The brother of an alleged murder victim has been jailed for possessing a hand gun and ammunition which police feared may have been used in a revenge attack.

Graham Bryden’s brother Jason died in a violent attack on 4 July in Kilmarnock.

Police raided the 45-year-old’s home in the town on 7 July following a tip-off and found a black Taurus revolver, ammunition and heroin worth £2,590.

Bryden was jailed for five years and eight months after he admitted possessing the gun, bullets and heroin.

Jailing Bryden at the High Court in Glasgow, judge Lord Burns told him: “I have no reason to suppose your possession of these items was in connection with the drugs operation you were conducting from your house.

‘Exact retribution’

“The possession of a gun and ammunition was in some marginal respect as a result of the assault on and death off your brother.”

The court heard that police raided Bryden’s home in Kilmarnock three days after his brother’s death.

Advocate depute Paul Brown, prosecuting, said: “Police were concerned about the prospect of an attempt by the accused to exact retribution on the men accused of committing this crime.

“There was further information available to the police that the accused was also dealing in drugs.”

The court heard that Bryden’s home was searched and the handgun was found on top of a cabinet in the kitchen, alongside a black zipped bag containing nine rounds of ammunition.

Nine wraps of heroin were found under a rug in the lounge and another in the tumble dryer.

Mr Brown told the court: “The revolver was in working order, but it was in a condition that could have been hazardous to the person firing it. In the opinion of expert it could case a potentially lethal injury if fired at a person.”

BBC News

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These are the men facing time behind bars for the killing of Sunderland dad David Walsh.

The 45-year-old, of Fuller Road, Hendon was killed outside an address on Cannon Cockin Street in November last year.

Raymond Brown, 36, of Cannon Cockin Street, had pleaded guilty to murder and violent disorder at an earlier date.

Today at Newcastle Crown Court, Charles Maguire Lamont, 40, of Villette Road, was found guilty of murder and violent disorder.

Lamont’s son Dalton James Barnett, 19, of Fuller Road, was found guilty of manslaughter and violent disorder.

The jury verdicts came after a trial which lasted more than four weeks.

Detective Sergeant Dave Hirst, of Northumbria Police, said: “We welcome the decision by the jury today.

“This has been a difficult case for all the family and our thoughts remain with them. I hope the family can seek some solace in today’s verdict and begin to rebuild their lives.

“I would like to thank the people of Hendon for their community spirit and helping police with this investigation.

Dalton James Barnett

Dalton James Barnett

“With the help of the community and the investigating team, these men have been brought to justice and they will now spend a significant amount of time behind bars.”

Members of Mr Walsh’s family were in court to hear the verdicts read out.

The devoted dad was just weeks away from renewing his wedding vows with his childhood sweetheart when he was killed in a brutal attack in a back lane.

Known as Boff to friends and family, he had planned to hold the ceremony in the Caribbean with wife Trisha in January.

Shortly before his death, the 6ft 3in railway worker – who was only home for the weekend after a change in shifts in the run up to Christmas – went to the aid of his youngest son David, 25, with eldest boy Kyle, 28, when they heard he was in trouble.

His family described Mr Walsh as a “gentle giant” devoted to his family.

His brother Billy, 54, said: “They have taken one of the best people off earth you could ever meet.

“He was a diamond. He was one of the nicest people you could ever meet, he would have given you his last penny.

“He was a gentleman, a fun-loving giant. He was just a true gentleman. He was one of the lads – one of the likely lads.

“He loved doing out for a drink, he loved holding barbecues and going on holiday, he would go three, four, five times a year.

“He was never apart from his wife, except from when he was at work.”

Billy’s wife Kath, 57, added: “He always said he would give his life for his bairns, and he did.

“It’s bad enough for him to be murdered, but what they did, it’s indescribable.

“He went to stop what was going on. He was a protective father, he wanted to try and help him.

“He and Trisha were together like superglue.

“She was like his shadow and they were a funny couple.

“He was fun-loving, he didn’t have a bad bone in his body.

“He was a family man, he was devoted to them.”

Mr Walsh, who went to Valley Road Primary and Southmoor School, where he met Trisha, also 45, was also dad to Aaron and daughter Casey and a grandad to Kyle’s children Kyle, 10, Cavan, eight, and Canis, six, as well as David’s daughter Ellie, seven.

He also leaves sister Maureen and brother Anthony and was also a loving uncle to Anthony’s children Lyndsay, 23, and Anthony, 28.

