Teesside Crown Court Sentencing Results

Ashleigh Robinson

Theft and extortion involving stolen gun

January 23, 2026

Sentence: imprisonment

Ashleigh Robinson, the victim's granddaughter, was involved in locking up the stolen gun and demanding ransom for its return.

Caged along with Carlos Rainbow who tried to charge the victim £700 for return of stolen gun.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Carlos Rainbow

Theft and extortion involving stolen gun

January 23, 2026

Sentence: imprisonment

Carlos Rainbow stole a gun and attempted to extort £700 from the victim for its return, involving the victim's granddaughter.

Tried to charge the victim £700 for return of stolen gun; caged with Ashleigh Robinson.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Mackenzie Briggs

Supplying cocaine

January 23, 2026

Sentence: imprisonment

Mackenzie Briggs, 19, stashed cocaine in his Thornaby bedroom bin and operated a teen drugs hotline for selling cocaine.

Mason Hinnighan

Theft of a motor vehicle and dangerous driving

January 22, 2026

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment

Mason Hinnighan, 23, of Moorgate in Eston, was spotted driving a stolen VW Golf in the Grangetown area of Middlesbrough on November 17, 2025. He led police on a high-speed chase along the A66 at speeds up to 110mph, accelerating away when signalled to stop, driving through red lights, and crashing through a fence before abandoning the car in a Lidl supermarket car park on Cargo Fleet Lane. The vehicle had been stolen from outside the victim's home days earlier. Later that day, he returned to the supermarket in a grey Skoda (without licence or insurance) to retrieve his phone, which he had thrown onto the roof during the chase. He was arrested days later. This was his second similar incident in three years.

Pleaded guilty to theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, and driving with no insurance or licence. Disqualified from driving for 19 months and must pass an extended test. Prior conviction for similar high-speed chase in 2023 resulting in 8 months in Young Offenders' Institution. Judge noted the risk to lives and impact on family.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

John Mcgrath

Fraud

January 20, 2026

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment

John McGrath, a 49-year-old rogue builder from The Oval, Barnard Castle, County Durham, defrauded customers of £30,065.27 through eight counts of fraud between 2016 and 2021. He agreed to building and roofing work, took advance payments, but failed to complete the jobs or provide refunds. Examples include a community association paying £13,367 for roof repairs with minimal work done, and a children’s home paying £1,446 plus an additional £1,500 deposit for unstarted roof work. The case began with a customer complaint leading to an investigation by Durham County Council.

Pleaded guilty to eight counts of fraud. Serving half in custody and half on licence. Prior activity between 2016 and 2021 investigated by Durham County Council and National Trading Standards.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Nathan Kane

Assault

January 20, 2026

Sentence: 21-month sentence suspended for two years, 30 days rehabilitation activities, 200 hours unpaid work, 120-day alcohol abstinence requirement, £1,000 compensation

Nathan Kane, 26, from Ellington Terrace in Ashington, assaulted his then girlfriend in their Mallorca hotel room during a holiday in October 2024. After excessive alcohol consumption, he became jealous, accused her of infidelity, slapped and hit her face and head multiple times, grabbed her by the neck causing her to feel sick and lightheaded, and prevented her from leaving. The victim sustained bruising to her face and arms, and a fractured cheekbone. She escaped with help from hotel staff, took a taxi to the airport, and flew home. Upon return to the UK, she sought treatment at the University Hospital of North Tees.

No prior convictions. Isolated incident linked to trauma from mother's death anniversary. Pleaded guilty. Seven-year restraining order imposed.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Ricky Banthorpe

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

January 19, 2026

Sentence: 25 months imprisonment

Ricky Banthorpe, 38, a scaffolder from Cliffland Way in Hemlington, Middlesbrough, assaulted a heavily pregnant woman after an early morning argument at a family home. He had insisted on staying after an argument and refused to leave when asked again at 7am early last year. He punched her in the left temple, left ear, and back of the head while her youngest child was nearby and her older child stood beside her. The victim suffered bleeding in her skull and required treatment at North Tees Hospital. The following morning, she spotted him in her garden, called police, and he was found hiding in the shed. He also breached a domestic abuse protection order from September last year by appearing at another woman's home in October while under the influence of drink and drugs. He has a previous conviction for domestic violence on Christmas Day 2017, where he grabbed a former partner by the throat and punched her. The assault occurred while intoxicated, and he remembers little of it.

