Newcastle Crown Court Sentencing Results

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

David Appleby

Shop theft

September 28, 2025

Sentence: £100 fine, £85 costs, and £46 victim surcharge

David Appleby entered a Primark store on Northumberland Street in Newcastle City Centre on July 11, 2025, and stole items worth £300 by placing them into a backpack and a bag for life. He attempted to leave but was recognised as a known shoplifter by security staff, detained, and arrested. His actions were motivated by having his benefits sanctioned, and he has a history of similar offences, including a 2023 conviction for robbery and criminal damage that resulted in a 28-month prison sentence.

Pleaded guilty to shop theft while on licence from prison; has 102 prior offences and was described as a renowned thief; judge noted his actions were foolish given his progress on licence.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

David Bowen

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

September 26, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

David Bowen, 53, of Fleming Mead, Mitcham, London, helped arrange the importation of 42 kilos of cocaine from Europe using the EncroChat handle 'Disco Cockney'. He facilitated connections for the drug shipments as part of the organised crime group's operations.

Previously convicted for possession with intent to supply a controlled drug in 2007, conspiracy to supply a controlled drug in 2014, and another in 2023. Acted as a middle man in arranging the importation of cocaine.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

David Jeavons

Conspiracy to supply cocaine

September 26, 2025

Sentence: 10 years and 8 months imprisonment

David Jeavons, 60, of Bockenfield Country Park, Felton, Northumberland, was involved in arranging the importation of cocaine from Europe and its onward supply in the North East. He used the EncroChat handle 'Slick Pearl' and had £24,000 in cash found in the roof of his caravan.

Previously convicted for supplying a controlled drug in 2005 and producing a controlled drug in 2010. Described as an organiser and facilitator in the importation and movement of large shipments of cocaine.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Paul Woodmass

Rape

September 26, 2025

Sentence: a long prison sentence

Paul Woodmass, a 66-year-old married grandfather from Linnel Drive, Lemington, Newcastle, met the vulnerable elderly victim while walking dogs. He returned to her home, where he raped her despite her lack of consent. The incident occurred in the afternoon, with the victim reporting the assault shortly after, leading to his identification via CCTV and police investigation. His saliva was found on her underwear, and he was found with condoms upon arrest, indicating premeditation.

Convicted of rape; judge indicated a lengthy term and requested a risk assessment by probation service due to his actions and forensic awareness.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kevin Taylor

Conspiracy to supply cocaine and evade prohibition on importation

September 26, 2025

Sentence: 27 years imprisonment

Kevin Taylor, 43, of Ladybank, Chapel Park, Newcastle, led an organised crime group that imported over 200 kilos of cocaine from Europe using gas canisters. The group used encrypted messaging for operations, including discussions about transporting drugs during the Covid-19 pandemic. They arranged collections from the south of England, with evidence of gun threats and cash seizures, including nearly £500,000 found in a chimney.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to evade the prohibition on the importation of drugs and conspiracy to supply cocaine. Described as the kingpin of the organised crime group that coordinated the importation and supply of cocaine.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Usman Hussain

Supply of cocaine

September 26, 2025

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

Usman Hussain sent thousands of bulk text messages advertising cocaine for sale between December of the previous year and May of the current year. He was linked to the phones through top-ups at his workplace, a dropped 999 call, and cell site analysis. Police executed a search warrant at his home and recovered evidence from the mobile phones, though no drugs were found. He offered to deliver or allow pickup of street-level amounts of cocaine.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine. Has previous convictions for indecent images and driving offences. Judge noted that he got greedy and was supplying drugs at street level, and highlighted the societal harm caused by drugs.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Adam Scope

Common assault

September 25, 2025

Sentence: 12 months community order with 40 hours unpaid work

Adam Scope and his partner argued on April 18, 2025, during which he threw a hot cross bun at her, striking her. He then took hold of her left arm and pushed her, followed by pushing her to the neck or chest area, causing her to fall onto the sofa. He also threw a blanket over her to distract her while grabbing her phone to check if she had contacted his father. She sustained bruising as a result.

