Newcastle Crown Court Sentencing Results

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

Stanley Miller

Fraud

December 1, 2025

Sentence: ordered to pay back nearly £5.47million

Stanley Miller, a North East fraudster, stole millions of public money through fraudulent activities.

Swindled a staggering amount of money, stripped of his assets and ordered to return his illicit profits.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Stuart Cox

Child Sexual Abuse

November 30, 2025

Sentence: 21 years imprisonment

Stuart Cox committed horrific child sexual abuse.

Eleanor Brown

Revenge Porn

November 30, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Eleanor Brown, 24, posted intimate photos of her father's ex-lover online on an escort website.

Posted intimate pictures of her father's ex-lover on an escort website; has since been released and remains on licence.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Anthony Balfour

Harassment

November 30, 2025

Sentence: £480 fine and £300 compensation

Anthony Balfour, 82, of Graham Park Road in Gosforth, harassed a Jehovah's Witness woman through a persistent and prolonged campaign starting in January 2025. He first approached her at her stall on Shields Road in Byker, visiting weekly to offer or sell books and make comments on her appearance, including an inappropriate remark she interpreted as sexual. Despite her repeated refusals, he continued, escalating by attending her place of worship, the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Newcastle on January 24, 2025, to give her more books. On January 25, 2025, he obtained her address and left books with her husband. He visited her home again a few days later, where she warned him to stay away. On April 3, 2025, he returned to her Byker stall demanding the books back and accusing her of theft. His final interaction was in August 2025 at her new stall on Northumberland Street in Newcastle City Centre. The victim reported anxiety, sleepless nights, and feeling her space invaded. She contacted police, leading to his arrest.

Pleaded guilty to one count of harassment. Subject to a 12-month restraining order banning contact with the victim. Defence claimed misunderstanding and misread social cues; no intent to cause alarm or distress. 18 prior offences, last court appearance in 2009.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Natalie Wolf

Sexual activity with a child

November 29, 2025

Sentence: 3.5 years imprisonment

Natalie Wolf, also known as Ryan Haley, of Shipley Walk in Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, engaged in sexual activity with a child, devastating the victim's life and leaving her with shame, self-doubt, and a sense of disconnection. The victim described the abuse as making her body feel like a battlefield and accused Wolf of destroying her as a child, teenager, and adult. Wolf promoted conspiracy theories claiming the jury was hypnotised or planted, and that the victim hypnotised police, but these were rejected by the judge.

Also known as Ryan Haley. Pleaded not guilty, convicted after trial. Issued indefinite restraining order, sexual harm prevention order, and required to register as sex offender for life. Judge rejected conspiracy theories and commended victim. Has 13 prior convictions, none sexual. Suffers from personality disorder and mental health difficulties.

Sources: walesonline.co.uk

Jacquelin Curtis

Causing Serious Injury by Dangerous Driving

November 28, 2025

Sentence: convicted

Former North East magistrate, formerly of Whitley Bay, has been convicted of leaving a woman seriously injured on the A696 in Northumberland.

Former magistrate convicted of causing serious injury by dangerous driving in head-on smash; prosecutors alleged she had fallen asleep at the wheel.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Alan Peacock

Possession of Illegal Goods

November 27, 2025

Sentence: jailed

Tyneside man found with £100,000 of illegal tobacco and Viagra tablets in home.

Admitted eight offences in relation to illegal tobacco and Viagra tablets seized from his Wallsend home, including cigarettes and Viagra pills.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Caroline Aggas

Assault

November 27, 2025

Sentence: jailed

Newcastle woman kicked, punched and nipped her vulnerable mother then threw water over her. The assault occurred in the mother's home in Benwell.

Connor Searle

GBH

November 27, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Connor Searle, along with two accomplices, forced entry into a couple's home in the West End of Newcastle around 7.45pm on February 17, 2025, while the victims were watching TV. Searle, recognized by the woman from his eyes despite wearing a face covering, repeatedly hit her with a plank of wood taken from inside the property, causing an open fracture to her left arm, bruising to her left flank and leg, and requiring surgery. The accomplices, one armed with a machete, smashed a kitchen window with a spade before fleeing. Searle was arrested a month later in Edinburgh.

Pleaded guilty to GBH. Has 34 previous convictions including for violence. Given a ten year restraining order. Expressed deep regret and shame about his offending.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Michael Hall

Supply of Cocaine

November 27, 2025

Sentence: jailed

North East 'county lines' drug dealer from Gateshead involved in advertising and selling cocaine, generating significant profits over four months.

