Teesside Crown Court Sentencing Results

Janette Dowson

Conspiracy to pervert the course of justice

August 1, 2025

Sentence: Jailed

Janette Dowson and another individual were overheard concocting a story on a 999 call after a 24-year-old man was stabbed to death in Hartlepool.

Jailed for conspiring to pervert the course of justice following the stabbing death of a 24-year-old man in Hartlepool.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Brian Stoker

Conspiracy to fraudulently evade a ban on importing controlled drugs

August 1, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 2 months imprisonment

Brian Stoker, 48, from Birch Avenue, Shildon, participated in a County Durham-based gang that smuggled drugs from Thailand. The scheme involved flying drug mules to Thailand to acquire cannabis, which was then brought back to the UK, leading to the seizure of 1.3 tonnes of cannabis and 30kg of cocaine.

Admitted conspiracy to fraudulently evade a ban on importing controlled drugs. Involved in taking drug mules to and from airports.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Daniel Scott

Attempted rape and sex assaults

August 1, 2025

Sentence: More than eight years imprisonment

Daniel Scott committed three sex assaults and one attempted rape, leading to his conviction after a jury trial.

Christopher Sowerby

Money laundering

August 1, 2025

Sentence: 13 years and 1 month imprisonment

Christopher Sowerby, 30, from Teesdale Walk, Shildon, was part of a drug smuggling gang that imported cannabis from Thailand using mules. The gang stored the drugs in a safe house for onward distribution, leading to the seizure of drugs with a street value of £13m and over £280,000 in cash.

Admitted money laundering charges. Operated a 'safe house' for storing drugs ready for distribution.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Trelawny Brown

Conspiracy to fraudulently evade a ban on importing controlled drugs

August 1, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment

Trelawny Brown, 30, from Leedham Close, Sheffield, acted as a drug mule for a County Durham-based gang importing drugs from Thailand. The scheme involved obtaining large quantities of cannabis in Thailand and smuggling it into the UK, leading to the seizure of drugs valued at £13m.

Admitted conspiracy to fraudulently evade a ban on importing controlled drugs. Acted as a drug mule in the operation.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Paul Lamb

Conspiracy to fraudulently evade a ban on importing controlled drugs

August 1, 2025

Sentence: 7 years and 2 months imprisonment

Paul Lamb, 45, from McCullagh Gardens in Bishop Auckland, was involved in a gang smuggling illegal narcotics from Thailand to County Durham. The operation included dropping mules at airports and importing cannabis, with police recovering 1.3 tonnes of cannabis and 30kg of cocaine during Operation Box.

Admitted conspiracy to fraudulently evade a ban on importing controlled drugs. Assisted in taking drug mules to and from airports.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Matthew Goodwin

Conspiracy to fraudulently evade a ban on importing controlled drugs

August 1, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 9 months imprisonment

Matthew Goodwin, 25, from Kinnaird House, Curtis Street, Wigan, served as a drug mule for a gang smuggling cannabis from Thailand to County Durham. He flew to Thailand to obtain the drugs and smuggled them back to the UK, where police seized 1.3 tonnes of cannabis and other narcotics.

Admitted conspiracy to fraudulently evade a ban on importing controlled drugs. Acted as a drug mule in the operation.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Sarah Leighton

Money laundering

August 1, 2025

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment, suspended for two years

Sarah Leighton, 48, from Queen Street, Bishop Auckland, was involved in a drug smuggling gang that operated from County Durham to Thailand. The gang used drug mules to transport cannabis back to the UK, with police seizing over £280,000 in cash and drugs worth £13m during the investigation.

Admitted money laundering charges. Her role involved counting and storing cash as part of the gang's operations.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Shaun Sowerby

Money laundering

August 1, 2025

Sentence: 13 years and 1 month imprisonment

Shaun Sowerby, 37, from Teesdale Walk, Shildon, participated in a County Durham gang that smuggled drugs from Thailand. The operation involved safe houses for storing cannabis and cocaine, with police seizing 1.3 tonnes of cannabis and 30kg of cocaine during the investigation.

