Teesside Crown Court Sentencing Results

Michael James Callaghan

Indecent Assault and Sexual Assault

June 20, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment and an indefinite sexual harm prevention order

Michael James Callaghan, a monk also known as Father James, sexually abused two boys at Ampleforth College between 1994 and 2013. He targeted vulnerable boys, grooming and assaulting them, which led to long-term effects on the victims' mental health and daily lives.

Denied offences throughout and showed no remorse. Victims described the abuse's impact on their lives, including withdrawal, mental health issues, and boundary violations.

Sources: examinerlive.co.uk

Ben Strangeways

Stalking

June 14, 2025

Sentence: 9 years and 5 months imprisonment plus 27 months on extended licence

Ben Strangeways carried out a poison pen letter campaign, sending sickening letters to at least 10 victims across the country, including threats of rape and murder of their children, with references to engaging in necrophilia and murdered toddler James Bulger. The campaign began with a Christmas card sent on December 24, and victims included a mum-of-four from Merseyside. He was arrested on January 10 at a bus station in possession of a flick knife and an 'attack kit' containing handcuffs, eye mask, ankle and wrist ties, energy tablets, and a drink. A search of his home uncovered handwritten letters, a black balaclava, a hammer, a knife, an air pistol, books about serial killers, and a 'child-like' sex doll.

Pleaded guilty to one count of stalking involving serious alarm or distress, nine counts of sending threatening communications, and one count of possession of a bladed article. The judge described it as one of the most disturbing cases and stated that Strangeways is dangerous and will remain so for the foreseeable future. He had no previous convictions.

Sources: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Andrew Oakes

Fraud by abuse of a position of trust

June 12, 2025

Sentence: 3.5 years imprisonment

Andrew Oakes, a 39-year-old army staff sergeant, abused his position as a financial systems administrator at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire to fraudulently transfer over £330,000 from Ministry of Defence funds to his personal accounts between February 2021 and October 2024. He falsified bank statements, local authority documents, utility bills, and government cheques to support his fraud, including claiming mileage allowances, paid leave on compassionate and medical grounds, and disguising transactions. Oakes used the money to purchase three Teslas, a BMW Mini, a Nissan Qashqai, electrical goods, and adult services, and to pay off debts, while claiming the funds came from an 'army lottery' win.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation, fraud by abuse of a position of trust, and acquiring criminal property. Judge Adams noted the abuse of trust, its impact on the army's reputation and morale, and acknowledged Oakes's personal issues including a relationship breakdown and alcohol problems.

Sources: yorkshirepost.co.uk

Stephen Taylor

Sexual Assault

June 12, 2025

Sentence: 32 months imprisonment

Stephen Taylor, aged 68 from Darlington, sexually assaulted a vulnerable woman on three occasions in the Stockton area in 2022. The assaults caused significant trauma to the victim, and Taylor was caught and sentenced as a result.

Taylor caused trauma to his victim, who was vulnerable. Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Bonnie Dowson stated that Taylor is serving time and hopes justice helps the victim and her family move forward.

Sources: yorkshirepost.co.uk

Stewart Tivendale

Possession of child abuse images

June 11, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Stewart Tivendale, a prolific paedophile, was convicted for offences involving child abuse photos. He has a history of similar crimes, marking this as his fifth prison sentence.

Admitted 10 offences related to child abuse photos; this is his fifth time behind bars.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Adam Vinter

Making indecent images

June 11, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment suspended for two years

Adam Vinter, from Teesville, was involved in creating an arsenal of indecent images, which he attributed to occurring after the deaths of his family pets. He admitted to the offences, leading to his sentencing.

Admitted three counts of making indecent images and claimed the crimes only happened after the deaths of family pets.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Ben Thurlwell

Assault

June 11, 2025

Sentence: Banned from attending football matches for five years

Ben Thurlwell participated in a violent attack on a football supporter, which was described as brutal and could have resulted in more severe charges, endangering public safety.

Convicted for involvement in a brutal attack on a Coventry supporter, with the judge noting they were lucky not to face murder charges.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Bradley Richmond

Causing Grievous Bodily Harm

June 11, 2025

Sentence: 14 years and 9 months extended prison sentence, with 11 years and 9 months custodial and 3 years extended licence

Bradley Richmond, 29, of no fixed abode, stabbed his girlfriend through her hand in a jealous rage in 2016 after seeing a photo on her phone, causing permanent nerve damage that required surgery. He also bit off a man's ear during an altercation in Darlington on July 8, 2023, while out drinking, which led to unsuccessful reattachment surgery. The victim of the stabbing reported ongoing physical and mental health effects, including financial strain from work leave.