Pleaded guilty to common assault. No previous convictions. The defendant is utterly ashamed of his behaviour, and the incident arose from a domestic argument over him going out with friends, exacerbated by relationship difficulties including his infidelity.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Armet Asprilla Cortes

Conspiracy to steal

September 24, 2025

Sentence: 44 months imprisonment

Armet Asprilla Cortes was part of a Colombian gang that targeted elderly people withdrawing large sums of cash from banks in the North East and other areas. The gang loitered in banking halls, identified victims, followed them, and used skilled distraction techniques to steal money. This included incidents in Hexham, where £7,000 was stolen from a woman's car; Gosforth, where £15,000 was taken; Newcastle, where £10,000 was stolen from a victim's home; Sunderland, where £3,000 was taken from a car; and Whitley Bay, where £1,000 was swapped using a similar envelope. The gang stole over £60,000 from 14 victims between August 2024 and April 2025.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal between August 2024 and April 2025. Entered the UK to work as a mechanic but got involved in the theft plot due to issues in Colombia, including the death of his father. Is remorseful and likely to be deported.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Willmer Guzman

Conspiracy to steal

September 24, 2025

Sentence: 44 months imprisonment

Willmer Guzman was part of a Colombian gang that targeted elderly people withdrawing large sums of cash from banks in the North East and other areas. The gang loitered in banking halls, identified victims, followed them, and used skilled distraction techniques to steal money. This included incidents in Hexham, where £7,000 was stolen from a woman's car; Gosforth, where £15,000 was taken; Newcastle, where £10,000 was stolen from a victim's home; Sunderland, where £3,000 was taken from a car; and Whitley Bay, where £1,000 was swapped using a similar envelope. The gang stole over £60,000 from 14 victims between August 2024 and April 2025.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal between August 2024 and April 2025. Entered the UK hoping to find work as a painter and decorator but had no right to work and got involved in the theft plot. Has health problems and wants to return to Colombia. Likely to be deported.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Ryan Armstrong

Robbery

September 24, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment

On July 14, Ryan Armstrong, masked, entered a Lifestyle Express shop in Gateshead and demanded cash from the Post Office while falsely claiming to have a knife. The shopkeeper tackled him, locked him inside the store, and Armstrong caused £2,500 in damage by ransacking the shop and knocking goods off shelves. Police arrived and found him with £1,265 in cash stuffed in his jacket and underwear.

Admitted robbery and criminal damage. Remorseful, no relevant convictions, good character references, supportive family, and employment prospects. Judge commented on the shopkeeper's bravery in confronting the defendant.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Syed Ahmed

Supply of Controlled Drugs

September 23, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 9 months imprisonment

On April 7, 2023, Syed Ahmed was stopped by police in Newcastle city centre after officers spotted a person carrying a package from a black Range Rover in Jesmond. A search of the vehicle revealed Class A and B drugs worth approximately £1,800, four mobile phones, £1,560 in cash, and a fake Rolex watch. Investigations uncovered messages on his phone arranging drug deals across the North East region, including price lists and details of delivery vehicles, indicating his involvement with criminal gangs.

Admitted to all charges. First-time offender involved in drug supply. Assets including cash, phones, and a fake watch were seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act for community projects.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Steven Hughes

Theft

September 23, 2025

Sentence: 18 months suspended for 12 months with 150 hours unpaid work

Steven Hughes, employed as a finance officer at Gateshead Access Panel since 2011, stole £120,000 from the charity between 2016 and 2017 by transferring funds to his own account and using the charity's accounts for gambling. He linked the charity's bank account to his PayPal and gambling sites, and also misused clients' funds intended for tax and National Insurance payments. His actions caused the charity, which supported disabled people and their carers, to close in 2018 due to financial losses. Despite being caught and supervised multiple times, he continued stealing until he confessed to the police.

Abused position of trust at Gateshead Access Panel to steal £120,000 for gambling addiction; has autism and compulsive gambling disorder; expressed remorse in a letter; case experienced an enormous delay.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Alden Zefe

Producing cannabis

September 22, 2025

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

Alden Zefe was found living in a house on Whitehorn Crescent in Cowgate, Newcastle, which had been converted into a large cannabis factory. Police raided the property on August 15, 2025, discovering a sophisticated setup with a significant number of cannabis plants. Zefe was sleeping on a bed in the kitchen, separated from the rest of the property by a tarpaulin, and was arrested at the scene.