Admitted money laundering charges. Operated a 'safe house' for storing drugs ready for distribution.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Hugh Holmes

Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent

July 30, 2025

Sentence: 15 years imprisonment with an extended licence period of three years, disqualified from driving for 15 years, and an indefinite restraining order

Hugh Holmes drove his Renault Megane at a victim who was trying to break up a fight on Faraday Street in Ferryhill on December 19, 2024. The victim, an innocent bystander, was hit and jammed between Holmes' car and another vehicle, suffering traumatic brain injuries that required seven months of hospital treatment. The incident stemmed from a altercation involving Holmes' girlfriend and others.

Pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified, failing to provide a specimen for analysis, and driving without insurance, but was found guilty by jury of Section 18 Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent. Had a previous conviction for causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Liam Blackburn

Assault and possession of a weapon

July 27, 2025

Sentence: five years imprisonment

Liam Blackburn fired a BB gun at a taxi and smashed a window after a dispute over a 20p fare with the driver, and was involved in additional offences including possession of a machete at Sporting Lodge Inns Hotel.

Bradley Hall

Child rape

July 24, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 6 months imprisonment

Bradley Hall was involved in a string of sex attacks, leading to his sentencing.

Clare Hume

Unlicensed sale of puppies

July 16, 2025

Sentence: Ten months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with 25 days of rehabilitation and 120 hours of unpaid work

Clare Hume, 42, of Tees Drive in Darlington, along with Sophie Hume and Kealan Hutchinson, operated an unlicensed business selling various breeds of puppies, including cavapoos, between May 2020 and April 2021. They set up false accounts on Gumtree and Pets4Home, bred dogs, collected puppies from sources including Northern Ireland, and misrepresented sales as domestic litters. There was no evidence of animal ill-treatment, but they conducted a substantial commercial operation without required checks or a licence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Earned between £37,000 and £60,000 from illegally selling puppies; acted with Sophie Hume and Kealan Hutchinson; messages showed awareness of illegality, comparing it to selling drugs.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Kealan Hutchinson

Unlicensed sale of puppies

July 16, 2025

Sentence: Six months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with 20 days of rehabilitation and 200 hours of unpaid work

Kealan Hutchinson, 22, of Brankin Road in Darlington, collaborated with Clare Hume and Sophie Hume to sell puppies without a licence between May 2020 and April 2021. They used false accounts on Gumtree and Pets4Home to advertise various breeds, including cavapoos, bred dogs, and sourced puppies from places like Northern Ireland. The trio earned between £37,000 and £60,000 from this unlicensed commercial activity, with no evidence of animal ill-treatment, but they bypassed required licensing and checks under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Participated in illegally selling puppies with Clare Hume and Sophie Hume; earned up to £60,000; messages suggested awareness that the operation was illegal and compared it favourably to selling drugs.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Sophie Hume

Unlicensed sale of puppies

July 16, 2025

Sentence: Four months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with 20 days of rehabilitation and 80 hours of unpaid work

Sophie Hume, 22, of Tees Drive in Darlington, along with Clare Hume and Kealan Hutchinson, illegally sold puppies without a licence between May 2020 and April 2021. They advertised on Gumtree and Pets4Home using false accounts, bred and collected puppies from various sources including Northern Ireland, and claimed sales were of domestic litters. The operation earned between £37,000 and £60,000, with messages indicating they knew it was easier and more profitable than selling drugs, though no animal neglect was evident.

