Newcastle Crown Court Sentencing Results

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

Giacomo Nikolov

Conspiracy to burgle

November 25, 2024

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Giacomo Nikolov, along with Valentino Nikolov, Jela Jovanovic 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. Identified by distinctive PSG logo tracksuit bottoms on doggy cam footage. Previous convictions for thefts in Italy. Ordered to pay back £1 under Proceeds of Crime Act.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Valentino Nikolov

Conspiracy to burgle

November 25, 2024

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

Valentino Nikolov, along with Giacomo Nikolov, Jela Jovanovic 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.

Convicted after trial of conspiracy to burgle. Previous conviction for similar offence in Switzerland. Part of organised criminal family group from Italy. Ordered to pay back £1 under Proceeds of Crime Act.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Kieran Borthwick

Driving while over the specified drugs limit

November 15, 2024

Sentence: 15 months driving ban, £120 fine

On June 23, 2024, Kieran Borthwick, a 30-year-old from Bongate, Jedburgh, Scotland, was stopped by police while driving a friend's Seat Leon on Callerton Lane in Kingston Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. Officers noticed a strong smell of cannabis, enlarged pupils, and sweating. Borthwick admitted to smoking cannabis minutes before driving. He failed a roadside drugs test and was arrested. He was visiting the North East from Scotland and drove the car because his friend, the owner, was too intoxicated.

Pleaded guilty to driving while over the specified drugs limit, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and driving without insurance. Ordered to pay £40 costs and £48 victim surcharge. Has 29 previous offences, including 19 motoring offences.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Thomas Kwan

Attempted Murder

November 6, 2024

Sentence: 31 years and five months imprisonment

Thomas Kwan, a 53-year-old GP, devised an elaborate plan to murder his mother's partner, Patrick O'Hara, by injecting him with iodomethane, a toxic substance, to secure his mother's inheritance. He forged letters from a fake nursing team, disguised himself, and administered the poison on 22 January 2024, posing as a nurse giving a Covid booster. This led to Mr O'Hara suffering severe pain, necrotising fasciitis, multiple surgeries, and ongoing physical scars and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Pleaded guilty to attempted murder. Judge Mrs Justice Lambert described the offence as exceptionally serious, citing his morbid obsession with toxic chemicals and the serious physical and psychological harm caused to the victim.

Sources: inews.co.uk

Christopher Taylor

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault by beating and strangulation

November 3, 2024

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment

Christopher Taylor, aged 40, of Park Road North, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, engaged in two violent attacks on his former partner in their home in Whickham, Gateshead. The first incident occurred on April 12, 2024, when he returned home intoxicated, pushed her backwards onto the sofa by the throat four or five times, then picked her up by the throat and pinned her against the front door, threatening to break her jaw. The relationship ended but they continued living together. The second incident happened on May 26, 2024, when he entered her bedroom around 8am, pulled off the quilt, grabbed her phone to check for messages from other men, pinned her down on the bed by the throat causing her to struggle to breathe, and spat in her face. The victim contacted a friend who alerted the police. Taylor initially claimed self-defence but later admitted the offences.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault by beating and strangulation. Recorder Andrew Latimer presided. Defence noted genuine remorse and impact on his business.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Nganjo Endeley

Assault

November 1, 2024

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 250 hours unpaid work, £2,000 compensation

In September 2021, Nganjo Endeley, an NHS fertility doctor, arrived hours late at Wafi Lounge in Clayton Street West, Newcastle city centre, in a drunken rage. He grabbed the 21-year-old waiter's shirt so tightly that the victim struggled to breathe, then headbutted him, fracturing his eye socket. The victim, who had arrived in the UK from Iraq two years prior and was working his first job, suffered huge pain, a visible dent to his forehead, vision issues, headaches, and dizziness. Endeley was convicted after a trial.