Pleaded guilty to producing cannabis. Was not responsible for setting up the operation and was tasked only with looking after the plants. Likely to be deported back to Albania.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Callum Crozier

Causing Grievous Bodily Harm

September 22, 2025

Sentence: 18-month community order, 160 hours unpaid work, 90-day alcohol abstinence, £350 costs, and £114 victim surcharge

On March 2, 2024, Callum Crozier argued with his partner at their home in Ovingham, called her names, dragged her by her hair, attempted to strangle her, and punched her in the face, causing cuts to her lip and loose teeth, which required hospital treatment.

Pleaded guilty on the basis that the attack was not entirely unprovoked as the victim jumped on him first; he was remorseful and had one prior non-violent conviction.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

David Cairns

Cocaine trafficking

September 22, 2025

Sentence: 40 years imprisonment

David Cairns, from County Durham, was involved in a cocaine gang that hid drugs and cash in a quarry. He was apprehended following the infiltration of EncroChat, with his prior convictions for drug dealing taken into account.

Part of a cocaine gang that stashed drugs and cash in a quarry; has previously served two long sentences for drug dealing; caught when EncroChat was infiltrated.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Gary Mitchell

Cocaine trafficking

September 22, 2025

Sentence: 40 years imprisonment

Gary Mitchell, from County Durham, was involved in a cocaine gang that hid drugs and cash in a quarry. He was caught following the infiltration of EncroChat.

Part of a cocaine gang with David Cairns that stashed drugs and cash in a quarry; caught when EncroChat was infiltrated.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kayleigh Mcguinness

Breaching a community protection notice

September 21, 2025

Sentence: absolute discharge

Kayleigh McGuinness, who was subject to a community protection notice issued in September 2024 banning her from the Newcastle Parking Meter Zone, breached the order by entering the city centre on July 21, 2025, while en route to The People's Kitchen for assistance. She was not causing harassment or disorder at the time.

Pleaded guilty to breaching a community protection notice. Has learning difficulties and an alcohol problem, and struggles with the restrictions of the notice. Was arrested and spent time in custody before being bailed.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Stacey Payne

Owner of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury

September 21, 2025

Sentence: £100 fine and £1,000 compensation, plus £85 costs and £40 victim surcharge

Stacey Payne was at Pets at Home in Mercia Retail Park, County Durham, on July 20, 2024, trying a muzzle on her Belgian Malinois when the dog launched at a teenage worker, biting her chest and leaving two puncture wounds. The victim required hospital treatment, including a tetanus jab, antibiotics, and later intravenous antibiotics due to infection. She suffered flashbacks, struggled with work, and needed family support.

Pleaded guilty to being the owner of a dog that was dangerously out of control and caused injury. No prior convictions; the dog had never shown aggression before and was being muzzled at the time.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Stephen Todd

Murder

September 21, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years and four months

Stephen Todd murdered his partner, Melissa Eastick, by inflicting 123 injuries on her at his home on Stockton Terrace in Sunderland. The attack included severe bruising, abrasions, lacerations, fractured ribs, a fractured vertebra, and cigarette burns. He subjected her to multiple beatings in the weeks leading up to her death, culminating in a brain injury that rendered her unconscious. Todd called emergency services on October 17, 2023, claiming she was not breathing, but evidence showed he had gone out to buy alcohol while she was dying.

Pleaded guilty to murder. Had a prior suspended sentence for attacking the victim.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Ky Lee

Producing cannabis

September 19, 2025

Sentence: two years imprisonment

Ky Lee was found at a property in Launceston Close, Kingston Park, Newcastle, which had been converted into a cannabis factory. On July 23, 2025, police responded to reports of a possible cannabis farm and discovered 323 cannabis plants at various stages of cultivation, valued at up to £108,000, spread across five rooms. Lee, who had keys to the house, attempted to hide and escape upon the officers' arrival. He had been at the property for several months, acting as the gardener for financial gain.

Had been previously jailed for 12 months in 2022 for the same offence. Was paid £500 per crop and had living costs and accommodation covered. Pleaded guilty and accepted full responsibility for his role in caring for the plants, citing debts in Vietnam as a reason for involvement.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Michael Lee

Breach of community order

September 19, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, with rehabilitation requirements and a 3-month curfew

Michael Lee, previously convicted for indecent images offences, was on a community order that required him to attend rehabilitation sessions and abide by restrictions. In May 2024, he travelled to Ukraine to fight in the war, missing multiple appointments. He kept in touch with authorities via email but failed to attend as required. He also breached a sexual harm prevention order by not notifying his risk management officer about a new phone purchased in Ukraine and failed to comply with sex offender notification requirements by not reporting his return from foreign travel within three days and having undeclared bank cards. Despite this, he had completed 120 hours of unpaid work before leaving.