Denied the offence but was found guilty following a trial. Victim reported permanent nerve damage and mental health impact. Also sentenced for a separate incident of causing grievous bodily harm.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Nathan Najeeb

Assault

June 11, 2025

Sentence: Banned from attending football matches for five years

Nathan Najeeb participated in a violent attack on a football supporter, which was described as brutal and could have resulted in more severe charges, endangering public safety.

Convicted for involvement in a brutal attack on a Coventry supporter, with the judge noting they were lucky not to face murder charges.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Newrick Grange

Abuse of child

June 11, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Newrick Grange, known as 'Rob' and a groceries delivery driver, abused a child, leading to his conviction after a trial where he was found guilty of the offence.

Mohamed Gangat

Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs

June 3, 2025

Sentence: 8 years imprisonment

Mohamed Gangat was stopped by officers in Middlesbrough on March 12, 2025, during a drugs operation. A search of his vehicle revealed 2.5 kilos of cocaine with a street value of £250,000 hidden inside. He was arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of Class B drugs, following surveillance by the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of Class B drugs. The operation was described as a drugs plot and part of a clampdown on organised crime.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Dylan Crocker

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving

May 23, 2025

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment and 36-month driving ban

Dylan Crocker was driving a Ford Fiesta on April 21, 2024, when he crashed into a wall on Coal Lane in Wolviston, near Billingham, seriously injuring three passengers. He fled the scene, leaving five people, including one in the boot, and was found hiding nearby. Passengers suffered severe injuries such as shattered pelvis, spinal damage, broken ribs, nerve damage, and long-term psychological effects, leading to job losses and ongoing pain.

Admitted three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and one count of having no insurance. He was an inexperienced driver under the influence of alcohol, driving over twice the speed limit without a seatbelt, and was distracted.

Sources: yorkshirepost.co.uk

Benjamin Clarke

Threats to kill

May 1, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment with a further 18 months on extended licence

Benjamin Clarke became fixated on his local MP, Sam Rushworth, and made repeated threats to kill him and his family, including threats to firebomb the MP's property. These threats were made via social media and continued even while Clarke was on remand. Clarke had significant mental health problems, was a cannabis smoker, and consumed up to 1.5 litres of vodka daily. The incidents occurred in the context of his obsession, and he was arrested and charged accordingly.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of making threats to kill and a malicious communications offence. Judge deemed him a dangerous offender due to continued threats while on remand, and noted his mental health issues, cannabis use, and alcohol consumption.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

James Cowie

Affray

January 27, 2025

Sentence: Eight months imprisonment

James Cowie engaged in a fight with Hugh Holmes on Faraday Street in Ferryhill on December 19, 2024, after an altercation involving Holmes' girlfriend. Cowie punched and kicked Holmes and later a passenger in Holmes' car, leading to his involvement in the incident.

Pleaded guilty to affray. The sentence has been served due to time already spent in custody.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Cameron Watson

Dangerous Driving

January 2, 2025

Sentence: 12-month community order, 1-year driving ban, and 300 hours of unpaid work

On August 26, 2024, Cameron Watson was driving his private car on the A688 in County Durham, where he exceeded the speed limit by reaching speeds up to 117mph in a 60mph zone. He was observed weaving between lanes on the dual carriageway and driving through a roundabout junction at Clyde Terrace with little awareness or attention to other road users who might be entering.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving. Dismissed from Northumbria Police force without notice. Expressed regret and accepted full responsibility for his actions.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Mason Thornton

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving

September 4, 2024

Sentence: 3 years and 11 months imprisonment

Mason Thornton, from Ingleby Barwick, was driving a car with four passengers from a party when it crashed on the A1027 Billingham Interchange in October 2022. He had inhaled nitrous oxide moments before the incident, causing serious injuries to passenger Harlan Moon, who now requires lifelong care and has lost his future plans.

Involved in a crash after inhaling nitrous oxide while driving; victim impact statements from Harlan Moon's father highlighted the profound family impact, including the need for 24/7 care.

