Newcastle Crown Court Sentencing Results

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

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

Stephen Norton

Burglary

June 8, 2025

Sentence: Imprisonment (specific duration not stated)

On February night in 2025, Stephen Norton targeted three flats in Heaton, Newcastle, entering through unlocked doors while occupants slept. In one incident on Simonside Terrace, a woman woke to find him in her bedroom doorway, causing her significant fear; her son chased him away. In another on Rothbury Terrace, he stole a jacket and headphones. On Marleen Avenue, he took a bag and two laptops worth around £1,000, which were later recovered but damaged. Victims reported feeling unsafe and anxious, leading to plans for extra security.

Defendant pleaded not guilty; judge highlighted the terrifying impact on victims; defense noted his crack cocaine addiction and remorse; he has 95 prior convictions including 35 for house burglaries.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Olivia Hutchinson

Animal welfare offence

May 29, 2025

Sentence: 18-month ban on keeping dogs, 12-month community order, and 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days

Olivia Hutchinson, 20, of Dene Avenue in Brunswick Village, failed to seek veterinary treatment for her six-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, Molly, who had untreated traumatic injuries including fractures to her right front paw and ribs, as well as dislocating kneecaps. These injuries occurred around June 2023, February 2024, and May 2024, and despite being advised to return for follow-up appointments, Hutchinson did not, resulting in prolonged suffering for the dog. The case was reported to the RSPCA, leading to Molly's seizure and placement in care.

Admitted an animal welfare offence and repeatedly ignored veterinary advice to seek treatment for the dog.

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

Darren Kay

Being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs

April 16, 2025

Sentence: two years imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Darren Kay was involved in a County Lines operation that distributed nearly five kilos of cocaine and heroin from Cheshire and Merseyside to the North East between January 2018 and September 2020, generating nearly £500,000 in profits.

Mason Ibbotson

Manslaughter

March 1, 2025

Sentence: 6 years in a young offenders institution

Mason Ibbotson, aged 18, engaged in a confrontation with Corporal Shaun Roberts and his group outside a nightclub in Blyth. He delivered a single punch that knocked out Roberts, a 35-year-old soldier serving in the Royal Anglian Regiment, leading to his death. The incident was sparked because Roberts was not local to the area. Ibbotson fled the scene, celebrated the act, and was later arrested.

Pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Had previous convictions including criminal damage, possessing a meat cleaver, assaulting emergency workers, and drink-driving. Sentence was reviewed under the unduly lenient scheme but not extended.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Luke Cain

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

January 22, 2025

Sentence: five years and eight months imprisonment

Luke Cain, from Leyland, was involved in a County Lines operation that trafficked nearly five kilos of cocaine and heroin from Cheshire and Merseyside to the North East between January 2018 and September 2020. He was initially tasked with managing the County Line in the North East, and the network generated nearly £500,000 through illicit drug sales.

Kevin Moore

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

January 22, 2025

Sentence: eight years and 14 days imprisonment

Kevin Moore was part of a County Lines network that trafficked nearly five kilos of cocaine and heroin from Cheshire and Merseyside to the North East between January 2018 and September 2020, generating nearly £500,000, and he absconded during his trial before being convicted in his absence.

Kyle Jones

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

January 22, 2025

Sentence: 11 years imprisonment

Kyle Jones was identified as one of the masterminds behind a County Lines operation that trafficked nearly five kilos of cocaine and heroin from Cheshire and Merseyside to the North East between January 2018 and September 2020, with the network generating nearly £500,000 through drug sales.

Wesley Mcsween

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

January 22, 2025

Sentence: five years and four months imprisonment

Wesley McSween took over responsibilities in a County Lines operation that distributed nearly five kilos of cocaine and heroin from Cheshire and Merseyside to the North East between January 2018 and September 2020, with the network earning nearly £500,000.

Steven Toward

Being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs

January 22, 2025

Sentence: 24 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Steven Toward participated in a County Lines network that distributed nearly five kilos of cocaine and heroin from Cheshire and Merseyside to the North East between January 2018 and September 2020, resulting in nearly £500,000 in illegal profits.

Ryan Corkhill

Being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs

January 22, 2025

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Ryan Corkhill was part of a County Lines operation that distributed nearly five kilos of cocaine and heroin from Cheshire and Merseyside to the North East between January 2018 and September 2020, generating nearly £500,000 in profits through drug sales.