Mr Walsh was known for hosting barbecues, which would see neighbours join in the gatherings held in his back yard, as well as enjoying cooking for others.

He gained his nickname after shaving his hair off and was known for playing pranks on his friends and family.

He and Trisha enjoyed travelling, with Barbados, Mexico, Goa and Jamaica among the places they had holidayed in recent years.

Sunderland Echo

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Dalton barnet

A 33-year-old thug has pleaded guilty to using threats of violence and religious insults in Dover on January 30.

Matthew Martin’s “religiously aggravated and threatening behaviour” forced his victim to fear for their own safety.

The incident took place on the same day as the Dover protests when members of the far-right viciously clashed with anti-fascists throughout Dover.

The Gravesend resident was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work in the next 12 months by Thanet Magistrates Court on June 30.

He must also pay £85 in costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Dover Express

Thomas Johnstone, 29, also reportedly chanted anti-Muslim slogans during a protest organised by the English Defence League

Thomas Johnstone waved an England flag scrawled with 'f*** Islam' across it just 24 hours after Britain voted to leave the EU

Thomas Johnstone waved an England flag scrawled with ‘f*** Islam’ across it just 24 hours after Britain voted to leave the EU

A racist thug waved an England flag scrawled with ‘f*** Islam’ across it – just 24 hours after Britain voted to leave the EU.

Thomas Johnstone also chanted anti-Muslim slogans during an English Defence League protest on Saturday.

The 29-year-old’s chants got louder as Asian drivers or pedestrians passed him while he took part in the demonstration, a court heard.

Around 30 members of the far-right group had gathered outside the Manarat Foundation mosque in Birmingham.

The court heard that on the flag was written ‘no more mosques,’ ‘English ’till I die’ and ‘f*** Islam’.”

Johnstone yesterday admitted two counts of causing religiously aggravated harassment alarm or stress under the Public Order Act at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court.

He also pleaded guilty to obstructing an officer after giving police his brother’s name when arrested.

Johnstone, of Luton, was handed a £400 fine but was told he would not have to pay because of the time he had spent in custody since Saturday.

He remained in custody after being recalled to prison on licence on other matters.

Helen Shipley, prosecuting, said demonstrators were herded by police to one side of the Coventry Road in Birmingham.

Johnstone had a St George’s flag draped around his neck.

Miss Shipley said: “He appeared to film police because he wanted their opinion on a new mosque.

“He removed the flag and was holding it up towards motorists.

“On the flag was written ‘no more mosques’ and ‘English ’till I die’ and ‘f*** Islam’.”

Miss Shipley said Johnstone was also chanting offensive anti-Muslim slogans and got more vocal when Asian drivers or pedestrians passed by.

After being arrested Johnstone gave police the name of his brother but was found out when fingerprint tests revealed his true identity.

Ben Galletti, defending, said Johnstone had been recalled on licence to prison on other matters and was not due for release until June 1 next year.

District Judge Robert Zara fined Johnstone £150 for each of the religiously aggravated offences and £100 for obstructing an officer.

He said: “The maximum penalty for public order offences is only a fine whatever view I may take of your conduct.

“Because you are now a serving prisoner I will deem the time spent in custody since your arrest should serve in default of payment.”

On a Facebook profile page Johnstone appears to be connected to the Coventry branch of the EDL.

A status update from May said: “Before ny1(sic) forms an opinion of what I believe in please google what the EDL fight for.”

Daily Mirror

Heidi

A woman has appeared in court after she put a flag containing racist propaganda outside a Sunderland school.

Heidi Sawicki, 25, draped a Union Jack, containing a swastika, along with the words “white power” and “Muslims out” on railings at Thornhill School last October.

Photos shown in court during Heidi Sawicki case

Photos shown in court during Heidi Sawicki case

She then posed for a photo next to the sign as she gave a Nazi salute and shared it on Facebook, Sunderland magistrates heard.

Prosecutor Lee Poppett said: “Mark Leadbeater is a head of house at Thornhill School. He was heading into school at 7.05am on Thursday, October 8.

“He would describe the school as a mixed-race school and has a 30% Muslim-Bangladeshi cohort.”

The court heard Mr Leadbeater removed the flag to examine it.

“He could clearly see the red, white and blue of the Union Jack,” Mr Poppett said.

“It had been placed about a metre away from the pupils’ entrance to the school.

“He picked up the flag and noticed that it had a swastika.