North East 'county lines' drug dealer who helped rake in up to £107,000 in four months by sending out thousands of bulk messages advertising cocaine for sale.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Steven Hogg

Drunk and disorderly

November 26, 2025

Sentence: three-year football banning order, £120 fine, £85 costs, £48 victim surcharge

On October 21, 2025, Steven Hogg, a 57-year-old Newcastle United fan without a match ticket, was drunk and abusive outside the players' entrance at St James' Park during Newcastle's Champions League clash with Benfica. He shouted, swore, tried to grab paramedics, refused to leave when asked by police, called officers abusive names, and attempted to fight them, leading to his arrest.

Pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly. Has 53 prior offences, suffers from anxiety, depression, and heart issues; alcohol mixed with medication contributed to the incident.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Stephen Lo

Fraud and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child

November 26, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 3 months imprisonment

Stephen Lo, 54, of Rothbury Terrace, Heaton, Newcastle, defrauded St Thomas and St Oswald’s Church in Sunderland where he served as treasurer from July 2022 to April 2024. Over four months from June to October 2023, he wrote nine cheques to himself totaling £7,663.17 using pre-signed blank cheques in a scam, leading to church financial difficulties including overdraft. He fabricated excuses and emails to cover his actions, admitting the theft only when confronted with bank evidence, claiming job loss desperation. Separately, in September 2024, Lo engaged in sexual communication with a fake 12-14 year old profile 'Katie' created by his university student daughter and her friend on TikTok, WhatsApp, and Instagram. He initiated contact, discussed lingerie, bra size, suggested meetings, sent photos of his bare stomach and penis, and continued after learning her supposed age was 8-9, expressing age was irrelevant. Contact ceased after blocking; police were informed via the vicar, leading to arrest and an interim sexual risk order.

Pleaded guilty to nine counts of fraud, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, breaching an interim sexual risk order and failing to comply with notification requirements. Must sign the sex offenders register and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years. Previously sentenced to a community order in May 2025 for eight breaches of an interim sexual risk order and three breaches of interim notification requirements.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Jonathan Paton

Rape

November 26, 2025

Sentence: jailed

North East predator who told teenager 'she should have his baby' once she turned 16. The offences involved a teenager and included grooming.

Andrew Mccreedy

Possessing heroin with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of heroin

November 25, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Police executed a search warrant at Andrew McCreedy's home at Archer Street, Wallsend, on March 31, 2023, seizing 22.4g of heroin worth up to £1,120. He admitted it was all his and not his girlfriend's, who was present. Examination of his phone showed bulk messages advertising heroin supply. He was taking £200 of heroin weekly.

Pleaded guilty. Previous conviction for conspiracy to supply heroin in 2016 (suspended sentence and drug rehabilitation requirement). Also has convictions for possessing heroin, cocaine and amphetamine. Defence noted the amount seized was relatively modest in context of his chronic addiction and supply to a core group of about 20 people.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Stephen Rose

Theft

November 24, 2025

Sentence: 14 weeks imprisonment and £5,000 compensation

On August 24, 2025, Stephen Rose, driving a Mitsubishi Shogun despite being a banned driver with no insurance, parked near a fire engine in Gateshead and stole hydraulic cutters worth £5,000 from its side shutter. The theft was captured on CCTV provided by a station manager to the police. The cutters were never recovered, leaving Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service out of pocket. Rose, formerly of Cowgate and Slatyford but now of no fixed abode, was identified and arrested.

Pleaded guilty to theft, driving while disqualified, and driving with no insurance. Has 109 prior offences, many for theft, burglary, and shoplifting. Was on two suspended sentences and a wanted man at the time. Fell back into drug use and was homeless; has now stopped using drugs and is getting help.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Mark Purvis

Unlawful wounding

November 24, 2025

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Mark Purvis, 60, of Jarrow, assaulted his neighbour in Cleveland Court, Jarrow, South Tyneside, in September 2024. The victim, who moved in next door in 2016, picked up a plank of wood to move Purvis's outdoor camera, which annoyed Purvis. Purvis came out of his door and struck the victim once to the head with a rubber mallet, causing a two-inch laceration that required sutures at hospital. The incident followed a history of ill-feeling, including complaints about noise, cannabis smoking, threats, and counter-allegations. The attack was captured on CCTV. Purvis claimed he acted in self-defence after being woken by loud music and seeing the victim with what looked like a fence post.