Ryan Hardwick

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

January 22, 2025

Sentence: 10 years and four months imprisonment

Ryan Hardwick was identified as one of the masterminds behind a County Lines operation that distributed nearly five kilos of cocaine and heroin from Cheshire and Merseyside to the North East between January 2018 and September 2020, generating nearly £500,000 and involving the concealment and possession of criminal property.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, conceal criminal property, and use or possess criminal property.

Sources: lep.co.uk

Serge Maudsley

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

January 22, 2025

Sentence: four years imprisonment

Serge Maudsley assisted in managing a County Lines network, including possession with intent to supply heroin, as part of an operation that trafficked nearly five kilos of cocaine and heroin from Cheshire and Merseyside to the North East between January 2018 and September 2020, generating nearly £500,000.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and possession with intent to supply heroin.

Sources: lep.co.uk

Connor Hepple

Being concerned in supplying heroin

January 22, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Connor Hepple was involved in a County Lines operation supplying heroin as part of a network that distributed nearly five kilos of cocaine and heroin from Cheshire and Merseyside to the North East between January 2018 and September 2020, generating nearly £500,000.

Bradley Kenney

Being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs

January 22, 2025

Sentence: 24 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Bradley Kenney participated in a County Lines operation that distributed nearly five kilos of cocaine and heroin from Cheshire and Merseyside to the North East between January 2018 and September 2020, resulting in nearly £500,000 in profits.

Brian Old

Being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs

January 22, 2025

Sentence: four years and one month imprisonment

Brian Old was involved in a County Lines operation, including possession with intent to supply heroin and possessing criminal property, as part of a network that trafficked nearly five kilos of cocaine and heroin from Cheshire and Merseyside to the North East between January 2018 and September 2020, generating nearly £500,000.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, possession with intent to supply heroin, and possessing criminal property.

Sources: lep.co.uk

Ben Hepple

Being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs

January 22, 2025

Sentence: 23 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Ben Hepple assisted in a County Lines network that trafficked nearly five kilos of cocaine and heroin from Cheshire and Merseyside to the North East between January 2018 and September 2020, with the operation yielding nearly £500,000 in illegal earnings.

James Disley

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

January 22, 2025

Sentence: six years imprisonment

James Disley participated in a County Lines network that trafficked nearly five kilos of cocaine and heroin from Cheshire and Merseyside to the North East between January 2018 and September 2020, with the operation generating nearly £500,000 through illegal drug distribution.

Joseph Garrigos

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

January 22, 2025

Sentence: nine years imprisonment

Joseph Garrigos was a key figure in a County Lines operation, taking over management of the drug line in the North East, trafficking nearly five kilos of cocaine and heroin from Cheshire and Merseyside between January 2018 and September 2020, and generating nearly £500,000 in profits.

Declan Williams

Being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs

January 22, 2025

Sentence: three years and two months imprisonment

Declan Williams was part of a County Lines operation that trafficked nearly five kilos of cocaine and heroin from Cheshire and Merseyside to the North East between January 2018 and September 2020, with the network generating nearly £500,000 through drug sales.

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

Jordan Tams

Murder

January 1, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum term of 26 years

Jordan Tams, aged 17 at the time, along with Leandro Lopes and Kriesha Stroud, murdered Gary Belfield, a 40-year-old dad-of-six from Manchester, by stabbing him 11 times. A second man in his 20s was also seriously injured in the incident but recovered. The incident involved the use of weapons, and the offenders showed no remorse.

Found guilty of murder. Died in custody on October 18, 2025, at HMP Deerbolt.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Ben Hughes

Murder

January 1, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum of 17.5 years

Ben Hughes, who had only known Laura Robson for two days, attacked her in his flat on Appledore Close, Greenside, Gateshead. The incident began around 9pm with an argument, escalating to Hughes choking and stabbing her at least 27 times with a kitchen knife. Laura was heard screaming for help and stating she was going to die, while Hughes responded that she would bleed out and no one would help. A neighbour recorded the noises and contacted the police, who arrived to find Hughes had changed clothes, hidden the weapon, and washed off blood.

Admitted killing Laura Robson. Had 64 previous convictions. Judge Sloan KC described the ordeal as terrifying, resulting in extreme physical pain and mental suffering for the victim.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kriesha Stroud

Murder

January 1, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment

Kriesha Stroud, aged 15 at the time, along with Jordan Tams and Leandro Lopes, murdered Gary Belfield, a 40-year-old dad-of-six from Manchester, by stabbing him 11 times. A second man in his 20s was also seriously injured in the incident but recovered. The incident involved the use of weapons, and the offenders showed no remorse.

