Newcastle Crown Court Sentencing Results

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

Mark Simpson

Voyeurism and possession of indecent images of children

October 20, 2025

Sentence: 38 months imprisonment

Mark Simpson recorded footage and took photos of victims undressing in changing rooms at Butlin's Skegness holiday resort, with 30 incidents there and 4 at another location, spanning from 2017 to 2023. He was caught on April 15, 2023, after a man reported his wife being spied on. His phone contained multiple voyeurism videos, indecent images of children, and a hidden folder with an app showing chat logs exchanging prohibited images. Formerly of Bellshill Close, Hadrian Park in Wallsend, aged 51.

Pleaded guilty to all 15 charges. Investigation involved examination of multiple devices by Lincolnshire Police's Paedophile Online Investigation Team.

Sources: lincolnshirelive.co.uk

Samantha Lane

Assault with a knife

October 20, 2025

Sentence: No prison sentence

Samantha Lane, of Throckley, stabbed a friend but walked free after claiming she believed he was going to sexually assault her. The incident occurred in Newcastle, leading to her guilty plea at court.

Pleaded guilty on the basis she had a genuine but incorrect belief her victim was going to sexually assault her

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Lee Dickinson

Shoplifting

October 19, 2025

Sentence: 3 year Criminal Behaviour Order

Lee Dickinson, a 34-year-old serial shoplifter with a lengthy criminal record, particularly over the last 24 months, has repeatedly targeted shops in Whitley Bay and Cullercoats for stealing alcohol. Last month, he stole £15-worth of wine from Sainsbury's on Park Avenue, Whitley Bay; £57.20-worth of wine from the Co-op on Earsdon Road, Whitley Bay; and £15-worth of wine from the Co-op on Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay. Just last week, he entered Sainsbury's on Heaton Road, took a bottle of wine, and assaulted a staff member who tried to stop him from leaving. Prosecutors applied for the order to curb his dishonest behaviour and provide respite for affected shops.

Issued due to extensive recent criminal convictions, particularly shoplifting. Must leave retail premises when asked. Breach carries maximum 5 years imprisonment. Terms agreed upon.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

William Laws

Shop theft

October 18, 2025

Sentence: 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months

William Laws, 40, from Deepdale Crescent in Cowgate, Newcastle, stole goods worth in excess of £1,000 from six shops including TK Maxx, Aldi and Poundland over the past month to fund his drug habit. The thefts were part of a prolific spree amid deteriorating mental health following the removal of his children from his care.

Admitted six counts of shop theft. Has 32 prior offences. Had not offended since 2016 prior to this year. Offending linked to drug habit to cope with mental health issues after children placed with grandparents.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Andrew Larkin

Failing to comply with a section 35 direction

October 18, 2025

Sentence: six-month conditional discharge

On August 22, 2025, Andrew Larkin was reported for taking his clothes off at Costa in Newcastle city centre. He was using his underwear to clean tables and pestering the public. Police issued a Section 35 direction to disperse from the Newcastle parking meter zone, but he soon after tried to steal money from street singers and start fights. He is a prolific offender with a long criminal record.

Pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a section 35 direction. Currently recalled to prison and serving a sentence for assault. Mental health had deteriorated at the time but now taking correct medication.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Chantelle Hutchinson

Shop theft

October 18, 2025

Sentence: 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months

Chantelle Hutchinson, 36, from Deepdale Crescent in Cowgate, Newcastle, stole goods worth in excess of £1,000 from 12 shops including TK Maxx, Aldi and Poundland over the past month to fund her drug habit. The thefts were part of a prolific spree amid deteriorating mental health following the removal of her children from her care.

Pleaded guilty to 12 counts of shop theft. Has 20 prior offences and was in breach of a community order. Offending linked to drug habit to cope with mental health issues after children placed with grandparents.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Daniel Simmons

Assault

October 17, 2025

Sentence: 24 months imprisonment

Northumberland lout assaulted a man and left him with a brain bleed amid a dispute over a dog.

