Newcastle Crown Court Sentencing Results

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

Jonathon Olley

Assault

November 10, 2025

Sentence: 10 weeks imprisonment

Jonathon Olley, 38, from Gateshead, spat on his partner and subjected her to assaults in a controlling relationship.

Daniel Lumsden

Breaching restraining order

November 10, 2025

Sentence: jailed

Daniel Lumsden, 37, from Tyneside, beat up his girlfriend and was jailed for breaching a restraining order after approaching her in the street.

Ross Hamilton

Supply of class C drugs

November 10, 2025

Sentence: fined

Ross Hamilton, a 'one man band' drug dealer from Winlaton, supplied three class C drugs to help fund his own habit.

Supplied 192 tablets of class C drugs - Etizolam, Bromazolam and Zopiclone - to fund own habit

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Daniel Ley

Grievous bodily harm

November 9, 2025

Sentence: imprisonment

Daniel Ley drove at a Throckley brickworks manager in a shocking incident following a row.

Deliberately drove HGV into Newcastle factory manager after row; tried to cause GBH, caught on CCTV.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Darren Smart

Being concerned in the supply of a class A drug

November 9, 2025

Sentence: 19 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 6 months mental health treatment requirement, 9 months alcohol treatment requirement

Darren Smart, 46, was enlisted as an employee in the drug operation at David Bell's home on Gordon Road in Byker, Newcastle, helping to sell individual wraps of cocaine to users between September 26 and 29, 2019. Police surveillance saw customers entering and leaving, and a raid found 23 wraps of 85% pure cocaine and £120 cash. One customer was arrested with cocaine shortly after leaving.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of a class A drug. Had 74 previous offences. Suffered from significant drug addiction; has since moved away from Byker.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Daryl Greener

Assault on a prison officer

November 9, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment

North East inmate Daryl Greener fractured a prison guard's jaw following paranoid behaviour, leading to an assault on the officer.

David Bell

Possession with intent to supply a class A drug and money laundering

November 9, 2025

Sentence: 24 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, 250 hours unpaid work

David Bell, 55, operated his home on Gordon Road in Byker, Newcastle, as a busy retail shop selling individual wraps of cocaine to users between September 26 and 29, 2019. Police surveillance observed frequent customers entering and leaving, with suspicious transactions. A raid found 23 wraps of 85% pure cocaine in an electrical box, valued at £20 each, and £120 cash. Bell and his partner claimed benefits but received over £7,000 in her account, transferred to him.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a class A drug and money laundering. Had 25 previous convictions for 13 offences. Takes full responsibility; bereaved at the time; no offences since; actively seeking employment.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Corey Owen Cooper

Causing death by dangerous driving

November 9, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Corey Owen Cooper caused the death of his friend Josh Atkins in a car accident shortly after passing his driving test. He uttered 'I've killed my best friend' upon realising the fatal outcome.

Kelly Donkin

Being concerned in the supply of a class A drug

November 9, 2025

Sentence: 19 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days

Kelly Donkin, 43, assisted in the drug operation at David Bell's home on Gordon Road in Byker, Newcastle, by banking cash and managing the shop, selling individual wraps of cocaine to users between September 26 and 29, 2019. Police surveillance and raid uncovered 23 wraps of 85% pure cocaine and £120 cash. She received over £7,000 in her bank account from the operation, which was transferred to Bell.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of a class A drug. Had old previous convictions. Involvement limited to opening doors for customers.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Elaine Wood

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

November 9, 2025

Sentence: £200 fine, £200 compensation

On October 20, 2024, Elaine Wood, 55, of York Drive in Wallsend, entered Barnardo's charity shop in Wallsend's Forum Shopping Centre under the influence of alcohol and demanded a refund for an item bought by her mother, which was outside the 14-day returns policy. After being refused and told to leave, she claimed the shop assistant pushed her as she tried to exit. She then struck the victim in the face with the back of her hand, repeatedly punched her around the head and face, pulled out clumps of her hair, causing them to fall over. The victim suffered severe swelling and bruising to her face and head, requiring a hospital CT scan, pain in her knee, and lost her glasses. Wood sustained a cut to her head from falling. Security separated them.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Ordered to pay £80 costs and £80 victim surcharge. Has previous convictions but stayed out of trouble since 2017. Claimed self-defence but lost temper after being pushed while leaving the store.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Howard Phillips

Attempting to communicate secrets

November 9, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment

Howard Phillips attempted to spy for what he believed to be Russian intelligence service agents.