Found guilty of murder. Aged 15 at the time of the offense. Sentencing occurred after reporting restrictions were lifted in January 2025.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Leandro Lopes

Murder

January 1, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment

Leandro Lopes, aged 18, along with Jordan Tams and Kriesha Stroud, murdered Gary Belfield, a 40-year-old dad-of-six from Manchester, by stabbing him 11 times. A second man in his 20s was also seriously injured in the incident but recovered. The incident involved the use of weapons, and the offenders showed no remorse.

Found guilty of murder. Sentencing occurred after reporting restrictions were lifted in January 2025.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

James Cummings

Riot

December 12, 2024

Sentence: 44 months imprisonment

James Cummings participated in a riot in Sunderland city centre on August 2, 2024, which began as a planned protest but turned into violent disorder. Wearing a bright orange hoodie and face covering, he gestured encouragement to the crowd, kicked items towards police, kicked a police officer's shield, and threw bricks and other missiles at officers and a police van 19 times, smashing a rear window.

Pleaded guilty to riot. Has 19 previous convictions including battery, possessing a bladed article, and drink driving. Was on bail at the time. Judge Carolyn Scott noted the actions brought shame on Sunderland and shocked the public. Defence stated behaviour was driven by ignorance, fear, and alcohol, not racism.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Danielle Longstaffe

Fraud by abuse of position

December 1, 2024

Sentence: 2 years suspended for 2 years with a mental health treatment requirement

Danielle Longstaffe, employed as a transport administrator at Kaefer Ltd in Jarrow since 2012, abused her position between September 1, 2021, and May 13, 2022, by transferring £218,000 from her employer's account to herself and others using false details, forging signatures, and hiring 33 vehicles unauthorisedly through a company supplier, resulting in losses of £141,000 for vehicles and repairs. She also made unauthorised use of a company credit card amounting to over £10,000, with additional outstanding Tyne Tunnel and parking charges of £19,000. The total fraud value was £370,194. She confessed when confronted and helped identify the stolen funds.

Pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position. Spared immediate prison due to pregnancy and mental health issues. Must pay back £221,818.50 under Proceeds of Crime Act within three months or face 2 years in prison. She was chased by loan sharks, which led to the fraud.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Charlie Jovanovic

Conspiracy to burgle

November 25, 2024

Sentence: 6 years and 9 months imprisonment

Charlie Jovanovic, along with Valentino Nikolov, Giacomo Nikolov and Jela Jovanovic, targeted high-value properties in the North East, including the home of Liverpool striker Alexander Isak in Darras Hall on April 4, 2024, stealing cash (£5,000-£10,000), jewellery (£68,000), an empty safe, and keys to an Audi car which was later stolen and damaged. They conducted surveillance near Newcastle United's Benton training ground. Earlier, on March 31, 2024, they burgled the home of Helen and Michael McArdle in Jesmond, stealing items worth over £1 million including a safe with CBE medal and gold coins, watches, designer clothing, jewellery, and handbags. On April 1, 2024, they targeted a single mum's home in Whitburn, South Tyneside, stealing designer handbags, jewellery, and shoes worth over £100,000. The gang used a Citroen C3, wore masks and gloves, exchanged number plates, and switched off phones to avoid detection.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle. Previous conviction for similar offending in Switzerland. Ordered to pay back £1,135.50 under Proceeds of Crime Act.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Jela Jovanovic

Conspiracy to burgle

November 25, 2024

Sentence: 7 years and 2 months imprisonment

Jela Jovanovic, along with Valentino Nikolov, Giacomo Nikolov and Charlie Jovanovic, targeted high-value properties in the North East, including the home of Liverpool striker Alexander Isak in Darras Hall on April 4, 2024, stealing cash (£5,000-£10,000), jewellery (£68,000), an empty safe, and keys to an Audi car which was later stolen and damaged. They conducted surveillance near Newcastle United's Benton training ground. Earlier, on March 31, 2024, they burgled the home of Helen and Michael McArdle in Jesmond, stealing items worth over £1 million including a safe with CBE medal and gold coins, watches, designer clothing, jewellery, and handbags. On April 1, 2024, they targeted a single mum's home in Whitburn, South Tyneside, stealing designer handbags, jewellery, and shoes worth over £100,000. The gang used a Citroen C3, wore masks and gloves, exchanged number plates, and switched off phones to avoid detection.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle. Acted as driver in all offences. Previous convictions for theft and fraud. Ordered to pay back £1 under Proceeds of Crime Act.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

No sentences found matching your search.