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Cannabis smoker caught by police noses

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July 19, 2016
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A CANNABIS smoker was caught out by police officers with a nose for crime.

Brazen Peter Scotter was puffing on the class B drug when he walked past two officers in Sunderland city centre, at 4pm on March 13.

They noticed that the 51-year-old, from Hendon Close, smelt strongly of cannabis and threw the cigarette he was smoking to the floor, Sunderland Magistrates’ Court heard.

Prosecutor John McGlone said one of the officers found it contained cannabis.

He said Scotter produced more cannabis in a bag and added: “That was seized from him.”

Anna Metcalfe, defending, said Scotter accepted he was in possession of cannabis.

She said: “He pleads guilty at the first available opportunity, and you have heard he assisted with the police search and offered to them the cannabis he had in his possession.

“He is in breach of a suspended sentence order in relation to criminal damage that was racially aggravated.

“He feels very foolish for jeopardising his liberty over a small piece of cannabis. He does not use cannabis regularly, but does use it socially.”

Magistrates did not activate Scotter’s suspended sentence, but instead imposed a 12-month conditional discharge and order he pay £85 towards court costs.
Sunderland Echo

Sunderland man threw milk over sleeping female friend before beating her with the glass in row over rumours

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July 19, 2016
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A MAN has been jailed after creeping into a friend’s bedroom, throwing a glass of milk in her face and attacking her.

Peter Scotter, who had known his victim for more than 20 years, let himself into her bedroom where punched her repeatedly and hit her with the empty glass after throwing the contents in her face during the 15-minute ordeal.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the 52-year-old had accused the woman, who he would regularly meet for cups of tea as a friend, of spreading rumours about him.

She was left with a swollen face and a cut to her scalp from the glass attack.

Judge John Evans yesterday jailed Scotter, of Hendon Close, Sunderland, for 21 months and ordered him to stay away from his victim forever, under the terms of a restraining order.

The judge told him: “You assaulted her in a way which was wholly unacceptable. It was an appalling incident.”

The court heard the victim had been asleep when she heard a noise in her home and somebody coming up the stairs in the early morning of November 10 last year.

Prosecutor Simon Worthy told the court: “Before she had a chance to speak he punched her three times to the face.

“He then picked up a glass of milk from the bedside cabinet and threw the milk in her face before hitting the glass off the top of her head.”

The court heard at the time of the attack Scotter was on a suspended sentence for hurling racist abuse at a shopkeeper.

Jamie Adams, defending, said Scotter had been “lifelong” friends with the woman.

Mr Adams said: “They had been friends since they were very small and had helped each other out over the years.

“It was the fact of being wrongfully called in the way he was he took umbrage with.”

Scotter had admitted assault causing bodily harm.

Sunderland Echo

‘Low Life Scum’ jailed for ten years for sex with underage Plymouth schoolgirls

By
July 18, 2016
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Dale Hewitt has been jailed for a decade at Plymouth Crown Court

Dale Hewitt has been jailed for a decade at Plymouth Crown Court


A man branded a “low life scum” has been jailed for ten years for plying underage girls with drugs and sexually abusing them.

Dale Hewitt, aged 26, drove both schoolgirls to cut themselves or attempt suicide and has left them struggling to rebuild their lives.

He slept with one schoolgirl and touched another indecently, often after giving them mephedrone and cannabis.

Hewitt handled weapons including a machete in front of the girls, then aged 13 and 14, Plymouth Crown Court heard.

Hewitt later abducted a third girl aged 14, whom police found in the shower at his flat.

Judge Paul Darlow jailed Hewitt for ten years for a decade for a string of offences.

Friends and relatives of the victims whooped and clapped at the back of the court, with one person shouting “Justice” and others saying sarcastically “See you, Dale.”

The mum of the girl with whom Hewitt had had sex had earlier said he was “low life scum” who went from one victim to the next.

Dale Hewitt poses in jail during a previous stretch

Dale Hewitt poses in jail during a previous stretch

Hewitt, of Marlborough Street, Devonport, changed his story last month to admit four counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child between December 2014 and February 2015.

He also admitted four counts of sexual activity with the other girl between April and December 2014.

Hewitt pleaded guilty to abducting the third teenager in February this year.

Manipulative Hewitt supplied both girls with mephedrone, or bubble, and sometimes cannabis before touching them sexually. He never asked them for any money.

One girl told the jury through her recorded police interview that she was “wrecked” on drugs and alcohol, but Hewitt still had sex with her at his old flat in Clifton Place, Greenbank.

She said she was always “scared” of Hewitt, who became aggressive and angry after taking drugs himself.

The girl broke down in tears as she recalled how she cried in the toilet the first time it happened.

His victims do not know each other.

Both girls said he showed them his weapons, including knives, a machete and a sword.

In a new statement read to the court, one of the victims said: “I feel as if I am a shadow of the girl I used to be. It makes me feel so sad. I feel that Dale Hewitt stole my childhood from me.

“I have cut myself, my arms and legs. I felt as though I wanted to die. I overdosed on alcohol and tablets.”

