Newcastle Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 33 verdicts at Newcastle Crown Court (Newcastle upon Tyne). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Kevin Enright

Fraud by abuse of position

June 13, 2025

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

Kevin Enright, employed as a business finance manager at St Leonard's Catholic School in County Durham, abused his position of trust to steal £129,160 between February 2019 and November 2020. He diverted funds from the school's banking system to his own accounts and those of his then-partner, using fake invoices from non-existent suppliers. This was driven by debts accrued from gambling and substance misuse issues after his marriage ended. The theft left the school with an £84,000 deficit, leading to staff redundancies, cuts in spending on books and equipment, and long-term impacts on pupil education and trust in authority.

Admitted fraud by abuse of position. Had no previous convictions and was dealing with depression, substance misuse, and gambling addiction following the breakdown of his marriage. Expressed deep regret and willingness to repay debts, though currently unable to do so.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Richie Jefferson

Unlawful wounding

June 12, 2025

Sentence: 2 years suspended sentence, 150 hours unpaid work, and £2,500 compensation

On December 26, 2023, Richie Jefferson, after consuming 16 double vodkas in three hours, launched an unprovoked and animalistic attack on a stranger in a busy pub in Blyth, Northumberland. The victim, who had been standing in the pub for about 20 minutes, was struck multiple times, resulting in severe facial injuries including a laceration to the forehead, a cut to the nose, a broken nose, and permanent scarring. The victim was covered in blood and has since experienced emotional distress, PTSD, fear of going out alone, and difficulties with daily activities like running and cycling due to breathing issues. There was no evidence of a weapon being used, though CCTV showed a flurry of blows.

Pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding. Had six prior convictions, including for criminal damage and stalking, and was on a community order at the time. The judge noted the attack was senseless and unprovoked, and the defendant expressed remorse, stating he no longer drinks alcohol and has reformed his life.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

David Vincent

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

June 11, 2025

Sentence: 15 months suspended for two years with a three-month alcohol treatment requirement and a restraining order

David Vincent, while on police bail with conditions not to contact his partner, breached those conditions by contacting her via phone with both romantic and abusive messages. He then arrived at her home in Sunderland while intoxicated, refused to leave, became verbally abusive, pushed her in the chest, spat in her face, and banged her head against the bedroom wall, resulting in bruising, swelling, and a possible spinal fracture. The incident occurred in October 2024, leading to his arrest and subsequent sentencing.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and a public order offence. Has 109 previous convictions and a history of domestic violence. The victim does not support the prosecution, and he expressed remorse for his conduct.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Edward Corbett

Theft

June 11, 2025

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

Edward Corbett, who had Power of Attorney for his father Robert Corbett suffering from dementia, stole £189,586 over a five-and-a-half year period from 2017 to 2023. He transferred funds from his father's account to his own, withdrew cash, and took money from a casino to fund his gambling, alcohol, and drug addictions. The offending came to light in 2023 when Corbett disclosed it while seeking help for his addictions.

Pleaded guilty to theft. No previous convictions but had a caution for obtaining property by deception. Judge noted a breach of trust due to Power of Attorney, deliberate targeting of his dementia-suffering father, and the sustained period of offending over five-and-a-half years.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Richard French

Possession of cocaine with intent to supply

June 10, 2025

Sentence: Seven years and four months imprisonment

Richard French, 36, was stopped by police and found with £2 million worth of cocaine in his car.

Timothy Luckhurst-Matthews

Sexual Assault

June 10, 2025

Sentence: 10 months suspended for two years, must sign the sex offenders register for 10 years and pay £1,200 towards prosecution costs

Timothy Luckhurst-Matthews sexually assaulted a woman by putting his hand under her 'Jingle my Bells' Christmas jumper, under her bra, and grabbing and squeezing her breast to the point of pain. The incident occurred in the presence of another witness, who saw the assault. The victim was in shock and immediately protested. Luckhurst-Matthews made a comment indicating his actions and later denied the assault, which was reported to the police.