Admitted unlawful wounding. Rehabilitation requirements imposed. Residence condition preventing return to Cleveland Court without probation approval. Judge commented that returning would be a 'recipe for disaster'.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Liam Mcclean

Causing serious injury by careless driving

November 24, 2025

Sentence: community order with 240 hours unpaid work and 12 month driving ban

On November 28, 2024, around 10am, Liam McClean, driving a Vauxhall Zafira, turned right from Cauldwell Lane into Woodleigh Road in Monkseaton, North Tyneside, cutting the corner which created a blind spot due to the A-pillar. He failed to see a 75-year-old woman in a highly visible red coat crossing with her dog, striking her with the front near side of his car. She suffered a severe ankle injury leaving her foot hanging by a thread, requiring surgery, a second operation with metal screws and bolts, and 12 days in hospital. Previously active, she now feels trapped, unable to drive, and requires assistance. McClean was looking for parking to visit a cash machine.

Pleaded guilty. No previous convictions. Judge noted he is a dedicated family man and dad-of-four, described as a kind-hearted gentle soul. Expressed genuine remorse.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Brandon Holmwood

Intentional strangulation

November 23, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

On April 22, 2024, Brandon Holmwood, in an on-off relationship with the victim, turned up at her home in Gateshead. After shouting and swearing, she told him to leave and began packing his belongings. He smashed the TV in her bedroom, then lunged at her, pinning her to the bed and strangling her with both hands around her neck, suffocating her. She kicked him off in self-defence. He then shouted 'This is what you make me do', grabbed her hand, and hit her with it while saying 'Why are you hitting yourself?'. He headbutted the door, shouted abuse, and eventually left. The victim suffered PTSD, depression, anxiety, sleep issues, and required counselling; she changed her vehicle registration out of fear.

Found guilty after trial. Made subject of a 10-year restraining order banning contact with the victim. Recorder Tom Moran presided.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Euan Corbett

Causing death by dangerous driving

November 23, 2025

Sentence: 15 years imprisonment

Euan Corbett caused the death of his friend by overturning an Audi A3 in a fatal crash. He fled the country afterwards and was described as a 'wannabe gangster' living a fantasy lifestyle.

Billy Harvey

Robbery

November 21, 2025

Sentence: 80 months imprisonment

On March 1, 2025, Billy Harvey, 26, of Howdon Road, North Shields, committed two robberies in North Shields. First, around 3.20pm, he and Daniel Cowie targeted a One Stop shop on Waterville Road, stealing £27 worth of laundry pods. Cowie, wearing a balaclava, was challenged by the shopkeeper, and Harvey threatened to stab him, gesturing to his pocket, allowing them to escape. Later, Harvey targeted a B&M store, stealing £52.35 worth of laundry pods and £112.50 worth of coffee. Recognized by his distinctively large head via CCTV, he was confronted by supervisor Ms Carrick. Harvey threatened her with a knife, shouting 'I’ll get my knife' and 'I’ll stab you', then slashed at her abdomen with a blade, cutting her uniform jacket but not injuring her. The incident left victims terrified and wary.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and one count of having an offensive weapon. Has 24 previous convictions, including possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. Was on two community orders at the time. Offending linked to crack cocaine addiction following mother's death in 2021.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Craig Howse

Murder

November 21, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment with minimum of 20 years

Craig Howse murdered his best mate Michael Craig in Heaton through a savage attack using six weapons, including a vacuum pipe, in a fit of rage. The incident occurred in Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Found guilty of murdering his friend Michael Craig in a rage-fuelled onslaught using six weapons including a vacuum pipe. Victim's family described the immeasurable impact on their lives.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Daniel Cowie

Robbery

November 21, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

On March 1, 2025, Daniel Cowie, 34, of Minton Lane, North Shields, assisted Billy Harvey in a robbery at a One Stop shop on Waterville Road around 3.20pm. Wearing a balaclava, Cowie entered the store, picked up £27 worth of laundry pods, and attempted to leave. Challenged by the shopkeeper who tried to take the items back, Cowie barged past him. Harvey, at the doorway, threatened the shopkeeper with stabbing, allowing their escape. Cowie did not participate in the second robbery at B&M.