Admitted to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and breaching a domestic abuse protection order. Two restraining orders imposed for five years. Prior conviction for domestic violence. Expressed apologies to victim. Knows it's immediate custody. No desire to engage with help for substance misuse.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Lee Oakley

Dangerous driving

January 19, 2026

Sentence: 2 years and 16 weeks imprisonment

On February 14, 2025, at 3.30pm, Lee Oakley, driving a stolen blue Nissan X-Trail with cloned plates, was spotted heading into York via the A19. He made unusual turns to check if followed, then reversed into a police car causing £1,000 damage before fleeing. During the pursuit through York city centre, he drove at high speeds, ran red lights, mounted the pavement endangering pedestrians, and crashed into another vehicle causing £300 damage. He was blocked in a cul-de-sac, abandoned the car, and fled on foot but was quickly arrested. Oakley tested positive for cocaine and was disqualified from driving until May 2027.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and drug driving. Banned from driving for 61 months, ordered to take an extended driving test, and pay a victim surcharge of £187.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

John Patrick Hawkins

Fraud

January 16, 2026

Sentence: Imprisonment

John Patrick Hawkins, 66, a high-value sports car dealer in North Yorkshire, admitted to fraudulent trading, conning customers and investors out of £1.5 million.

North Yorkshire high-value sports car dealer jailed after admitting £1.5m fraud; conning customers and investors out of £1.5 million through fraudulent trading.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Joshua Davison

Controlling behaviour

January 16, 2026

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment

Joshua Davison, 29, of Pelton Fell, Chester-le-Street, engaged in controlling behaviour towards his victim. Concerns were raised leading to his suspension from Northumbria Police duty and an investigation. He resigned while proceedings were active. The victim demonstrated courage in coming forward.

Resigned from Northumbria Police when criminal proceedings began. Ordered to pay £156 victim surcharge. Restraining order imposed until further order. Charge of strangulation ordered to lie on file. Actions described as completely unacceptable by Northumbria Police.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

James Rollinson

Breach of restraining order

January 16, 2026

Sentence: Imprisonment

James Rollinson breached a restraining order for the 32nd time by pestering his grandson, stating in court that he feels more at home in prison and should not have been released into the community.

Pestering grandson 'feels more at home in prison' after breaking restraining order for 32nd time; told court 'They never should have released me into the community'.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Anthony Winward

Robbery

January 16, 2026

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

Anthony Winward attacked a victim with screws near the Bottle of Notes in Middlesbrough Town Centre, demanding he hand over his drink.

Richard Swinnerton

Possession of child abuse material

January 16, 2026

Sentence: Imprisonment

Richard Swinnerton was raided by the National Crime Agency at his home while teaching at a Middlesbrough primary school; he had been watching child rape videos and was barred as deputy head, leading to jailing over a job interview for English tutor.

Deputy head barred after watching child rape videos, jailed over English tutor job interview; taught at a Middlesbrough primary school when raided by National Crime Agency.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Peter Dawson

Smuggling drugs into prison

January 16, 2026

Sentence: 7 months imprisonment

Peter Dawson smuggled drugs into a North East prison, pretending to pick something up from the floor before placing them on a packet of biscuits to pass to an inmate.

Smuggled drugs into North East prison and passed them to inmate in biscuits; seen pretending to pick something up from the floor before placing drugs on a packet of biscuits.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Paul Devaney

Rape

January 16, 2026

Sentence: Life imprisonment

Paul Devaney, 42, locked a woman in a flat in Stockton, raped her, and filmed her naked, displaying sadistic behaviour as noted by the judge.

Sadistic Stockton rapist who locked woman in flat and filmed her naked; judge said 'Your behaviour reveals a sadistic temperament'.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Michael Cooper

Child sex offences

January 16, 2026

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Michael Cooper, 22, groomed a child and requested their birth certificate to confirm they were under 16, admitting multiple child sex offences.

Groomed child and asked for birth certificate to confirm they were under 16; admitted a string of child sex offences.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Daniel Conroy

Perverting the course of justice, section 20 wounding without intent, assault by beating

January 15, 2026

Sentence: 2 years and 11 months imprisonment

In May 2025, Daniel Conroy brutally assaulted his partner in their home, punching her to the head causing a bleeding wound to her forehead and a fractured finger, and an earlier assault by beating with no injury. He falsely accused the neighbour of the attack, leading to the neighbour's wrongful armed arrest on suspicion of attempted murder. The victim initially supported Conroy's false claims but later admitted the truth. Conroy has a history of violence towards partners.