Denied the offence and was convicted by a jury. Judge described his behaviour as shocking and inexcusable, noting the lasting impact on the victim.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Jonpaul Elessar

Voyeurism

June 10, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment

Jonpaul Elessar invited a vulnerable man, who was stranded and wearing only shorts, to his home in Washington. The man asked Elessar to turn off his cameras and was given a drink, after which he became unconscious, possibly due to drugs including GHB. While the victim was unconscious and naked, Elessar took a photograph of him, performed a sex act on him, and sent the image to another man. Police later found two indecent images of children on Elessar's phone. The victim reported feeling violated, humiliated, and emotionally harmed.

Pleaded guilty to voyeurism and possessing indecent images of children. Has a previous conviction from 2013 for possessing and distributing indecent images of children. Judge Sarah Mallet noted the emotional harm caused to the victim and that the image was taken for 'bragging rights'.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Alan Straughan

Intentional Strangulation

June 9, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment and a 10-year restraining order

On October 19, 2024, Alan Straughan, while acting as a carer for a vulnerable woman he had known for around six years, became angry when she asked him to call her dog in from the garden. He leaned over her, strangled her with both hands for about a minute, causing her to struggle to breathe and fear for her life. After she poked him to make him stop, he threatened to do it again and poured a drink over her head. The victim suffered soreness and tenderness to her neck and reported feeling shaken and frightened of being alone.

Pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation, making threats to kill, and common assault. Has nine previous convictions. Judge noted it was a dreadful incident involving abuse of trust as the victim's carer.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Neil Satterley

Stalking

June 8, 2025

Sentence: Fined £1,346, ordered to pay £85 costs and £538 victim surcharge, and made subject of an 18-month restraining order

Neil Satterley stalked his ex-partner, a hospital worker, by bombarding her with messages and calls, attending her address uninvited, following her and her new partner, and being abusive. The campaign lasted from July 28 to August 14, 2024, after their relationship ended, leaving the victim fearing for her safety and that of those she cared for. He was arrested after following the victim and her new partner to a police station.

Pleaded guilty to stalking and a public order offence. Was struggling with the end of the relationship and sought help from his GP, and has taken accountability for his actions.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Matthew Hindhaugh

Kidnapping

June 7, 2025

Sentence: 16 years imprisonment

Matthew Hindhaugh, 22, of Newton Aycliffe, targeted a girl as she was walking, kidnapped her, and tried to sexually assault her. He was found with a 'rape list' and admitted to the offences.

Admitted to targeting the girl as she was walking and trying to sexually assault her.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Andrew Nicoll

Causing death by careless driving

June 6, 2025

Sentence: 12 months suspended imprisonment for 12 months, 5-year driving ban, and £600 costs

Andrew Nicoll, 84, was driving his Mazda back from the Lake District on November 30, 2023, when he likely fell asleep or experienced a micro sleep at the wheel on the A69 between Haydon Bridge and Hexham. His car drifted into oncoming traffic, causing a head-on collision with a Skoda and a subsequent impact with a Land Rover. This resulted in the deaths of his passenger, Keith Aiston, aged 81, and Catherine Elford, aged 68, a passenger in the Skoda. Another person suffered serious injuries. Nicoll had been walking earlier that day and did not stop to rest during the drive.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving and one of causing serious injury by careless driving. No previous convictions. Judge noted high level of remorse and described him as a kind and considerate man.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Christopher Mason

Rape

June 6, 2025

Sentence: 17 years and three months imprisonment

Christopher Mason, 36, of Russell Avenue, South Shields, raped his victim, forced his hands around her throat until she nearly lost consciousness, verbally abused her, damaged her property, and physically assaulted her. The offences were reported to police, leading to his arrest and charging. He was found guilty of 10 offences following a trial.

Found guilty after a six-day trial; will serve a further four years on extended licence; placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life; issued a lifelong restraining order to protect the victim. Described as 'extremely dangerous' by Det Con Kit Tipling of Northumbria Police.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Norman Roberts

Grievous Bodily Harm

June 6, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and 200 hours unpaid work

Norman Roberts and Paul Roberts attacked their brother Melvyn following tensions after their aunt's wake. The assault involved punches and kicks, with Norman kicking Melvyn in the back, causing him to fall to his knees. Melvyn was pinned down and sustained injuries including a fractured eye socket, swelling around his eye, blurred vision, a laceration to his scalp, and numbness to his lip. The incident was captured on CCTV, and police arrested them at the scene.

