All North East criminals jailed in August including those locked up after riots (2024)

These are the faces of all the North East offenders who were sent to prison for some despicable crimes in August 2024.

Courts heard a catalogue of cases involving some shocking offences, including rape, conspiracy to supply drugs, manslaughter and assault. And the perpetrators found themselves behind bars.

August also saw a number of people convicted of violent disorder following riots in the North East. Several thugs were locked up for their involvement in the disturbances. These are all detailed below, alongside the other cases covered by ChronicleLive in August.

• Read More: All the North East criminals locked up in July 2024 including murderers jailed for life

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Samuel Marshall

A rapist who assaulted a young girl in a hotel was jailed.

Samuel Marshall, 22, struck up a relationship with the victim through social media. Newcastle Crown Court heard the pair discussed the girl, who was under 13, coming to Newcastle to visit him and on one occasion he bought her a train ticket. The court was told when she arrived at the station she abandoned the trip, telling the defendant she was worried about what her mum would say.

The court heard the pair arranged another trip and in November 2022, Marshall travelled hundreds of miles to the girl's local train station to travel back to Newcastle with her as she didn't want to travel alone. On the train Marshall, of Stobhill, Morpeth, sexually assaulted the girl twice, which included touching her breast under her clothes, the court was told. In Newcastle, the pair were in a hotel room opposite Newcastle Central Station, where the victim was again sexually assaulted.

The court heard the defendant then committed the offence of raping a child under the age of 13. The court was told Marshall took a number of indecent images of the victim in the hotel room.

Marshall pleaded guilty to one count of raping a child under 13, five counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, three counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and eight counts of assault of a child under 13 by penetration. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of indecent photograph of a child.

The court heard Marshall pleaded guilty on the basis he believed the girl was at least 16 years of age and when he asked how old she was, she said 'legal' and they discussed smoking, drinking and college. Marshall was jailed for three years and four months and will serve a further 12 months on licence after his release. Here's the full story.

Gemma Lees

A persistent shoplifter was jailed following a week-long shoplifting spree totalling hundreds of pounds.

Gemma Lees was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison after committing eight separate shoplifting and attempted shoplifting offences across Northumberland, along with one count of common assault. Lees, of no fixed abode, was convicted of all nine offences at Mid and South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court and was jailed and ordered to pay almost £500 in compensation. Read the full story here.

David Ollive

A courier delivered multi-kilo packages of cocaine into the North East on behalf of organised crime groups.

David Ollive communicated via an encrypted phone messaging app to organise the collection of the Class A substance from Coventry. The 29-year-old delivered 22 kilos of cocaine, with a wholesale value of more than £830,000, during at least nine trips between March 2020 and May 2020. He would also transport the criminal cash back to his employers.

Ollive was arrested in October 2020 after the plot was uncovered by specialist Northumbria Police officers, working as part of Operation Venetic. He initially claimed the journeys were made in connection with a pool table restoration and supply business he ran.

In February 2023, Ollive, of Southerland Avenue, Coventry, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply cocaine. He pleaded guilty to the charges at Newcastle Crown Court in March this year. In August, he was sentenced to eight years behind bars. Here's the full story.

Callum Hall

A Northumberland man was jailed for carrying out sexual offences against two underage girls and possessing child sexual abuse images.

Callum Hall chatted to one underage girl on social media and "pressured" her into sending him naked pictures of herself. He then coerced the girl into having sex with him and made comments saying he would show people her pictures if she didn't comply.

Hall committed offences against a second underage girl as well, and led her into woods before gripping her neck and asking her to perform a sexual act on him. The 21-year-old was also found to be in possession of indecent images of children and extreme p*rnography - some images he had depicted babies being abused.

Hall, of Newlyn Drive, Cramlington, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court to be sentenced for causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, three counts of making indecent images, three counts of sexual activity with a child, and breach of a sexual risk order. The offences were committed when Hall was under the age of 18, but was significantly older than the victims.

He was jailed for two years and two months. Read the full court report here.

Damian Smith and Dawn Thompson

A racist couple were jailed after a Kurdish man sustained injures after being attacked with a metal pole.

Damian Smith, 36, and Dawn Thompson, 48, carried out the violent assault in January after previously telling the man to "get back" to his own country. The victim, who had been granted asylum to live in the UK, lived with his wife in the same block of flats as Smith and Thompson in Gateshead, but he has since had to move after being "driven out".