Admitted perverting the course of justice, section 20 wounding without intent, and assault by beating. Has nine convictions for 13 offences, 10 of which are for domestic violence. Forced abstinence from alcohol in prison has helped; prospect of work upon release and desire to maintain sobriety. A five-year restraining order was made.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Joseph Gray

Arson with intent to endanger life and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence

January 12, 2026

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Joseph Gray, 43, travelled from Birmingham to a detached home on Collingham Drive in Nunthorpe with a firearm. In the early hours of May 15, 2025, he repeatedly shot at the property, causing damage to multiple windows, and set fire to a BMW on the driveway. No one was injured. He was spotted on CCTV at a Thirsk service station 40 minutes after the incident in the same clothing and vehicle, leading to his identification and arrest.

Admitted to arson with intent to endanger life and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. Claimed he was hired to carry out the offences. Detective Chief Inspector David Glass commented on his extremely dangerous behaviour and disregard for safety.

Sources: birminghammail.co.uk

Jose Sibi

Rape

January 9, 2026

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Jose Sibi, a 46-year-old man of no fixed abode originally from India, carried out a rape and two attempted rapes on a woman in Teesside a number of years ago. He appeared via video link from Holme House prison. The victim reported severe impacts including inability to concentrate on reading, sleep disturbances, and living in daily fear. Sibi was of previous good character but had developed a drinking problem.

Pleaded guilty to rape and two counts of attempted rape at a later stage. Placed on the sexual offenders register for life. Given a restraining order from contacting the victim. To be deported at the two thirds stage of sentence.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Mark Miller

Burglary

January 8, 2026

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

On the night of November 4, 2025, Mark Miller let himself into a ground floor flat in a supported accommodation scheme on Blakelock Gardens, Hartlepool. The victim was in bed watching a film with his girlfriend after returning from a meal out. Miller stole house keys from the living room coffee table and an Xbox with controllers. He was captured on CCTV at the front of the building with an unidentified man and woman before entering. The victim discovered the theft at midnight when trying to play the Xbox. Police identified Miller from footage showing him leaving with a carrier bag. Miller, 56, of no fixed address, has 34 prior burglary convictions.

Pleaded guilty. 35th burglary conviction, 22 committed under 18. Undergoing therapy for brain tumour. Told judge he is 'done with crime'. Will serve half in prison.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Declan Begley

Grievous Bodily Harm

December 21, 2025

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

Declan Begley, 28, of no fixed address but previously from Hemlington, Middlesbrough, engaged in multiple offences. On July 29, 2025, he led police on a dangerous high-speed chase through Middlesbrough, reaching speeds of up to 80mph in 30mph zones, driving through red lights, wrong way around roundabouts, and crashing into another car before being arrested with cocaine in his system. On October 12, 2025, at a woman's home, he smoked crack-cocaine, fell asleep, woke up furious over missing cocaine, smashed up the flat, and punched her in the face, causing large facial fractures and a bleed behind the eyes requiring reconstruction surgery. He also committed shoplifting offences in August and September, including stealing laundry products from a small shop after demanding money.

Pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm, criminal damage, driving whilst disqualified, drug-driving, dangerous driving and theft. Banned from driving for three-and-a-half years and must take an extended re-test. Recorder Andrew Latimer presiding. Defence noted homelessness and drug use; defendant expressed remorse.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Christopher Stubbs

Murder

December 19, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment with minimum term extended to 36 years

Christopher Stubbs murdered Lee Pettite in 2016 and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a 24-year minimum term. He later stabbed a prison officer with a 'hook shank' during a vicious prison attack, leading to an extension of his minimum term by 12 years.

Jailed for life for the murder of Lee Pettite in 2016; 24-year jail term extended by another 12 years after stabbing a prison officer with a 'hook shank' and acting like a rabid dog.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Matthew Eeles

Fraud

December 19, 2025

Sentence: almost 2 years imprisonment

Matthew Eeles committed fraud by billing fake lorry drivers to settle a £20,000 drug debt, leading to imprisonment for breaching his suspended sentence.