Admitted to GBH. The judge described the incident as disturbing and stated he should be thoroughly ashamed. Defence mentioned he is a self-employed electrician and unlikely to reoffend. Also subject to a two-year restraining order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Paul Roberts

Grievous Bodily Harm

June 6, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and a three-month curfew between 7pm and 7am

Norman Roberts and Paul Roberts attacked their brother Melvyn following tensions after their aunt's wake. The assault involved punches and kicks, with Paul participating while Melvyn was on the ground. Melvyn sustained injuries including a fractured eye socket, swelling around his eye, blurred vision, a laceration to his scalp, and numbness to his lip. The incident was captured on CCTV, and police arrested them at the scene.

Admitted to GBH. Joined in the attack enthusiastically, though not landing the majority of blows. Defence noted he has a good work ethic and is unlikely to offend again. Also subject to a two-year restraining order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Jamie Harding

Unlawful wounding

June 6, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 150 hours unpaid work, 120-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement, and £2,500 compensation

Jamie Harding, an off-duty pub manager, engaged in a street attack in Whitley Bay in July 2023. He argued with the victim over the victim's alleged persistence with a woman, punched the victim repeatedly, followed him, and later bit the victim's left ear, partially detaching it. The victim required surgery to reattach the ear, suffered scarring, and experienced psychological effects, leading him to move away. Harding was involved in a melee where the woman was knocked unconscious.

Pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding. Judge described the incident as disgusting and depraved. No prior convictions, and glowing character references provided. He was a bar manager and the incident was out of character.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

John Jackson

Common assault

June 6, 2025

Sentence: 18-month community order with 75 hours unpaid work and a three-year restraining order

John Jackson joined a street attack in Whitley Bay in July 2023, where he threw a punch at the victim during a altercation involving Jamie Harding and others. He was not present at the start but participated after being informed of the situation. The victim was kicked, stamped, and punched by multiple people, including Jackson, amid a melee that left a woman unconscious.

Admitted common assault. No prior convictions, and the incident was out of character. He acted on information he believed to be true and provided glowing character references, describing him as thoughtful and hard-working.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Stephen Robinson

Stalking

June 5, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment and an indefinite restraining order

Stephen Robinson engaged in a campaign of stalking against his former partner from November 30, 2024, to March 10, 2025. He bombarded her with unwanted contact, including turning up at her home, repeatedly calling and messaging, sending gifts, posting on social media, sexually harassing her, making threats to blow up her house and harm others, and physically grabbing her on occasions. This left her feeling unsafe, isolated, and in fear for her life.

Pleaded guilty to stalking involving serious alarm or distress. The judge noted it was a persistent campaign of contact and a refusal to accept the relationship had ended, with the victim pushed to the point of crisis.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Toni Powell

Unlawful wounding

June 4, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months

On November 6, 2023, at her home in Felling, Gateshead, Toni Powell smashed a ceramic plant pot over the head of a police officer who was assisting in the arrest of her daughter. She claimed officers were using excessive force, but body-worn footage showed this was not the case. The officer sustained a head injury, including a wound that required gluing at the hospital, and experienced dizziness, sickness, and pain for around four months.

Pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding. Was intoxicated at the time and acted impulsively. Expressed disgust upon reviewing footage and has a troubled background but has been off drugs for two years. Judge warned that any repeat behaviour would result in a custodial sentence.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Ricky Coates

Robbery

June 4, 2025

Sentence: 39 months imprisonment and a ten-year restraining order

Ricky Coates robbed a woman in a taxi on June 4, 2023, by approaching her, punching her, and stealing a bag containing £600 and personal items, including house keys. While under investigation, on February 8, 2024, he spotted the victim with her partner in Newcastle, asked her to withdraw support for the prosecution, produced a small penknife, and recruited another man who attacked the partner with a machete, inflicting a 3cm wound to the head during an affray caught on CCTV. This intimidation exacerbated the victim's depression and anxiety.

