Newcastle Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 182 verdicts at Newcastle Crown Court (Newcastle upon Tyne). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Mark Defty

Robbery

July 17, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 1 month imprisonment

Mark Defty and Dean Baird targeted two men in Newcastle city centre. They first approached a man walking home around 3am on December 27, 2024, on Westgate Road, where they pinned him down, stole his wallet and phone, and later extorted £100 for the return of his phone, followed by an additional £30. Half an hour later, they approached a pilot on Neville Street, demanding his Canada Goose jacket, threatening to stab him, and punching him in the face, leaving him with a black eye and blurred vision that prevented him from flying.

Pleaded guilty to robbery and attempted robbery. Has a long list of previous convictions and significant mental health problems. Has been doing well in prison, receiving a most improved attitude award and completing a hairdressing course.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Joshua Macfarlane

Sex offences

July 17, 2025

Sentence: more than 10 years imprisonment

Joshua MacFarlane, from South Shields, targeted extremely vulnerable young boys online through PlayStation and Facebook, engaging in a series of sex offences that exploited his victims' vulnerabilities.

Admitted a series of sex offences targeting extremely vulnerable young boys via PlayStation and Facebook.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Imran Choudhury

Possession with intent to supply

July 17, 2025

Sentence: 2 years suspended for 18 months

Imran Choudhury was spotted dealing drugs in Jesmond, Newcastle. On January 27, 2024, police observed young men, believed to be students, entering his car to buy drugs. He was found in possession of 7.6g of cocaine worth £720, ketamine worth more than £400, cannabis, more than £1,500 in cash, and two mobile phones.

Pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine, ketamine, and cannabis with intent to supply. He was working as a drug dealer to pay off gambling debts and was acting under the direction of others.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Neil Willis

Rape and sexual abuse

July 17, 2025

Sentence: almost 30 years imprisonment

Neil Willis and Anthony Douglas raped a schoolgirl and sexually abused a boy in historic crimes that came to light when survivors reported the offences.

Charged with multiple sex offences after survivors of the historic crimes came forward, along with Anthony Douglas.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Anthony Douglas

Rape and sexual abuse

July 17, 2025

Sentence: almost 30 years imprisonment

Anthony Douglas and Neil Willis raped a schoolgirl and sexually abused a boy in historic crimes that came to light when survivors reported the offences.

Charged with multiple sex offences after survivors of the historic crimes came forward, along with Neil Willis.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Dean Baird

Robbery

July 17, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 10 months imprisonment

Dean Baird and Mark Defty targeted two men in Newcastle city centre. They first approached a man walking home around 3am on December 27, 2024, on Westgate Road, where they pinned him down, stole his wallet and phone, and later extorted £100 for the return of his phone, followed by an additional £30. Additionally, Baird admitted to theft by finding a wallet in the city centre in October 2023, which he had no intention of returning. Half an hour later, they approached a pilot on Neville Street, demanding his Canada Goose jacket, threatening to stab him, and punching him in the face, leaving him with a black eye and blurred vision that prevented him from flying.

Pleaded guilty to robbery, attempted robbery, and theft by finding. Has a long list of previous convictions. Expressed remorse for the offences, which occurred while he was homeless, and had a difficult upbringing.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Defrim Laqi

Producing cannabis

July 16, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment

Defrim Laqi was found living as the sole occupier of a house on Harrington Way, Ashington, which had been converted into a large-scale cannabis factory. Police discovered 165 cannabis plants across the upper floors, with a professional setup including lighting systems, temperature control, carbon dioxide, fertiliser, and a bypassed electricity supply. The plants had a potential yield of up to 13.48 kilos, valued at approximately £69,200. Laqi was acting as a 'gardener' for the operation.

Pleaded guilty to producing cannabis on the basis he was a 'gardener'. Liable to be deported after serving up to 40% of the sentence. Originally an asylum seeker with a family in Albania.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Daniel Graham

Criminal damage

July 15, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 3 months imprisonment

Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers travelled from the Carlisle area to Sycamore Gap in September 2023, where they used a chainsaw to deliberately fell the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, causing £622,191 worth of damage to the tree and £1,144 to Hadrian's Wall, a Unesco World Heritage Site. They marked the tree with silver spray paint, cut a wedge to direct the fall, filmed the act, and took a piece of the tree as a trophy. The incident occurred at night and took two to three minutes.