Bryn Bowden

Conspiracy to supply amphetamine and cocaine

October 17, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment

Bryn Bowden, 28, of West Farm Avenue, Longbenton, was involved in Shaun Monaghan's organised crime group from March to June 2020, primarily storing and moving industrial-scale amounts of amphetamine in a shipping container and ammunition. He also facilitated the cocaine trade by collecting and moving large quantities of cash. The group distributed over 50kg of cocaine, 20kg of heroin, and 200kg of amphetamine using EncroChat and vehicles with hides and fake logos, with access to firearms like a machine gun, pistols, and grenade.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply amphetamine, conspiracy to possess ammunition without a certificate, and being concerned in the supply of cocaine. Principal role in storage and movement of large quantities of amphetamine in a shipping container, also collected and moved cash for cocaine purchases. Involved in something 'way above his head', container originally for work purposes, doing well in prison.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

James David Ramshaw

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

October 17, 2025

Sentence: 9 years and 4 months imprisonment

James David Ramshaw, 41, of Hambleton Court, Ashington, was a trusted associate in Shaun Monaghan's organised crime group, handling collection of cash and supply of cocaine primarily in the Northumberland area between March and June 2020. He was arrested on May 29, 2020, following surveillance of an exchange and recovery of £100,000 in cash. The gang distributed over 50kg of cocaine, 20kg of heroin, and 200kg of amphetamine using hidden vehicle compartments and EncroChat communications, with access to firearms including a machine gun, pistols, and grenade.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. Previously jailed for life with a minimum of 12 years for murder in 2005, released on life licence. Responsible for cash collection and cocaine supply in Northumberland. Arrested after surveillance observed an exchange and £100k cash recovered on May 29, 2020. Followed directions from higher up the chain, started with odd jobs.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

James White

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

October 17, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

James White, 45, of Orchard Drive, Newbiggin Hall, Newcastle, was involved peripherally in Shaun Monaghan's organised crime group from March to June 2020 by storing class A cocaine for another person to settle a debt from his own drug habit. He did not engage in onward supply and returned the drugs when asked. The group conspired to distribute over 50kg of cocaine, 20kg of heroin, and 200kg of amphetamine, with firearms access, using EncroChat and hidden vehicle compartments.

Admitted conspiracy to supply class A cocaine on the basis of storing drugs due to a debt from his own drug habit, no onward supply, limited to storage and return. Described as a caring loving person whose life went on the 'road to destruction' after imprisonment in 1998 for 3 years as driver in a fatal car crash. Exceedingly vulnerable due to debt.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kasie Armstrong

Animal cruelty

October 17, 2025

Sentence: 1 year imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 120 hours unpaid work, 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days, 6 months mental health treatment requirement, 15-year animal ban

On October 2, 2024, Kasie Armstrong beat her partner's Jack Russell Terrier, Barney, to death at an address in Northbourne Street, Newcastle. The dog suffered rib fractures, a fractured cheek bone, lacerated liver causing fatal internal bleeding from blunt force trauma, consistent with beating, kicking, or stomping. Incriminating text messages and blood evidence at the scene implicated her. The RSPCA investigation confirmed non-accidental, malicious injuries resulting in excruciating pain and immense trauma to the dog.

Pleaded with partner not to contact police; claimed dog bit her but no injuries visible; judge imposed suspended sentence and community requirements.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Steven George Graham

Conspiracy to supply cocaine and possess firearms

October 17, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Steven George Graham, 45, of Alston Gardens, Throckley, Monaghan's brother-in-law, participated in the organised crime group from March to June 2020 by acting as a go-between for conspiracy to supply cocaine and possessing firearms on behalf of the group. Messages showed he arranged for a firearm to be buried. The gang handled over 50kg of cocaine, 20kg of heroin, 200kg of amphetamine, and weapons including a machine gun, pistols, and grenade, using EncroChat and disguised vehicles.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to possess firearms on the basis of acting as a go-between for a prohibited weapon without possession or other involvement. Monaghan's brother-in-law, asked to arrange burial of a firearm. Described as a good family man who has always worked hard, work available on release.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Shaun Monaghan