“He was highly offended by this and immediately took the flag into the school, concerned that neighbours and passers-by had seen it.

Mr Poppett said Mr Leadbeater was then shocked to find that, as well as the swastika, the flag featured the words “white power” and “Muslims out”, written in what appeared to be nail varnish.

Sawicki was identified from CCTV footage and arrested, along with a male who is being dealt with separately.

When she was interviewed by police and shown the flag, she refused to answer questions about who it belonged to, the court heard, but she added: “It looks like a canny flag,”

She was asked whether it was racist and said: “It depends who you ask.”

When officers asked if she knew the meaning of the swastika, she replied: “Sieg Heil. White power.”

She then said: “I know the school is riddled with them, the rodents. They have a rat problem. They are barbaric animals. They don’t deserve the name person.”

Mr Poppett said incriminating pictures were found on Sawicki’s phone. A photograph shown in court depicted her posing next to the flag outside the school, with her right hand in a Nazi salute.

Sawicki, of Buddle Terrace, Hendon, admitted causing racially or religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress, and sending a malicious communication.

Jason Smith, defending, said Sawicki suffers from mental health problems and has been sectioned in the past. He added: “She has a deep-seated hate and a deep seated-offence to that particular racial sector.”

Sawicki was sentenced to a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation activity requirement. She was also fined £20 and was told to pay £85 costs and £60 surcharge.

Sunderland Echo

 John Boyes, 54, and Thomas Allen, 30, pled guilty to violent disorder


John Boyes, 54, and Thomas Allen, 30, pled guilty to violent disorder

Two Sunderland men have been jailed for acts of violence at the brutal protests in Dover in January.

John Boyes, 54, and Thomas Allen, 30, pled guilty to violent disorder at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday June 24.

The two men had travelled to Dover to take part in the demonstrations which quickly devolved into chaos when anti-fascists and members of the far-right clashed.

Allen, who was also in breach of a suspended prison sentence and jailed for a total of 22 months, was recorded being aggressive towards police officers and throwing punches at a number of people.

He was also filmed throwing objects and attempting to steal police equipment.

Boyes, who was jailed for 20 months, was recorded attempting to break through the police cordon and throwing sticks and other objects towards opposition protestors.

Detective Sergeant Matthew Smith of Kent Police said: “The violence committed in Dover on 30 January was totally unacceptable and I hope our actions to date show that we take a very dim view of those who visit the county with the intention of causing trouble.

“We continue to review all available footage captured on the day to identify those responsible, and are hopeful of making further arrests in the weeks and months to come.

“Those convicted so far have been jailed for a total of more than 13 years and I am pleased the courts have seen fit to impose custodial sentences for those whose behaviour during the demonstrations fell way short of what should be reasonably expected in a civilised society.”

The two men are among more than 60 people arrested so far in connection with offences committed on the day.

Dover Express

Tommy allan

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John boyes

Drunken thugs boasted on Facebook about starting a ‘war’ in a pizza shop after attacking and racially abusing workers, smashing a door and hurling pizza boxes around the shop.

Brothers Jamie York, 32, and John Alexander Brown, 19, both of Greenwood Avenue, Mansfield Woodhouse and Shaun Andrew Bowers , 35, of Crompton Road, Mansfield were caught on CTTV in Chicho’s on High Street, Mansfield Woodhouse.

All three had been to Bowers’ grandfather’s funeral on January 26, had been drinking and went for food at the shop before 8pm that day.

However, Mansfield Magistrates’ Court heard how an argument broke out over the size of a pizza and things ‘turned very badly’, according to defence solicitor for Brown and York, Chris Perry.

The court was shown extensive CCTV footage of the incident which showed punches being thrown, pizza boxes and dishes being hurled between both the defendants and the shop workers. Racial insults and threats were also heard.

At one point Brown is seen picking up a ‘wet-floor’ plastic sign and throwing it at the staff. The staff can also be seen swinging a wooden stick around to defend themselves.

One member had to be later taken to hospital with bruising and swelling.

Brown was seen later seen returning to the shop and kicking the door, damaging it.

Two of the three defendants were later found to have posted entries on Facebook with what prosecutor Robert Carr described as ‘rejoicing at what they called a war’, and laughing and bragging.

But in mitigation, the court was told how the defendants do not consider themselves to be racist and insults may have been shouted in the heat of the moment.

Mr Perry said: “They did not intend to cause trouble, there were events that led to this inexcusable behaviour.