Had post-traumatic stress disorder and went to Ukraine on what was described as a suicide mission; warned by the judge that any further breaches would result in immediate imprisonment.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Mark Twizell

Assisting an offender

September 18, 2025

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

Mark Twizell helped Jake McIntyre hide the Mitsubishi Shogun used on the night of the attack and provided him with a BMW to use. He allowed the vehicle to be stored on land available to him in Stannington, Northumberland, and later moved it, knowing McIntyre was involved in an assault, though he claimed he did not know the full severity at first.

Pleaded guilty to assisting an offender. Had no previous convictions and acted out of misguided loyalty to his best friend, Jake McIntyre.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Peter Boyd

Assault by beating

September 18, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order, 20 rehabilitation days, £200 compensation, £85 costs, and £114 surcharge

Peter Boyd headbutted his mother's partner and delivered multiple kicks to him as he lay on the floor, after believing the victim was arming himself with a kitchen knife. The incident occurred on July 31, 2025, at a Wallsend address, amid prior conflicts between Boyd and the victim. Boyd's mother witnessed the assault and alerted the police, who had just left the scene.

Pleaded guilty to assault by beating; had previous convictions for assault; believed the victim was grabbing a knife; was experiencing stress due to work and relationship issues.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Steven Bennett

Importing pregabalin and possessing with intent to supply

September 18, 2025

Sentence: Eight months suspended for two years with £150 costs

Steven Bennett, of Oak Grove, Forest Hall, North Tyneside, used a false surname 'Spark' to import over 2,000 pregabalin tablets, a Class C drug, which were intercepted in a package at a Royal Mail international logistics centre on August 22, 2024. The package was declared as a 'healthcare product or supplement'. Police searched his home on September 20, 2024, and found an additional 156 similar tablets, with evidence indicating at least one prior successful delivery. His laptop showed contacts related to obtaining the drugs.

Pleaded guilty to importing pregabalin and possessing pregabalin with intent to supply. The court heard he was using the drug himself and supplying it to a small number of customers, but the judge rejected his claim of making no profit. He has long-term mental health issues that would be exacerbated by custody.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Jake Mcintyre

Manslaughter

September 18, 2025

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment

Jake McIntyre killed Andrew Peart with a wheel brace after a road rage incident that began as a minor traffic altercation in Guide Post, Northumberland on August 22, 2023. Andrew Peart, who was intoxicated, challenged McIntyre to a fight, prompting McIntyre to return armed and strike him on the head, leading to Peart's death eight days later.

Cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter. Had amateur boxing and cage fighting experience and bragged about the incident.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

David Duff

Assault

September 18, 2025

Sentence: 12 months suspended for 2 years with rehabilitation requirements, alcohol abstinence requirements, and £50 compensation

David Duff attacked his friend at his home after they had been drinking and listening to music. Duff suddenly demanded that the victim leave, then threw the victim's headphones out of the window, punched him, and dragged him to the front door. Neighbours called the police, who found the victim bruised and sitting outside. The victim reported suffering from flashbacks and expressed shock at Duff's actions.

Admitted assault and criminal damage. Described as vulnerable and a first-time offender who avoided trial. The judge noted that he lost his temper and 'flipped out' for no apparent reason after drinking.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Darren Robinson

Taking a banned item into prison

September 17, 2025

Sentence: 6 weeks imprisonment

Darren Robinson attempted to smuggle a package containing 40 buprenorphine tablets and 45g of pregabalin into HMP Northumberland on January 21, 2024, by hiding it in his trouser leg. During a security check, he was observed dragging his left foot, and the package fell out. The drugs, both class C substances, were valued at up to £6,000 in prison. Robinson claimed he was desperate for money and did not know the contents, leading to his arrest and subsequent guilty plea.

