Peterlee Magistrates' Court Sentencing Results

Explore 23 verdicts at Peterlee Magistrates' Court (Peterlee). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

March 2026 1 case

Kyle Young

Causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal *

Sentence

16 weeks imprisonment suspended for 18 months, disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years, 151 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days, six-month drug treatment programme, £300 costs, £154 victim surcharge

Kyle Young, 25, from Newcastle, neglected two dogs, Akita Peppa and French Bulldog Nala, at his address in Shotton Colliery, County Durham. Both dogs were emaciated and suffered for at least one month due to failure to seek veterinary treatment. Peppa had severe skin issues leading to a bacterial infection requiring weeks of antibiotics, and was subjected to physical violence including being struck twice after an attempt to throw her over a six-foot fence, as captured in footage. Nala, taken in as a stray, weighed 10.05kg with a body condition score of 2/9 and was euthanized on veterinary advice due to non-improving health. The RSPCA intervened on March 15, 2025, after the property was found unattended following a petrol bombing incident.

Pleaded guilty to three offences of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. Admitted drug addiction and could have made different decisions regarding the dogs.

11 Mar 2026

January 2026 1 case

Carys Coates

Misuse of a Blue Badge *

Sentence

£119 fine, £250 costs, and £48 victim surcharge

Carys Coates, of Hill View, Esh Winning, was caught using the Blue Badge of an elderly man she used to care for. The incident occurred when her vehicle was parked on double yellow lines in Stanley. A civil enforcement officer checked the badge, noted the clock was not set, and observed that the badge belonged to a man from Ponteland who was not present. Checks confirmed the vehicle belonged to Coates. In an interview under caution, she admitted to using the badge without the owner present to avoid a parking ticket.

Pleaded guilty to misuse of a Blue Badge. Used the badge to avoid a parking ticket while the owner was not present.

12 Jan 2026

November 2025 2 cases

Dale Hudson

Flytipping *

Sentence

£150 fine, £600 costs, £60 victim surcharge (total £810)

Waste from Dale Hudson's company, Thomas Plastering, was found flytipped on farmland near the A167 between Ferryhill and Chilton. The waste included a cardboard box with company details. Hudson arranged for a third party to remove business waste but did not ensure they had a valid waste transfer license, leading to illegal disposal.

Found guilty of failing to comply with duty of care regarding disposal of waste resulting in flytipping and failing to assist with flytipping investigation. Did not provide full details of third party waste remover and failed to attend interview.

18 Nov 2025

Elvet Residences Limited

Fire safety breaches *

Sentence

£8,000 fine, £12,071 costs, £2,000 victim support surcharge

Elvet Residences Limited (formerly Three Tuns Developments Limited) operated five blocks of student housing on New Elvet, Durham, accommodating over 170 residents. The properties were deemed by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service to pose a significant risk of serious injury or death in the event of a fire due to serious fire safety breaches. Despite repeated warnings and enforcement actions between October 2023 and April 2024, the company failed to take adequate remedial steps.

High culpability and medium harm due to systemic failures in fire safety management. Pleaded or found guilty of breaching fire safety regulations despite repeated warnings from October 2023 to April 2024.

5 Nov 2025

September 2025 1 case

Daniel Halliday

Fly-tipping *

Sentence

£780.60 fine and six months conditional discharge

Daniel Halliday had a large amount of rubbish, including marked and damaged wooden doors, in his back yard at his Pine Street property in Chester-le-Street. This waste was later found dumped in a layby on Wilfred Street. He failed to ensure the household waste was disposed of by an authorised person and did not assist in the council's investigation.

Admitted to two fly-tipping offences; claimed someone else removed the waste but failed to respond to council letters and investigation notices.

24 Sep 2025

August 2025 5 cases

Michelle Hindson

Animal cruelty *

Sentence

38 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and 200 hours of unpaid work

Michelle Hindson and Rhys Hagan owned a bull breed dog named Oreo, who was starved to death. Oreo weighed 9.9kg, less than half his expected weight, and had multiple wounds, including pressure sores and lacerations. Plastic material was found in his empty stomach, indicating prolonged suffering from emaciation and neglect over at least six weeks. The RSPCA investigated after the dog was brought to a PDSA clinic on January 7, 2025.

Pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act. Court described it as one of the worst cases of animal cruelty they had seen. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £187 and costs of £50. Both defendants received a lifetime ban on keeping animals.

27 Aug 2025

Paul Hooper

Unlicensed dog selling *

Sentence

Ordered to pay over £5,000

Paul Hooper, 62, and Stephanie Taylor were prosecuted for illegally selling dogs without a licence, resulting in their court-ordered financial penalty.

Pleaded guilty to unlicensed dog selling alongside Stephanie Taylor.

27 Aug 2025

Rhys Hagan

Animal cruelty *

Sentence

38 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and fined £200

Rhys Hagan and Michelle Hindson owned a bull breed dog named Oreo, who was starved to death. Oreo weighed 9.9kg, less than half his expected weight for his breed and size, and had multiple wounds, including pressure sores and lacerations. Plastic material was found in his empty stomach, and he suffered from severe emaciation and muscle atrophy over at least six weeks without veterinary treatment. The RSPCA investigated after the dog was brought to a PDSA clinic on January 7, 2025.

