in a neglected state due to personal circumstances, including caring for his terminally ill mother who has since passed away.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

John Hall

Causing grievous bodily harm without intent

September 6, 2025

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with a 120-day Alcohol Abstinence Monitoring Requirement and £500 compensation

John Hall, aged 31, had consumed four pints of Guinness and 15 shots of alcohol when he assaulted a stranger outside a pub in Milton Keynes on October 25, 2022. He mistakenly believed the victim was mocking him during a playfight and punched the victim several times to the head, resulting in a broken nose, broken eye socket, a cut to the eye requiring stitches, swelling to the eye, and bruising to the face. Hall was arrested at the scene with the victim's blood on him and admitted to the assault in an interview.

Pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm without intent. The judge noted that the incident occurred while under the influence of alcohol and during a period of mental health difficulties. He showed remorse and was ordered to pay compensation.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Jeffrey Stoker

Shop Theft

September 6, 2025

Sentence: 18 months community order, £112 compensation, £50 compensation to police officer, and barred from specified stores

Jeffrey Stoker, a 37-year-old serial thief, engaged in a crime spree that included stealing £25 worth of laundry liquid from St Vincent de Paul, £67 worth of laundry products from Sainsbury's on two occasions in one day, and £20 worth of coffee from the Co-op. He was also involved in assaulting an emergency worker by spitting on them and committing a racially-aggravated public order offence in January 2025. These incidents occurred while he was already subject to community orders and supervision following a previous prison sentence. He was caught on one occasion brazenly stealing in front of staff.

Pleaded guilty to four counts of shop theft; has 152 prior offences; was on existing community orders and post-sentence supervision; suffers from ADHD, PTSD, and schizophrenia; described as homeless and exploited by others.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Darren Hutchinson

Wounding with intent

September 5, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Darren Hutchinson engaged in a violent altercation in Newcastle city centre on August 28, 2023, following a row in a bar. The incident escalated when Hutchinson threatened the victim, leading to a physical fight in a bus shelter. During the attack, Hutchinson bit off part of the victim's ear, causing excruciating pain and permanent disfigurement. The victim was apologising at the time, and the assault continued with punches until members of the public and police intervened. The victim has suffered ongoing anxiety, panic attacks, and self-consciousness about the injury.

Pleaded guilty to wounding with intent. Has a previous conviction for assault from 2011. Expressed remorse through his defence and is a grandfather who was out celebrating with friends.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Clifford Redman

Dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances affecting entitlement to benefit

September 5, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order with rehabilitation and alcohol treatment requirements

Clifford Redman, a 57-year-old DWP decision maker from Sunderland, fraudulently claimed £19,000 in Personal Independence Payments (PIP) by failing to report improvements in his mobility from March 2020 to February 2023. He had initially made a legitimate claim in July 2017 for conditions including spinal arthritis and diabetes, claiming he needed help with daily activities. However, surveillance from August 1 to August 24, 2022, captured him walking up to three miles, attending the gym regularly, lifting furniture, and engaging in activities without apparent discomfort, contradicting his claims. Evidence from his Facebook also showed him walking on sand and bending easily.

Pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances affecting entitlement to benefit. As a DWP employee and PIP decision maker, he had a high level of knowledge of the system. Judge noted that alcohol use exacerbated his mental health and acknowledged his serious physical health challenges.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Callum Armstrong

Violent disorder

September 5, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

Callum Armstrong was seen on CCTV wearing a white polo shirt and black shorts, walking with two other men during a riot in Sunderland in August 2024. He threw a can of beer towards two men who were inside an open window, striking the window sill, which was described as an attempted assault. This occurred amid widespread public disorder that involved jeering, racial slurs, and missiles being thrown by the crowd, leading to damage to buildings, shops, and police vehicles, with injuries to police officers and terror for the public.

Pleaded guilty to violent disorder. His behaviour contributed to inciting others, though his role was peripheral. He expressed remorse and is of previous good character.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Neil Conlon

Fraudulent evasion of duty

September 5, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 8 months imprisonment

Neil Conlon, a 64-year-old gym owner from Forest Hall, North Tyneside, smuggled over seven million non-UK duty paid cigarettes into the UK with help from contacts in Eastern Europe. He evaded more than £2 million in duty and stored the cigarettes in shipping containers at a self-storage site in Killingworth. Authorities seized 7,432,600 cigarettes and £443,435 in cash from his home. Conlon used encrypted messaging to coordinate imports and sales of brands like Marlboro and Mayfair, with the operation spanning from July 2018 to October 2020.