Admitted robbery on the basis that force was limited to barging past the victim and that he did not make any threat or anticipate threats. Has 106 previous convictions. Had been living a law-abiding life with stable accommodation and employment prior to involvement.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

David Corkin

Assault, Strangulation, and Racially Aggravated Harassment

November 20, 2025

Sentence: 12 months suspended for 18 months with 150 hours unpaid work and £500 compensation to male victim and £1,000 to female victim

On June 24, 2024, David Corkin, 54, of Naworth Terrace, Jarrow, assaulted two neighbours while they were drinking. Initially light-hearted jibes with a former friend turned aggressive; Corkin punched the man pre-emptively, leading to a fight on the ground. He then grabbed the woman by the throat, pushing her down, causing her to struggle to breathe, become sick, and chip a tooth. The male victim suffered swelling and bruising to his face. After arrest, while being transported to the police station, Corkin racially abused a white police officer due to his dark hair, beard, and eyes, wrongly assuming he was not white, using vile insults and chanting Tommy Robinson's name. The victims reported feeling unsafe, fearful, and anxious, with the woman installing security cameras.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of assault, strangulation and racially aggravated harassment. Has 17 previous convictions. Recorder Tom Moran noted the foul and disgusting racist abuse towards the officer. Defence stated he was an alcoholic and drug addict at the time, now reformed, working, and remorseful.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kaylee Mcintyre

Burglary

November 20, 2025

Sentence: 9 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months and £200 compensation

On April 26, 2023, in the early hours, Kaylee McIntyre burgled her neighbour's unlocked flat on Wetheral Gardens, Low Fell, Gateshead, while the victim was briefly out buying alcohol. McIntyre, who had been involved in a domestic incident earlier that night and was dropped off nearby by police, entered the flat as a trespasser. When police returned to check on the incident, she deceived them by claiming it was her friend's house and was allowed to stay, despite carrying stolen items. Unfazed, she made five trips to the flat, stealing a television, Alexa device, PlayStation 4 and two controllers, two vases, a jewellery box with earrings, a passport, and a spare house key, valued at up to £1,370. None of the items were recovered. The victim suffered emotional and mental distress from the intrusion.

Pleaded guilty to burglary. Has 16 previous convictions, including nine for theft. Recorder Caroline Sellars noted the brazen nature of the offence, continuing after deceiving police. Difficult upbringing and mental health struggles mentioned in mitigation.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Mohamad Alam

Being concerned in the supply of cannabis, magic mushrooms and LSD

November 20, 2025

Sentence: 2 years suspended for 18 months with 200 hours unpaid work

Mohamad Alam, 23, of Park Crescent, Shiremoor, North Tyneside, transitioned from heavy cannabis user to dealer after accruing debt from his habit, which started due to a knee injury requiring surgery. Between early 2022 and October 2023, he sent 2,719 bulk marketing messages from his phone offering drugs for sale, including cannabis, magic mushrooms, and LSD. Bank accounts showed £41,000 credited to one account (£32,000 from third parties) and £23,000 to another (£2,897 from third parties), correlating with drug sales. Offending discovered in January 2023 via another man's phone. In March 2023, police raided his home, seizing cannabis worth over £300, scales, and £220 cash. He initially denied involvement but later pleaded guilty.

Pleaded guilty. Of previous good character. Became involved due to debt from heavy cannabis use following knee injury. Has distanced himself from former peers, demonstrated remorse, and is now in employment with caring responsibilities for his mother.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Ian Stubbs

Arson

November 19, 2025

Sentence: 12 month suspended sentence with 100 hours unpaid work and £330 compensation

On the afternoon of April 12, 2025, at Felling Metro Station in Gateshead, Ian Stubbs, under the influence of alcohol and drugs, lit a firework in his hand and deliberately threw it onto a patch of oil or flammable liquid on the ground, setting alight and completely destroying a parked 15-year-old Ford S-Max owned by an unknown victim. The incident was captured on dash cam footage from another vehicle, showing Stubbs looking around before throwing the firework. He was identified via facial recognition software on a police database after images were shown to the car owner.

Pleaded guilty to arson. Recorder Tom Moran noted it was a deliberate act of drunken stupidity and mischief. Has 28 previous convictions, including a 5-year jail term for robbery in 1995. Described as remorseful; a one-off incident influenced by drink and drugs.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Gareth Henry

False imprisonment and battery

November 19, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Gareth Henry falsely imprisoned and assaulted two sex workers in separate incidents in Sunderland. On February 6, 2025, he picked up an escort, took her to his caravan, and refused to let her leave after sex, pinning her to the bed and assaulting her to get her phone while police arrived. She was rescued after texting an Uber driver for help. He assaulted a female police officer during arrest and fled, later found with cannabis. On March 5, 2025, he visited a masseur's premises, became aggressive over payment, pushed her, prevented her from calling police, and blocked her escape attempt before she fled and alerted authorities.