Obtained and chipped puppies herself; earned up to £60,000 from illegally selling puppies; collaborated with Clare Hume and Kealan Hutchinson; aware the operation was illegal.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Tyson Wilsher

Theft

July 15, 2025

Sentence: 2 years 8 months imprisonment

Tyson Wilsher entered Cyfarthfa Castle on April 8, 2025, during a school event, spoke to the receptionist, and then smashed a glass display cabinet with a brick to steal a candelabra valued at approximately £80,000. This caused substantial damage to the cabinet and other items inside. He fled the scene in a stolen silver Ford Fiesta, which had been taken from a delivery driver on March 24, 2025. Wilsher was later traced through CCTV footage showing his movements in the area, purchases of shoes and clothing, and forensic examination of the vehicle.

Sergeant Watts from South Wales Police described the incident as a brazen theft in broad daylight that left a group of school children shocked and upset. Wilsher was identified through CCTV footage, distinctive shoes, and forensic evidence including fingerprints.

Sources: leicestermercury.co.uk

Royston Henderson

Child sex offences

July 14, 2025

Sentence: 27 years imprisonment

Royston Henderson was found guilty of a string of child sex offences, which involved committing multiple acts against children, following a trial at Teesside Crown Court.

Jack Ford

Intent to supply class A drugs

July 14, 2025

Sentence: Over 12 years imprisonment

Jack Ford, a Teesside drug dealer, rented an Airbnb to store £84,000 worth of cocaine in kitchen cupboards, leading to his conviction for drug-related offences.

Convicted for intent to supply class A drugs, having stored cocaine worth £84,000 in an Airbnb.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Christopher Walker

Drug trafficking

July 5, 2025

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

Christopher Walker was involved in a drugs gang, driving luxury cars, and profited from illegal activities, leading to a proceeds of crime order that he has not fulfilled.

Failed to pay back £222,000 profit from drug-related activities as specified by a proceeds of crime order and faces an additional three years if unpaid.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Stephen Carr

Attempted murder

July 5, 2025

Sentence: 17 years imprisonment

Stephen Carr attacked his wife with a bow and arrow and a knife in an attempt to murder her, during which she pleaded for her life and was stabbed while making a 999 call to emergency services.

Tried to murder his wife; she pleaded for her life and was stabbed while making a 999 call.

Sources: gazettelive.co.uk

Rhys Smith

Burglary

July 3, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment

Rhys Smith, 24, conducted a series of burglaries in late January 2025, breaking into four businesses at an industrial estate in Seaham at night and stealing items such as a motorbike and dog toys. He also targeted a Morrisons supermarket, taking cigarettes and scratch cards, and attempted to raid fruit machines at a casino in Peterlee, causing £8,000 in damage. He was identified through shoe prints matching his Nike trainers and CCTV footage, leading to his arrest and charges.

Pleaded guilty. Detective Inspector Darren Wild described him as a prolific burglar but not very astute, noting that officers built a strong case with evidence including shoe prints and messages from a mobile phone.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Janette Price

Wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm

July 3, 2025

Sentence: 32 months imprisonment

Janette Price, 69, was involved in a long-running dispute with her neighbours in Redcar over property upkeep and alcohol. On July 23, 2024, she armed herself with a kitchen knife and confronted her neighbour, stabbing her in the abdomen, which punctured her liver, and in the hand. The victim required surgery and now suffers from limited mobility, anxiety, and PTSD. Price was under the influence of alcohol during the incident and delayed emergency access to the victim.

Pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article. Showed genuine remorse and had an indefinite restraining order imposed. The judge noted her declining mental state and history of disputes.

Sources: mirror.co.uk

Christopher Bates

Attempted rape of a girl under 15

June 26, 2025

Sentence: Life imprisonment

Christopher Bates, 37, pretended to be lost and asked a girl for directions in the woods before performing a sex act on himself. The girl tried to escape, but he caught her, dragged her to the ground, and attempted to rape her. She told him she was 10 years old, but he continued the attack on April 10, 2025. He was arrested shortly after in the woods.

Pleaded guilty to attempted rape of a girl under 15. Judge described him as the living embodiment of every woman and girl's nightmare.