Conspiracy to supply class A drugs and firearms

October 17, 2025

Sentence: 27 years imprisonment

Shaun Monaghan, 45, of no fixed address but from Newcastle, led an organised crime group based in the North East of England that conspired to distribute over 50kg of cocaine, 20kg of heroin, and 200kg of amphetamine between March and June 2020. The gang used EncroChat for communications, vans with hidden compartments and fake company logos (AA, British Gas, courier firms) to transport drugs and cash across the country, including to Leeds, London, and Stoke. They had access to an arsenal including a machine gun, pistols, and a viable hand grenade found during raids. Hundreds of thousands of pounds changed hands, with references to £370,000 and £280,000 payments. Monaghan was nervous about the firearms and discussed shifting them. The operation was exposed when French police infiltrated EncroChat in 2020, leading to his arrest by armed police in Turkey.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, amphetamine and heroin, conspiracy to supply firearms, conspiracy to supply ammunition without a certificate, and conspiracy to commit GBH. Prior convictions for conspiracy to rob (6 years in 2000) and conspiracy to supply cocaine (8 years in 2013). Remorseful, arrested in Turkey.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

James Reed

Grievous Bodily Harm

October 16, 2025

Sentence: 40 months imprisonment

On April 19, James Reed, 26, of Collingwood Court, Washington, arrived at the victim's home demanding payment of a debt. Due to her mobility issues from a spinal cyst and being in the bath, she delayed answering the door, which angered him. Upon opening the door, he punched her in the face multiple times, slapped her, kicked her back, attempted to strangle her, beat her with her walking stick, threw an ashtray at her causing an elbow injury requiring staples, and knocked her unconscious several times over hours. He then took her to his house, boiled a kettle threatening to pour boiling water on her, and threatened her with a knuckle duster. The ordeal ended when his father intervened. The victim suffered a cut above her right eye, swelling and bruising to her left eye, bruising to forehead, face, legs and back, and the elbow wound. She reported severe ongoing pain, headaches, anxiety, sleep issues, flashbacks, nightmares, and constant fear for her life.

Pleaded guilty to GBH and having a knuckle duster in a private place. In breach of two suspended sentences. Five-year restraining order imposed. Has previous convictions for violence and witness intimidation. Completed courses on anger management and drug addiction while in prison and expressed remorse.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Elton Kosova

Production of cannabis

October 15, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

On August 8, 2025, police responded to reports of three balaclava-clad individuals attempting to burgle a house at Northumberland Terrace in Wallsend. Upon arrival, officers arrested people in a BMW outside for aggravated burglary and discovered a cannabis farm with over 200 plants across four rooms on the ground floor, first floor, and loft. Elton Kosova was found inside the address, where he had been staying for three weeks tending to the pre-existing plants without financial interest.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of cannabis. No previous convictions. Well-educated to college level, left Albania to find work, and expressed remorse for involvement.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Gordon Grieveson

Causing death by careless driving

October 15, 2025

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment and disqualified from driving for 2 years and 4 months

On December 18, 2023, around 4.10pm, Gordon Grieveson, driving a grey Dacia Duster illegally without insurance or a full licence, struck 82-year-old pedestrian Jean Hindmarch on Easedale Gardens in Wrekenton, Gateshead, as she crossed from a bus stop after checking for hazards. She was wearing a bright pink coat and was rushed to hospital in critical condition, passing away four days later on December 22, 2023, due to her injuries.

Admitted driving illegally without a full licence or insurance. Claimed he could not stop but CCTV showed he had clear visibility of the victim.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Syed Islam

Possessing heroin with intent to supply and supplying heroin

October 15, 2025

Sentence: 26 months imprisonment

Syed Islam, 45, of Kilburn Green, Gateshead, was caught by police in an unmarked car on September 10, 2024, selling heroin from his Mercedes. Officers witnessed a man handing cash to him and approached, finding him attempting to conceal drugs. He admitted possession, leading to discovery of several bags of brown powder (heroin) in his jacket and car, totaling £1,980 in value, plus over £1,000 cash. Phone messages confirmed dealing activity over two months, twice weekly, earning £600 per week, with most profits to an associate. He was not addicted to the drug but motivated by financial gain after becoming unwell and unable to work.