In August, Smith and Thompson, both of Lough Court, Gateshead, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court to be sentenced for section 20 unlawful wounding and theft of a mobile phone. The pair had pleaded guilty to the offences.

Smith was jailed for 22 months and Thompson was jailed for 14 months. Here's the full story.

Jason Crosby

A masked man threatened a shop worker with a machete before taking cash and cigarettes, a court heard.

Jason Crosby, 35, entered the Plessey Convenience Store, in Blyth, in May this year to buy a bottle of cider but returned later that day with another man. Newcastle Crown Court heard Crosby approached the counter and pulled out a machete before brandishing it at the shop owner and demanding money.

The woman tried to grab the knife but the court heard her son told her not to fight back, with the woman emptying the till and handing the cash to the defendant. Crosby said he needed more money but the woman said there was none and her son gave him a packet of cigarettes, the court was told.

Crosby, of Croft Road, Blyth, pleaded guilty to robbery and having an article with blade or point and was jailed for three years and four months. Here's the full story.

Roxanne Dale

A dangerous driver who drove at a crowd before hitting an Asda worker and fleeing the scene was jailed.

Roxanne Dale, 36, drove to the Asda car park in Wallsend on February 8 this year after being told her son had been involved in an altercation. Newcastle Crown Court heard Dale arrived at the car park in her Audi and drove her vehicle into another one.

She then reversed before driving towards a group of people on the road and striking a member of staff who was in the car park trying to defuse the situation, the court heard. The woman hit the bonnet and landed on the ground, with Dale's vehicle then driving over the woman's ankle.

Dale, of Leonard Hotel, on Newcastle's Scotswood Road, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to stop after an accident. She was jailed for three years and three months. Here's the full story.

Kenneth Fawcett

Detectives probing the death of ammonia attack victim Andrew Foster found sick indecent images of children on one of his killers' phone.

Andrew died in hospital after he was squirted in the face with the deadly chemical when he answered a knock at the door at his Gateshead home last August. The 26-year-old's death sparked a huge murder probe which would eventually result in the conviction of the four men behind the deadly attack.

Drug dealer Youssef Wynne and John Wandless, Kenneth Fawcett and Josh Hawthorn, who worked for him, were all found guilty of Andrew's murder following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court. And in July, the killers were all handed life sentences with a minimum combined term of 118 years.

But as well as bringing the killers to justice, the investigation into Andrew's death also uncovered more vile crimes had been committed by 33-year-old Fawcett, from North Shields. When Fawcett was arrested, police seized his mobile phone to see if it contained any evidence that could link him to Andrew's murder. But when the device was analysed officers made a grim unexpected discovery.

Police say 136 indecent images of children were located on the Telegram messaging app, on the phone. This included 95 still and moving category A images, which is the worst category for indecent material. There were also 24 category B images and 17 in category C.

Fawcett, of Balkwell Avenue, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images. He was sentenced to two years for the category A images, one month for the category C images, and six months for the category B images, to run concurrently with his life sentence, which has a minimum term of 32 years. Read the full story here.

Alan Jobson, Jamie McGowan, Reece McDowell

Three men who instigated a pub brawl after believing a phone had been stolen were put behind bars.

Alan Jobson, 31, Jamie McGowan, 31, and Reece McDowell, 27, launched an attack in the Flying Horse pub in Blyth, Northumberland. The violence broke out after McGowan believed two men were involved in stealing his mobile phone.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how the two males were attacked during the incident. One of the men was left unconscious after being punched and kicked in the face. The court heard how CCTV also showed McGowan "stamping" on the victim's head during the attack.

Jobson, of Carlton Street, Blyth, and McGowan, of Elsdon Close, Blyth, were were both sentenced for two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. McDowell, of Beaumont Street, Blyth, was sentenced for one count of the same charge. All three defendants were also sentenced for further offences relating to separate incidents.

Jobson was given four years and two months behind bars. McDowell was jailed for two years and 10 months. McGowan was locked up for two years and six months. Read the full court report here.

John Ferguson

A burglar who was caught trying door handles in Sunderland and entering homes was jailed.

John Ferguson, 28, was walking along Southwick Road at around 7.30am in April this year with another man when a resident travelling to work spotted them. Newcastle Crown Court heard he saw Ferguson trying a number of doors and trying to enter properties.

The police were called and the defendant was arrested. The court was told Ferguson, of Dean Street, Sunderland, was found with diazepam and cannabis in his possession.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of dwelling burglary and being in possession of cannabis and diazepam. He was sentenced to 176 days in prison. Here's the full story.