Sources: yorkshirepost.co.uk

Ryan Raynor

Assault

September 2, 2024

Sentence: 4.5 years imprisonment

Ryan Raynor carried out a violent assault on a woman in Middlesbrough in May, involving punching, kicking and strangling her during a sustained attack. He was arrested following a police investigation, and the incident was described as leaving a lasting impact on the victim.

Admitted to charges of attempted Section 18 wounding, threats to kill, intentional strangulation and common assault. An indefinite restraining order was imposed to prevent contact with the victim.

Sources: yorkshirepost.co.uk

Ryan Lee Rowland Smith

Making Indecent Images of Children

August 18, 2024

Sentence: Four years in prison plus four years on extended licence

Ryan Lee Rowland Smith possessed more than 4,000 images of baby and toddler sexual abuse on his mobile phone, including 13.5 hours of video, with eight hours being category A footage depicting extreme abuse. He was arrested in October 2024 after being found accessing such content. The offences involved distributing and making indecent images of children, as well as possessing prohibited materials, which caused significant harm to victims and required officers to view harrowing evidence.

Convicted of nine offences, including three counts of distributing indecent images of children, three counts of making indecent images of children, possessing a paedophile manual, and possessing extreme pornography. Police officers described the content as some of the most disturbing they had witnessed and branded him the worst offender they had dealt with. He showed no remorse and answered 'no comment' during interviews.

Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk

Jack Bowers

Supply of Cocaine and Cannabis

August 16, 2024

Sentence: 9 years and 4 months imprisonment

Jack Bowers operated a drug supply network, flooding Whitby with cocaine and cannabis from October 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023. He was arrested on March 11, 2023, by North Yorkshire Police after his activities were tracked. Evidence from his mobile phone confirmed he was supplying substantial amounts of drugs to numerous individuals and sub-dealers in the area.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis between October 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023. £8,000 in cash was seized upon arrest.

Sources: thescarboroughnews.co.uk

Jonathan Laydon

Intentional Strangulation

August 1, 2024

Sentence: two years imprisonment

Jonathan Laydon violently attacked a woman in April last year by strangling her until she lost consciousness twice and set fire to her garden shed. He was arrested and charged following the incident.

Convicted of arson and intentional strangulation. Attacked a woman by strangling her until she lost consciousness twice and set fire to her garden shed.

Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk

Peter Walker

Possession with Intent to Supply Cocaine

July 31, 2024

Sentence: three years in prison

Peter Walker was part of a drug enterprise, travelling daily from Thornaby to Terrence Smith's home in Yarm to collect cocaine for dealing. He was stopped by police on Thornaby Road and found in possession of 20 small packages of cocaine, valued at £400. The operation involved supplying drugs in the Thornaby area as directed by Smith.

Terrence Smith

Possession with Intent to Supply Cocaine

July 31, 2024

Sentence: four years and one month in prison

Terrence Smith was involved in a drug enterprise in Yarm. In October of the previous year, police executed a warrant at an address on Meynells Walk, where Smith was caught leaving with two packages containing £1,200 worth of cocaine. He possessed a phone used for the 'deal line' and directed Peter Walker to deal drugs in the Thornaby area. A search of the property revealed drug-dealing paraphernalia.

Arthur Purcifer

Intimidating a witness

July 16, 2024

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment suspended for two years, 150 hours of unpaid work, and a five-year restraining order

Arthur Purcifer, a Middlesbrough fan, intimidated a witness related to an assault allegation from a clash with Leeds United fans at Leeds railway station on December 2, 2023. He posted messages on Facebook calling the witness a 'police informant' and a 'police grass', and later arranged for a mutual friend to contact the witness to urge them to drop the case. This intimidation occurred between May 31 and July 16, 2024, and involved a Facebook call where the witness feared for their safety.

Pleaded guilty to intimidating a witness; described as a moment of stupidity and out of character by his defence. The judge, Recorder David Gordon, emphasised that witness intimidation is a serious attack on the administration of justice.

Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk

Andrew Vickers

Grievous Bodily Harm

July 15, 2024

Sentence: 10 years and 3 months imprisonment

Andrew Vickers, of no fixed address, armed himself with a hammer and a large wooden stick and attacked a man he had known for over 20 years on Westport Close in Portrack, shortly before 1pm on Friday, April 4. He subjected the victim to numerous blows to the head, inflicting multiple injuries to the face, which were life-changing. Vickers fled the scene, discarding the weapons, and later assaulted another man, aged 69, by kicking and hitting him to the face. The incident occurred in front of members of the public, and emergency services took the first victim to James Cook University Hospital.