Pleaded guilty to being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of duty. Judge noted the operation's lucrativeness and Conlon's prior community standing.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Andrew Tait

Possession of explosive substances

September 4, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

Andrew Tait was found with a collection of chemicals and items that could be used to make improvised explosive devices at his family home on Pennywell Road in Sunderland. Police conducted a search on April 26, 2025, after receiving intelligence about potential explosives, discovering 11 chemicals including a litre of hydrogen peroxide, fireworks, a spent smoke grenade, spent ammunition cartridges, a 3D printer with 3D-printed knuckle dusters, laboratory equipment, and documents detailing the manufacture of explosives and detonators. He claimed he was experimenting as part of his interest in chemistry from studying at the Open University and had no intention of causing harm.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of having an explosive substance. Had eight previous convictions, including an indefinite sentence for public protection in 2008 for wounding with intent and GBH, from which he was released in 2020. His lawyer stated he was motivated by interest in experimentation and did not intend to cause harm.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kevin Chapman

Assault by beating

September 3, 2025

Sentence: 4 months suspended sentence

Kevin Chapman, while on an overnight TUI flight from Crete to Newcastle on June 11, 2025, became heavily intoxicated by drinking duty-free vodka. He argued with and punched his girlfriend in the face in front of their young daughter and other passengers, causing distress. An off-duty police officer witnessed the incident, and cabin crew intervened, separating the couple and moving the victim. The plane was considered for diversion but landed as scheduled, leading to Chapman's arrest upon arrival.

Pleaded guilty to being drunk on an aircraft and assault by beating. Has mental health issues and does not typically drink, but consumed alcohol due to fear of flying. His partner remains supportive. Also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Lee Ellis

Intentional Strangulation

September 3, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment

Lee Ellis strangled and assaulted his former partner in two separate attacks. On October 28, 2024, during an argument, he pulled her into a bedroom, pinned her down by her neck, applied pressure making her fear suffocation, covered her mouth, and tried to snap her fingers, damaging her nails. In December 2024, he waited outside her home, grabbed her by the neck, pushed her, and caused her to fall and sprain her wrist while her young daughter watched from the car. The victim reported ongoing trauma from the abuse throughout their relationship.

Pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation and common assault. Has 40 previous convictions. Judge commented that violence against women and girls is a plague that must stop.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Nevruz Debrova

Producing cannabis

September 2, 2025

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment

Nevruz Debrova was caught tending to a cannabis farm in a house on Tunstall Terrace, Sunderland, which had been converted into a drugs factory. Police raided the property on July 29, 2025, finding around 200 cannabis plants, including 100 young plants in a bedroom and 80-100 saplings under the stairs, along with 2-3 kilos of cannabis in a vacuum-sealed bag. The setup was sophisticated, with the electricity meter tampered to bypass usage. He had been working there for about 20 days and claimed he participated due to debts and inability to find legitimate work.

Pleaded guilty to producing cannabis. Will be deported after serving less than half the sentence. Had been in the UK illegally for four years and was exploited due to his immigration status.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Daniel Kirtley

Violent disorder

September 2, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment

Daniel Kirtley attended a protest in Sunderland city centre on August 2, 2024, which escalated into violent disorder. He joined a group heading towards a mosque, stood in front of police officers protecting the area, was pushed back multiple times, and eventually picked up and threw a missile towards the police line. This occurred amid widespread disorder that cost £1.5m in policing expenses, though there was no evidence he was motivated by religious hostility.

Pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Had nine previous convictions from his youth. Attended out of curiosity while drinking and later expressed remorse. Judge stated a deterrent sentence was necessary due to the mob mentality involved.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

John Smith

Possession with intent to supply heroin and other drugs

September 2, 2025

Sentence: Two years suspended for two years with 200 hours of unpaid work

John Smith, a 36-year-old from Laycock Gardens, Seghill, Northumberland, was the passenger in a car stopped by police on the evening of March 30, 2022. During the search, hundreds of tablets including pregabalin and diazepam were found, along with hundreds of pounds in cash. He was strip-searched at the police station, where 17 grams of heroin were discovered hidden in his anus. Examination of his phone revealed evidence of drug dealing. Smith claimed he was dealing to pay off debts caused by his drug addiction and had been assaulted by creditors, which served as a wake-up call.

Pleaded guilty to possessing heroin, benzodiazepam and pregabalin with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of heroin. Already on a suspended sentence for similar offences. Judge noted it was an exceptional case due to health issues and progress made, but warned it was the last chance.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Jack Fraser

Inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent

August 31, 2025

Sentence: Eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, 300 hours of unpaid work, and £1,000 compensation

Jack Fraser was travelling on a train from Edinburgh to Newcastle on July 5, 2024, to celebrate his mother's 50th birthday when he encountered his friend, who was on a stag do. The two groups initially interacted jovially, but the situation escalated when the victim made inappropriate sexual comments about Fraser's mother, including 'I will shag your mum tonight'. Fraser then punched the victim multiple times to the face and head, including while he was on the floor, resulting in a broken eye socket, swelling to the forehead, bruising to the jaw, blood clots, and a 1cm injury to the upper lip. The victim was taken to hospital upon arrival in Newcastle and referred to a facial surgery team.

Pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent. The judge noted the offence was extremely serious, that provocation was no excuse, and that the defendant was out of control due to alcohol, but accepted he was remorseful and had a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Farrah Carling

Assaulting an emergency worker

August 31, 2025

Sentence: Fined £333 and £133 victim surcharge, plus £50 compensation

Farrah Carling became aggressive when police attempted to arrest her outside the Mighty Oak and Acorn bar in Ashington on December 16. She had her arms restrained but kicked an officer repeatedly in the legs and shins and kneed him in the groin, causing immediate pain and discomfort. This incident occurred after police were called to the scene regarding a drunk and disruptive woman, though it was not initially her.

Pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker. Has previous convictions but stayed out of trouble since 2011. She is a single parent who works part-time as a carer and believed her drink had been spiked.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Ryan Rainey

Shop theft

August 31, 2025

Sentence: 37 weeks imprisonment

Ryan Rainey entered B&M in St James Retail Park on July 31 and stole 14 jars of coffee and a shopping basket worth a total of £104. He was immediately recognised as a repeat shoplifter by the store manager. Rainey has a extensive criminal history, with 101 offences on record, 84 of which are for theft, and this offence occurred while he was serving a suspended sentence for 33 previous shop thefts.

Pleaded guilty to shop theft. Has 101 prior offences, mostly theft, and was on a suspended sentence for 33 shop thefts. Defence cited personal circumstances, including a fallout with his girlfriend, living on the streets, and having his benefits stopped.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Maurice Stevens

Driving while disqualified

August 30, 2025

Sentence: Additional 6 months to driving ban, 12-month community order, £200 fine, £85 costs, and £114 victim surcharge

Maurice Stevens was initially banned from driving for 40 months in May 2023 for drink-driving and breached the ban in November 2023, receiving a 44-month ban. On May 21, 2025, he was spotted driving a Mercedes on Dene Avenue in Lemington, which had no insurance. He initially refused to provide his name to police but later admitted his identity, and checks confirmed he was disqualified. His actions led to this sentencing, with his health issues and the short distance driven noted in court.

Pleaded guilty. Suffered a brain injury as a child and recent health deterioration. Drove a very short distance to his mother's address with no suggestion of bad driving.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Gary Telford

Making indecent images of children

August 30, 2025

Sentence: 26 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Gary Telford possessed hundreds of child sexual abuse images on his electronic devices, including 65 category B and 354 category C photos involving very young children. These images were downloaded between February 18, 2023, and April 5, 2024, at his home in Benwell. Police acted on a tip-off from the National Crime Agency, searched his residence, and discovered the material on a USB stick and laptop. He was arrested and made no comment during interviews.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of making indecent images of children. District Judge Kate Meek noted his comment to police upon arrest and emphasised the harm to children. He has 12 prior offences and must pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge, sign the Sex Offenders' Register for seven years, and comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Beth Watson

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

August 30, 2025

Sentence: 18-month community order with 240 hours of unpaid work and £500 compensation

On October 8, 2023, Beth Watson, while intoxicated in The Phoenix nightclub in Hexham, headbutted a woman who accidentally bumped into her, threw her drink over her, grabbed her hair, and struck her in the head as she lay on the ground. She then punched another woman in the face, causing the first victim to suffer grazing to her forehead, redness, and a lip injury, and the second victim to sustain a black eye. Both victims required hospital treatment, and the first victim reported ongoing headaches and reduced social activity.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Has previous convictions for violence and was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine at the time. Judge commented that the behaviour was disgraceful and that she is not to be trusted when drunk.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Daniel Hutchinson

Being the owner of a dangerously out of control dog

August 29, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

On December 27, 2021, Daniel Hutchinson was hosting a barbecue at his address in Wallsend, North Tyneside. His two American Bull Mastiffs, along with two belonging to Michelle King, were unsupervised and attacked a married couple walking nearby. The male victim sustained puncture wounds, injuries to his hands and fingers, and lost part of his ear, leaving him permanently disfigured. His wife suffered scratches and was left distraught. Hutchinson was away buying cannabis at the time but helped round up the dogs afterward.

Pleaded guilty. Has 24 previous convictions for 44 offences and spent time on remand, likely to be released immediately.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

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