John Nicholson

A drug dealer caught with high purity cocaine worth thousands of pounds after police raided his home was jailed.

Police officers executed a warrant at the address of John Nicholson, 31, in Sunderland, in August 2021. Newcastle Crown Court heard a search was carried out and a "significant quantity of cocaine was found" totalling around 180 grams of cocaine with a high level of purity.

Around 14 grams of the cocaine had a purity of 89% and 164 grams had a purity of 90%. The court was told it had value of £7,500 and a resale value of £17,500.

Cash totalling £9,500 was also found inside the property, which was made through the sale of drugs and breeding dogs, the court heard. Other items included a cannabis bush, drug press and grinder, the court was told.

Nicholson, of Ravenna Road, Sunderland, who pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a Class A drug and being in possession of a controlled drug Class C, was sentenced to two years and four months in prison. Here's the full story.

John Veitch

A brute hit his former partner before arming himself with a knife and threatening to kill her.

John Veitch visited the woman's home to apologise after hitting her but ended up striking her to the head a second time. Newcastle Crown Court heard how the 35-year-old then picked up a knife, stabbed it into the kitchen table and threatened to kill her.

Veitch, of no fixed address but formerly of Hendon, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by beating and threatening with a bladed article in a private place. He was sentenced to 20 months behind bars. Here's the full story.

Awais Mohammed

A man burnt his grandmother in the eye with ammonia while trying to spray his uncle with it.

Awais Mohammed turned up to a family address in Elswick, Newcastle, wearing a balaclava and a rucksack around his chest. The 26-year-old was carrying a bottle of ammonia and had a second bottle of the substance in his bag.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how he attempted to spray his uncle with ammonia but he covered his face with his hands. His grandmother came into the room at the time and the substance went into her eyes.

Mohammed, of Baxter Avenue, Fenham, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to having a corrosive substance in a public place and grievous bodily harm. He was sentenced to two years and eight months behind bars. Here's the full court report.

Ryan Sheers, Steven Mailen

Prison sentences were handed down for those involved in one of the incidents of disorder in the North East.

Ryan Sheers, 28, of Powlett Road, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder. He was sentenced to two years and two months' imprisonment at Teesside Crown Court.

Steven Mailen, 54, of Arch Court, Hartlepool, also pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder and was sentenced to two years and two months' imprisonment at the same court. Both men were involved in the widely-condemned disorder in Hartlepool on July 31. Here's the full story.

Bradley Makin, Leanne Hodgson, Josh Kellett and Andrew Smith

Four rioters who were involved in causing chaos at a far-right, racist protest in Sunderland were jailed.

Andrew Smith, 41, Josh Kellett, 29, Leanne Hodgson, 43, and Bradley Makin, 21, were all involved in the widely condemned disorder in the city centre on Friday, August 2. They were among hundreds of people that gathered for a protest following the Southport stabbings.

There was a large police presence from early evening as the protest flared into violent scenes of unrest and disorder. A car was overturned and set alight and riot police were attacked during the widely condemned chaos.

All four defendants played their part in the violent scenes and pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Makin, of the Springwell area of Sunderland, also admitted two counts of possession of class A drugs - heroin and cocaine. The defendants all appeared at Newcastle Crown Court to be sentenced.

Kellett was jailed for two and a half years. Hodgson was also jailed for two and a half years. Smith was jailed for two years and two months, and Makin was jailed for two years. Here's the full court report.

Kier Ruffell

A burglar was identified after he left blood in a stolen car when he crashed it.

Kier Ruffell, 33, took car keys from a home in South Shields and stole a Ford Fiesta before crashing it into two other vehicles in April last year. Newcastle Crown Court heard one of the vehicles had suffered "substantial damage" while the stolen car was found on its roof with the windows smashed.

The court was told blood was found on the steering wheel and DNA matched Ruffell's.

Ruffell, of Russell Street, Jarrow, pleaded guilty to a dwelling house burglary and aggravated vehicle taking. He also pleaded guilty to two thefts from motor vehicle, three vehicle interference and one count of fraud by false representation. He was sentenced to two years and six months in prison. Read the full story here.

Liam Miles

A serial burglar was caught on camera trying to enter a house on Tyneside.

Liam Miles targeted a property in Gateshead just days after being released from prison on licence for a previous burglary offence. The 33-year-old's actions came to light when the man who lived at the property got a notification to say somebody had been detected at his front door. When he went to the door nobody was there.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how he checked his CCTV recording and saw that Miles had went around to the back door and was trying the door handle. He confronted the defendant and he made an excuse about looking for a bike.