Pleaded guilty to possessing heroin with intent to supply and supplying heroin. Judge Penny Moreland noted his significant role in the operation and expectation of financial advantage. Prior 25 convictions including drugs, violence, and driving offences. Became involved due to unemployment and alcohol addiction.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Harry Monteith

Conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis

October 14, 2025

Sentence: 7 years and 3 months imprisonment

Harry Monteith, 45, of Lytham Place, Walker, Newcastle, was a trusted lieutenant in Stephen Faetz's cocaine gang. He was involved in the conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis in the final months of the operation, which was dismantled after the EncroChat network infiltration. Monteith couriered cash and drugs, negotiated with customers, collected payments, monitored product quality, and employed a driver. He was personally responsible for moving more than five kilos of cocaine and distributing cannabis resin. The organization distributed over 100 kilos of high-purity cocaine and handled hundreds of thousands of pounds in cash.

Played a role in specific transactions collecting and distributing cash and drugs. Worked directly for Stephen Faetz, using EncroChat phones. Allowed family homes to be used as drop-off points. Managed cannabis farms. Difficult background and case delays impacted mental health.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

David Mcbeth

Robbery

October 13, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 4 months imprisonment

David McBeth, 35, of Skip Sea View, Sunderland, was part of a group attempting to steal £300-worth of alcohol from a shop on Whitburn Road in Seaburn in April 2025. During an altercation with security staff, a 72-year-old man intervened to support them, accompanied by his 95-year-old aunt. Waddle pushed the elderly woman in the chest, causing her to fall and suffer a fractured skull and a blood blister to the back of her head. The injuries were initially life-threatening, but she recovered and was discharged from hospital. McBeth was detained following the incident.

Bradley Hall

Public order offence

October 13, 2025

Sentence: £80 fine and suspended sentence extended to 2 years

Bradley Hall, 26, leaned out of a top window at his home on Julian Avenue in Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne, holding a kitchen knife with a 6ins blade, and threatened to stab police officers and himself after they arrived for a welfare check prompted by a concerning Facebook post. He shouted threats including 'Knock on this door again and I will stick this knife in my throat, if you come inside, I will stick it in your throat' and falsely claimed to have a gun. No gun was found during the search of his home. He refused to engage initially but was eventually arrested.

Pleaded guilty to public order offence. Was on a suspended sentence at the time for attacking his girlfriend and threatening her with acid. Has nine prior offences. Suffered from mental health issues and suicidal thoughts.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Natasha Waddle

Robbery and assault

October 13, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 10 months imprisonment

Natasha Waddle, 34, of no fixed abode, was part of a group attempting to steal £300-worth of alcohol from a shop on Whitburn Road in Seaburn in April 2025. During an altercation with security staff, a 72-year-old man intervened to support them, accompanied by his 95-year-old aunt. Waddle pushed the elderly woman in the chest, causing her to fall and suffer a fractured skull and a blood blister to the back of her head. The injuries were initially life-threatening, but she recovered and was discharged from hospital. Waddle was apprehended shortly after by an off-duty police officer.

Richard Anderson

Robbery

October 13, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Richard Anderson, 54, of no fixed abode, was part of a group attempting to steal £300-worth of alcohol from a shop on Whitburn Road in Seaburn in April 2025. During an altercation with security staff, a 72-year-old man intervened to support them, accompanied by his 95-year-old aunt. Waddle pushed the elderly woman in the chest, causing her to fall and suffer a fractured skull and a blood blister to the back of her head. The injuries were initially life-threatening, but she recovered and was discharged from hospital. Anderson was detained following the incident.

Brian Harrison

Indecent assault and indecency with a child

October 10, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 4 months imprisonment

Brian Harrison, who was a teenager at the time, groomed a young boy with gifts and carried out sexual abuse in Sunderland approximately 50 years ago. The offences included four counts of indecent assault and two counts of indecency with a child. The victim lived with the ordeal for decades, suffering negative impacts on every part of his life, before reporting it to police. Harrison, now 66 and residing in Poachers Lane, Warrington, Cheshire, was arrested following the report. He feels remorseful and wished to apologise through his lawyers.