Pleaded not guilty; judge noted high degree of planning and bravado, and that the act involved thrill-seeking. He was described as a troubled man who attempted suicide and received hate mail after the incident.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Daniel Michael Graham

Criminal damage

July 15, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 3 months imprisonment

Daniel Michael Graham, along with Adam Carruthers, drove to the Sycamore Gap tree site under cover of darkness on 28 September 2023, during Storm Agnes. They felled the more than 100-year-old tree, a landmark owned by the National Trust, using a chainsaw in a deliberate and professional manner. Graham filmed the act, which caused the tree to fall onto Hadrian's Wall, a Unesco World Heritage Site. The tree was an iconic symbol of Northumberland's landscape, featured in films, and its destruction led to global outrage and an outpouring of emotion.

Convicted after trial but later admitted involvement to probation officers. Judge rejected claims of drunken stupidity, attributing the act to sheer bravado for a thrill. He had mental health issues, attempted suicide, and faced public backlash including attacks on his property.

Sources: bbc.co.uk

Adam Carruthers

Criminal damage

July 15, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 3 months imprisonment

Adam Carruthers and Daniel Graham travelled from the Carlisle area to Sycamore Gap in September 2023, where they used a chainsaw to deliberately fell the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, causing £622,191 worth of damage to the tree and £1,144 to Hadrian's Wall, a Unesco World Heritage Site. They marked the tree with silver spray paint, cut a wedge to direct the fall, filmed the act, and took a piece of the tree as a trophy. The incident occurred at night and took two to three minutes.

Pleaded not guilty; judge rejected his excuse of being drunk, noting the act required skill and co-ordination, and highlighted elements of bravado and thrill-seeking. He expressed guilt to probation officers and will bear the burden of his actions for life.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Keaton Harbron

Dangerous Driving

July 15, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment and 30 months driving ban

Keaton Harbron, already banned from driving, led police on a high-speed chase on March 28 in Gosforth, Newcastle. He was riding a motorbike erratically, reached speeds of 80mph in a 40mph zone, went through a red light, and nearly lost control on a roundabout. The pursuit involved police reaching 90mph, and he was caught after turning into a dead end, where he fell or was knocked off the bike and attempted to flee. He has 62 previous convictions, including for dangerous and drug driving.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, failing to stop, having no insurance, and possessing cocaine. Defence noted that March is a difficult time for him due to his mother's death, and the pursuit was short with no injuries.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Jonathon Gaunt

Child sex offences

July 14, 2025

Sentence: four years imprisonment

Jonathon Gaunt, 37, sexually assaulted a child while under the influence of drugs in Sunderland, claiming a 'drug-induced haze' as his defence, leading to his conviction.

Claimed he was in a 'drug-induced haze' when committing child sex offences. He was a crack-cocaine user from Sunderland.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Connor Fraser

Assault

July 14, 2025

Sentence: 28 weeks imprisonment

Connor Fraser, 29, attacked a police officer, breaking his jaw, in an unprovoked incident in Newcastle upon Tyne, stemming from his belief in a 'police conspiracy'.

Broke officer's jaw in unprovoked attack after believing he was victim of 'police conspiracy'.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

David Wilkinson

Rape

July 14, 2025

Sentence: 20 years extended prison sentence

David Wilkinson, 55, committed rape against a child in Newcastle upon Tyne, treating the victim in a predatory and dehumanising manner, as described in court.

Logan Thew

Sexual communication with a child

July 12, 2025

Sentence: Eight months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Logan Thew thought he was messaging a 13-year-old girl, who was actually a decoy created by an online vigilante group. Despite knowing her age, he sent her naked pictures of himself, asked for pictures in return, and told her he wanted to have sex with her.

Must complete 25 rehabilitation days and 80 hours of unpaid work. A 10-year sexual harm prevention order was made, and he will be on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Richard Rickaby

Attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity

July 12, 2025

Sentence: 12 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 24 months

Richard Rickaby started chatting online to who he thought was a 14-year-old boy, but it was a police decoy. Despite knowing the child's age, the 50-year-old sent a picture of his genitals and asked the child to perform a sex act on himself.