Pleaded not guilty but convicted. Judge Sarah Mallett considered the seriousness of the offence but suspended the sentence. Has completed the unpaid work requirement. Later suspended for 12 months by medical tribunal for fitness to practise.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Daryl Fender

Wounding and racially aggravated assault

October 30, 2024

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

Daryl Fender, 33, of Chapel Place, Seaton Burn, committed two separate assaults. On March 16, 2024, during celebrations at the Moor House pub in Seaton Burn, North Tyneside, after Newcastle United's Carabao Cup win over Liverpool, Fender struck a woman in the face with a pool cue, causing two lacerations to her lip and chin requiring 11 stitches. Earlier, on August 31, 2023, around 2pm, Fender racially abused and assaulted a driver outside Sainsbury's in Forest Hall, North Tyneside, punching him multiple times, chasing him with a passenger wielding a baseball bat, throwing a sharp metal object at his car, smashing the windscreen by jumping on the bonnet, and causing cuts to the victim's head and ear, plus bruises and a loose tooth. Racist slurs were used during the road rage incident.

Pleaded guilty to racially aggravated assault, wounding, and possessing cannabis. Has 23 previous convictions including assaults and affray. Released on prison licence at the time of the pub offence. Mental health difficulties noted.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Steven Wallace

Causing death by dangerous driving

October 24, 2024

Sentence: 7 years and 8 months imprisonment and banned from driving for 9 years and 10 months

On October 15, 2023, Steven Wallace, who was more than five times over the drug driving limit, drove his BMW 320i at excessive speed on a residential street in West Denton, Newcastle, while showing off to a passenger. He lost control of the vehicle after taking a roundabout far above the 30mph limit, swerving across the road and colliding with a bus stop where 19-year-old Joe Scott and his girlfriend were waiting. Joe was killed instantly from severe head injuries, and his girlfriend sustained serious leg injuries requiring hospital treatment for five days. Wallace fled the scene after the crash.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, drug driving, failing to stop after an accident, and having no insurance. The sentence was referred to the Attorney General for being unduly lenient, but the appeal failed.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Sean Bell

Dangerous driving

October 21, 2024

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment and banned from driving for 3 years and 1 month

On September 20, 2024, at around 9.30pm, Sean Bell, 34, of Goschen Street, Blyth, stole a BMW 1 series which the driver had left with the keys in the ignition while dropping off food. The victim tried to remove him from the driver's seat but Bell reversed into a parked car before pushing the victim to the ground and driving off. The BMW was later spotted by police on the A188 Benton Lane, in North Tyneside, weaving across the road. Bell drove off at speed, doing 50mph in a 20 zone, in heavy rain. Officers activated lights and sirens but he failed to stop. He was seen throwing a can of alcohol out of the window. Bell then lost control while a double decker bus headed towards him, causing the bus to collide with the car, which was pushed onto a grass verge. Bell ran away but was detained with the help of the police dog unit and found to be over the alcohol limit.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, assault by beating, driving while disqualified, drink driving and having no insurance. Has 39 previous convictions, including multiple driving offences. Released straight away due to time spent on remand.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Steven Lawrence Brown

Fraud by misrepresentation

September 24, 2024

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment

Steven Lawrence Brown, operating as Tyneside Renovate and Build Ltd, accepted £7,500 from Elaine Thompson in February 2020 for building a garage, patio, and driveway as a memorial garden for her granddaughter Jess Moore, who died in November 2019 from Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. He dug up the front and back gardens but failed to complete the work, leaving muddy craters, exposed gas pipes, and building rubble. He targeted at least four other victims similarly. Brown, 44, of Benton Close, Benton, Newcastle, was reported to police and admitted the charges.

Admitted five counts of fraud by misrepresentation. Targeted multiple victims including Elaine Thompson.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Callum Robinson

Possession of indecent images of a child and extreme pornographic material

September 1, 2024

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months

Callum Robinson was convicted in 2024 for possessing an indecent video of a child and extreme pornographic material. The offences involved having prohibited content on his device, which breached his existing conditions. He had a prior conviction for rape in 2009, and this suspended sentence was imposed as part of his ongoing management under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Plea of guilty to possessing an indecent video of a child and extreme porn. This sentence was for offences in 2024, and the breach of SHPO relates to deleting Snapchat history.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Andrew Holland

Theft

August 31, 2024

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

Andrew Holland, aged 41, from Alsager, stole £1,523 worth of goods from Co-op and Tesco in Kidsgrove over two weeks.