Admitted four charges of indecent assault and two of indecency with a child. No similar prior convictions. Ordered to register as a sex offender for life. Judge assessed sentence as if imposed at the time of offences when he was a youth. Has heart problems and separated from wife after arrest. Defence argued immediate imprisonment has no purpose other than punishment 50 years later and highlighted realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Bridgette Hope

Arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered

October 10, 2025

Sentence: 29 months imprisonment

On Sunday May 11, Bridgette Hope, 31, of Birtley, Gateshead, visited her mother around 3pm and mentioned she was going to have a fire at home, which her mother thought meant in the garden. Just before 9pm, she deliberately set fire to clothes and other items in the middle of her living room at Rutland Square, Birtley. She then left the property, telling a neighbour who smelled smoke that 'it's just my oven'. Thick black smoke was seen, but the blaze did not spread far, causing damage to the floor and ceiling estimated in thousands of pounds, with a massive financial impact on the landlord. A second fire site in the bedroom was noted but not confirmed for the same day. Police found her by a river bank with ash on her hands. She has been sectioned twice in the last three years, has a traumatic childhood, was depressed, isolated, self-harming, and addicted to drugs at the time, though not psychotic.

Pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered. Has mental health issues, previous conviction for criminal damage in 2021, lacks remorse or motivation to address problems. Judge noted she contemplated arson six hours prior and the potential harm if fire had spread.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Donna Allen

Possessing cocaine and crack cocaine with intent to supply

October 9, 2025

Sentence: 2 years suspended for 18 months with 150 hours of unpaid work

On March 6, 2024, police in Ashington, Northumberland, pulled over a Nissan Qashqai suspected of being used in drug supply. Donna Allen, in the front passenger seat, was searched and found with £200 cash and 116 wraps of cocaine and crack cocaine (total value £2,480) hidden in the lining of her jacket. She initially claimed the drugs were not hers but later admitted the jacket was hers. No evidence of dealing on her phone or at her home, and the two men in the car faced no charges.

Pleaded guilty. No previous convictions. Remorseful, addicted to the drug, isolated incident, difficult background, addressing behaviour, capable of rehabilitation.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Dioson Docaj

Production of Cannabis

October 1, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment

Dioson Docaj was one of four Albanian illegal immigrants arrested at a cannabis farm with nearly 1,500 plants worth up to £360,000 in a warehouse on Cleadon Lane industrial estate in East Boldon, South Tyneside, in September 2025, spread across three rooms with living facilities.

Dean Wilkinson

False imprisonment

October 1, 2025

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment with an extended licence period of 5 years

Dean Wilkinson held a woman captive in her own home in Kenton, Newcastle, between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day 2023. He subjected her to physical and mental abuse, including slapping, spitting, strangling, hitting her with a dog lead, confining her in a fabric-enclosed dog kennel for hours without food or water, and threatening to rape her or arrange for others to do so. He also recorded the abuse, watched her in the bath, made derogatory comments, and prevented her from leaving by setting up a booby trap. The victim, who was withdrawing from heroin, escaped by jumping out of a second-floor window, fracturing her ankle and vertebrae.

Has 80 previous convictions including violence. Used time in custody constructively and has a personality disorder.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

David Charlton

Rape

October 1, 2025

Sentence: 8 years and 6 months imprisonment

David Charlton, of Blakelaw, Newcastle, carried out a silent rape attack on a woman as she slept, during which she woke to find him on top of her; the victim reported serious impact but vowed not to let it ruin her life.

Emanuel Pjedri

Production of Cannabis

October 1, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment

Emanuel Pjedri was one of four Albanian illegal immigrants arrested at a cannabis farm with nearly 1,500 plants worth up to £360,000 in a warehouse on Cleadon Lane industrial estate in East Boldon, South Tyneside, in September 2025, spread across three rooms with living facilities.

Ian Coates

Remaining Unlawfully at Large

October 1, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment

Ian Coates, of The Grove, Ashbrooke, evaded police for ten months while wanted on prison recall, hiding in plain sight in a Sunderland flat despite extensive searches including a Crimestoppers appeal.