Jailed for almost two years after failing to comply with a suspended sentence order for fraudulently billing fake lorry drivers to pay £20k drug debt.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Jordan Milner

Violent disorder

December 19, 2025

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment

Jordan Milner took part in violent disorder during a far-right riot in Middlesbrough on 4 August 2024. He was part of a mob of 30 to 40 people who approached the Intrepid Explorer pub on Linthorpe Road. A pub reveller standing outside was threatened by another man in a boxing stance, and Milner turned back and delivered a flying kick to the victim's body, causing him to fall. Another rioter then kicked the victim in the head, rendering him unconscious and requiring hospital treatment. The unrest involved missiles thrown at police, a car set alight, and damage to businesses and properties, amid chants of 'take our country back' following the Southport murders.

Pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Judge noted he delivered a flying kick to the victim, knocking him to the ground. Displayed genuine remorse and claimed the act was out of character.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Neil Charlton

Arson

December 19, 2025

Sentence: suspended sentence order

Neil Charlton set fires in his own home during a psychotic episode induced by drugs, resulting in a suspended sentence as he has rehabilitated.

Handed suspended sentence after setting fires in his own home during a drug-induced psychotic episode; has since turned his life around.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Thomas Whieldon

Possession of Indecent Images

December 19, 2025

Sentence: community order

Thomas Whieldon, 30, possessed indecent images of children after his internet use was flagged by police, leading to a community order.

30-year-old highly intelligent paedophile given community order after possession of sickening indecent images flagged by internet use.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Stefan Ciuraru

Rape

December 18, 2025

Sentence: part of total 39 years imprisonment

North East gang including Stefan Ciuraru convicted of the sexual exploitation, rape, and abuse of six girls.

Harley Rutley

Grievous Bodily Harm

December 18, 2025

Sentence: 18 months in a Youth Offender Institution

In the early hours of October 11, 2025, two Harbour police officers were patrolling Redcar seafront when they came across a parked car with bottles of nitrous oxide nearby and smelled cannabis. After speaking to Rutley, he ran off but was chased by one officer. Rutley squared up and punched the officer in the face at least twice, knocking him backwards. The officer's head hit the concrete floor with considerable force, causing a 7cm gash to the back of his head, jaw soreness, concussion for three weeks, short-term amnesia, and two weeks off work. Rutley fled but handed himself in after police contacted his family. The officer is expected to make a full recovery.

Pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm. One previous conviction for five offences, including affray and burglary. Judge noted he was trying to evade arrest rather than hurt somebody. Defendant has ADHD and was drug-influenced at the time but is now drug-free in prison.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Henry Renton

Child rape

December 18, 2025

Sentence: additional sentence added to existing 15-year prison sentence

Henry Renton, an OAP paedophile, was convicted of further child rapes in the North East while already serving 15 years.

Leonard Paun

Rape

December 18, 2025

Sentence: part of total 39 years imprisonment

North East gang including Leonard Paun convicted of the sexual exploitation, rape, and abuse of six girls.

Klaudio Aleksiu

Rape

December 18, 2025

Sentence: part of total 39 years imprisonment

North East gang including Klaudio Aleksiu convicted of the sexual exploitation, rape, and abuse of six girls.

Codrin Dura

Rape

December 18, 2025

Sentence: part of total 39 years imprisonment

North East gang including Codrin Dura convicted of the sexual exploitation, rape, and abuse of six girls.

Bogdan Gugiuman

Rape

December 18, 2025

Sentence: part of total 39 years imprisonment

North East gang including Bogdan Gugiuman convicted of the sexual exploitation, rape, and abuse of six girls.

Amy Cave

Causing or allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm

December 17, 2025

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

Craig Neill and Amy Cave left a child with life-threatening injuries including a fractured skull, significant brain injury requiring temporary skull removal, fractured jaw, both wrists broken in three places, extensive bruising across the body including head and neck, and burns to the hand. The injuries were caused by blunt force, significant force, and sadistic behaviour, inflicted deliberately. Emergency services were called to a house in the Branksome area of Darlington on May 26, 2025, after reports of an unresponsive child. Neill and Cave were arrested, denied responsibility, but were found guilty following a trial.