Miles was arrested on April 18 after being recognised by police. He was found in possession of class C drug Zopiclone, which he had purchased off the street.

Miles, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to attempted burglary and possession of a class C drug. He was handed a two year and four month prison sentence. Here's the full story.

Angus Hollingsworth

A thug who killed a dog and attacked a man and woman with a knife in a brutal attack was jailed.

Angus Hollingsworth, 29, and his brother turned up at a home in Consett, County Durham, and launched a violent attack on a couple living there. Newcastle Crown Court heard the pair had been at the address during the early hours of October 23, 2023, to buy controlled drugs.

They then returned at around 10am the same day and barged into the house. Angus was armed with a knife, while his brother was carrying an axe, the court heard. The court was told Angus then launched an attack on the family dog which was "significantly wounded" during the incident and had to be put down.

The man in the house was asleep on the sofa and awoke to the dog being attacked, the court heard. The victim tried to disarm Angus but was then attacked with the knife.

Angus, of Birmingham, pleaded guilty to a Section 18 assault causing grievous bodily harm, a Section 20 assault, criminal damage, assaulting an emergency worker and possession of a bladed article. He was sentenced to eight years and six months in prison. Here's the full story.

Sammy Mohabath

A dealer who was caught with high value drugs and more than £85,000 of cash was jailed for seven years.

The court heard that during a joint investigation between police in the North East and Lancashire, a home, car and family-run restaurant linked to Sammy Mohabath were searched. Drugs, cash, a machete, sword and crossbow were found, along with drugs paraphernalia.

In total, £85,813 in cash was seized, along with 1.3 kilos of cocaine 27g of MDMA and 133g of ketamine. The drugs were said to have a street value of up to £55,000, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

Mohabath's phone showed he was involved in dealing and organising the dealing of significant amounts of drugs, the court heard. He was also "directing couriers", including another man who was arrested as part of the Lancashire investigation and who was subsequently jailed for 16 years for offences including importing drugs.

Mohabath, 35, of Dean Road, South Shields, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and MDMA and was jailed for seven years. Read the full story here.

Anthony Pentland

A shoplifter who called himself "thick" after failing to steal five pairs of trousers was locked up.

Anthony Pentland smelled of alcohol when he entered Cotswold Ourdoor store in Newcastle city centre. The 37-year-old tried on a number of jackets and was told to put them back if he wasn't going to pay for them.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how he attempted to throw one of the jackets over the railings but failed. He then tried to leave the store on Northumberland Street with five pairs of North Face trousers. He was stopped by a staff member and a member of the public who took him to the floor and were able to retrieve the goods.

Pentland, of Lythe Way, Longbenton, North Tyneside, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison. Here's the full story.

Steven Catlow

A man who raped a woman while she was having a seizure was put behind bars.

Steven Catlow, 32, had offered to walk the woman home from a gathering at a house in Peterlee, County Durham, on Christmas Day in 2019. On the way home, the woman suffered a seizure and fell on the ground behind a row of shops in the town. As she came round, she realised Catlow was raping her as she lay face down in a muddy patch of grass.

The woman called police later that evening and an investigation was launched. The case took several years to get to court as Catlow initially lied about what happened. But when his DNA was found in the woman's underwear, he changed his story to say that consensual sex had taken place.

Catlow, formerly of Peterlee but now of Edgemoor Close, Shawforth, Rochdale, Lancashire, denied rape but was found guilty by a jury at Durham Crown Court. He was sentenced to nine years in prison. Here's the full story.

Reece Greenwood, Riley Adey

A rioter who live-streamed an "orgy" of mindless violence and destruction which brought shame on Sunderland was jailed.

Reece Greenwood filmed the disgraceful scenes which unfolded in Sunderland city centre on August 2 during which a mob of thugs caused mayhem. Greenwood and Riley Adey, both of Washington, who joined in the large scale violent disorder which caused damage worth thousands of pounds to repair and left Northumbria Police with an estimated bill of £1m, became the latest to be locked up for their involvement.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Greenwood filmed the disorder and streamed it live on Facebook while “actively encouraging the violent disorder” and verbally abusing police officers. He shouted encouragement at others to throw missiles at the police and at times he was heard to make racial or religious remarks.