Convicted after trial of two counts of false imprisonment and two counts of battery. Pleaded guilty to assault with intent to resist arrest and possession of cannabis. No previous convictions. Defence noted cocaine use as downfall, now drug and alcohol free in custody.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

David Straughan

Assault and intentional strangulation

November 18, 2025

Sentence: 7.5 years imprisonment with 12-month extended licence

David Straughan, 37, formerly of Sunderland, subjected two former partners to a series of violent assaults. On the first victim, who was 12 weeks pregnant, he punched her multiple times, kicked her, struck her causing her eardrum to pop, strangled her, headbutted her, bit her chin, and stamped on her stomach twice, leading to a miscarriage the next day (though no medical evidence links the two). On the second victim, he assaulted her to prevent her from going on holiday by removing a lightbulb to trap her in darkness, putting a pillow over her face and sitting on it to suffocate her, threatening her with a knife, strangling her, and breaching a non-molestation order by continuing contact. Both victims suffered lasting trauma including flashbacks.

Admitted three offences of assault and one of intentional strangulation on first victim; admitted intentional strangulation, intentional suffocation, threatening with a bladed article and two breaches of a non-molestation order on second victim. Judge noted significant risk of very serious harm to future partners. Has previous convictions and difficult upbringing but good work ethic.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Sean Forster

Fraud

November 18, 2025

Sentence: 2 years suspended for 2 years with 300 hours unpaid work and £150 costs

Sean Forster, a managing director at Arriva PLC from 2014 to 2022, used his company credit card for personal expenses between 2017 and 2022, totaling £100,737. Expenditures included rental properties, groceries, a camping holiday, garden equipment, and home supplies. The fraud was discovered in November 2022 during an internal investigation, leading to his admission and dismissal for gross misconduct. He had worked at the company since 1993 and earned a six-figure salary.

Pleaded guilty to fraud. No previous convictions. Described as remorseful and devastated. Obtained another senior management role post-dismissal. Civil judgment made but assets frozen, unable to pay yet. Judge noted culture of spending on company cards and lack of oversight.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

William Offer

Supply of cocaine and cannabis

November 17, 2025

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

William Offer, 30, of Highbury Park, London, acted as a courier in a drug distribution network led by Malachi Jamieson, delivering cocaine and cannabis to customers across the North East. On July 2022, he was caught supplying drugs from a Skoda car on Grosvenor Road in Jesmond, with further quantities found during a strip search. Mobile phone evidence showed he confirmed deals with thumbs up emojis in group chats and was directed by Jamieson on multiple occasions that day.

Admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis and possessing cocaine, MDMA, amphetamine, cannabis and ketamine with intent to supply. Involved on only five days, motivated by his own drug addiction from university days. Has since built a better life and stayed out of trouble.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Malachi Jamieson

Supply of cocaine and cannabis

November 17, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Malachi Jamieson, 29, of Orme Close, Manchester, coordinated hundreds of drug deals via encrypted Signal app group chats, directing couriers including William Offer to distribute cocaine, cannabis, and other narcotics across the North East, including Newcastle and Durham. The operation was uncovered in July 2022 when police witnessed a deal on Grosvenor Road in Jesmond, leading to the discovery of drugs in a hire car and £950 cash on Jamieson. He played a leading role in supplying large quantities of drugs, fueled by his own drug use.

Admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis between January 2022 and March 2022 and possessing criminal property. Previously received a suspended sentence for drug dealing. Has since found employment and addressed his drug problem.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Dean Thompson

Theft and Burglary

November 17, 2025

Sentence: 26 months imprisonment

On March 18, 2025, Dean Thompson visited his former partner while she was house-sitting for her new partner at a property in Hebburn. He became aware of £30,000 cash hidden beneath the floorboards, stole it, and boasted about it to a taxi driver before leaving it in the cab, which was later returned. On June 3, 2025, he broke into the victim's home, stealing a bottle of alcohol, cheese, and two knives, captured on CCTV. The victim felt unsafe and in fear of further targeting after word spread about the cash.