Pleaded not guilty but found guilty after trial. No previous convictions. Failed to acknowledge toxic relationship. Judge noted some aggression during trial and lack of truthful account. Anticipated to be her first and last experience of custody.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Craig Neill

Causing or allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm

December 17, 2025

Sentence: 14-year extended prison sentence, 13 years custodial

Pleaded not guilty but found guilty after trial. Majority of injuries inflicted by him. Eight previous convictions for 14 offences including racially aggravated harassment, robbery involving a knife, and stalking. Judge noted aggressive behaviour during trial, no remorse, dangerous offender, mental health issues and adverse childhood experiences mentioned.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Eleanor Wilson

Causing death by careless driving

December 15, 2025

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 200 hours unpaid work, 25 days rehabilitation activity, complete ‘First Steps to Change’ programme

On June 15, 2022, Eleanor Wilson, driving a light blue Ford Ka, pulled out from the slip road junction at Ingleby Arncliffe on the A19 southbound, crossing the carriageway to join the northbound route without properly looking, colliding with Dax Jones who was riding his Yamaha MT motorcycle in lane two. The impact caused Mr Jones to be thrown 40 feet into the air, resulting in fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene despite first aid from bystanders and paramedics.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving after being found not guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Ginette Warne

Animal Cruelty

December 15, 2025

Sentence: sentenced

30 dogs found living amongst faeces, rotten food and rat droppings in Ginette Warne's Teesside home; two lurchers Rocket and Arti rescued and facing third Christmas in kennels.

Home in Loftus covered in faeces, rotten food and rat droppings; smell made it difficult for RSPCA inspectors to stay inside.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Thomas Milton

Voyeurism

December 15, 2025

Sentence: sentenced after guilty verdict

Thomas Milton, of Eston, filmed women and girls undressing and used an AI bot to create naked photos, described as a 'classic peeping Tom'.

Sunil Satyapal Khanna

Fraudulent trading under the Companies Act 2006

December 13, 2025

Sentence: 2.5 years imprisonment

Sunil Satyapal Khanna and Daran David Bankhead facilitated a rogue fish-selling network that targeted elderly and vulnerable people in the North East from early 2019, using unfair, misleading and aggressive behaviour in victims' homes. Traders posed as legitimate sellers, pushing inside homes, dumping poor-quality or unlabelled fish, and refusing to leave until victims paid exorbitant prices via bank cards or cash. Total sales by criminal sellers under their network amounted to £300,578. Fish was often unfit for human consumption. Khanna bankrolled and equipped the sellers. The operation evolved into fraud by 2019 despite initial legitimate intentions in 2015.

Pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading under the Companies Act 2006. Sentence reduced from 3 years to reflect guilty plea. 68 years old, of Exelby Close, Newcastle. Silent 50% stakeholder in North Quay Fisheries Ltd, provided finance, card machines, vehicles and debt-chasing services.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Daran David Bankhead

Fraudulent trading under the Companies Act 2006

December 13, 2025

Sentence: 2.5 years imprisonment

Sunil Satyapal Khanna and Daran David Bankhead facilitated a rogue fish-selling network that targeted elderly and vulnerable people in the North East from early 2019, using unfair, misleading and aggressive behaviour in victims' homes. Traders posed as legitimate sellers, pushing inside homes, dumping poor-quality or unlabelled fish, and refusing to leave until victims paid exorbitant prices via bank cards or cash. Total sales by criminal sellers under their network amounted to £300,578. Fish was often unfit for human consumption. Bankhead supplied the fish and logistical support. The operation evolved into fraud by 2019 despite initial legitimate intentions in 2015.

Pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading under the Companies Act 2006. Sentence reduced from 3 years to reflect guilty plea. 48 years old, of Danelaw, Great Lumley. Supplied fish through his company North Quay Fisheries Ltd and provided vans and logistical support.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Sebastian Robinson

Rape and sexual assault

December 12, 2025

Sentence: 7 years in a youth offender institution

Sebastian Robinson, when he was a teenager, subjected a child victim to horrendous sexual abuse, including multiple counts of rape and sexual assault. He lived in a 'fantasy world' of porn that shaped his toxic attitudes towards women and girls. His behaviour included bullying and threatening elements, controlling the victim by threatening that they would be arrested if they reported to the police. The victim suffered a mental breakdown due to the traumatic abuse.