Pleaded guilty to robbery, wounding, witness intimidation, and affray. Has 27 previous convictions and is remorseful, having addressed his drugs issue while in custody.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Charlie Toner

Assault

June 3, 2025

Sentence: 39 months imprisonment

Charlie Toner was involved in a prolonged and persistent attack on a couple in Newcastle city centre on September 28, 2024, where she banged on the bonnet of their car, punched a victim, and participated in brutal facial injuries including a fractured cheek and a 30mm gash to an ear requiring stitches. She was also involved in assaults at Birtley Morrison's on March 3, 2024, using a racial slur and terrifying staff and members of the public. Additionally, she sold pregabalin pills in June and July 2024 while on bail.

Admitted to charges relating to assaults and drug dealing. Had 27 previous convictions for five offences. Suspended sentences activated for prior offences including possession of a class B drug and assault of an emergency worker. Became a peer mentor while on remand.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Anthony Dodd

Assault

June 3, 2025

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

Anthony Dodd participated in a violent attack on a couple in Newcastle city centre on September 28, 2024, delivering a cowardly punch to a victim who was not watching. He also committed a brutal attack on a friend of his mother in July 2023, which involved strangulation, leading to injuries for the victim.

Suffered from mental health issues and grief following his father's death. Had eight previous convictions for 13 offences. Made progress in prison and previously acted as a carer and fundraiser in the community.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Peter Dixon

Assault

June 3, 2025

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

Peter Dixon was involved in a violent attack on a couple in Newcastle city centre on September 28, 2024, where he joined in punching victims and bit a victim's ear, resulting in swelling, cuts, a broken cheekbone, and a gash to an ear. The victims reported feeling unsafe going out and avoiding family due to injuries.

Had 25 previous convictions for 64 offences. Recognised the link between intoxication and offending, and has made efforts to improve for his children.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Nathan Lowery

Assault

June 3, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment, suspended for 21 months with 60 hours of unpaid work and community orders

Nathan Lowery participated in assaults at Birtley Morrison's on March 3, 2024, where he used metal supermarket signs as weapons, terrified staff and members of the public, and contributed to a deplorable episode of violence.

Had 12 previous convictions for 25 offences. Previously led a chaotic life but now has stability. Was not taken into custody.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Mazyar Azarbonyad

Dangerous Driving

June 2, 2025

Sentence: 14 months in a young offender institution and disqualified from driving for three years and seven months

Mazyar Azarbonyad caused a collision on the A1 in Newcastle by driving a BMW dangerously, leading to a crash involving five police vehicles. The incident occurred during a pursuit, resulting in seven officers requiring hospital treatment for injuries including soft tissue damage, nerve damage, cuts, concussion, whiplash, and psychological effects. Several officers had to be cut out of their vehicles.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, two counts of failing to stop a motor vehicle when required by a constable, six counts of no insurance use, and six counts of driving otherwise than in accordance with licence. Prosecuting described the traumatic injuries to officers.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Michael Sharp

Wounding with intent

June 2, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 9 months imprisonment

On March 24, 2022, Michael Sharp was involved in an argument in a back lane on Fenwick Street, Penshaw, Sunderland, accusing a woman of fly-tipping and moving his wheelie bin. He became aggressive and hit the woman. A man intervened to protect her, leading Sharp to later arm himself with a large mallet and a knife. Sharp attacked the man at his home, stabbing him in the neck, causing a wound under his chin that extended to the floor of his mouth. The victim suffered severe physical and psychological effects, including panic attacks, scarring, voice changes, weight loss, and required surgery and counselling for depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Found guilty by a jury of wounding with intent. Sharp has mental health difficulties and acted out of character, as stated by his defence. He was also convicted of a common assault on a woman involved in the incident.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

David Bloomfield

Attempting to engage in sexual communication

June 2, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 8 months imprisonment

David Bloomfield, 56, of Craster Gardens, Wallsend, sent sexual messages to a decoy account he believed belonged to a 14-year-old girl named Olivia. The conversations became explicit, with him suggesting kissing and sex, sending images of underwear and bikinis for her to wear, and sharing images of his penis. He arranged to meet her in October 2022, but was detained outside his address by Yorkshire Predator Hunters, leading to his arrest.

Pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication and facilitating the commission of a child sex offence. Judge noted his isolation, loneliness, and naivety, and that his arrest had increased his isolation and led to loss of accommodation and family contact.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Tony Ellis

Intentional Strangulation and Assault by Beating

June 1, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment with a 12-month conditional licence

Tony Ellis, 39, from Bardsey Place, Longbenton, subjected his partner to a series of assaults in June 2024 while under the influence of cocaine, alcohol, and Valium. Incidents included headbutting her in the eye, strangling her by grabbing her throat and growling, throwing his mobile phone at her causing a bruise, and repeatedly smacking her in a moving car, leading her to attempt to flee the vehicle as passers-by intervened. The relationship was described as on-and-off due to his violence.

Pleaded guilty. Judge described the behaviour as concerning and animal-like, noting it could have led to a charge of dangerous driving.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Paul Wallis

Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order

May 27, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Paul Wallis, a 48-year-old from Ovingham, Northumberland, was previously convicted of sexual offences in 2021 and placed on the sex offenders’ register for life with a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) that prohibited unsupervised contact with children. He breached this order by befriending a family with a child and gaining unsupervised access in 2024. He was arrested in April 2024, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court in April 2025 where he pleaded guilty, and was sentenced on May 27, 2025. Police reported that he did not physically or sexually harm the child during this breach.

Pleaded guilty to breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Handed multiple restraining orders. Police stated he showed no remorse and had slipped back into his old ways.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Reece Galbraith

Manslaughter

May 4, 2025

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment

Reece Galbraith set up a dangerous cannabis lab in a flat on Violet Close in Benwell, Newcastle, using highly flammable butane gas to extract cannabis shatter. This caused an explosion on October 16 that killed seven-year-old Archie York and Jason Laws, destroyed several homes, displaced 142 residents, and cost Newcastle City Council £3.7m. Galbraith had prior arrests for drug possession and was operating the lab for financial gain.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter, producing cannabis, and being concerned in the supply of cannabis. Sentence is under review by the Attorney General's Office under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Dilovan Sindi

Arson with intent to endanger life

January 15, 2025

Sentence: 7 years and 2 months imprisonment

Dilovan Sindi entered a barber shop on May 23, 2023, carrying a can of petrol. He poured petrol over furniture and several people inside, then ignited it with a lighter, causing an explosion. This resulted in serious burn injuries to himself and others, including one victim with 65 per cent burns who required months of hospital treatment. A child and his father suffered psychological effects, and the incident stemmed from Sindi's belief in a financial interest in the business.

Pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life, grievous bodily harm, and attempted wounding. He was in a dispute with the owners of the barber shop over a financial interest.

Sources: lancasterguardian.co.uk

Carlos Neto

Manslaughter

March 1, 2024

Sentence: 9 years and 2 months imprisonment

Carlos Neto stabbed Gordon Gault, 14, in the arm with a machete during a gang-related attack while Gordon was riding on the back of a friend's e-bike in Newcastle's West End in November 2022, leading to Gordon's death six days later.

Was 18 at the time of sentencing. Drill music was noted as a factor in the violence, and he could face deportation after serving his sentence.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Lawson Natty

Manslaughter

March 1, 2024

Sentence: 32 months imprisonment

Lawson Natty supplied the machete used in the attack where Gordon Gault, 14, was stabbed in the arm during a gang-related incident in Newcastle's West End in November 2022, resulting in Gordon's death six days later.

Was 18 at the time of sentencing and born in Belgium, potentially facing deportation. He supplied the machete used in the attack.

Sources: standard.co.uk

George Ormond

Sex abuse offences

July 1, 2018

Sentence: 20 years imprisonment

George Ormond, who was 62 at the time of reporting, abused his position as a youth team worker for Newcastle United, committing sex abuse offences against players over a 25-year period.

Worked for Newcastle United's youth team; sentenced for sex abuse offences spanning 25 years.

Sources: standard.co.uk

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