In terms of Adey’s involvement, the prosecutor said: “He was identified as part of a group attacking police officers. He threw missiles including a vape, brick and scaffolding pole. He took a fire extinguisher from a damaged building. They were later sprayed with officers obscuring their view. There’s no evidence Mr Adey did that.”

Greenwood, 31, of The Gardens, Washington, was jailed for two years, 10 months, and Adey, 19, of Heworth Crescent, Washington, was sent to a young offenders institution for two years. Here's the full story.

Robert Pestell and Brad Low

The two burglars targeted the homes of vulnerable people in sheltered and supported accommodation during a four-day crime spree.

Robert Pestell and Brad Low carried out six offences at homes in Newcastle, stealing items including TVs and Christmas decorations and a Christmas tree. A judge branded the offences mean and said the pair had deliberately targeted vulnerable victims.

Low, 26, of Burnhills Gardens, Greenside, Gateshead, and Pestell, 24, of Wilfred Street, Byker, were each jailed for three years and nine months. Here's the full story.

Sam York

A road menace rammed a police car trying to stop him after being caught behind the wheel when disqualified and on a suspended sentence for dangerous driving.

Having been sentenced for the previous driving offence in May last year, Sam York was driving a silver Ford Mondeo on Milburn Road, in Ashington, Northumberland, on April 24 this year. Police saw the car and their attention was drawn to the fact it had a space saver wheel on.

Checks showed the car was not insured and was registered to an address in Houghton-le-Spring. Officers followed it and tried to pull it over but it continued at speed before losing control and spinning in the road, ended up facing the police car. Claire Anderson, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court: "It drove towards the police car, ramming it to the side then mounted the pavement and drove off."

York, 35, of Riversdale House, Stakeford, Northumberland, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, failing to provide a specimen and having no insurance. Judge Penny Moreland activated six months of the suspended sentence and gave him 15 months for the new matters, resulting in a total sentence of 21 months in prison. Here's the full story.

Michael Johnson

A one-punch killer who ambushed a much-loved family man outside a pub after a minor altercation was branded a coward as he was jailed.

Trevor Reid had been out in Gosforth, Newcastle, celebrating his mum's 60th birthday when he encountered Michael Johnson, who was out celebrating the birth of his brother's baby. The two men clashed after Johnson took umbrage at Mr Reid resting his arm on his shoulder.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Johnson was outside The Gosforth Hotel pub when he saw Mr Reid was making his way towards the exit. He moved to a position where he was not visible to him, catching him by surprise with a full-force punch to the jaw, which knocked him unconscious and caused him to fall backwards and crack his head on a step and suffer un-survivable brain injuries.

Celebratory cheering was heard after the blow was landed and Johnson was seen being patted on the back and receiving a handshake from a friend as he walked off leaving Mr Reid fatally injured. Johnson, 29, of Rydal Road, Gosforth, who admitted manslaughter, was jailed for five years and three months. Read the full court report here.

Paul Williams

A dad who confronted police and threw missiles at them during a Sunderland riot was jailed.

Paul Williams remonstrated at cops and told them "let's f***ing go" as they attempted to control the disorder which broke out in Sunderland city centre on August 2. Newcastle Crown Court heard how the 45-year-old also grabbed a police shield, took his top off and threw a beer can and a metal fence at officers.

Williams, who had drank eight cans of lager, was identified from video footage and arrested the following day. He claimed a officer pushed him first and he retaliated.

Williams, of Esdale, Ryhope, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and he was sentenced to two years and two months in prison. Here's the full story.

Ashkan Kareem

A man was jailed for a year after throwing a missile during violent disorder in Darlington.

Ashkan Kareem was captured on CCTV throwing an object towards a group of people in Darlington on August 5. Dozens of police officers had been deployed to the North Lodge Park area of the town after two large groups of mostly men had gathered, resulting in small pockets of serious violence.

Kareem, of Grey Street, Bishop Auckland, turned himself in to police on August 12 after seeing his picture posted in a police social media appeal. He was arrested and later charged with violent disorder, which he admitted in court.

Appearing at Teesside Crown Court, the 33-year-old was jailed for a year. Here's the full story.

Curtis Storey

A cowardly domestic violence brute who attacked his former partner three times including with a baseball bat was jailed.

Curtis Storey had been in a relationship with the victim and she said when she became pregnant it was a "turning point" and he started being abusive towards her. It began as name calling but then became physical.

Storey, 30, of Tynemouth Road, Heaton, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possessing cocaine and crack cocaine with intent to supply. He was jailed for four years. Here's the full court report.