Alistair Paylor

Fraudulent evasion of prohibition on importation of cocaine

August 24, 2024

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Alistair Paylor acted as a drug mule, attempting to smuggle £8.5 million worth of cocaine through Newcastle Airport from Mexico. He carried two large suitcases containing 25.18 kilos of 97% pure cocaine and agreed to do so to settle his debts. He was questioned by Border Force upon arrival.

Admitted to fraudulent evasion of the prohibition on the importation of cocaine. Had eleven previous convictions, including for possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Reece Greenwood

Violent disorder

August 14, 2024

Sentence: 2.5 years imprisonment

Reece Greenwood, 31, a father-to-be, live-streamed himself during riots in Sunderland, where he shouted racial slurs, encouraged rioters, and verbally abused police officers.

Live-streamed himself shouting racial slurs and actively encouraging rioters while verbally abusing police officers.

Sources: standard.co.uk

Riley Adey

Violent disorder

August 14, 2024

Sentence: 2 years detention

Riley Adey, 19, was filmed waving from the top of an overturned car, looting fire extinguishers from a vandalised business, and repeatedly throwing missiles, including a vape, a brick, and a scaffolding pole, at officers during riots in Sunderland on August 4.

Jennifer O'brien

Shop theft

July 1, 2024

Sentence: 18-month community order

Jennifer O'Brien, 32, of Sunderland, targeted more than 17 stores across the North East, from Belford in North Northumberland to Ryton in Gateshead, stealing goods worth £1,847.77 including booze, food, diffusers, laundry products, pencil cases, tie dye kits, keyrings, toys and gel pens. The thefts occurred over less than a year while she was pregnant and addicted to drugs. She also assaulted shop workers, including in Primark and Waitrose, when confronted.

Pleaded guilty to 17 shop thefts, two assaults and one count of criminal damage. Order lasts until 2027. Has 21 prior convictions for 57 offences. Owes over £7,000 in fines, compensation and surcharges.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Brian Jordan

Rape

June 15, 2024

Sentence: 7 years and 7 months imprisonment

Brian Jordan was found guilty of raping and indecently assaulting one girl and having unlawful sexual intercourse with another girl, leading to his sentencing.

Became distressed and feared attack by other inmates after learning his conviction was reported in the press; had no prior thoughts of suicide or self-harm.

Sources: chroniclelive.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

Robert Taylor

Drugs offences and money laundering

February 1, 2024

Sentence: 7.5 years imprisonment

Robert Taylor, 54, from Wallsend, North Tyneside, was involved in drugs offences and money laundering as part of a transnational drug trafficking gang coordinating shipments to the UK in alliance with the Clan del Golfo. He was sentenced in his absence after failing to appear in court.

Sentenced in absence for drugs offences and money laundering. Member of transnational drug trafficking gang and agent for the 'Irish mafia'.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Lawon Natty

Manslaughter

January 1, 2024

Sentence: two years and eight months imprisonment

Lawon Natty was involved in a violent clash between rival groups near Elswick Park in Newcastle's West End in November 2022, which resulted in the stabbing of 14-year-old Gordon Gault with a machete, causing severe injuries that led to Gordon's death six days later.

Logan Macphail

Murder

November 1, 2023

Sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years

Logan MacPhail, then 16, travelled from Gateshead to Hexham, Northumberland, armed with a kitchen knife on January 27, 2023. He followed his ex-girlfriend Holly Newton, 15, around the town for 45 minutes, sending voice messages to her contacts to arrange a meeting. When Holly and a 16-year-old boy visited a takeaway on the high street, MacPhail approached and lured her to a nearby alleyway off Priestpopple. He launched a violent attack, stabbing Holly multiple times, inflicting 36 wounds. The boy intervened and was stabbed in the shoulder and leg. Both were found injured by emergency services; Holly died from her injuries, while the boy survived after treatment.