Pleaded guilty to theft and burglary. Has 98 previous convictions, including burglary and other dishonesty offences. Difficult childhood and long history of substance misuse and addiction. Taken steps to address offending behaviour while remanded in custody.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Ethan Forster

Strangulation and battery

November 17, 2025

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months with 9-month drug rehabilitation requirement and mental health treatment requirement

On August 22, 2025, Ethan Forster, 28, of Villette Path, Sunderland, attacked his partner of six years at their home in Sunderland after taking five Valium tablets against her wishes. He strangled her by pinning her to the bed with both hands around her neck, preventing her from breathing, then pushed her to the floor, grabbed her arms, and bit the left side of her face beside her lip, saying 'If I can't have you, no one can'. The victim suffered bruising to her arms and reddening to her face and neck, fled the scene, and reported being terrified, losing her home, friends, and family, with ongoing nightmares.

Pleaded guilty to strangulation and battery. Has 11 previous convictions. Difficult and sad childhood mentioned in mitigation. Restraining order imposed.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Dominic Mcglen

Possession of a weapon in a private place and possession of cannabis

November 16, 2025

Sentence: £120 fine, £40 costs, £48 victim surcharge

On May 17, 2025, police searched Dominic McGlen's home in Lemington due to unrelated matters and discovered a long, curved sword hidden in a wardrobe in his bedroom, along with jars of cannabis throughout the property. The 29-year-old resident of Sugley Street has a history of possessing weapons.

Pleaded guilty. Has 26 prior offences including three for carrying weapons. Claimed the sword was an antique from his father and he was unaware it was illegal to possess in private.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Michael Raine

Possession of knives

November 15, 2025

Sentence: 23 months imprisonment

Michael Raine, then 35 from Grace House, Percy Main, North Shields, was arrested two days after the stabbing of Fise Ames Abdou on March 5, 2022, and admitted to carrying blades and wearing a stab vest in connection with drug dealing activities.

Pleaded guilty to possession of knives and wearing a stab vest while carrying out drug dealing.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Sean Blount

Drink-driving

November 15, 2025

Sentence: 20 months driving ban, £120 fine, £40 costs, £48 victim surcharge

Sean Blount, 50, of Newcastle, consumed alcohol at The Strawberry pub in Newcastle city centre and was more than two times over the legal limit (88mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, limit 35mcg) when he drove his VW vehicle on September 13, 2025. Concerned pub staff reported him to police, who stopped him nearby. He failed a roadside breath test.

Pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol, driving without insurance and otherwise than in accordance with a licence. No previous convictions.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Shaun Riches

Manslaughter

November 15, 2025

Sentence: 14.5 years imprisonment

Shaun Riches, aged 24 from Wycliffe Avenue, Kenton, Newcastle, participated in the stabbing of Fise Ames Abdou on March 5, 2022, at a home on Marshall Wallis Road in South Shields. Fise was watching a film and eating ice cream when he was stabbed at least seven times in both legs, severing a vein and causing him to bleed to death.

Found guilty of manslaughter but cleared of murder. Pleaded guilty to possession of knives.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Sharon Takacs

Assaulting an emergency worker, being drunk and disorderly, criminal damage

November 15, 2025

Sentence: £461 fine, £50 compensation to police officer, £50 compensation to hotel, £184 victim surcharge, £85 costs

On October 1, 2025, Sharon Takacs, aged 41, of Dalkeith Place, Hawick, Scottish Borders, became drunk and abusive at the Britannia Hotel in Newcastle while preparing for a flight to Cyprus the next day. She argued with staff about non-existent upper floors, made loud noises in the lift, threw items at staff calling them 'paedos', damaged an internal door while being escorted out by police, and spat in an officer's face hitting his chest and face. She was arrested and taken to Forth Banks Police Station.

Pleaded guilty. One prior conviction from 2014. Expressed shame and embarrassment. Works on dementia ward for local authority in Hawick.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Thomas Dalton

GBH

November 14, 2025

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment

In July 2025, during a dispute fueled by jealousy and insecurity, Thomas Dalton pushed his partner towards a car. She ended up in the passenger seat with her legs outside, and he slammed the car door on her legs, causing a fracture to her right knee and other bruising. The incident was captured on CCTV. When police arrived, she was shaking and crying.