Dean Groenewald

A man who threw a brick at police during the Sunderland riot was locked up.

Dean Groenewald was captured on video standing in front of a line of riot officers, who were holding up shields, during the disorder in Sunderland city centre. Newcastle Crown Court heard how the 32-year-old was seen throwing a brick in the direction of the officers and it landed over their heads.

Groenewald, of no fixed address but formerly of Ryhope, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. He was sentenced to two years and two months behind bars. Here's the full story.

Christopher Harrison

Online predator Christopher Harrison was jailed for attempting to target children online.

Harrison sent sexual images and video to what he thought was a 13-year-old on Snapchat but was actually an undercover police officer. Having been bailed for that and while wanted on a court warrant, he targeted a 14-year-old on Kik, suggesting they meet.

The 42-year-old married dad, of Pinewood Street, Fencehouses, Houghton-le-Spring, was locked up at Newcastle Crown Court after admitting a series of sex offences. He pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted sexual communication with a child, attemptimg to cause a child to to engage in sexual activity, arranging or faciliating the commission of a child sex offence, attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act and sending an image to cause alarm, distress or humiliation.

He was jailed for three and a half years. Here's the full story.

David McKegney

A predatory dating site conman fleeced two vulnerable men out of thousands of pounds by posing as a single mother who was looking for love.

David McKegney targeted two men in "relentless" scams, tricking them into handing over nearly £30,000 with a combination of pleas for help and threats of repercussions if they didn't, including that he would falsely brand one of them a paedophile and post intimate images of both victims online. Newcastle Crown Court heard one of the men was left so anxious by what happened to him that he considered throwing himself off a bridge.

McKegney, 44, of Harrington Terrace, Birtley, Gateshead, pleaded guilty to two offences of blackmail and two of fraud by false representation. He was jailed for two and a half years. Read the full court report here.

Grafian Stanescu

A serial thief who targeted students and stole six high value mobile phones was jailed.

Grafian Stanescu, 26, stole high value iPhones from his unsuspecting victims in Newcastle and Sunderland. He pleaded guilty to six counts of theft relating to mobile phones and was jailed for 18 months. Here's the full story.

Paul Brown, Irfan Yousaf and Adam Rankin

Three men were jailed for their involvement in a fraud which targeted four victims.

Adam Rankin, 32, Paul Brown, 27, and Irfan Yousaf, 41, were jailed for a combined total for 12-and-a-half years following a courier fraud investigation from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU). It found that between May and August 2022, the three men contacted vulnerable and often elderly victims by telephone claiming to be from their Bank’s ‘Fraud Squad’.

They claimed the victim’s savings were at risk and needed to be safeguarded. And they used complex and manipulative tactics to convince their victims to transfer money into other bank accounts and to leave cheques for couriers to collect. The fraudsters also used the victim’s personal information to take out loans and a credit card in the victim’s name.

A police operation was launched and NEROCU officers, supported by Durham Police and Police Scotland, were able to identify the three men, all residing in Scotland, and swiftly arrested them before charging them all with conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation.

Brown pleaded guilty however, Rankin and Yousaf elected to go to trial at Durham Crown Court. The evidence against them was overwhelming and the duo were convicted by a jury.

Rankin, of Castlegreen Street, Dumbarton, was sentenced to four years imprisonment and Brown, of Crosslet Place, Dumbarton, was sentenced to four years imprisonment. Yousaf, of Bran Court, Glasgow, was sentenced to three years and six months imprisonment. Here's the full story.

David Newsome

A fare dodger who threatened a taxi driver with a knife was jailed.

David Newsome, 52, threatened the taxi driver after receiving a ride from Hebburn to Jarrow in May this year. Newcastle Crown Court heard once they arrived at the address, Newsome went into the property "expecting to find some cash".

But the court heard Newsome couldn't find any money and went back to the taxi. The court was told Newsome, of Cedar Drive, Jarrow, was angry and believed a homeless person had taken the cash.

During sentencing, Judge Tim Gittins said Newsome returned to the taxi and was angry about the money being taken. He said Newsome took his anger out on the taxi driver, adding: "You lunged at him with the knife and pressed that knife several times towards him while making threats towards him."

Newsome pleaded guilty to threatening a person with a bladed article and making off without payment. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison. Read the full story here.

Jordan Burke

A prisoner who coordinated the supply of dangerous drugs from his cell was given extra time behind bars.