Sources: chroniclelive.co.uk

Andy Munoz-Cadena

Conspiracy to Commit Fraud

June 23, 2025

Sentence: two years and six months imprisonment

Andy Munoz-Cadena, along with Imran Miah and Shamant Sheraji, posed as police officers to defraud victims in Cleveland and North Yorkshire between October and November 2020. They instructed victims to withdraw cash from their bank accounts under the pretense that their accounts were under threat, which would then be collected by a courier. The scheme was thwarted by police before any money was lost.

Admitted conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation. Sentenced along with two others for posing as police officers in a courier fraud scheme.

Sources: mylondon.news

Arshad Chaudrhy

Attempted rape

June 23, 2025

Sentence: 10 years imprisonment

Arshad Chaudrhy, a pizza shop worker in Hartlepool, threatened to break a woman's neck in an attempted rape bid.

Imran Miah

Conspiracy to Commit Fraud

June 23, 2025

Sentence: three years and six months imprisonment

Imran Miah, along with Shamant Sheraji and Andy Munoz-Cadena, posed as police officers to defraud victims in Cleveland and North Yorkshire between October and November 2020. They instructed victims to withdraw cash from their bank accounts under the pretense that their accounts were under threat, which would then be collected by a courier. The scheme was thwarted by police before any money was lost.

Admitted conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation. Sentenced along with two others for posing as police officers in a courier fraud scheme.

Sources: mylondon.news

Joshua Wilson

Conspiracy to possess a firearm and ammunition, and conspiracy to commit arson

June 23, 2025

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment and 4 years extended licence

Joshua Wilson, aged 20, was involved in a series of counterblow attacks in March 2024 as part of a dispute between rival organised crime gangs in South Durham. The attacks included throwing a petrol bomb at a house in St Helen Auckland on March 5, 2024, firing a shotgun at the front door; throwing another petrol bomb and firing a shotgun and a Skorpion machine gun at a house in Shildon on March 11, 2024; and throwing a petrol bomb and firing a 9mm pistol at a house in Darlington on March 17, 2024. No injuries occurred, and the incidents caused damage to the properties.

Shamant Sheraji

Conspiracy to Commit Fraud

June 23, 2025

Sentence: two years and three months imprisonment

Shamant Sheraji, along with Imran Miah and Andy Munoz-Cadena, posed as police officers to defraud victims in Cleveland and North Yorkshire between October and November 2020. They instructed victims to withdraw cash from their bank accounts under the pretense that their accounts were under threat, which would then be collected by a courier. The scheme was thwarted by police before any money was lost.

Admitted conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation. Sentenced along with two others for posing as police officers in a courier fraud scheme.

Sources: mylondon.news

Taylor Ford

Conspiracy to possess a firearm and ammunition, and conspiracy to commit arson

June 23, 2025

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment and 4 years extended licence

Taylor Ford, aged 20, was involved in a series of counterblow attacks in March 2024 as part of a dispute between rival organised crime gangs in South Durham. The attacks included throwing a petrol bomb at a house in St Helen Auckland on March 5, 2024, firing a shotgun at the front door; throwing another petrol bomb and firing a shotgun and a Skorpion machine gun at a house in Shildon on March 11, 2024; and throwing a petrol bomb and firing a 9mm pistol at a house in Darlington on March 17, 2024. No injuries occurred, and the incidents caused damage to the properties.

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

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.

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

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

Stark Building Materials Uk Ltd

Health and safety failure (asbestos management)

October 1, 2024

Sentence: £400,000 fine and £9,664 costs

Over a 15-year period ending in 2019, the company failed to properly inspect and manage asbestos at its Jewson branch in Brewsdale Road, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, despite several surveys. An inspection in October 2019 revealed damaged materials containing asbestos, with fibres released, posing risks to workers, visitors, and the public. The company was aware of the risks but took no action to prevent exposure or spread.

Pleaded guilty to a single charge of failing to protect the health and safety of persons not in its employment by failing to effectively manage asbestos. The company apologised and stated that robust measures are now in place.

Sources: independent.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

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