Pleaded guilty prior to trial. Described as an extremely dangerous individual who carried out a nasty attack that caused serious harm.

Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk

Lee Dooley

Stalking and Sexual Assault

July 15, 2024

Sentence: 28 months imprisonment

Lee Dooley subjected his victim to months of terrifying threats, including showing up at her work, loved ones' homes, and threatening to smash her windows. On one occasion, he showed up at her home and sexually assaulted her. The stalking began in the back half of 2024 and escalated, leading to his arrest and charges.

Admitted charges at an earlier hearing. Made subject to a 15-year restraining order and placed on the Sex Offenders register for 10 years. Investigating officer noted the behaviour caused fear and distress to the victim.

Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk

Tracey Cornish

Robbery

May 14, 2024

Sentence: 66 months imprisonment

Tracey Cornish, along with Bethany Carr, targeted a partially sighted man at his home in Ferryhill in October 2023. They entered without invitation, demanded money, and Cornish threatened him with a broken bottle in the kitchen, obtaining a small amount of money and his debit card. They attempted to use the card at local cash machines but failed. Cornish also committed burglary and attempted burglary with male accomplices, targeting student digs and a pub in Durham in May 2023.

Denied robbery but was found guilty after trial. She was also sentenced for burglary and attempted burglary offences committed in May 2023. Addicted to drugs and alcohol at the time, but has engaged in rehabilitation while in custody and aims to lead a law-abiding life.

Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk

Stewart Wright

Possessing explosives for an unlawful purpose

May 2, 2024

Sentence: 24 months in prison, suspended for 24 months

Stewart Wright, a 45-year-old man who volunteered in the Ukraine war as a self-styled humanitarian, smuggled Ukrainian F1 grenades and Russian offensive grenades from the front lines. He stored them at his home near Leeming, North Yorkshire, along with firearms ammunition and other military equipment, which were hidden in a vehicle driven across Europe into Britain in 2023. The grenades, though with fuses removed, remained highly dangerous and were disposed of by military bomb experts. He was arrested in February 2023 and the investigation found the items could have caused catastrophic damage if they had exploded.

Pleaded guilty in January to possessing explosives for an unlawful purpose and possessing firearms ammunition illegally. No evidence of intent to cause injury; had a fascination with the war in Ukraine and military items. Detective Constable Amy Sharrad noted he showed no remorse and put people at grave risk.

Sources: darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk

Jake Freeman

Making a threat to kill

March 27, 2024

Sentence: 9 months imprisonment

On February 23, 2024, Jake Freeman contacted police, threatening to 'chop off' the head of another resident at a house of multiple occupation in Laycock Street, Middlesbrough, claiming the man was annoying him. In the presence of police, he made further threats to stab, kill, and murder the man. Four knives were found nearby on a kitchen work-top, though they belonged to the property and were not held by Freeman. He was arrested, refused an interview, and later pleaded guilty at court.

Pleaded guilty to making a threat to kill. Has 19 prior convictions, including offences against the person and public order matters. Mental health issues were noted, and the judge applied a 25% discount for the guilty plea; he has already served the equivalent time.

Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk

Luke Jack Ridley

Rape

March 21, 2024

Sentence: Eight years imprisonment

Luke Jack Ridley, when in his teens, raped a girl several years younger than him more than a decade ago. The victim reported the crime to the police in September 2022. At the time of sentencing, he was already imprisoned for a prior offence involving a fatal car crash on March 7, 2018, where he lost control of his VW Bora while racing, resulting in the deaths of two teenagers.

Admitted two charges of rape. Already serving a previous 11-year sentence for causing deaths by dangerous driving in a separate incident.

Sources: darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk

Alastair Weightman

Attempted robbery

March 21, 2024

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Alastair Weightman, 34, of Gilpin Road in Thornaby, approached a woman's Mercedes on High Street in Stockton on Christmas Eve. He opened the car door and dragged her out by her arms, hair, and jacket in an attempt to steal the vehicle. The victim, who had just returned from a carol service, managed to throw the keys out of the ignition, preventing the robbery. She called her family for help, and Weightman was confronted by her brother before fleeing the scene. He handed himself in on Boxing Day and was arrested.