Pleaded guilty to taking a banned item into prison. Had more than 20 previous convictions and was exploited by others for financial reasons. Recorder Andrew Latimer noted it was an amateurish attempt and highlighted the serious problems drugs cause in prisons.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Stephen Mitchison

Burglary

September 17, 2025

Sentence: 2.5 years imprisonment

In the early hours of May 2, 2025, Stephen Mitchison and Lee Cook broke into a residential property in Felling, Gateshead, stealing a TV, a Fitbit watch, and cash. The victim awoke to noises, discovered the items missing, and confronted the pair as they attempted to drive away in his car. They fled on foot but were arrested at Heworth Metro Station with the stolen items. Police investigations linked them to additional similar offences through CCTV footage.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary, two counts of theft from a motor vehicle, and four counts of vehicle interference. Linked to other offences via CCTV and distinctive clothing captured on camera.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kevin Jury

Assault by beating

September 17, 2025

Sentence: Fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 costs and £80 surcharge

On January 3, 2025, at a home in Alnwick, Kevin Jury was involved in an argument where he told a woman to 'f*** off'. He then approached a teenage boy, offered to shake his hand, which was declined, and slapped the boy in the face. The woman intervened, and police were called.

Pleaded guilty to assault by beating. Had seven previous convictions. Apologised, citing depression after breaking his arm. He and the victim have made up.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Lee Cook

Burglary

September 17, 2025

Sentence: 2.5 years imprisonment

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Takayama Silva

Breach of restraining order

September 16, 2025

Sentence: 52 months imprisonment

Takayama Silva, after being deported to Brazil in March for stalking his former partner, continued to contact the victim and her family via messages and social media. He breached a restraining order by sending messages declaring his love, attempting to follow the victim's accounts, and uploading photos of their past relationship. By May, he had re-entered the UK illegally, was found in Northern Ireland, and attempted to board a flight to Scotland. He was arrested at Belfast Airport on May 21.

Admitted to entering the UK without leave and three offences of breach of a restraining order. Has a previous conviction for a public order offence. Judge commented that the only reason for re-entering the UK was to breach the restraining order. Will be automatically deported again and received an indefinite restraining order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Trevor Morris

Assault

September 16, 2025

Sentence: Community order, five-year restraining order, and £2,500 compensation

Trevor Morris assaulted the victim outside Aldi on Stamfordham Road, Newcastle, on February 24, 2025, by punching him in the face with considerable force, breaking his nose. The attack stemmed from jealousy over both men having been in relationships with the same woman. Morris had previously threatened the victim by phone in December of the previous year. The victim suffered physical injuries including a fractured and swollen nose, as well as mental health issues such as PTSD, requiring counselling.

Pleaded guilty to assault. Had been subject to a suspended sentence three days prior and was remanded in custody since February. Judge noted his good behaviour in custody as a factor in sentencing.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Aidn Cowen

Rape

September 16, 2025

Sentence: 17 years and 8 months imprisonment with an extended licence period of 2 years

Aidn Cowen sexually abused two young boys, including causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and assault by penetration on the first victim, who tried to resist and was threatened. For the second victim, he committed two counts of rape and causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, threatening the victim to keep it secret. While on bail, he raped an adult victim who protested, ignoring their refusals. The offences occurred when Cowen was aged between 16 and 20.

Convicted of offences against two children and admitted to raping an adult while on bail. No previous convictions. Refused to accept verdicts. Will be on the sex offenders register for life and subject to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

David Wearmouth

Burglary

September 15, 2025

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months, 150 hours unpaid work, and £300 compensation

David Wearmouth and his accomplices broke into a vacant property in Hexham, Northumberland, that was undergoing renovation. The burglary occurred overnight on July 12, 2024, during which they stole copper and tools worth £6,000. Wearmouth sold the copper at a local scrap yard, causing inconvenience to those renovating the property. He was identified from CCTV footage and arrested.

Pleaded guilty to burglary other than dwelling. Has been offending since 1987 and was tempted by the offer of easy money. His role was less active than his accomplices, according to CCTV footage.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Gary Chitticks

Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order

September 15, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 8 months imprisonment

Gary Chitticks, a 41-year-old convicted sex offender, was originally sentenced in 2021 for attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child, for which he served four years in prison. He breached his lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order by possessing an undeclared mobile phone and bank account, with the phone configured to automatically delete search history. He had recently moved to the Houghton-le-Spring area of Sunderland and was found to be living there despite claiming homelessness. He was arrested on August 13, 2025, after police traced him through an acquaintance's phone.