Pleaded guilty to attempting to incite a boy aged 13-15 to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity, sending a photo or film of genitals to cause alarm, distress or humiliation, and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. Must complete a mental health treatment requirement and sign the Sex Offenders' Register for seven years.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Jon Etchells

Assault

July 9, 2025

Sentence: suspended prison sentence

Jon Etchells threw bricks at a man in South Tyneside, causing a nasty head injury.

Hot-headed South Tyneside neighbour who left a man with a nasty head injury after throwing bricks at him.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Callum Harrison

Drug dealing

July 9, 2025

Sentence: suspended prison sentence

Callum Harrison, a 22-year-old, was found lying drunk on the floor of a Newcastle nightclub and was involved in drug dealing.

Brian Saunders

Assault

July 7, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Brian Saunders assaulted Wendy Douglas at her home in Kingston Park following a dispute over a fence and bush, leading to a prolonged ordeal for the victim that ended only after his attempts to overturn the conviction were unsuccessful.

Assaulted Wendy Douglas at her Kingston Park home after a dispute over a fence and bush; his bids to clear his name failed.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Barry Houston

Indecent assault and buggery

July 7, 2025

Sentence: 6 years and 6 months imprisonment

Barry Houston, aged 63, repeatedly sexually assaulted a school-aged boy when he was a teenager, with the offences occurring almost five decades ago. The victim, who had lived with the effects for most of his life, reported the assaults to police in 2023 after a surprise public encounter with Houston. Houston was found guilty of six offences following a trial earlier in the year.

Denied the offences but was found guilty following a three-day trial. Will serve a further one year on extended licence, placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, and given a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Nicola Mcfarlane

Shop theft

July 6, 2025

Sentence: £80 fine, £320 compensation to Co-op, £126 to Morrisons, £85 costs, and three months added to drug rehabilitation requirement

Nicola McFarlane, a 35-year-old heroin addict from Cotswold Gardens, Gateshead, stole butter and cheese worth £100 from the Co-op in Beacon Lough, Gateshead, on an unspecified date in June. She was captured on CCTV and identified. She was also linked to six other theft offences in June, which she admitted probable responsibility for, though she claimed memory issues due to her heroin habit. This occurred while she was already on a community order from April, which she breached by missing appointments.

Pleaded guilty to shop theft. Had six other thefts taken into consideration. Was on a community order and failed to attend appointments. Defence recommended continuing the community order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Craig Binns

Arranging the commission of a child sex offence

July 5, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 1 month imprisonment

Craig Binns, 31, met a woman on a dating website and exchanged messages with her for a few weeks before suggesting involvement in child abuse. He offered her £300 to allow him to sexually abuse her 10-week-old granddaughter, requested naked pictures of the child, and bragged about previously paying others to abuse children, including £1,000 to a parent for abusing a two-year-old girl. The woman provided screenshots of the conversations to the police, leading to his arrest. A search of his devices revealed horrifying searches, and although there was no evidence he carried out the boasted abuses, he admitted the offences.

Admitted to three offences including attempting to pay for the sexual services of a child and arranging the commission of a child sex offence. Judge Edward Bindloss noted that Binns tried to groom the woman and make her an accomplice, posed a high risk to children, and must abide by a sexual harm prevention order and sign the sex offenders register for life.

Sources: mirror.co.uk

Graeme Charlton

Dangerous Driving

July 4, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment and banned from driving for 4 years and 10 months

Graeme Charlton, a 34-year-old banned driver from Breamish Street, Jarrow, led police on a high-speed chase in an Audi A3, reaching speeds up to 100mph towards the Tyne Tunnel. The pursuit ended when he crashed into a roadside barrier. Police found a bag of amphetamines in his sock and cannabis resin at his home, along with items linked to drug dealing under the nickname 'North East Weedman'. Messages on his phone indicated involvement in drug sales, and he had a history of similar offences.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance, possession of amphetamines, and two counts of possession of cannabis resin with intent to supply. Has nine previous convictions and is described as a troubled individual willing to address mental health issues.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

James Gregory

Rape

July 3, 2025

Sentence: eight years imprisonment

James Gregory, 32, raped a sleeping woman and then called the police to confess to the crime. Despite his initial admission, he later claimed the confession was not true. He stood trial at Newcastle Crown Court and was found guilty by a jury in November 2024. He has been in prison since December 2024.

Pleaded not guilty and claimed his confession was not true. Found guilty by a jury. He is a dad-of-two with previous good character and has completed 15 courses in prison, earning over 30 certificates. Judge Robert Spragg imposed an indefinite restraining order and placed him on the sex offenders' register for life.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kallan Hamilton

Affray

July 2, 2025

Sentence: 28 months in prison

Kallan Hamilton, 23, climbed onto the roof of the Cairn Hotel on Osborne Road, Newcastle, in May 2025, after police attended to recall his licence due to a restraining order. He refused to come down, drank vodka, threw bricks at police officers, caused approximately £10,000 in damage to a car belonging to a woman whose husband was critically ill in a nearby hospital, damaged hotel property by pulling out cable wiring and kicking a business sign, and led to the road being closed for over eight hours while the hotel was evacuated.

Pleaded guilty to affray, criminal damage, assaulting an emergency worker, and breaching a restraining order. Judge Amanda Rippon commented on the impact of his actions on ordinary people and warned that he was lucky not to have seriously injured anyone.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

David Walton

Perverting the course of justice

July 1, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

David Walton, 62, of Nursery Lane, Felling, offered to pay a drug-addict victim £400 to retract her statement to police in his son's case. The victim had accused Walton's son of two offences, and Walton agreed to pay an initial £200 and another £200 after the trial. He drove the woman to the police station in his work van, which he was not insured to drive and from which he was disqualified, instructing her to delete text messages and not take her phone. She appeared distressed, made the retraction statement, and later revealed the arrangement to police.

Pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance. He has nine prior convictions and was motivated by concern for his son going to prison. Additionally, six penalty points were added to his driving licence.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Elton Bekteshi

Producing cannabis

July 1, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment

Elton Bekteshi was caught by police during a raid on a property on Market Place in Hetton-le-Hole, where 141 cannabis plants worth between £12,000 and £57,000 were discovered. He had paid £20,000 to enter the UK illegally and was working at the cannabis farm to repay the debt, acting as the gardener for two months. He tried to flee and was found hiding in the loft area.

Pleaded guilty to producing cannabis. Judge noted he entered the UK illegally and was working to pay off a debt. Warned of possible deportation.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Wayne Justice

Breaching a restraining order

July 1, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment, to run consecutively with a previous sentence

Wayne Justice, 44, of Wallsend, was subject to an indefinite restraining order after previous stalking convictions. Upon release, he immediately contacted the victim via Facebook and Snapchat, leading to further breaches.

Pleaded guilty; breached a restraining order multiple times, including contacting the victim on the day of his release.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Sam York

Burglary

June 30, 2025

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment suspended for 1 year

Sam York, 36, of no fixed abode, joined Daniel Clerkson and David Chivers for an offence in the early hours of June 11 at premises on Remscheid Way in Ashington, where they stole items. He was sentenced separately from the others.

Waseem Afzal

Grievous Bodily Harm

June 30, 2025

Sentence: 35 months imprisonment

In June 2024, Waseem Afzal made unwanted advances towards a vulnerable woman with mental health issues while they were in Jesmond Dene. When she rejected him, he attacked her, punching her and causing multiple facial fractures, swelling to her face and head, and bruising to other parts of her body. She was taken to the hospital, where she required several days of treatment, and has since experienced ongoing pain, night terrors, and significant trauma.

Pleaded guilty to GBH. Has 38 previous convictions and was in breach of an eight-month suspended sentence. Judge Amanda Rippon noted his violent history, escalating offending, bipolar disorder, and cocaine use, warning that further offences could lead to a long prison term.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Joe Mills

Escape from Custody

June 30, 2025

Sentence: 7 months imprisonment

Joe Mills, 27, of Milford Road, Newcastle, was on police bail when he cut his electronic tag in January 2025. Following his arrest, he was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary after claiming to have drugs up his anus. During his time at the hospital, he became angry, shouted, and attempted to escape custody by leaping over a glass panel onto a ledge, threatening to jump. This action led to a ward being shut down for almost an hour, requiring additional police and fire brigade attendance, and caused significant inconvenience.