Jordan Burke was serving a nine-year sentence for robbery when he became involved in dealing Spice on a commercial scale. Using an illegally-held phone which was later found hidden in a door frame, he pulled the strings of others on the outside.

He was caught after police launched an investigation following the deaths of three people from taking the drug, although it is not suggested he was responsible for supplying any of the drugs that caused their deaths. Newcastle Crown Court heard Burke, 29, from Walker, Newcastle, was jailed for nine years in January 2019 and he admitted conspiracy to supply Spice between November 2020 and October 2021. He also admitted possession of a prohibited phone and sending photographs from HMP Northumberland.

Burke pleaded guilty on the basis he had become addicted to Spice in prison and owed money for it and was given a phone to deal the drug to pay off his debts. The basis of plea added that he also used the phone to contact his partner and didn't have the phone all of the time. He also said he had been frequently assaulted in prison.

He was jailed for two years and six months. Here's the full story.

Philip Cawthorne

A former solider who threw a beer can at police during the Sunderland riot was locked up.

Philip Cawthorne joined a mob of people confronting officers during the disorder in Sunderland city centre. The judge at Newcastle Crown Court was told how the 38-year-old was captured on video hurling items in their direction on August 2.

Emma Dowling, prosecuting, told the court how he threw a beer can at the line of police, striking an officer, before he picked up another item and hurled it at them. She said Cawthorne admitted being the person in the footage. She said: "He stated he had been drinking, he has problems with alcohol and he was ashamed of his actions."

Cawthorne, of Southend Road, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to one charge of violent disorder and was sentenced to two years and two months in prison. Here's the full story.

Kent Wallace

A man was jailed following an altercation that left two victims with deep lacerations to their heads.

The incident took place in February after a collision between two vehicles on Seaside Lane, Easington. The collision led to a fight breaking out on nearby Station Road, where 33-year-old Kent Wallace, of no fixed abode, had armed himself with a shovel handle.

Wallace repeatedly struck his first victim – a man in his 30s – with the shovel handle, causing deep cuts to his head which required hospital treatment. When a second man - in his 50s – attempted to intervene, Wallace further assaulted him with the weapon, also causing deep cuts to his head and face.

Wallace fled the scene but was arrested following CCTV and forensic enquiries. He was charged with affray, two counts of grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.

The case was taken to trial where Wallace was found guilty by a jury of two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He was sentenced to seven years in prison. Here's the full story.

David Hann

Former EDL member David Hann was locked up after shouting racist abuse towards a mosque during the Sunderland riot.

The 58-year-old was present at various locations during widespread disorder in Sunderland city centre on Friday, August 2. He was seen gesticulating towards police officers and shouting racist abuse outside a mosque.

The court heard that Hann was a member of the English Defence League (EDL) and has been on previous marches but no longer participates. His defence said that Hann did not participate directly in any violence but his actions contributed to the atmosphere.

Hann, of Ryhope Street South, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to religiously aggravated threatening behaviour. He was sentenced to eight months in prison at Newcastle Crown Court. Here's the full story.

Jack Fowler

Masked dad Jack Fowler waved at St. George's flag while confront police at the Sunderland riot.

Jack Fowler, 24, was among the mob who approached a line of officers during the disorder in Sunderland city centre on Friday, August 2. He had travelled to Sunderland from his home on Northbourne Street, Elswick, Newcastle.

He was at Keel Square and the mosque and though he did not throw any missiles himself, he was seen waving and encouraging others. The court heard he was shouting "Whose streets, our streets", and was also heard to say: "This is going to be constant all summer" - referring to the disorder.

Fowler pleaded guilty to violent disorder at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court in South Shields and was sentenced to two years in prison at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday, August 23. Here's the full story.

Jason Hoganson

Former Hollywood actor Jason Hoganson was jailed for a street attack on his former partner.

Hoganson, 53, of no fixed address, had a leading role in 1980s film Empire State, but he struggled with the spotlight and fell into a life of drink, drugs and crime before his movie career took off. He has since racked up 109 previous convictions.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that Hoganson was caught on doorbell video camera attacking his former partner in Newcastle on December 11, 2023. He already had a restraining order to keep him away from the woman when he attacked her, which he had been given when convicted of offences of battery and criminal damage in May last year.

The court heard that the defendant assaulted the woman over three minutes, having pushed, hit, kicked and slapped the victim. He pleaded guilty to assault by beating and breach of a restraining order and was sentenced to 18 months in prison, most of which he has already served on remand. Here's the full story.