Found guilty after trial. Of previous good character and neurodivergent. Restraining order, sex offender register until further order, and sexual harm prevention order until further order imposed. Judge Jo Kidd commented on his descent into a fantasy world shaped by porn.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Sean Reay

Murder

December 11, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum term of 32 years

On April 5, 2025, Sean Reay, seeking revenge for a suspected drug-related altercation earlier that day outside his home on Sabin Terrace, Stanley, led a gang to smash windows at a house on Elm Street to lure out a target. Believing the responsible party was inside Barry Dawson's home, Reay fired a single shot through the living room window, fatally striking innocent grandfather Barry Dawson, 60, in the chest, puncturing his heart, lung, and liver. The murder occurred in an ordinary residential street as children played outside and was captured on doorbell camera.

Ringleader and gunman. Pleaded not guilty, convicted after trial. Judge noted he was in charge and lived by a code viewing police as enemies.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Thomas Sterling

Murder

December 11, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum term of 26 years

On April 5, 2025, Thomas Sterling participated in a 'show of strength' on Elm Street, Stanley, as part of Sean Reay's gang retaliating for a suspected drug-related altercation earlier that day. While Lawson smashed the window and Reay fired the shot, Sterling's presence supported the intimidation that led to the fatal shooting of innocent grandfather Barry Dawson, 60, through his living room window. The murder was recorded on doorbell camera amid children playing in the ordinary residential area.

Part of a 'show of strength' in the street. Pleaded not guilty, convicted after trial. Described as a key lieutenant.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Nathan Smith

Burglary

December 11, 2025

Sentence: jailed

Nathan Smith and three other men carried out a three-hour depot rampage, stealing two lorries which were later used in a ram-raid on JD Sports.

Part of a gang that stole two lorries involved in a ram-raid on JD Sports; spent jobseekers allowance on crack cocaine

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Michaela Hetherington

Perverting the course of justice

December 11, 2025

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment

In the aftermath of the April 5, 2025, shooting murder of Barry Dawson in Stanley, Kevin Dorward's partner Michaela Hetherington admitted to perverting the course of justice by lying to police, claiming the getaway car used in the crime had been stolen.

Admitted perverting the course of justice by falsely claiming to police that the car had been stolen. Released immediately after serving 246 days on remand.

Sources: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Mohammad Butt

Conspiracy to commit fraud

December 11, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Mohammad Butt, 32, of Evelyn Avenue in Kingsbury, was involved in a courier fraud operation targeting elderly and vulnerable pensioners in the Cleveland area. In June 2025, victims were contacted by telephone by individuals falsely claiming to be police officers investigating fraud offences. Victims were asked to withdraw money from their bank accounts or obtain foreign currency, which was then collected by a courier from the criminal gang. Butt operated the illicit activities from London and was arrested in a joint taskforce operation involving NEROCU, Cleveland Police, and the Metropolitan Police.

Pleaded guilty in July. Sentence reduced from 6 years due to guilty plea and time served.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Patrick William John White

Fraud

December 11, 2025

Sentence: jailed

Patrick William John White, 26, from Middlesbrough, took £1,500 from an 84-year-old woman by fleecing her over non-existent loft work.

Thomas Lee Sterling

Murder

December 11, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum term of 26 years

Thomas Lee Sterling, 22, of The Avenue, Stanley, was found guilty of murdering Barry Dawson by shooting him through the broken living room window of his terraced house in South Moor, Stanley, on April 5, 2025.

Dale Hamilton

Drug trafficking

December 11, 2025

Sentence: 13 years imprisonment

Dale Hamilton, a Middlesbrough dealer from Hemlington and Coulby Newham, had his jail term extended for drug-related offenses.

Sentence extended by the solicitor general to keep 'this dangerous man off our streets'

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Dalton James Angus

Robbery

December 11, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Dalton James Angus, 23, of Ferryhill, filled a basket with items from a shop in Dean Bank, Ferryhill, and fled. When the shopkeeper pursued and attempted to retrieve the basket, Angus pulled out a knife and lunged at him before escaping. The incident occurred in May 2024. He was arrested on a park bench after being tracked by a police drone. Despite CCTV evidence, he initially denied drawing the knife and making threats.

Pleaded not guilty to possessing a knife in a public place but changed plea before trial. Restraining order granted preventing entry to the store. Ordered to pay more than £200.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

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