Pleaded guilty to criminal damage and escape from custody. Judge described it as a spontaneous offence committed on the spur of the moment and noted the disruption caused, but acknowledged it was not a planned breakout.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Linton Mwingi

Failing to comply with the Sex Offenders' Register

June 29, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment

Linton Mwingi, a 28-year-old from Dene Avenue in Lemington, failed to comply with the Sex Offenders' Register by not informing police that he was sometimes staying at a home with three children, despite telling the mother about his past. He also failed to report two bank cards and that he was not always living at his usual address. This incident occurred around September 2024, when his risk management officer visited his home and confirmed he was not residing there. Financial checks revealed a bank account linked to an address in Sunderland, where items belonging to him were found. He had a prior conviction in 2021 for the same type of offence and was originally convicted in 2016 for sexual assault.

Pleaded guilty to five counts of failing to comply with the Sex Offenders' Register. Judge Paul Currer noted that these were serious offences because he was not living at his required address and was present at a home with children without notifying authorities. He had previously been convicted for similar offences and suffered from issues related to a past brain injury affecting his memory.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Cameron Campbell

Breaching a Football Banning Order

June 29, 2025

Sentence: £400 fine, £650 costs, and £160 victim surcharge

Cameron Campbell, a former professional dancer and YouTube creator focused on the England squad, breached a football banning order imposed in October 2023 for assaulting a supporter at Wembley Stadium. The breach occurred on June 3, 2024, when he was found near St James' Park, specifically at Bar Loco, approximately 120 meters from the stadium, less than two hours before an England match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Police were alerted, and CCTV confirmed his presence. He has a history of antisocial behaviour at football events.

Defendant pleaded not guilty but was sentenced for breaching a football banning order. Judge noted his passion for football and advised finding alternative ways to continue his YouTube channel. Defense highlighted his charity work and difficult upbringing.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Mark Sandiford

Non-dwelling burglary

June 28, 2025

Sentence: 4 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months

Mark Sandiford, along with Dwayne Martin, broke into three units at Ocean Pleasure Beach in South Shields on June 15, 2024, stealing tools worth £361 from Kiddies Corner, six crates of soft drinks worth £60 from Twice As Nice, and food and drinks worth £190 from Ocean Food Court. They attempted to sell some of the stolen items at a nearby shop and were later arrested at the abandoned building where they were residing.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of non-dwelling burglary. Was homeless at the time and living in an abandoned building nearby. Judge commented that he conducted the burglaries and broke into three separate properties, stealing significant amounts of goods.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Wayne Crawford

Assault and strangulation

June 28, 2025

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

Wayne Crawford turned up at his former partner's home in September 2024, accusing her of having an affair. Despite her recent childbirth, he punched her multiple times in the head, leg, eye, and ear, then pinned her on the bed and strangled her until she believed he was trying to kill her, leaving her with a croaky voice for about two weeks.

Pleaded guilty to assault and strangulation. A five-year restraining order was imposed.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Thomas Blythe

Being concerned in the supply of cocaine

June 28, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and seven months imprisonment

Thomas Blythe was concerned in the supply of cocaine, helping to transport the drugs as part of the gang led by Robert Ismay. His DNA linked him to the recovered cocaine, and the gang supplied 21.7 kilos worth up to £868,000 between March and April 2020 using the EncroChat network.

Assisted in transporting the drugs and his DNA was found on some of the recovered cocaine. He had been waiting four years for sentencing and is now clean of his cocaine habit.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Stephen Batey

Grievous bodily harm and controlling or coercive behaviour

June 28, 2025

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

Stephen Batey, in a pattern of aggression including during a birthday trip, broke his girlfriend's jaw by striking her hard after she confronted him about cheating via a text message, requiring her to undergo surgery, amid ongoing controlling behaviour.

Pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm and controlling or coercive behaviour. He admitted being appalled by prison violence but was remanded since August of the previous year.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Shaun Holywell

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

June 28, 2025

Sentence: 11 years and eight months imprisonment

Shaun Holywell was involved in the conspiracy to supply cocaine as part of Robert Ismay's gang. He was stopped by police with a kilo of cocaine under his passenger seat in a Coop bag. The gang used the EncroChat network and supplied a total of 21.7 kilos of cocaine.