Iain Frizzle

Distributing indecent images of children

November 9, 2025

Sentence: imprisonment

Iain Frizzle shared indecent images of children with other offenders and possessed extreme animal pornography.

Washington paedophile shared child abuse images with other perverts and had extreme animal porn.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Pankaj Bedi

Controlling or coercive behaviour

November 8, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 150 hours unpaid work

Pankaj Bedi engaged in controlling or coercive behaviour towards his wife during their marriage, including verbal abuse by calling her a 'b**ch' and 'prostitute', accusing her of extra-marital affairs, financial demands, and isolating her from friends and family. The victim reported him to police after realizing the behaviour was abnormal, leading to his arrest.

Pleaded guilty. Judge commented on remorse and hoped not to see him again. Restraining order imposed.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Ross Mcmullen

Supply of Class A drugs

November 7, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Ross McMullen, 38, of Eastgarth, Newbiggin Hall, was involved in a cocaine conspiracy as part of an organised crime group. Between April and June 2020, he received and distributed 4.25kg of cocaine sourced by Manco, with 2.75kg supplied onward, valued at £165,000 to £275,000 on the street. Communication was via EncroChat.

Found guilty after a nine-day trial. Responsible for receiving and distributing drugs on behalf of Manco.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Gaetano Manco

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

November 7, 2025

Sentence: 11 years imprisonment

Gaetano Manco, 36, of Beamish View, Birtley, was involved in a cocaine conspiracy as part of an organised crime group uncovered by Operation Venetic. Between April and June 2020, he sourced 4.25kg of cocaine with a wholesale value of £161,250, which was then supplied to others at 2.75kg with a street value of £165,000 to £275,000. He communicated via EncroChat encrypted device to coordinate dealing.

Found guilty after a nine-day trial. Played a leading role in sourcing large quantities of cocaine.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kane Sams

Assaulting an emergency worker

November 7, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

On October 7, 2025, Kane Sams, 35, of Oabam House, Dunholme Road, Elswick, Newcastle, barricaded himself in his room at a property he was staying at while intoxicated from drinking and drugs. He threw items at staff who entered, prompting a police call. When police arrived, including a firearms officer, Sams sprayed flames towards an officer using an aerosol can, threw talcum powder, broke a window, and threw glasses, plates, and a half-full can of cider that struck an officer's wrist causing pain. He also threw a glass and shouted provocatively. The incident caused £700 in damage. Sams had previously threatened to burn the property down.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of assaulting an emergency worker, common assault, affray, criminal damage and threatening to damage property. He was on licence when he committed the crimes. Appeared via video link from Durham prison.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Jason Campbell

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

November 7, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Jason Campbell, 41, of Walker Road, Newcastle, was involved in a cocaine conspiracy as part of an organised crime group. Between April and June 2020, he acted as a courier transporting drugs and cash related to the distribution of 4.25kg of cocaine, with 2.75kg supplied to others valued at £165,000 to £275,000 on the street.

Found guilty after a nine-day trial. Acted as a courier moving drugs and criminal cash.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Margaret Brown