“The catalyst for it was very innocuous.”

Bowers admitted racially-aggravated provocation of violence and was handed a 12-month community order with 200 hours of unpaid work, £200 compensation and £145 in costs.

Brown admitted criminal damage and two counts of assault, while York admitted racially-aggravated criminal damage and two counts of racially-aggravated assaults.

They each received 18 weeks’ jail for the assaults, plus four weeks for the criminal damage charges, all suspended for 12 months.

They each had to pay £750 in compensation, Brown was also given 200 hours of unpaid work while York was given a three-month curfew order.

All three were handed a one-year restraining order to not enter the pizza shop.

Mansfield Chad

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A 42-year-old man appeared in court for carrying a pen that could double-up as an offensive weapon in Dover.

Darren Vincent from Gillingham was arrested after he was spotted carrying a “Military/Tactical Pen” in Folkestone Road on January 30, when far-right and anti-fascist protesters clashed in Dover.

Then pen is typically made out of solid metal. It can be used as a “last-ditch self-defence tool”.

Vincent appeared at Thanet Magistrates Court on June 6 and was sentenced to 77 days in prison suspended for 12 months.

He was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work in the next 12 months and was given a three month curfew to stay at home between 9pm and 5am.

He must also pay £85 in costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

Dover Express

DV

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The Right-Wing protester who launched a tirade at a judge in a Dover riot case last week returned to court today… and apologised!

Dad-of-six Mark Pearson had screamed and shouted after appearing by prison video link from his native North East.

Eventually, after being told to keep quiet, the judge pressed the “mute” TV button and the case continued in silence, with Pearson gesticulating wildly.

Today, the 43-year-old sat quietly in the room in Durham Prison to tell Judge Adele Williams: “Your Honour, I do apologise and I am very sorry for the way I went on the other day. I was totally out of order. I shouldn’t have been the way I did (sic)”

But the contrite apology didn’t prevent the judge from jailing him for two years after he admitted violent disorder.

Prosecutor Paul Valder told Canterbury Crown Court how Pearson travelled from his home in Pelton, near Chester le Street, to join a right-wing protest in support of lorry drivers in Dover.

At 3.05pm, Pearson, wearing a camouflage flak jacket and bearing St George flags was caught on camera in Castle Street at the head of a group.

Left-wing thugs then began pelting the group with missiles “which rained down on them”, one of which hit Pearson on the head.

Mr Valder said he is then seen picking up the missile before “suddenly “ running towards the police lines and hurling it back over their heads towards the left-wing protesters.

The court heard that as the rival groups clashed, the left-wing protesters began chanting “Nazi scum” and Pearson with 20 to 30 others then gave a Nazi salute while shouting “Sieg Heil”.

Pearson has a criminal record with more than 80 convictions including eight for public order offences, one of which was racially aggravated.

But his barrister Alexia Zimbler said he denies being a member of any right-wing group, including the English Defence League or the National Front.

She said Pearson had made the 330 mile trip with his 23 year old daughter to support the lorry drivers and was angry that the police weren’t doing more to protect them from the left wing protesters.

“He doesn’t accept that he is a racist and says his views aren’t too right wing.

“But he accepts he lost his temper when the left wingers started shouting “Nazi scum” and reacted accordingly.

Judge Williams told him: “Your behaviour that day was wholly unacceptable. This was serious public disorder on the streets of Dover.”

Kent Today

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A far-right thug who threw objects at people during demonstrations in Dover in January has been jailed for two years.

Mark Pearson, 42, of The Avenue in Chester-Le-Street, County Durham, was also recorded performing Nazi salutes and acting in an aggressive and threatening manner towards police.

He pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court today (Wednesday).

Pearson is one of almost 60 people to have been arrested in connection with the Dover protests on Saturday, January 30.

His actions were recorded on film and after being identified he was arrested in Durham on Thursday, March 10.

Detective Inspector Bill Thornton of Kent Police said: “I am very pleased with the sentence imposed on Mark Pearson, which I believe sends a clear message to those intent on causing trouble during such demonstrations.

“He is the eighth person to have been sentenced so far for violence committed on the day, with sentences totalling more than 11 years’ imprisonment. I am looking forward to seeing many more positive outcomes in the weeks and months to come.

“The people of Dover do not want the likes of Mark Pearson coming to their town and displaying such unacceptable behaviour, and we will do everything in our power to ensure those who joined him in committing offences on the day are brought to justice.”

Dover Express