Admitted GBH. Has 45 previous convictions, including GBH with intent for which he received an indefinite sentence for public protection in 2006 with a minimum term of six years. Shows considerable remorse; had lapsed into taking cocaine and too much alcohol. Had a poor start to life.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Paul Carman

Burglary and fraud by false representation

November 14, 2025

Sentence: 39 months imprisonment

On May 19, 2025, Paul Carman posed as a council worker dealing with a rat problem to trick his way into the home of a 98-year-old woman living alone in the West End of Newcastle. He entered as a trespasser while she searched for a garage key, spending 10 to 15 minutes inside, and stole her purse containing her bank card, bus pass, cash, and loyalty cards. He later used the bank card to buy whisky and place a £20 bet, winning nearly £300. He was identified via CCTV image released to the media focusing on his clothing and distinctive tattoo, leading to his arrest.

Pleaded guilty to burglary and two counts of fraud by false representation. Has nine previous convictions and was on a community order and suspended sentence at the time. Apologised in a letter to the court. Alcoholism noted as a factor; first time in prison and has engaged positively with courses in custody.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Paul Tubman

Driving with excess alcohol

November 13, 2025

Sentence: £120 fine, £40 costs, £48 victim surcharge, driving ban

On October 1, 2025, Paul Tubman, 58, of Brough Court in Heaton, was driving a BMW through Heaton with no lights on and struggling to pull away. Police stopped him on Heaton Park Road, found him intoxicated (83mcg alcohol in 100ml breath, limit 35mcg), and he failed a roadside breath test after officers couldn't understand his slurred speech.

Pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. Had one previous conviction for being in charge of a vehicle while over the alcohol limit. Consumed alcohol due to mental health issues and concern for ill mother.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Sarath Sivaji

Arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence

November 13, 2025

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

Sarath Sivaji, a 38-year-old married father and PhD student from Knoll Court, Newcastle, connected with a profile on a dating site posing as a 20-year-old, which later revealed itself as a sexually experienced 14-year-old boy on Snapchat. He engaged in sexual conversations, offered to show the boy around Newcastle University while emphasizing discretion due to the age, and arranged a meeting at Newcastle Central Station in February 2025 for intimacy. Upon arrival, he was arrested by police in a sting operation. Sivaji, who came to the UK from India in 2022, was in the final months of a four-year doctorate but was suspended after arrest.

Admitted arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence. Ordered to sign the sex offenders register and abide by a sexual harm prevention order for 15 years. Recorder Tom Moran noted he was ultimately trying to arrange penetrative sexual activity. Had been drinking excessively but has taken steps to address it. Suspended from PhD studies.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Ian Hudson

Attempted Rape

November 13, 2025

Sentence: 9 years imprisonment with extended licence of 5 years

On December 30, 2024, Ian Hudson stalked a woman in her 60s through the quiet streets of Sunderland late at night as she walked home from shopping. He emerged from a doorway, followed her while mumbling incoherently, and ignored her request to walk ahead. When she sat in a bus stop hoping he would pass, he entered the shelter and violently attacked her, pushing her back, throttling her, gouging her eyes, biting her thumb, sexually assaulting her, and attempting to rape her. The victim fought back and screamed for help. A student passing by heard her cries, including shouts of 'he's trying to rape me', intervened, chased Hudson after he fled, and restrained him with help from another member of the public until police arrived. At the police station, Hudson exposed himself to a female officer and assaulted her by pushing her into a Christmas tree.

Convicted after trial of attempted rape, assault by penetration, two counts of assault and strangulation against the woman, and assaulting the Good Samaritan. Pleaded guilty to exposure and assaulting an emergency worker. Must sign the sex offenders register and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order. Has 17 previous convictions, including two for arson and one for wounding.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Frances Leach

Fraud

November 12, 2025

Sentence: 2 years suspended for 2 years with 300 hours unpaid work

Frances Leach, an estate agent managing properties for Signature North East in Tynemouth, stole £62,264 from client accounts between March 2023 and February 2024 by disguising transfers as refunds using fake names. She also fraudulently used £4,010 from company accounts to pay her rent and for work at a property in Ponteland. The theft was discovered in November 2023 when managing director Mark Small noticed declining profits and investigated, revealing hidden transactions. Leach provided no explanation and left the company in February 2024. Mr Small repaid clients from his own pocket, suffered severe stress leading to illness, and invested £250,000 to recover the business, which lost £200,000 in further business.

Pleaded guilty to two fraud offences. Prior conviction for drink driving in 2017. Remorseful, in toxic relationship leading to debt, now working at racing yard and studying at university.