Burglary

November 6, 2025

Sentence: 29 months imprisonment

Margaret Brown, 40, of Allensgreen, Cramlington, and her partner Matthew Thain, 34, targeted elderly women in Blyth by posing as window cleaners or offering to cut grass to gain access to their homes. On June 10, 2025, they approached an 84-year-old woman's home, where Thain claimed to be the son of her window cleaner, entered the kitchen under the pretense of filling a bucket, and left without stealing. They then went to an 86-year-old woman's home, where she paid Thain £10 to clean windows and £20 to cut grass later. Brown asked for tea, and while inside, they entered the bedroom with Thain using the toilet as an excuse. The woman's purse containing £130 cash and other personal belongings was stolen. They were confronted by the woman's son and daughter, claimed to be returning an extension cable, and fled. The victim's son tracked them down and alerted police, leading to their arrest.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary on the basis that she was present but did not take any property. Has 20 previous convictions for 48 offences, including burglary over 10 years ago. Remained offence free since 2010 until relationship with Thain. Now drug free in prison. Judge noted she was seeking to take advantage of the kindness of elderly victims, was remorseful, and led astray to some extent by Thain. Indefinite restraining order imposed.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Liam Herron

Intentional strangulation and assault by beating

November 5, 2025

Sentence: 13 months imprisonment suspended for 21 months, 150 hours unpaid work, 20 rehabilitation days

On June 7, 2025, at the victim's property in County Durham, Liam Herron, 27, of Clark Terrace, Shield Row, Stanley, argued with his then-partner about going out. After being slapped, he pushed her against a wall, attempted to take her phone, and during the struggle on the kitchen floor, grabbed her throat with such force she couldn't breathe and believed she would die. The attack stopped when a neighbour intervened after hearing screams. She sustained scratches, bruises, and neck reddening. Separately, on January 28, 2025, Herron assaulted a child by making an aggressive movement while the child sat on his knee, causing them to cry.

Pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation and assault by beating. No previous convictions. Judge Penny Moreland imposed a six-month mental health requirement and an indefinite restraining order. Ordered to pay £187 surcharge within 14 days. Expressed remorse and shame; suffers from long-standing mental health difficulties linked to childhood trauma.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Liam Wilde

Violent disorder

November 4, 2025

Sentence: 20 month prison sentence, suspended for two years; 200 hours unpaid work; 40 rehabilitation days; £187 surcharge

Liam Wilde, 25, of Honister Drive, Sunderland, was involved in the Sunderland riot on August 2, 2024. While drunk in the city centre, he joined the violence in Keel Square, filmed the disorder on his mobile phone, picked up a stone, and threw it with significant force at the police line. The riot involved attacks on police officers, injuries to officers and police dogs, damage and looting of businesses, and racist language. He handed himself in after being identified from circulated images. In interview, he admitted to drinking with a friend, not being aware of the protest initially, regretting his actions, and stated he wouldn't have acted that way if sober.

Pleaded guilty. No previous convictions. Described as a caring and sensitive young man who showed genuine remorse. Involvement out of character due to being drunk and caught up in the moment.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Alison Kennard

Owner of a dangerously out of control dog causing injury

November 4, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 12 month alcohol abstinence treatment requirement, £500 compensation, 5 year ban from owning dogs

On April 7, 2025, a South Tyneside housing officer visited Alison Kennard's home on Norham Avenue North, South Shields, for an appointment. As he entered the garden, he was attacked by Kennard's Staffy-type dog Tyson and another dog Hank. The dogs bit his legs and feet, dragging him to the ground, causing deep wounds and a fractured foot. He feared for his life, required hospital treatment including tetanus injection and antibiotics, and suffered night terrors, panic attacks, depression, and trauma requiring therapy. He can no longer compete, train, or teach kickboxing as a former world champion. Tyson had previously attacked a 15-year-old girl in 2020, leading to a destruction order in 2021 (appealed successfully with conditions including muzzling), and Kennard received a six-month community order for that incident. Tyson was not muzzled during the second attack.

Pleaded guilty. First time in custody, vulnerable with learning difficulties, remorseful, alcohol dependent seeking treatment. Dog Tyson put down. Recorder Rebecca Brown noted willingness to engage with support.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Cale Mort

Dangerous driving

November 3, 2025

Sentence: 12 month community order, 180 hours unpaid work, 20 rehabilitation days, 6 month electronic curfew, 2 year driving ban

On July 8, 2025, Cale Mort, 23, of Augusta Square, Farringdon, Sunderland, was driving along the Coast Road in South Tyneside at speed when police attempted to pull him over. He fled with lights off, driving erratically in the middle of the road, swerving, on the wrong side of the road, and overtaking vehicles at speeds up to 80mph. Police abandoned the chase due to danger but caught up after he crashed into traffic lights near STACK in Seaburn. He was arrested and stated he 'had a lot going on'.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving. No previous convictions. Incident described as out of character due to personal issues including moving home and self-medicating with cannabis.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Michael Cogdon

Grievous Bodily Harm

November 3, 2025

Sentence: 32 months imprisonment

On April 20, 2024, Michael Cogdon, 37, of Lichfield Road, Sunderland, subjected his then-partner to a vicious domestic attack while she drove them back from Roker Beach along Wessington Way in Sunderland. He grabbed the steering wheel, causing her to slam the brakes, then punched her in the face, smashed the car windscreen, and grabbed her by the throat, applying pressure. The victim believed she was going to be killed. Cogdon pulled her from the car, continued the assault while calling her abusive names, and left her crying and bloodied on the dual-carriageway. She tried to flag down motorists and was assisted by a passerby. Cogdon fled in her car. The victim suffered a laceration to her nose requiring stitches and deep tissue trauma, and has since moved out of the area.

Pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm. Has nine previous convictions for 16 offences, including prior assaults on partners. Expressed regret and is addressing alcohol and drug problems through therapy. Indefinite restraining order imposed.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Scott Hamilton

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage

November 3, 2025

Sentence: 13 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 270 hours unpaid work, 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days, £3,000 compensation, £1,630 court costs

On May 20, 2023, Scott Hamilton, 36, of Dean Gardens, Houghton-le-Spring, and his partner were drinking at the Queen Vic pub in Sunderland before taking an Uber home. While driving over Wearmouth Bridge, the driver's partner began retching, leading the driver to stop and inquire about a potential £80 soiling charge. Hamilton became abusive, prompting the driver to cancel the journey and ask them to exit. Hamilton then escalated the situation by punching the driver several times in the face, throwing an air freshener can that injured the victim above the eye, hitting him again to the back of the head, ripping off the rear view mirror, and smashing the driver-side window. The driver sustained head injuries and lost approximately £3,000 in earnings due to time off work and vehicle damage. He now feels anxious when picking up customers.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage on the day of trial. Has seven previous convictions for 10 offences, including battery and being drunk and disorderly. Expressed remorse; incident described as spontaneous loss of temper after drinking alcohol. Father-of-two and works as an electrician.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Stephen Poulton

Rape

November 1, 2025

Sentence: 33 years imprisonment

Stephen Poulton, a sadistic North East paedophile, raped three girls in separate incidents.

Lewis Spence

Rape and sexual assault

November 1, 2025

Sentence: 4.5 years imprisonment

Lewis Spence raped and sexually assaulted his ex-partner, the mother of his child, on multiple occasions in their shared home in Fawdon, Newcastle, after their daughter was born in 2019. The attacks occurred despite her protests, and he manipulated her into believing nothing was wrong. She reported him to police in late 2022 with help from her father, but court backlogs delayed the process until sentencing in November 2025.

Robert Wilkinson

Attempted sexual communication with a child

October 31, 2025

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

Robert Wilkinson, 68, of Redewood Close, East Denton, Newcastle, communicated sexually with someone who claimed to be a 13-year-old girl in Sweden via Kik, making comments about her age and sending sexual images, describing her as 'the hottest 13-year-old he had ever seen'. Police seized his computer equipment after notification from the National Crime Agency about uploads from his IP address, finding over 100 indecent images of children aged 5-11, including category A images, and extreme pornography involving a woman and a dog. He admitted the offences, stating he was bored and going through a difficult time, denying attraction to children. It could not be established if the 'child' was real or posing.

Pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child, three offences of making indecent images of children, and possessing extreme pornography. No previous convictions. Must sign the sex offenders register and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years. Judge Stephen Earl noted the seriousness of the offending.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Dominic Hewison

Assault

October 30, 2025

Sentence: 19 months imprisonment

On December 24, 2024, Dominic Hewison, 35, of Shakespeare Street, Sunderland, assaulted his sleeping girlfriend in bed by repeatedly striking her over the head with a metal cosh or baton and then strangling her with both hands for around a minute until she feared for her life. The victim suffered bruising and swelling to her face and marks around her neck. Emergency services responded to multiple calls about a violent domestic incident in the early hours, finding the victim outside, crying, distressed, physically injured, and terrified. Armed officers tasered Hewison before arresting him after the victim claimed he had a gun.

Admitted assault. Given a 10-year restraining order to protect the victim. Judge noted he had been drinking, used an offensive weapon (baton), and strangled the victim while she was asleep. Has mental health problems, good work ethic, and is not heavily convicted.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Dane Peace

Violent disorder and burglary

October 29, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 4 months imprisonment

Dane Peace, a 30-year-old bathroom fitter from Knollside Close, Sunderland, participated in riots in Sunderland city centre on August 2, 2024, while drunk and under the influence of cocaine. He confronted police outside Aldi, threw missiles at them outside The Yard building, kicked and threw metal beer kegs at its ground floor window. He smashed into a NatWest bank using a scaffolding pole and kicks, entering twice to steal two pin pads, with his fingerprints found on the window. He also burgled a vape shop.

Pleaded guilty to violent disorder and two counts of burglary. Remorseful and ashamed, no previous convictions, successful bathroom fitting business, now sober. Involved due to personal grief and excessive alcohol and cocaine consumption.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Peter Nicholson

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

October 29, 2025

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment

On January 2, 2025, Peter Nicholson, 64, of Alexandra Road, Ashington, assaulted his partner during a drunken argument at their home. After drinking from 3pm and returning home at 11pm, he provoked her by mentioning his ex-partner. When she tried to slap him, he grabbed her wrists, pushed her against the back door causing pain, dragged her to the floor, and repeatedly punched her in the head while screaming that she didn't belong there and it was his house. The assault lasted about two minutes, leaving her covered in blood with injuries including a scarred cut to her forehead, swelling and bruising around her eye, wrist bruising, and bruising to her bottom. She called her daughter who contacted police; Nicholson was restraining her when officers arrived and resisted arrest. The victim suffered lasting impacts including reduced self-esteem, becoming a recluse, loss of trust, and requiring counselling.

Convicted after trial of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and resisting a constable. Recorder Andrew Latimer described him as having 'acted as a bully that night'. Lost 25-year NHS career helping people with learning difficulties and autism.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Site And Field Services Limited

Health and Safety Breach

October 29, 2025

Sentence: £40,000 fine and £6,382 costs

On November 30, 2023, an employee at Site and Field Services Limited in Ashington, Northumberland, became entangled in a horizontal borer while cleaning swarf from the machine, which had been left running. The worker sustained significant injuries to his legs and ankles, multiple broken ribs, a collapsed lung, required skin grafts, and partial amputation of two toes. An HSE investigation found inadequate guarding on the machine, no safe system of work, and lack of effective auditing allowing a removed trip probe to go unnoticed.

Admitted breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Following previous HSE action on machinery guarding.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Tony Hall

Riot

October 28, 2025

Sentence: 56 months imprisonment

Tony Hall, 31, of Pensher Street, Sunderland, was heavily involved in the Sunderland riot on August 2, 2024, confronting police with a glass bottle which he threw, participating in the burglary of a vape shop, being part of a crowd outside a police hub, throwing a bin and parasol at police, and repeatedly attacking police by throwing three bins and other objects including a plastic chair. On February 2025, at the Old Skool bar on Vine Street, Sunderland, he became aggressive with door staff, used racially abusive language, smashed a beer bottle, knocked off glasses, attempted to stamp on them, encouraged stabbing, produced a gas-powered BB gun, pointed it at staff, hit doors with it, and shouted threats after being asked to leave.

Pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possessing cannabis, two counts of racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress, riot and burglary. Has 11 previous convictions. Thought the riot was a demonstration about British values, ashamed of behaviour which escalated from drunken loutish actions after an incident involving his father and police.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Lewis Stubbs

Violent disorder

October 28, 2025

Sentence: 40 months imprisonment

Lewis Stubbs, 25, of Front Road, Ford Estate, Sunderland, participated in the Sunderland riot on August 2, 2024, throwing a can of alcohol at a police officer's head, burgling a vape shop, being part of a crowd vandalising a police hub, and throwing plastic chairs at police. On February 2025, at the Old Skool bar on Vine Street, Sunderland, he became aggressive with door staff, used racially abusive language, grabbed and desecrated a bouncer's hat, knocked off glasses, produced a knife, and threatened staff after being asked to leave.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress, two counts of racially aggravated assault by beating, having a bladed article, violent disorder and burglary. Has 19 previous convictions. Work while remanded in custody labelled 'outstanding' by prison staff. Traumatic early childhood with abuse and foster care, leading to alcohol and drug use.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Daniel Lee

Robbery

October 27, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 9 months imprisonment

Daniel Lee, 38, of Daisy Field Way, Great Park, Newcastle, carried out two handbag snatches in Newcastle city centre. On July 16, 2025, he targeted a woman celebrating her graduation outside Tup Tup Palace at 2.20am on Westgate Road, running into her and stealing a gold bracelet inherited from her grandmother, snapping the handbag handle. On July 18, 2025, at midnight, he snatched a handbag containing £30-40 cash from a woman outside a takeaway on Westgate Road, snapping the straps and ripping her dress. He researched handbag robberies on Google due to financial problems from marriage breakdown and job loss. Identified via police appeal and phone evidence. Both victims reported severe anxiety and fear.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery. Acted out of financial desperation after relationship ended and job loss. Deeply ashamed and sorry. Father of two. One prior conviction for failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Simon Hudson

Assault by beating and harassment

October 25, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order and £1,200 compensation

Simon Hudson, aged 41, of Dunlin Close in Ryton, Gateshead, pushed his ex-partner down a full flight of stairs in her North Tyneside home on October 19, 2024, after demanding to look through her phone while drunk. He had taken her mobile, read her messages and apps, and when she followed him to the bathroom asking for it back, he pushed her in the chest, causing her to fall and suffer bruising to her back. Instead of helping, he told her she was fine and tried to pull her up. After the breakup, between December 6 and 12, 2024, he harassed her by bombarding her with messages and calls, repeatedly turning up at her address, and on one occasion, taking a back door key without permission. The victim reported him to police due to fear.

Pleaded guilty to assault by beating and harassment. Also ordered to pay £114 victim surcharge and made subject of a two-year restraining order. The relationship was described as 'toxic'.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Shane Amer

Rioting

October 24, 2025

Sentence: jailed

Shane Amer, of Sunderland, threw missiles at police during a riot outside Aldi in Sunderland.

Shay Henson

Riot and burglary

October 24, 2025

Sentence: 32 months in a young offenders institution

Shay Henson, aged 18 at the time, participated in violent disorder in Sunderland city centre last August. He was caught on camera wearing a balaclava and red jacket, repeatedly throwing missiles, including a plant, at police. He also joined others in forcibly entering and burgling a vape store, stealing vapes, resulting in over £83,000 in losses to the store.

Pleaded guilty to riot and burglary. Judge Edward Bindloss noted the acts brought shame to Sunderland and emphasized deterrence. Defence described actions as mindless, stupid, and wrong, influenced by adrenaline and herd mentality. Concerned for impact on mother.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Susanne Redhead

Theft

October 24, 2025

Sentence: jailed

Susanne Redhead stole £750,000 from her employer Pure Panel Management in Newbiggin Hall over 14 months to fund a gambling habit.

Chloe Kairton

Noise Nuisance

October 24, 2025

Sentence: £1,000 fine

Chloe Kairton, of Liddles Street in Northumberland, was taken to court by the council for causing persistent noise disturbances.

Brenda Heslop

Murder

October 24, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years

Brenda Heslop stabbed her 68-year-old neighbour John Hardy to death outside his home on Sceptre Place in Elswick, Newcastle, on November 2024. She had loaned him £40 and demanded £60 back, confronting him with a knife after waiting for him. CCTV audio captured her demanding money aggressively before stabbing him in the chest, causing a fatal wound through his lung and damaging vertebrae, plus two other injuries. John, known as 'Limpy John', was a vulnerable, kind pensioner with physical disabilities who had just withdrawn £50. No money was found on him after the attack, and Heslop took it. She had previously threatened to stab him and was arrested shortly after, admitting she stabbed him to 'give him what for' but didn't intend to kill. The attack was described as heinous, with Heslop stalking him like a predator.

Pleaded guilty to murder. Judge Bindloss found the motivation was misplaced anger and frustration, not for gain. She intended to cause really serious harm but not to kill. Has paranoid schizophrenia since age 17, but no psychosis at the time. Time on remand accounted for, must serve at least 19 years and 22 days before possible release.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Balasubramaniyan Ravichandran

Sexual assault

October 24, 2025

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment

In April 2025, the victim, intoxicated after drinking at home and at a Newcastle city centre nightclub, left the club alone around 3am. Balasubramaniyan Ravichandran, who had obtained her phone number at the club, followed her from a distance, caught up, grabbed her wrist, and isolated her at a bus stop on New Bridge Street. He subjected her to a sustained sexual assault, including kissing her, putting his hand under her jacket, moving her clothing, attempting to undo her trousers, touching inside her trousers, kissing her chest, and biting her lip when she resisted. He also took her behind a nearby church. The victim repeatedly tried to push him away, told him to stop, and feared for her life due to his mean demeanour. She escaped around 4.15am. CCTV captured much of the incident. Ravichandran, a 26-year-old Indian national studying logistics in the UK and living in Felling, Gateshead, was arrested after the victim reported the attack.

Pleaded guilty to sexual assault. No previous convictions. Ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years and given a 3-year restraining order. Expected to be released soon due to over 5 months remanded in custody.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Evan Forde

Dangerous driving

October 23, 2025

Sentence: Jailed

Evan Forde, 32, was driving a Mercedes at 140mph on Christmas Day when he ploughed into a BMW on New Year's Day in 2023, causing a crash but failing to assist the victim's family.

James Gamble

Attempted burglary

October 23, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

On the morning of August 17, 2025, James Gamble, a 52-year-old crack addict from Ellesmere Road, Benwell, Newcastle, attempted to break into the Newcastle United Football Club shop in the city centre using the base of a parasol and a piece of wood. He caused £2,000 of damage to the front window but failed to gain entry. The incident was captured on CCTV, leading to his easy identification by police. He was stopped and searched on Glebe Street, Benwell, where three wraps of crack cocaine were found. Gamble has a history of 235 previous convictions and was in breach of a community order and suspended sentence.

Pleaded guilty to attempted burglary, possession of three wraps of crack cocaine, breach of community order and suspended sentence. Has 235 previous convictions. Judge noted extremely difficult personal circumstances and futile attempts to address addiction.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Sadie Lauren Metcalfe

Aggressive behaviour

October 23, 2025

Sentence: Banned from seaside town

Sadie Lauren Metcalfe was involved in aggressive behaviour in a seaside town, shouting, swearing and intimidating passersby, leading to her being banned from the area.

Banned after aggressive behaviour including shouting, swearing and intimidating passersby

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Mohammed Umar Khan

Murder

October 23, 2025

Sentence: Minimum of 16 years imprisonment

Mohammed Umar Khan, a 15-year-old boy, took a hunting knife to school and stabbed a fellow pupil to death in front of other pupils during a lunch break.

Can now be named following judge's ruling; stabbed fellow pupil to death during school lunch break

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Philip Longstaff

Inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm

October 22, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years with 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement

On May 3, 2025, at The Coble pub in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland, during a wake for a young man who died prematurely, Philip Longstaff, 34, of Seacrest Road, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, had an exchange with victim Ronnie Potts at the bar. Longstaff punched Potts in the face with his left hand and struck him with a glass held in his right hand, causing the glass to break on impact. This resulted in a horrific penetrating wound to Potts' left eye, a detached retina, and interocular dislocation, requiring two types of surgery. The incident occurred just before 9.45pm, and CCTV footage captured the assault. Longstaff claimed he acted in excessive self-defence, believing he was about to be attacked.

Pleaded guilty to inflicting GBH on the basis of excessive self-defence and unawareness of holding the glass. Remanded in custody for several months, equivalent to 15 months served. Judge warned that any further offences within 2 years would result in imprisonment. Defendant in good employment and supported by family.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Anthony Layton

Possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence

October 22, 2025

Sentence: 16 months suspended for 18 months with a mental health treatment requirement and an alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement for 90 days

On June 21, 2025, at around 10.30pm, ambulance workers responded to a call at Rutland Street, Hetton-le-Hole, where Anthony Layton's partner had injured her finger in a fall. While treating her, Layton, who was agitated and intoxicated, complained about neighbours poisoning his dog. He stated he had purchased a gun to shoot rats but threatened to shoot his neighbours, then produced a .22 air rifle from a fabric case, holding it with the barrel pointing down. The workers feared for their lives and left, alerting police. Layton resisted initially but threw the rifle out and was tasered and arrested.

Pleaded guilty. Has 82 previous convictions including for robbery and burglary. Judge noted no direct threat was made to the ambulance worker. Defendant sends sincere apologies to the victim.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Craig Martin

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

October 21, 2025

Sentence: 9 years and 7 months imprisonment

Craig Martin, 47, of Dorcas Avenue, Benwell, Newcastle, was involved in a conspiracy to supply 172 kilos of high purity cocaine worth £68m, flooding the North East with the drug between October 2019 and June 2020. He transported 100 kilos of cocaine hidden in 12 gas bottles, each containing 12-16 kilos, across the country to wholesalers. The gang used vehicles with hidden compartments to move drugs and cash, amassing over £8m in cash movements. Martin was caught after the EncroChat messaging system was infiltrated. He was ill and hospitalized for part of the period, so not responsible for all transports. The conspiracy put millions of doses onto the streets.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. No previous convictions. Involved due to financial troubles from gambling. Paid £26,000 wage for transporting drugs. Judge noted he was a trusted courier given instructions mainly by Colin Somerville and used a specially adapted vehicle.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Callum Kilgallon

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

October 20, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order with 90-day Alcohol Abstinence Monitoring Requirement and £200 compensation

On September 14, 2024, outside Rusty's Bar in Newcastle city centre, Callum Kilgallon, aged 22, from Southway in East Denton, intervened in an argument between the victim and his mother, unaware she had initiated it with verbal abuse and a homophobic slur. While drunk, he punched the victim once in the face, causing a chipped tooth, bleeding gums, and blood pouring from the mouth. The victim flagged down police, leading to Kilgallon's arrest.

Pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. No prior convictions. Remorseful and ashamed. Judge noted he lost his temper and used a homophobic insult.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Mohammed Sarfaraz

GBH with intent

October 20, 2025

Sentence: 9 years imprisonment

On January 17, 2025, police attended the home of Mohammed Sarfaraz's parents in Gosforth, Newcastle, to arrest him. He was found in the kitchen holding a smoking frying pan with hot oil. When PC Christopher Bain and another officer entered with tasers drawn, Sarfaraz deliberately swung the hot oil at them, causing agonising burns to PC Bain's face and chest, and minor burns to the colleague. Sarfaraz barricaded himself in the garage before being tasered and arrested. In a separate incident on May 28, 2024, outside his wife's home in Kenton, Newcastle, he assaulted an officer by kicking out during an arrest related to a domestic dispute over access to his children.

Found guilty of GBH with intent, attempted GBH with intent, affray and assaulting a police officer. Tried to blackmail the judge by threatening suicide if given a long sentence. No similar prior convictions. Does not accept the jury's verdicts.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

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