Admitted two breaches of the Sexual Harm Prevention Order and four breaches of his Sex Offender Notification requirements. Police highlighted his lack of remorse and flagrant disregard for the orders imposed to protect the community.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

William Sharp

Fraud by false representation

September 15, 2025

Sentence: 2.5 years imprisonment

William Sharp, a 72-year-old finance team supervisor at Connor Solutions in Houghton-le-Spring, abused his position to create and process 95 fraudulent invoices between September 2012 and August 2023, embezzling £375,667. He used the funds for personal expenses, including supplementing his income, funding luxury holidays for his family, providing money to his sister for her negative equity house, and paying off his own debts of £26,000. The fraud was discovered during an internal investigation after his retirement in 2023, when a discrepancy was noticed by a supplier. Sharp timed some fraudulent payments to occur when his replacement was on annual leave.

Pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation between 2012 and 2023. He also faces Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings. The judge noted it was an egregious breach of trust over a sustained period, impacting the company financially.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Scott Patterson

Production of cannabis

September 14, 2025

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Police discovered a cannabis farm with 99 plants in a property on Darras Road, Darras Hall, Ponteland on October 7, 2019. Scott Patterson was found inside moving soil and was an account manager who knowingly supplied hydroponic equipment for the production of cannabis. The setup was elaborate and sophisticated, with a potential yield of over ten kilos worth up to £52,000.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of cannabis and possessing £37,244 of criminal property. Has 18 previous convictions, including for producing cannabis in 2012. Is utterly remorseful, primary carer for his partner and children, works as a wind turbine technician, and has stopped smoking cannabis.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Martin Hawdon

Production of cannabis

September 14, 2025

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months

Police discovered a cannabis farm with 99 plants in a property on Darras Road, Darras Hall, Ponteland on October 7, 2019. Martin Hawdon was found inside moving soil and had messages on his phone seeking advice on managing the plants. The setup was elaborate and sophisticated, with a potential yield of over ten kilos worth up to £52,000.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of cannabis. Has one unrelated prior conviction. Involved due to financial desperation, is remorseful, has caring responsibilities including for children, and is employed.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Johnny Smith

Threatening or abusive behaviour

September 14, 2025

Sentence: £200 fine, £85 costs, and £80 victim surcharge

On May 7, 2025, Johnny Smith was at his home on Dalton Crescent in Byker when his neighbour asked him to turn down the music. Instead of complying, he stormed out, banged on the victim's window, shouted racist abuse including calling him a black c***, and invited him to fight, causing harassment, alarm, and distress to the victim, who called the police.

Pleaded guilty to the offence. Has 32 prior offences on his record and was drunk at the time, with issues including severe anxiety and depression.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Cameron Foale

Violent disorder

September 12, 2025

Sentence: Eight months custody, suspended for 18 months, with 100 hours unpaid work

Cameron Foale attended a mass riot in Sunderland on August 2, out of curiosity and while intoxicated. He threw a pole towards police officers attempting to manage the violent disorder, but it did not hit anyone. He was captured on CCTV committing the act.

Pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, no injury caused, intoxicated at the time, of positive good character, remorseful, young with immaturity playing a part, and cares for his baby daughter.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Toby Adeniji

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

September 12, 2025

Sentence: 12 months community order with 150 hours unpaid work and £500 compensation

Toby Adeniji, a bouncer at The Social Club in Newcastle, punched a customer four times in the head after the customer punched him in the abdomen during a struggle. The incident occurred around 2.45am on October 22, 2024, following the victim accidentally knocking into a woman and being restrained by bouncers. The victim suffered a fractured eye socket and nasal bones, impacting his ability to play rugby and box.

Pleaded guilty to assault. The assault was impulsive and occurred during his employment as a bouncer after he was punched in the abdomen. He has left the security industry and is now working in a call centre.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Susan Farrow

Indecent Assault

September 11, 2025

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment

Susan Farrow, along with her husband and their friend, sexually abused a child in the Sunderland area during the 1990s. She was convicted of one count of indecent assault after the victim reported the abuse more than 20 years later.

Found guilty of one count of indecent assault. She will spend 10 years on the Sex Offenders' Register and was handed a lifelong restraining order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Khaled Ibrahim

Assault by penetration

September 11, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment and must sign the sex offenders register indefinitely

Khaled Ibrahim encountered a drunk and lost young woman who had separated from her friends in Wallsend. He posed as a Good Samaritan, offering help, and led her to a secluded, dark park behind Wallsend Health Centre. There, he grabbed her, kissed her, grabbed her breasts, put his hands down her trousers, and sexually assaulted her by penetration. She struggled and escaped, seeking help from a nearby resident who contacted the police. The incident occurred late at night.