Rachel Cousins

A burglar who broke into a man's flat and stole his wallet has been jailed.

Rachel Cousins, 35, waited until the man was in the lounge of the sheltered accommodation where he lived before she targeted his property on April 6 this year. Newcastle Crown Court heard that the man returned to his flat in Byker, where the door was ajar.

He found his wallet, which contained £300 in cash; his bank card, a lottery ticket, and loose change had gone. Cousins and her partner, who were homeless at the time, were staying in the sheltered accommodation with one of the residents.

The 35-year-old pleaded guilty to burglary. She was sentenced to 12 months behind bars, and given a three-year restraining order against the victim. Here's the full story.

John Bainbridge

John Bainbridge laughed as he was jailed and said his victim deserved to be hit over the head with the weapon.

The 39-year-old, who has 91 previous convictions, was seen striking his victim with the tool several times, leaving him bleeding. Newcastle Crown Court heard Bainbridge was making reference to the other man owing him something during the attack.

A security guard from a nearby building intervened to bring the attack to a stop, which happened in Bensham, Gateshead, in March this year.

Bainbridge admitted attempted GBH with intent and having an offensive weapon, and was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison. As he was sentenced, he was seen to be laughing on the video link from prison. Here's the full story.

Kevin Sandilands

Violent home invader Kevin Sandilands hit a householder with a claw hammer after smashing through his front door.

However, he got more than he bargained for when the occupant knocked him to the ground with a pool cue. Sandilands, 37, woke his victim up in the early hours of the morning of September 10, 2023, when he broke in, leaving the front door broken and hanging off its hinges.

He hit the occupant over the head twice with a hammer, but was then struck with the pool cue. He announced that he had targeted the wrong address before retreating with another man who was outside, spilling lager on the floor as he went.

The victim suffered a cut head and injured hand, and noticed that his wallet, which was of sentimental value and contained £120, had been stolen from a table. Sandilands was arrested around 90 minutes later at a house in Sunderland.

Sandilands, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was sentenced to ten months in jail, and was also in breach of a 15-month suspended prison sentence imposed last July.

The further offence activated that, meaning he was locked up for a total of 25 months, and also given a restraining order. Here's the full story.

Martyn Fryatt

Sex offender Martyn Fryatt groomed a young boy and sent him photos and videos of naked men.

The 71-year-old groomed the child over the course of a year, sending him sexually explicit messages and images of naked men and young boys. Fryatt repeatedly told the boy to delete the photos so his parents wouldn't find them.

Former Christian missionary Fryatt was arrested after the boy's mum discovered the images and messages on her son's phone and called the police. Specialist officers who analysed the phone found numerous sexually inappropriate WhatsApp messages sent by Fryatt, along with images and videos of men and young boys exposing themselves.

Fryatt, of Burnopfield, was charged with several offences, including making indecent images of a child, possessing a prohibited image of a child, and engaging in sexual communication with a child. He was jailed for a year and two months after admitting the charges at Durham Crown Court on August 20.

He was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the sex offenders' register, both for ten years. Here's the full story.

David Eldrett

Knife-wielding David Eldrett was jailed after attacking a police officer.

Police were called to a property in Newton Aycliffe in the early hours of January 28 this year after reports of a man attacking a woman with a large hunting style knife. Armed officers attended the home and asked Eldrett to come out of the property.

The 54-year-old approached the front door with the knife, then ran back inside, locking the door behind him, closing the curtains and turning the lights off. Officers were then forced to make an emergency entrance and once inside, Eldrett struck one of them in the leg with the knife.

Eldrett, of Kestrel Court, was arrested at the scene and charged with threats to kill, wounding with intent and assault. He was sentenced to six years in prison at Durham Crown Court on August 29. Here's the full story.

Raymond McDonald

Serial dating site conman Raymond McDonald has been jailed again after fleecing three more victims.

McDonald, of Dudley, North Tyneside, has been ripping off women for more than a decade. He was jailed for seven-and-a-half years in 2016 for tricking victims out of more than £30,000 but that has not deterred him for preying on women with "fairytale" stories.

The 51-year-old was caught out through a combination of a Facebook page called "Are we dating the same guy" and Clare's Law. The three women were conned out of a total of more than £6,000 but McDonald was not ordered to pay any compensation as he is on benefits.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud between December 2023 and March 2024 and was jailed for four-and-a-half years. He was also given lifelong restraining orders for each of the victims. Here's the full story.