The second girl, the one with whom Hewitt slept, said: “I tried to end my life. I felt worthless. I have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.”

Hewitt, in his version of events accepted by the prosecution, said that both girls were already using drugs when he started to share his mephedrone and cannabis.

The defendant added that he started off as friends with the girls, but accepted that he could become aggressive and angry towards them after using drugs.

“Hewitt groomed, manipulated and then preyed on young vulnerable victims for his own sexual gratification, acting without any regard for these children or their families who will live with the consequences for years to come.

Plymouth Herald

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Darren Shield jailed for Nazi chants in Dover protest

By
July 15, 2016
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darren Shield

A protestor who joined in Nazi chants and threw objects at people during demonstrations in Dover has been jailed for one year.

Darren Shield, 49, of Crystal Palace Park Road in Sydenham, south-east London, was involved in violent clashes in the town on Janury 30 and is one of 70 people arrested so far.

Officers continue to review hundreds of hours of footage of offences committed on the day, with Shield captured gathering teams of people before throwing objects and goading protestors with opposing views to his own.

He was also seen to join in with the Nazi chant of ‘Sieg Heil’.

Shield was arrested at his home address on Thursday April 21 and charged with violent disorder the same day.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on July 15 2016.

Judge Adele Williams described the violence committed on the day as ‘very serious’ and said local residents were subjected to considerable alarm and distress. She went on to describe Shield’s actions as ‘wholly unacceptable’.

Investigating officer PC Pete Frampton said: “The courts have been very busy lately with those involved in the January demonstrations, which I hope sends a clear message to others that such behaviour will not be tolerated in this day and age.

“Shield is the 14th person sentenced so far and there are many others who are either awaiting sentencing or trial, or who are currently on bail.

“Everyone who attended the demonstrations had their own personal reasons for doing so, and we respect their right to peaceful protest. What we have absolutely no respect for is the truly appalling scenes witnessed that day, and our enquiries will continue until all those responsible are brought to justice.”
Dover Express

Former soldier threatened to chop off police dog’s head during three-hour armed siege

By
July 13, 2016
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Well-educated Dominic Taylor, who hoped to become a pharmacist like his dad, is today behind bars after a ‘disgraceful’ stand off with police

Dominic Taylor, jailed for 22 months at Newcastle Crown Court

Dominic Taylor, jailed for 22 months at Newcastle Crown Court

A former soldier threatened to chop off a police dog’s head during a three-hour armed siege.

Knifeman Dominic Taylor sparked a tense stand-off with officers, in which the armed response unit and a negotiator were called to the scene.

A court heard the 24-year-old left school with three good A-levels and hoped to follow in his dad’s footsteps to become a pharmacist.

But his life went on a downward spiral after he split from his girlfriend, ending with him phoning police and threatening to harm himself with a machete.

Now Taylor has been jailed for 22 months at Newcastle Crown Court after he admitted possessing a bladed article and a public order offence.

Judge Edward Bindloss told him: “You are an intelligent young man who obtained three A-levels and joined the army.

“On May 20 the police got a call from you threatening to harm yourself and they attended your address where they found you with a large kitchen knife.

“You came outside and entered a public place with it and for the next three hours there was a stand-off with police, there were at least five officers and a police dog.

“You were shouting and swearing at the police and threatened to cut your throat and said you wanted money from your ex girlfriend.

“You stabbed a wall and threatened to chop the police dog’s head off.

“This was significant disruption in the street and members of the public were walking past, including children who saw this disgraceful stand-off.”

It was around 1.25pm on May 20 that police went to Taylor’s then-home on Shepherd Street, Sunderland.

He was in a rage, claiming his ex owed him £500 and said he wouldn’t put the knife down until he got his money.

Prosecutor Bridie Smurthwaite told the court: “The armed response unit attended and a negotiator tried to calm him down but without success.

“He continued shouting and swearing and stabbed the wall with the knife.

“He threatened to chop off the police dog’s head if it came near him.

“The defendant was finally detained after three hours when he sat on the path to put his dressing gown on.”

Taylor pleaded guilty to having a bladed article in public, a public order offence and breaching a previous suspended sentence.

The court heard he had never been in trouble before the beginning of this year when, amid the break up of his relationship, he damaged his ex partner’s car and was then given a suspended sentence for possession with intent to supply drugs.

Vic Laffey, defending, said Taylor had lost his partner and job within a few weeks and “the situation was spiralling down hill” but he has since found a new job.

Mr Laffey added: “His father is a pharmacist and he wanted to pursue that career but wont be able to now because of his convictions.”

Newcastle Chronicle

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Violent death man’s brother jailed over gun and drugs

By
July 8, 2016
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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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The men facing jail terms for the death of Sunderland dad David Walsh

By
July 8, 2016
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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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Thug sentenced for unleashing religiously-charged insults at victim in Dover

By
July 7, 2016
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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

Racist thug draped himself in England flag scrawled with ‘f*** Islam’ – just 24 hours after Brexit vote

By
June 29, 2016
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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

Nazi woman’s vile racist display at Sunderland school

By
June 27, 2016
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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