27 Aug 2025

Stephanie Taylor

Unlicensed dog selling *

Sentence

Ordered to pay over £5,000

Stephanie Taylor, 58, and Paul Hooper were prosecuted for illegally selling dogs without a licence, leading to their court appearance and financial penalty.

Pleaded guilty to unlicensed dog selling alongside Paul Hooper.

27 Aug 2025

Sarah Crawford

Outraging public decency *

Sentence

suspended prison sentence

Sarah Crawford was caught performing a sex act in a doorway in Gateshead, which led to her being sentenced for outraging public decency in Birtley.

No additional plea or judge comments provided.

20 Aug 2025

July 2025 3 cases

James Murphy

Using a mobile phone while driving *

Sentence

6 months driving disqualification and £520 fine

James Murphy was spotted using his mobile phone while driving a BMW on the A1(M) near Newton Aycliffe on July 1, 2024. He was found guilty, and due to his prior driving offences, this led to his sentencing.

Due to previous driving record, the offence resulted in six penalty points, triggering disqualification under totting-up rules. Magistrates issued a reminder that using a mobile phone while driving poses a danger to all road users.

10 Jul 2025

David Willis

Animal welfare offences *

Sentence

10-year ban on keeping animals, £90 fine, £36 victim surcharge, and £500 costs

David Willis and Gemma Olds failed to meet the needs of five cats, two dogs, and a Burmese python at their home in Fairy Street, Hetton-le-Hole. The animals were found living amongst clutter and rubbish with no access to water, in a chaotic and unhygienic environment. RSPCA inspectors discovered the house was littered with personal belongings, beer cans, and rubbish, with internal doors off their hinges. The animals were seized and taken to a veterinary practice where they were found to be thirsty and hungry; one cat was emaciated and had suffered unnecessarily for at least one week. The snake was cold and lacked adequate water and a suitable environment.

Pleaded guilty to three Animal Welfare Act offences. In mitigation, the court was told the couple both had poor mental health.

9 Jul 2025

Gemma Olds

Animal welfare offences *

Sentence

10-year ban on keeping animals, £90 fine, £36 victim surcharge, and £500 costs

Gemma Olds and David Willis failed to meet the needs of five cats, two dogs, and a Burmese python at their home in Fairy Street, Hetton-le-Hole. The animals were found living amongst clutter and rubbish with no access to water, in a chaotic and unhygienic environment. RSPCA inspectors discovered the house was littered with personal belongings, beer cans, and rubbish, with internal doors off their hinges. The animals were seized and taken to a veterinary practice where they were found to be thirsty and hungry; one cat was emaciated and had suffered unnecessarily for at least one week. The snake was cold and lacked adequate water and a suitable environment.

Pleaded guilty to three Animal Welfare Act offences. In mitigation, the court was told the couple both had poor mental health.

9 Jul 2025

June 2025 1 case

Billy Clifton

Fly-tipping *

Sentence

£1,050.65 fine

Billy Clifton, 42, of Phoenix Place in Newton Aycliffe, dumped a fridge freezer at Howlish Lane near Coundon on February 16, 2025. He was caught on camera by a Durham County Council neighbourhood warden, who tracked him down via the vehicle's registration number. Clifton agreed to but failed to attend three scheduled interviews in April and May 2025.

Admitted fly-tipping and failing to attend an interview. Told magistrates he had a lot going on at the time.

1 Jun 2025

December 2024 1 case

Kamran Adil

Housing Act 2004 offences *

Sentence

£63,000 fine and banned from operating as a landlord for 2 years

Kamran Adil, 54, of Halterburn Close, Gosforth, repeatedly failed to ensure minimum housing safety standards in his rental properties, breaching the Housing Act 2004 and Durham County Council's Selective Licensing scheme. He was taken to court twice by the council in 2023 and 2024, resulting in convictions for 14 offences. Investigations revealed he retained 15 rental properties, including two occupied ones, after selling 11. He did not engage with the tribunal process following the Notice of Intent for a banning order.

Found guilty of 14 offences under the Housing Act 2004. Pleaded or engaged minimally; failed to comply with Selective Licensing scheme. Tribunal Judge Brown noted the banning order as a just and proportionate punishment to deter reoffending and ensure compliance.

31 Dec 2024

August 2024 4 cases

Imrhan Hussain

Speeding *

Sentence

Fined £92, £130 costs, £37 surcharge, and 3 penalty points

Imrhan Hussain was caught driving a Volkswagen above the 70mph limit on the A1(M) between Bowburn and Bradbury on December 9, 2024.

Pleaded guilty to speeding. Offence occurred on December 9, 2024.

21 Aug 2024

Stewart James Breckon

Speeding *

Sentence

Fined £665, £110 costs, £266 surcharge, and 5 penalty points

Stewart James Breckon was caught speeding on the A1(M) between Bowburn (J61) and Carrville (J62) in his Mercedes on October 19, 2024.