Found guilty by a jury. Judge Adams highlighted the victim's vulnerability as a lone, drunk female at night. Defence claimed there was consensual activity prior, but this was not upheld.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Joseph Willis

Rape

September 11, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment

Joseph Willis sexually abused a child in the Sunderland area during the 1990s. He was convicted of one count of rape after the victim reported the abuse more than 20 years later, following two trials.

Found guilty of one count of rape. He will spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders' Register and was handed a lifelong restraining order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

David Farrow

Rape and Indecent Assault

September 11, 2025

Sentence: 20 years imprisonment

David Farrow sexually abused a child in the Sunderland area during the 1990s. The offences included seven counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault, which occurred before the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The victim reported the abuse more than 20 years later, leading to his conviction after two trials.

Found guilty of 11 offences, including seven counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault. He will spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders' Register and was handed a lifelong restraining order.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Danny Dennis

Sexual assault of a child

September 10, 2025

Sentence: 17 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, 30 rehabilitation days, and 150 hours unpaid work

Danny Dennis, 23, from Kent, pretended to be 15 years old and lost in South Tyneside. He met two schoolgirls and convinced one to let him stay at her home on an airbed. During the night, he got into her bed and sexually assaulted her, threatening her by saying, 'Just do what I'm telling you to do or something bad will happen.' The victim, who was a schoolgirl at the time, provided video and pictures to the police, leading to his arrest.

Pleaded guilty to the offences. No previous convictions. Judge indicated a suspended sentence and imposed an indefinite restraining order, a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, and registration on the sex offenders' register for 10 years.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Muhammed Ahmed

Being concerned in the supply of cocaine

September 10, 2025

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

On March 28, 2024, Muhammed Ahmed was driving a silver VW Golf with Neelah Qureshi as passenger in Newcastle. Police witnessed a suspected drug deal where a customer entered the car and then exited. Upon search, cocaine was found, and messages on the customer's phone related to drug dealing were discovered. He was arrested and admitted his involvement.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine. Has two prior convictions for drug driving. Judge noted he made a stupid decision under pressure and warned about the dangers of drugs.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Neelah Qureshi

Possessing cocaine with intent to supply

September 10, 2025

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

On March 28, 2024, police observed Neelah Qureshi in the passenger seat of a silver VW Golf driven by her partner in Newcastle. Officers saw a suspected drug deal occur, during which a customer entered the car briefly. Upon search, 17 bags of cocaine worth £850 and £390 in cash were found in her handbag. She was arrested and admitted the offense.

Pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply. No previous convictions. Judge warned that drugs kill and noted she saw a quick way to make money.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Nicola Walker

Attempting to cause GBH with intent

September 9, 2025

Sentence: Two years suspended for two years with a rehabilitation activity requirement

Nicola Walker, during a volatile argument at a hotel in Washington on March 7, 2025, accused her partner of cheating, bit his arm, spat in his face, and punched him in the head. After being asked to leave the hotel, she attempted to drive away while intoxicated and disqualified from driving. She reversed her Nissan Juke into him, causing him to stumble, and then drove towards him, striking his hip and leg with a glancing blow, as captured on CCTV, resulting in him sustaining cuts, bruises, and abrasions.

Pleaded guilty to attempting to cause GBH with intent, assault by beating, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and having no insurance. She has mental health issues and provided character references from her family.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kyle Kirkpatrick

Affray

September 9, 2025

Sentence: 9 months imprisonment

Kyle Kirkpatrick approached children at the back of a home in North Tyneside in June 2025, prompting their mother to confront him. He became aggressive, shouting threats to stab her and reaching into his trousers, making her fear for her safety. He also threatened a neighbour, saying he would 'slice' him, and pulled a 20cm kitchen knife from his trousers. Police arrived, arrested him, and found the knife under a van. He was intoxicated at the time.

Pleaded guilty to affray and having a bladed article. Has 19 previous convictions, including for violence. Judge noted that carrying a knife can escalate situations. Defence highlighted his difficult upbringing and positive prison behaviour.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

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