Newcastle Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 635 verdicts at Newcastle Crown Court (Newcastle upon Tyne). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Richard Dale

Attempting to facilitate child sex offences and sexual communication with a child

January 17, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment suspended for 21 months, 100 hours unpaid work, 45 days rehabilitation

Richard Dale, 48, of Molineux Court, Newcastle, began messaging what he believed was a 14-year-old girl online in February 2024, pretending to be a teacher of physical education and sexual education. He quickly turned the conversation sexual and sent explicit photos of himself to the decoy, who was actually an officer from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU). He was arrested on April 18, 2024, charged with attempting to facilitate child sex offences and sexual communication with a child, convicted on December 2, 2024.

Pleaded not guilty but convicted after trial. 10 year sexual harm prevention order imposed. Placed on sex offenders register for 10 years. Judge unpacked his lies during trial.

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

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

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

Gavin Train

Murder

December 28, 2024

Sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years

Gavin Train stabbed his former friend Bradley Tams to death outside a block of flats in Slatyford, Newcastle, in December 2023. The murder stemmed from a fallout after Train's brother, David Keith, was robbed by Bradley. Train, who had been friends with Bradley for over 10 years, sent Facebook messages indicating his intent for revenge, including a message to Bradley saying he would 'put him in an early grave'.

Michael Curran

Escape from prison and burglary

December 24, 2024

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

Michael Curran, 45, absconded from HMP Kirkham open prison in Preston on July 25, 2024, by walking out through an unmanned perimeter. He remained at large for three months, returning to the North East to address personal issues including a relationship breakdown. On October 18, 2024, he burgled the Block and Bottle, a butchers and craft beer shop in Heaton, Newcastle, using a crowbar to force open the Victorian front door, causing damage that required replacement. He attempted to steal butchers knives and meat but was disturbed by police alerted by the security system. He grabbed a joint of meat and fled but was arrested nearby after being sprayed with PAVA incapacitant while holding the crowbar. The shop owner was shocked and installed additional CCTV.

Pleaded guilty to escape from prison and burglary. Has 118 previous convictions, including 15 years for GBH with intent in 2011. Sentence to run concurrently with recall to previous sentence until at least February 2027. Absconded due to personal circumstances and desperation.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Steven Smith

Possessing cannabis with intent to supply

December 24, 2024

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years and £100 fine

Steven Smith, 34, of Cowpen Road, Blyth, was involved in multiple incidents of drug dealing from April 2021 to March 2023. On April 19, 2021, he was stopped in a car with a strong smell of cannabis, handing over two containers with 5 x £20 deals and 18 x £10 deals branded 'Blyth Buds'. A large knife was found under the driver's seat and a bottle of ammonia in the door pocket. His phone showed messages for supplying cannabis via Snapchat as 'Blyth Buds', including a competition for free drugs and images of making cannabis chocolates and edibles. He was released without charge until August 2024. In June 2022, stopped again with £740 cash, £700 cannabis in deals, and £1,700 cash at home; released until August 2024 requisition. In March 2023, found with 92g cannabis worth £800 and £975 cash in sock; released until April 2024 requisition. He has six prior driving convictions.

Pleaded guilty. Sentence reduced due to significant delays by Northumbria Police in charging and prosecuting, spanning over four years. Judge Recorder Carl Gumsley criticized the police for repeated arrests without action, allowing continued offending. No Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings pursued.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Cameron Corbett

Wounding

December 20, 2024

Sentence: 29 months imprisonment

Cameron Corbett participated in a planned revenge attack on an innocent woman in Guide Post, Northumberland, on July 2024, the eve of her daughter's wedding. A balaclava-clad man slashed the victim's face with a sharp object, causing a deep three-inch cut to her cheek and injuries to her hands, while she was in the garden having a cigarette around 11.20am. The attacker fled to a waiting stolen Audi car driven by Corbett from Edinburgh. The attack was in revenge for the victim's son allegedly attacking an inmate at HMP Edinburgh with a knife a few weeks earlier. Corbett was arrested six days later after a police chase. The victim has since died from unrelated causes, but the attack left permanent scarring and psychological harm, witnessed by her daughter and two small children.

Admitted wounding. Originally charged with wounding with intent. Has 35 previous convictions. Claimed he was paid £500 to drive the car and did not know what was to happen.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Dominic Allan

Operating an illegal waste site

December 19, 2024

Sentence: 23-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months; 16 days rehabilitation activity; £3,154 in costs; clear all waste by 30 June 2026

Dominic Allan operated an illegal scrapyard on his land in Old Swarland, Northumberland, storing a mixture of scrap vehicles, construction and demolition waste, garden and household waste, with an area of burned waste. Environment Agency officers discovered this during an investigation. Allan offered waste collection services and scrapped vehicles for parts via social media, despite knowing it was illegal. He failed to clear the site after being instructed, with inspections in August and October 2024 and March 2025 showing ongoing issues, including smoke from burning waste.

Admitted two offences of operating an illegal waste site. Previously sentenced in August 2021 to 12 months in prison, £1,000 in costs, and 18 months to clear site for similar offences. Ignored Environment Agency instructions to stop activity and clear waste.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Andrew Swinhoe

Inflicting grievous bodily harm

December 18, 2024

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

On December 6, 2023, Andrew Swinhoe, 44, of Brinkburn Place, Byker, Newcastle, drunkenly attacked two men outside Sgt Peppers bar on Vine Lane in Newcastle city centre during their Christmas work night out. He punched the first victim twice without provocation, causing him to fall unconscious with bruising to his eye, lacerations to his head and cheek requiring stitches. The second victim intervened and was punched, suffering a fractured wrist needing surgery with plates inserted and a laceration to his lip. Both victims required hospital treatment. Swinhoe was identified via media appeal.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm. Has 14 previous convictions. Described as hard-working family man who cares for his father and behaved out of character.

Sources: chroniclelive.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

Connor Morrison

Child sexual offences

December 8, 2024

Sentence: 9 years imprisonment

Connor Morrison, 27, of Dene Avenue, Houghton-Le-Spring, initiated the abuse of a child victim and raped and sexually assaulted her multiple times. The offences were non-recent child sexual offences, comprising two counts of rape, ten counts of sexual assault, one count of engaging in a sexual act in the presence of a child, one count of attempted sexual assault, and two counts of causing a child to engage in a sexual act. The victim reported the abuse to police, leading to Morrison being charged in July 2024. Following a four-day trial in October 2024, he was found guilty.

Found guilty after a four-day trial. Placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and given a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

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

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

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