Admitted manslaughter and possession of a bladed article but denied murder and grievous bodily harm with intent. Found guilty of murder and grievous bodily harm with intent following a six-week trial. Also given a five-year concurrent sentence for grievous bodily harm with intent.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Ryan Grundy

Non-fatal strangulation

November 1, 2023

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment

Ryan Grundy engaged in multiple acts of domestic violence against Gemma Laidler, including slapping her during an argument on August 10, 2022, throwing her to the floor on October 4, 2022, headbutting and hitting her on July 25, 2023, during which she tried to escape and contacted a neighbour for help, and harassing her by sending repeated pleading emails between November 2023 and December 30, 2023, despite her requests to stop.

Pleaded guilty to non-fatal strangulation, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, harassment and two common assaults. Had already served his time on remand.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Neville Dargue

Fraudulent evasion of prohibition on importation of a class B drug

August 28, 2023

Sentence: 26 months imprisonment

Neville Dargue was arrested at Newcastle International Airport after arriving from Bangkok on June 9, 2023, with two suitcases containing 47.1 kg of cannabis, valued at £471,000. The cannabis was found in vacuum-sealed packages, and he was sentenced for his involvement in smuggling the drug into the UK. He has a history of similar offences, including growing cannabis on multiple occasions.

Admitted charge of being concerned in the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of a class B drug. Has prior convictions for growing cannabis and was described as an experienced cultivator involved in multiple cannabis operations.

Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk

David Boyd

Murder

May 23, 2023

Sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum term of 29 years

In October 1992, David Boyd, a paedophile from Stockton, tricked seven-year-old Nikki Allan into going with him near her home in the Wear Garth area of Sunderland with the intention of sexually abusing her. When she screamed, he forced her into the derelict Old Exchange Building, smashed her skull with a brick, and stabbed her 37 times, leading to her death. The case was solved in 2018 through a cold case review that uncovered new DNA evidence linking him to the crime.

Steven Wood

Attempted Murder

August 1, 2021

Sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum of 12 years

Steven Wood attempted to murder his partner Martina Turner by stabbing her 29 times in the kitchen of their shared home in Winlaton Mill, Gateshead, in May 2021. After the attack, Turner hid in a cupboard and called for help with a blade still embedded in her chest. Wood fled the house, locking the door behind him, and was later found under the Redheugh Bridge after attempting to take his own life. Turner suffered wounds to her heart, spine, legs, and other parts of her body, requiring six weeks in hospital and multiple operations.

Pleaded guilty to attempted murder. The judge stated he posed a high level of danger to the public.

Sources: chroniclelive.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

Trimaan Dhillon

Murder

January 1, 2017

Sentence: life imprisonment

Trimaan Dhillon, a former soldier, became obsessed with his ex-girlfriend Alice Ruggles after their brief relationship ended. He hacked into her social media accounts, bombarded her with abuse via calls, messages, and emails, and made sinister visits to her home, including leaving flowers and chocolates on her window sill. On October 12, 2016, Dhillon drove 120 miles from his army barracks in Edinburgh to Alice's home in Rawling Road, Bensham, Gateshead, where he slit her throat, killing her.

Convicted of murder after denying the charge and claiming Alice Ruggles fell on a carving knife during an argument.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Philip Craggs

Murder

March 1, 2008

Sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum term of 15 years 6 months

Philip Craggs stabbed Paul Gilbert to death on February 13, 2008, after Paul accidentally bumped into Craggs and his twin brother Mark on Welbeck Road in Walker, Newcastle. Paul, aged 22 and expecting a child, foolishly challenged the brothers to fight but fled when Craggs brandished a knife. Paul apologised repeatedly while running but was tripped by Mark Craggs and overpowered. Philip Craggs then stabbed him three times. Paul staggered to Alfred Street, collapsed, spent over two weeks in a coma, and died on February 28, 2008.

Pleaded guilty to murder. Parole Board directed release following a hearing earlier this month.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Mark Craggs

Affray

March 1, 2008

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

Mark Craggs, twin brother of Philip Craggs, was involved in the incident on February 13, 2008, on Welbeck Road in Walker, Newcastle, where Paul Gilbert accidentally bumped into the brothers. Paul challenged them to fight but fled. Mark Craggs tripped Paul, enabling Philip to catch up and stab him three times, leading to Paul's death on February 28, 2008.

Admitted affray; court heard he tripped the victim, allowing his brother to catch and kill him.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

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