Sources: bristolpost.co.uk

Endri Rexha

Producing cannabis

November 12, 2025

Sentence: 30 weeks imprisonment

On July 9, 2025, police raided a house in Jarrow, South Tyneside, after reports of a cannabis farm. Officers found 100 cannabis plants being cultivated in three bedrooms and the living room. Endri Rexha, 20, of no fixed address, was lying on a bed in the kitchen during the raid.

Pleaded guilty to producing cannabis. In the UK unlawfully. Time-served after four months in custody.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Rremzi Ferati

Producing cannabis

November 12, 2025

Sentence: 36 weeks imprisonment

On July 9, 2025, police raided a house in Jarrow, South Tyneside, after reports of a cannabis farm. Officers found 100 cannabis plants being cultivated in three bedrooms and the living room. Rremzi Ferati, 23, of no fixed address, was upstairs and jumped from a bathroom window during the raid but was detained.

Pleaded guilty to producing cannabis. In the UK unlawfully. Longer sentence due to age. Time-served.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Reece Parish

Robbery and violent disorder

November 11, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 1 month imprisonment

On July 10, 2025, Reece Parish and Sam Asgari-Tabar stole a BMW 3 series from a house in Fenham by pretending to buy it and driving off with the female owner inside the vehicle. Parish was driving at the time of the theft. They ejected her after she resisted. Later, during a police chase, Parish was involved in the dangerous driving that led to the crash into Highcliffe Care Home in Witherwack, Sunderland, injuring multiple elderly residents. Parish also admitted to violent disorder in relation to the Sunderland riots on August 2, 2024.

Pleaded guilty to robbery and violent disorder during the Sunderland riots on August 2, 2024. Has nine previous convictions.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Sam Asgari-Tabar

Robbery and causing serious injury by dangerous driving

November 11, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 8 months imprisonment, 7 years and 7 months driving ban

On July 10, 2025, Sam Asgari-Tabar and Reece Parish attended a house in Fenham pretending to buy a BMW 3 series for £1,600. They tricked the owner into giving them a lift to a cashpoint, then stole the car by driving off with the woman inside. They ejected her from the vehicle after she resisted. Later, while fleeing police on the A1231 in Washington, Asgari-Tabar drove the stolen BMW dangerously, exceeding 100mph, going through a red light, and driving on the wrong side of the road. He lost control and crashed into Highcliffe Care Home in Witherwack, Sunderland, causing the first floor to collapse onto the ground floor lounge. This resulted in serious injuries to several elderly residents, including a 94-year-old woman with dementia who suffered fractured vertebrae and had to be dug out of rubble by firefighters. The building suffered £260,000 in damage and the home lost £411,000 overall.

Pleaded guilty to robbery and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Was on a suspended sentence for assaulting his parents and banned from driving for drug driving at the time. Has 21 previous convictions including for robbery.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Jack Anderson

Riot

November 11, 2025

Sentence: 2 years in a young offenders institution

Jack Anderson, then 18, participated in the Sunderland riot last August by draping a Union Flag around his shoulders, filming the crowd with his face covered, and throwing missiles at the police line while under the influence of alcohol and cocaine. The crowd baited police, threw projectiles, and set off flares, resulting in injuries to officers. He was spotted on CCTV and arrested, claiming no memory of the events due to intoxication.

Pleaded guilty to riot. No previous convictions. Consumed alcohol and cocaine prior to the incident. Judge noted he was swept up in the disgraceful behaviour and threw two missiles at police in close proximity. Difficult childhood but exemplary work ethic.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

James Murdoch

Causing death by careless driving

November 10, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment and disqualified from driving for 20 months

On January 27, 2023, James Murdoch, a 43-year-old DPD delivery driver from Jacques Terrace, Chester-le-Street, was reversing his work van in a car park outside the Haltwhistle residential home in Northumberland. Due to a blind spot, he failed to see 77-year-old Victoria Blair, who was crossing the car park using a walker after visiting local shops. The van either struck her or came so close that she fell while trying to avoid it, suffering serious injuries. Mrs Blair was hospitalized but died a week later on February 3, 2023. Murdoch checked mirrors but did not exit the van to verify the area before reversing. After the incident, he assisted briefly but left to continue deliveries before police located him. The court highlighted that using his usual van with safety features likely would have avoided the tragedy.

Pleaded not guilty, found guilty after trial. Judge noted the van lacked safety features like reversing camera and alarm, which might have prevented the tragedy. Defendant expressed remorse and started a petition for mandatory reversing cameras on delivery vans.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

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