Pleaded guilty to attempted robbery. Detective Sergeant Ryan Thompson noted that Weightman left the victim scared and fearful for her life.

Sources: darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk

Simon Allen

Burglary

March 18, 2024

Sentence: 32 months imprisonment

Simon Allen, a 50-year-old man formerly of Darlington, burgled the home of his former partner's family, which was unoccupied at the time, stealing a medal and £20 in cash. He was identified via CCTV due to his prior relationship with the complainant's daughter. During his attempted arrest, he resisted a police officer, engaged in a violent struggle, seized the officer's pepper spray from his belt, sprayed it in the officer's face, and fled. He was later apprehended by another officer.

Pleaded guilty to burglary, assaulting an emergency worker, possession of a prohibited firearm, and discharging a noxious substance. The judge noted that the defendant had a long-standing drug problem and that the offence was opportunistic. Mitigating factors included his history of crack cocaine use since age 14.

Sources: darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk

Kyle Nimmo

Assault on emergency workers

February 17, 2024

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and a 60-day alcohol abstinence order

Kyle Nimmo, a 22-year-old from Cumberland Street in Darlington, was involved in a confrontation on Tubwell Row. He assaulted two police officers while attempting to escape custody, pushing one to the ground and causing the other to fall. He fled towards Milbank Road and was later found in a woodland area. The incidents occurred on October 7, 2023, and involved him admitting to possessing cocaine and requiring hospital treatment.

Pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. The judge warned that failure to comply with the community order would result in serving the six-month prison sentence.

Sources: darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk

Sophie Waugh

Causing death by dangerous driving

February 7, 2024

Sentence: Six years and eight months imprisonment and a five-and-a-half years driving ban

Sophie Waugh was driving on the A6055 Leeming Lane near Kirklington on June 28, 2023, while using her mobile phone, including locking and unlocking her device multiple times, sending messages on Facebook Messenger and Snapchat, and having the Instagram app active. She struck the rear of a bicycle ridden by 71-year-old Ian Morris, a much-loved husband, father, and grandfather, who died instantly at the scene. Waugh was driving home from work at Alanbrooke Barracks and had been using her phone prolifically up to the point of the crash, despite witnesses stating that Mr Morris was cycling normally with proper visibility aids.

Pled guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. The sentence includes a driving ban that comes into effect upon release from prison and requires an extended driving test.

Sources: darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk

Richard Tutty

Causing grievous bodily harm with intent

September 8, 2023

Sentence: 3.5 years imprisonment

Richard Tutty, during a drunken argument at home, pushed his partner to the floor, causing her to injure her right ankle, then repeatedly stamped on it while she was down. He also threw a canvas picture at her before leaving. The victim suffered a fracture to her right ankle, bruising near her eye, and reported significant physical and mental health impacts, including permanent scarring from surgery and effects on her daughter.

Found guilty after trial; apologised and accepted responsibility for the harm caused while under the influence of alcohol.

Sources: darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk

Jesur Ucarer

Possession of a firearm without a certificate

August 22, 2023

Sentence: 9 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years, 200 hours of unpaid work, and 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days

Jesur Ucarer filmed himself firing a homemade slam gun in his former home in Stockton on May 12, 2023. The footage showed him retrieving two tubular objects from a boiler cupboard, assembling them, and slamming them together to cause a discharge, producing a booming sound and a black bloom. Police recovered the metal pipes with pellet holes in the wall, and forensic analysis confirmed the pipes had been used to discharge a live cartridge, with Ucarer's DNA on the makeshift weapon. This charge was dealt with separately due to delays in forensic evidence.

Pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm without a certificate. Had been engaging with the probation service since his release from a previous sentence. Judge noted the makeshift weapon was obtained for protection after threats and could discharge live ammunition.

Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk

Joe Outlaw

Causing criminal damage

August 6, 2023

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Joe Outlaw, a 39-year-old inmate at HMP Frankland, climbed onto the prison roof on June 21, 2023, during exercise time, leading to a 14-hour standoff with police and prison officers. He ripped up roof tiles, smashed cell windows, damaged heating ducts, and destroyed CCTV cameras, causing £170,000 in damage. This was driven by his paranoia about his food being tampered with and his ongoing frustration with his indeterminate sentence for a previous robbery.

Judge Francis Laird KC described the defendant as manipulative and noted his frustration over a delayed special diet due to paranoia exacerbated by his indeterminate sentence. Mental health issues, including ADHD, were considered in mitigation.

Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk

Matthew Gilligan

Burglary

July 15, 2023

Sentence: 876 days imprisonment

Matthew Gilligan carried out a series of offences around April 8, including burglary on a house in Thornton Street, Darlington, between April 5 and April 8, where he stole a television and medical patches. He was also involved in other incidents, such as entering a house in Victoria Embankment, Darlington, stealing items like Easter eggs, cleaning products, and a handbag, and taking items from a vehicle including a car key, a Mazda service book, a car air freshener, and charging cables. He was arrested and charged with burglary, attempted burglary, theft from a vehicle, and vehicle interference.

Pleaded guilty to burglary. Already serving sentence for similar offences committed around the same time. Sentencing for this specific offence was adjourned to March 3.

Sources: darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk

Azem Ahmed

Sale and possession of counterfeit and illicit tobacco

July 3, 2023

Sentence: Two-and-a-half years imprisonment

Azem Ahmed, owner of The Norton Shop on Norton Road, Stockton, continued to sell illegal cigarettes and vapes to children despite warnings from authorities. The criminal activity began in 2019, with undercover operations and searches uncovering illicit tobacco hidden in the shop and a neighbouring flat. The shop was closed three times in 2019, 2022, and 2023 due to sales to minors and low pricing, such as packs for £5, putting customers at risk.

Pleaded guilty to nine charges and was convicted of a further 11 charges. Received several warnings and had his shop closed multiple times.

Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk

Tyson Petch

Theft

June 16, 2023

Sentence: 12 months imprisonment

Tyson Petch used a stolen Toyota Hilux, which had been stolen in Gravesend, Kent, to steal a £29,375 excavator from a building site in Middlesbrough on April 18. He was spotted driving with cloned number plates in a North Yorkshire village and arrested on May 16. The excavator has not been recovered, and he was involved in handling stolen goods and driving without insurance.

Pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. Had 24 previous convictions for violence, driving offences, and acquisitive offences. Was given the 4x4 as part of the deal for stealing the excavator. Judge Nathan Adams noted his gambling addiction and willing engagement in the crime.

Sources: darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk

William Hayden

Animal welfare offences

January 27, 2023

Sentence: ten months imprisonment and a 10-year ban from keeping animals

William Hayden failed to provide adequate nutrition to his two Staffordshire bull terriers, resulting in the death of one dog, Flushe, from starvation. Flushe was found with leather remains in his stomach and was buried in Hayden's back garden. The other dog, Tasia, was discovered in a severely underweight condition and regained nearly half her body weight after receiving proper care. RSPCA inspectors visited the property in January 2023 following reports of animal neglect, and Hayden handed himself in to the police shortly after.

Pleaded guilty to two Animal Welfare Act offences. The court heard details of the dogs' suffering, including veterinary evidence that one dog died of starvation.

Sources: darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk

Shaun O'connor

Sexual assault

January 1, 2023

Sentence: two years imprisonment

In 2023, Shaun O'Connor sexually assaulted two women, exposed himself to another woman, assaulted an innocent man, and carried out a sickening sex act in a police station cell after his arrest. These offences led to his sentencing.

Pleaded guilty to sexual assault, exposure, assault, and performing a sex act in a police cell. This was a previous conviction from 2023.

Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk

Dominic O'flanagan

Possession of prohibited images of a child

August 12, 2022

Sentence: eight months imprisonment

Dominic O'Flanagan, a 44-year-old convicted sex offender, was caught attempting to delete files from his computer during a police visit on June 7, 2022, to verify compliance with his previous sentence. Police discovered he possessed prohibited images of children, leading to his sentencing. He had prior convictions for similar offences and tried to hide evidence by deleting files.

Repeat offender who breached his sexual harm prevention order multiple times; made subject to a seven-year sexual harm prevention order.

Sources: thenorthernecho.co.uk

Scott Walker

Murder

January 1, 2021

Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 32 years

Scott Walker murdered his 17-year-old stepdaughter, Bernadette Walker, in 2021. The crime involved the killing of the victim, after which her body was hidden and never recovered. He was convicted based on evidence of the murder.

Described as a monster for murdering his stepdaughter; the body has never been found.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

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