Jack Fowler

Dangerous Driving

October 1, 2025

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment

Jack Fowler, formerly of Northbourne Street, Elswick, led police on a dangerous pursuit in a stolen Land Rover Discovery from Newcastle, reaching over 100mph, going through red lights, and on the wrong side of the road, including 90mph in a 30 zone, writing off two cars.

Admitted dangerous driving, handling stolen goods, and possessing a machete and knife. Sentence to run concurrently with existing 4-year drug sentence.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

James Bell

Fraud

October 1, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

James Bell, of Cumberland Street, Darlington, a rogue builder, defrauded around 30 elderly and vulnerable customers out of £130,913 over seven years in Newcastle, Morpeth, Stocksfield, Durham, Berwick, Darlington, Middlesbrough, and North Yorkshire by taking money for uncompleted projects and fobbing them off with excuses.

Admitted being knowingly concerned in a fraudulent business, four counts of fraud by false representation, two Bail Act offences, and theft of £10,000.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Jeevan Bathula

Fraud

October 1, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

Jeevan Bathula, 28, of County Durham, was involved in a call centre scam targeting vulnerable elderly people, stealing over £50,000 through postal courier fraud where victims were tricked into withdrawing money and sending it to an address in Durham for laundering.

Pleaded guilty to concealing and converting criminal property. Given a deportation order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

John Quinn

Rape

October 1, 2025

Sentence: 10 years and 6 months imprisonment

John Quinn, 30, of Barford Court, Low Fell, Gateshead, sexually assaulted and raped a woman at an address in Gateshead, then told her she looked beautiful while crying; the victim reported the abuse the next day.

Found guilty of rape, sexual offence, perverting the course of justice, breaching a suspended sentence, and two counts of breaching a restraining order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Jason Easton

Assault

October 1, 2025

Sentence: community order

Jason Easton, 29, from Houghton-le-Spring, punched his wife in the face while drunk and then smashed up the bedroom with a hammer.

Aurel Bajrakdari

Production of Cannabis

October 1, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment

Aurel Bajrakdari was one of four Albanian illegal immigrants arrested at a cannabis farm with nearly 1,500 plants worth up to £360,000 in a warehouse on Cleadon Lane industrial estate in East Boldon, South Tyneside, in September 2025, spread across three rooms with living facilities.

Craig Inskip

Robbery

October 1, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment

Craig Inskip, 39, of Hampshire Gardens, Wallsend, carried out four armed robberies in five days, brandishing machetes and knives at terrified store workers, after previously serving 16 years for similar offences; he gave a false name upon arrest allowing him to commit the crimes.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery, one attempted robbery, four possessing a blade, and perverting the course of justice by giving a false name.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Dale Fowler

False imprisonment

October 1, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment with an extended licence period of 4 years

Dale Fowler assisted in holding a woman captive in her home in Kenton, Newcastle, between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day 2023. He participated in the abuse by laughing at her while she was confined in a dog kennel, recording the incident, and helping to prevent her from escaping. The victim was subjected to physical and mental torment, including being denied food and water, and she eventually escaped by jumping out of a second-floor window.

Has 29 previous convictions including violence. Played a lesser role in the offence and joined in when not under the influence.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Connor Wilson

Robbery

October 1, 2025

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

Connor Wilson, of Sycamore Avenue, South Shields, violently robbed a man of his electric motorcycle on Quarry Road in South Shields in July 2025, knocking him off and taking his bag with £300, then collided with a police car while fleeing on the bike.

Pleaded guilty to robbery, driving while disqualified, no insurance, and failing to cooperate with a drugs test.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Connor Ormston

Sexual Communication with a Child

October 1, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 8 months imprisonment

Connor Ormston, 31, of Dorrington Road, Fawdon, Newcastle, posed as a 16-year-old online to engage a nine-year-old girl in sickening contact, getting her to send sexual videos and images, calling it 'our little secret'; the girl's mother discovered it by checking her phone.

Pleaded guilty to sexual communication with a child and four counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Lee Brumby

Rape of a Child

October 1, 2025

Sentence: 16 years imprisonment with 1 year extended licence

Lee Brumby, 64, now of Witham in Essex, formerly a head teacher in Newcastle, committed five historic sex offences against a child while working at a school in Essex.