Acted as a trusted lieutenant in the cocaine supply network and played a leading role. Has a family who will be affected by his imprisonment.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Robert Ismay

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

June 28, 2025

Sentence: 16 years and four months imprisonment

Robert Ismay was in charge of a cocaine gang that supplied 21.7 kilos of cocaine, worth up to £868,000, between March and April 2020. He used the EncroChat network for communications and went on the run to Cyprus to evade justice, where he was extradited. Police found him with three mobile phones, a cash counting machine, and a debtors list amounting to £87,000.

Played a leading role in directing and organising the cocaine supply network. Fled to Cyprus and was extradited. Has previous convictions for producing cannabis and will be subject to a Serious Crime Prevention Order upon release.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Royston Bell

Intentional strangulation and assault by beating

June 28, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

Royston Bell, during an attack on his former partner in September of the previous year, became aggressive and strangled and assaulted her at his home in Whitley Bay, despite a history of violence and an existing restraining order from their relationship that ended about ten years ago.

Pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation, assault by beating, and breaching a restraining order. He has 89 previous convictions, including for violence and prior breaches related to the same victim. A restraining order remains in place.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Thomas Grant

Unlawful wounding

June 27, 2025

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

Thomas Grant stabbed a man in the chest with a Stanley knife during a fight outside a pub in Byker, Newcastle, on June 8, 2024. The incident began when the victim and his colleagues were outside the pub and noticed Grant's dog appeared scared while he was arguing with a woman. Grant became angry, a altercation ensued, and as he retreated across the road, he used the knife to inflict a 5cm wound to the victim's upper chest, above his heart. The blade did not penetrate major organs, but the victim required seven stitches and has been left with physical and emotional scars.

Pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding and having a bladed article. Has 138 previous convictions, including for unlawful wounding and threatening with a blade. The judge noted it was an extremely dangerous act and highlighted the need for deterrence against carrying knives in public.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Peter Lamb

Conspiracy to Import Cocaine

June 27, 2025

Sentence: 17 years imprisonment

Peter Lamb, of Gateshead, set up and registered two cover companies with warehouses in the North East of England to import artificial grass from mainland Europe. He made approximately 15 trips to Amsterdam in 2023 as part of the preparation. In May 2024, customs officers in Holland discovered concealed compartments in the artificial grass rolls containing cocaine. Subsequent raids on Lamb's warehouses revealed evidence from 20 shipments, including 1.5 tonnes of cocaine worth £120 million at street level. The cocaine was hidden in the rolls, with one overlooked kilo found in an empty hide. Lamb accepted delivery of tampered consignments and was arrested.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to fraudulently evade prohibition on importation of a Class A drug. Judge Gavin Doig noted that Lamb played a crucial role in the importation and had set up businesses as a front. Lamb admitted to being an 'idiot' and cited significant health problems.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Philip Profit

Attempted Robbery

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

On January 13, 2024, Philip Profit entered a newsagents and convenience store on Coomassie Road, Blyth, armed with a six-inch chopping knife. He approached the counter with his hood up and wearing gloves, demanding money in a timid voice from the mother and daughter working there. The daughter bravely told him to 'go f*** yourself', causing him to appear confused and leave without any cash. He attempted to evade police by shaving his facial hair but was identified and arrested at his home.

Pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and having a bladed article. Has mental health issues, was addicted to crack cocaine, and under pressure to pay off a drug debt. Judge Edward Bindloss emphasised the courts' duty to protect shop staff.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Chloe Bell

Unlawful wounding

June 26, 2025

Sentence: 18-month community order with rehabilitation requirements, 40 hours unpaid work and £800 compensation

Chloe Bell, after drinking during Ladies Day at Newcastle Racecourse in July of the previous year, got into an argument with her ex-partner's mother, who was babysitting. A scuffle ensued, during which Bell pushed the victim down four concrete outdoor steps, causing a head wound requiring six staples, hand injuries, bruises, and an open laceration to the arm. The victim, aged 59, was close to Bell and suffered emotional distress as well as physical injuries.

Pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding. The judge noted her previous positive character, employment, family responsibilities, remorse, and that she had her hair pulled during the incident.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Adam Watson

Robbery

June 25, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Adam Watson, recently released from prison, went on a crime spree in North Tyneside, targeting shops such as Savers in Wallsend, Asda in North Shields, Home Bargains, Sainsbury's in Whitley Bay, and One Stop in North Shields. On March 13, 2024, he stole washing pods from Savers and threatened a shop worker with a knife when confronted, leaving staff, including a pregnant woman, in fear. He committed further thefts on March 27, 28, 31, April 2, and April 3, 2024, involving aggressive behaviour, threats to stab, and physical altercations during shoplifting incidents.

Pleaded guilty to robbery and a series of other offences, including multiple shop thefts, assault, and using threatening or abusive words or behaviour. Recorder Andrew Latimer noted that the victims were ordinary people doing their jobs and meant him no harm. The defendant was on post-sentence supervision after a previous release and has a history of drug problems and mental health issues.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Gary Slator

Causing Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent

June 24, 2025

Sentence: 8.5 years imprisonment

Gary Slator attacked his then-friend with a machete, swinging at his head during an incident in December 2021. The victim raised his hand to protect himself, resulting in the blade cutting his hand in half and causing permanent, irreversible injury. Slator was in a mental health crisis, had taken drugs and a great deal of alcohol, and the attack occurred outside his house.

Denied the charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent but was convicted by a jury. Was in mental health crisis and had consumed drugs and alcohol at the time. Shows genuine remorse and has no other convictions for violence.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Mark Hansen

Voyeurism

June 24, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

Mark Hansen covertly filmed young girls getting undressed, including one through a gap in curtains at Haven Holiday Centre in Northumberland in 2022. Police seized his phone in September 2022 and found dozens of indecent images downloaded over seven years, with victims aged between four and early teens. Additional recordings included filming through windows and at locations like Flamingo Land, where he captured footage without the victims' knowledge.

Pleaded guilty to three offences of making indecent images and two of voyeurism. No previous convictions. Must sign the sex offenders register and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years. Judge Tim Gittins noted the offences involved roaming around a holiday park to record victims.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Grant Hunter

Strangulation and Assault

June 24, 2025

Sentence: 34 months imprisonment and a five-year restraining order

Grant Hunter, in a relationship since 2023, subjected his partner to two violent attacks. In December 2023, during an argument, he strangled her until she lost consciousness, causing soreness, tunnel vision, and auditory effects. In February 2024, he lost his temper while watching TV, hitting her arm, grabbing her face and jaw, pulling her by the hair, and forcing her head into a wall with such force that it left an indentation. He also wrapped his legs around her and squeezed, leading to her losing control of her bladder. A 16-minute video on his phone captured the incidents, and he had become controlling over time.

Pleaded guilty to strangulation and assault. Judge Recorder Andrew Latimer described the act as dangerous, noting the fine line between the victim waking up and potential tragedy. Defence stated he regrets his actions, has stopped drinking, and is in a new relationship.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Paul Davies

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

June 23, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order with six-month alcohol treatment requirement, £40 fine, and £150 compensation

Paul Davies, while drunk, arrived at his partner's house around 6pm on January 5, 2024. The pair argued, and he bit her on the left side of her neck, refusing to let go until she poked his eyes. He then demanded and received £30 from her for a taxi before leaving. The victim sustained extensive bruising and pain, requiring hospital treatment the following day.

Pleaded guilty to the charge. Has one prior conviction and issues with alcohol. Expressed remorse and shame for his actions, which ended his relationship. He is a services veteran.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Eric Drinkald

Stalking and Battery

June 23, 2025

Sentence: Two years and four months imprisonment and a five-year restraining order

Eric Drinkald physically assaulted his partner in November by punching, slapping, and striking her with a curtain pole and a hoover attachment, causing bruising and swelling. He threw a can of lager at her during the incident. Following their split, he engaged in a campaign of stalking, sending persistent abusive and threatening messages and calls. On New Year's Day, he threatened to smash her windows, attack her home, and burn her car, while comparing himself to Raoul Moat, which left her terrified for her safety and that of her family. This behaviour forced her to change her address and impacted her mental health.

Pleaded guilty to stalking involving serious alarm or distress and battery. Has 69 previous convictions. The judge noted that he intended to instil fear by comparing himself to Raoul Moat and threatening violence.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

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