Pleaded guilty to speeding. Offence occurred on October 19, 2024.

21 Aug 2024

Michael Smith

Using a mobile phone while driving *

Sentence

Fined £604, £110 costs, £242 surcharge, and 6 penalty points

Michael Smith was stopped for using a handheld mobile phone while driving his Volkswagen northbound on the A1(M) at Newton Aycliffe on July 2, 2024.

Pleaded guilty to using a mobile phone while driving. Exceptional hardship was noted due to providing vital transport for his stepson’s schooling and medical appointments.

21 Aug 2024

Jeanette Todd

Speeding *

Sentence

Six-month driving ban, fined £138, £110 costs, and £55 surcharge

Jeanette Todd was caught speeding on the A1(M) between Bowburn and Bradbury on September 7, 2024.

Pleaded guilty to speeding. Payment arranged in instalments of £200 per month. A linked charge of failing to provide driver information was withdrawn.

7 Aug 2024

July 2024 2 cases

Stacey Dickinson

Speeding *

Sentence

6 months driving disqualification, fined £40, £16 victim surcharge, and £110 court costs

Stacey Dickinson was caught speeding on the A1(M) between Junctions 59 (Aycliffe) and 60 (Bradbury) on December 29, 2023, while driving her Honda above the 70mph limit. She was sentenced after admitting the offence, and her driving record was endorsed with three penalty points.

Pleaded guilty to speeding. Due to repeat offending, magistrates imposed a mandatory disqualification. No evidence of exceptional hardship was submitted to avoid it.

3 Jul 2024

John Dowson

Shoplifting *

Sentence

Ordered to pay compensation of £146

John Dowson stole £146 worth of goods, including biscuits, burgers, beer, and butter, from Sainsbury's in Horden on June 14.

No additional details, plea, or judge comments provided.

2 Jul 2024

April 2024 2 cases

Kerry Birmingham

Animal cruelty *

Sentence

Banned from keeping animals for 10 years, fined £200, costs of £1,080, and a victim surcharge of £80

Kerry Birmingham was caught on CCTV and mobile phone footage kicking and punching her four-year-old Rottweiler named Sasha at a pub and elsewhere in town. The abuse occurred on multiple occasions, causing the dog pain and fear, though no long-term injuries were sustained. This led to an RSPCA investigation, resulting in the police seizing Sasha on August 23, 2023.

Pleaded guilty to four offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Mitigating circumstances included alcohol and mental health problems.

9 Apr 2024

Hannah Critchlow

Animal Welfare Act offence *

Sentence

12-month animal ban, £200 fine, £250 costs, and £80 victim surcharge

Hannah Critchlow kept 11 dogs in squalid and unhygienic conditions at her home on Bourne Street, Peterlee. The floors were covered in faeces and rubbish, with a strong ammonia smell that made officers feel ill. Two dogs were being boarded while their owners were away, and several required urgent veterinary care for untreated wounds, emaciated states, and dermatitis. The RSPCA removed the dogs on September 3, 2023, after she failed to attend scheduled appointments.

Pleaded guilty to one Animal Welfare Act offence. No previous convictions. Poor mental health at the time and had worked for ten years looking after dogs before going solo.

2 Apr 2024

Disclaimer: The information on this page is compiled from publicly available court records and published media reports. It is provided strictly for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as a definitive record of any individual's criminal history or legal status.

Offence names marked with an asterisk (*) reflect descriptions used in media reporting and may not correspond to the formal legal charge or indictment. Sentencing details are as reported and may be subject to subsequent appeal, variation, or correction by the courts.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The presence of a name on this page does not imply guilt, and some listed individuals may have had convictions overturned, sentences reduced, or charges withdrawn after the date of publication.

We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any court, government body, or law enforcement agency. While we endeavour to ensure the accuracy of all information, we accept no liability for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this data. If you believe any entry is inaccurate, outdated, or should be removed, please submit a removal request using the icon on the relevant entry or contact us directly.

No sentences found matching your search.

St Aidans Way, Peterlee SR8 1QR, Peterlee, SR8 1QR, United Kingdom

+441325318114

www.find-court-tribunal.service.gov.uk

Wheelchair accessible parking, Wheelchair accessible entrance

Get Directions

About Peterlee Magistrates' Court

Peterlee Magistrates' Court, located in Peterlee, is a Magistrates' Court that deals with summary offences, some either-way offences, and preliminary hearings for more serious cases. With 23 sentencing records in our database, it serves the Peterlee area and surrounding communities. Magistrates' Courts handle the majority of criminal cases in England and Wales, with cases heard by a bench of magistrates or a district judge.

The court can be found at St Aidans Way, Peterlee SR8 1QR, SR8 1QR.

Accessibility provisions at this court include wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible parking.

For enquiries about cases heard at this court, you can contact the court by telephone on +441325318114 or visit the official court website for further information.

All sentencing information published on this page has been sourced from publicly-available records and verified by our editorial team. If you believe any information is inaccurate or should be removed, you can submit a removal request directly from the relevant listing above.