Found guilty of two counts of raping a child, one count of indecency with a child, and two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. Denied all charges.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kieran Connor

Dangerous Driving

October 1, 2025

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment

Kieran Connor, 22, of Trotter Terrace, Shotton Colliery, Durham, drove at 125mph with lights off during a police chase on the A19, ramming cars, smashing through a closed road section, and doing 80mph in a 20mph zone, risking lives in a horrendous display.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving with no licence or insurance, and breaching two suspended sentences and a community order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kladi Nikolle

Production of Cannabis

October 1, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment

Kladi Nikolle was one of four Albanian illegal immigrants arrested at a cannabis farm with nearly 1,500 plants worth up to £360,000 in a warehouse on Cleadon Lane industrial estate in East Boldon, South Tyneside, in September 2025, spread across three rooms with living facilities.

Scott Dawson

Assault

October 1, 2025

Sentence: community order

Scott Dawson, 28, a finance worker, inappropriately touched a man and a woman in a crowded bar in Newcastle city centre.

Scott Steanson

Violent disorder

September 30, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 3 months imprisonment

Scott Steanson participated in a coordinated group attack on an inmate at HMP Northumberland on November 20, 2022. The victim was targeted in his cell by a group of prisoners, some armed with makeshift weapons. Steanson attempted to enter the cell while armed but was unsuccessful, and the attack left the victim with multiple stab wounds.

Admitted to violent disorder, two counts of assaulting his ex-partner, and possessing a bladed article; was armed with four tins of tuna in a sock and tried to enter the victim's cell. He has used his time in custody well and is on medication for issues including autism.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Mark Hall

Violent disorder

September 30, 2025

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment

Mark Hall was involved in a pre-planned and coordinated violent attack on an inmate at HMP Northumberland on November 20, 2022. The incident occurred in the house block 7, where a group of prisoners assaulted the victim in his cell using makeshift weapons. Hall threw a pool ball at the victim during the disturbance but was unable to enter the cell.

Admitted to violent disorder; threw a pool ball at the victim but did not enter the cell or have prior knowledge of the attack. Has been working for a scaffolding company.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Paul Young

Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal

September 30, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment suspended for two years, 150 hours unpaid work, and a four-month curfew between 7pm and 6am

Paul Young, co-owner of Reptile Recovery and Discovery in Ashington, took in more animals than the facility could handle, leading to neglect. In March of the previous year, RSPCA inspections found animals in inadequate conditions, including multiple bearded dragons in a single vivarium, some in plastic tubs without proper ventilation, heat, or UV light. Deceased and malnourished animals were discovered, and further visits confirmed ongoing issues with underweight animals. Despite warnings, the conditions persisted due to overwhelming numbers of incoming pets.

Admitted four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. Works in the NHS earning £120,000 and has a history in the army. Judge noted he had funds to improve animal conditions but failed to do so immediately.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Casey Sistrunk

Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal

September 30, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment suspended for two years, 150 hours unpaid work, and a four-month curfew between 7pm and 6am

Casey Sistrunk, co-owner of Reptile Recovery and Discovery in Ashington with her father, accepted animals from the public that overwhelmed their resources, resulting in neglect. RSPCA visits revealed animals in poor conditions, such as multiple bearded dragons sharing vivariums, lack of heat and UV light, and some animals deceased or malnourished. The business, intended to help unwanted pets, spiralled out of control, with over 170 animals in a small space lacking adequate care.

Admitted five counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. Overwhelmed by the volume of animals and personal demands, she failed to maintain proper care despite having volunteers. The judge accepted there was no malicious intent and described her actions as misguided.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Jack Miles

Violent disorder

September 30, 2025

Sentence: 23 months imprisonment

Jack Miles took part in a pre-planned violent disturbance at HMP Northumberland on November 20, 2022, where a group of inmates targeted and attacked another prisoner in his cell. Miles entered the cell and participated in the second phase of the assault, contributing to the victim sustaining multiple stab wounds.

Admitted to violent disorder; entered the victim's cell during the incident and was involved in the assault, though it is unclear if he kicked or punched the victim.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk