Newcastle Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 635 verdicts at Newcastle Crown Court (Newcastle upon Tyne). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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 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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Jasmine Somerville

Sexual assault

September 28, 2025

Sentence: Imprisonment

Jasmine Somerville distributed a video of herself sexually assaulting a youngster and made and distributed indecent images of children.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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