Four men given life sentences for fatal Tyneside ammonia attacks
Four men who were involved in a series of ammonia attacks across Tyneside that left one man dead have been sentenced to life imprisonment today at Newcastle Crown Court.
The group had previously been found guilty after trial of charges relating to the series of attacks, which were carried out at four addresses in Gateshead and South Shields over the course of eleven days in August of last year.
One of the targets for these men was Andrew Foster, 26, of Wrekenton, Gateshead, who was at home with his partner when two men entered his home before throwing ammonia in his face. Mr Foster suffered burns and a severe respiratory attack, from which he died a short time later.
Stewart Haywood of the CPS said: “The Crown’s case was that each of these attacks were part of a scheme to ‘tax’ rival drug-dealers, which is a street term for stealing drugs from a competitor while scaring them off from future dealing.
“The use of corrosive chemicals in these attacks would have been utterly terrifying for the victims. In addition to causing the tragic death of Andrew Foster, the attacks caused one other victim to lose the sight in one eye, with two others also requiring significant medical treatment.
“The Crown Prosecution Service worked closely with Northumbria Police throughout the course of the investigation to build a comprehensive case against each of these men, which was instrumental in securing the convictions against them at trial. Piecing together forensic and digital evidence, we were able to show the precise role that each defendant played in carrying out this string of horrific attacks.
“Our thoughts remain with the family of Andrew Foster and to the other victims, some of whom are still dealing with the life-changing consequences of these attacks. We sincerely hope that the life sentences passed on their attackers today provides them with some measure of comfort.”
Notes to editors
- Stewart Haywood is the acting Head of CPS North East’s Complex Casework Unit
- Convictions and sentences for each defendant as follows:
- Kenneth Fawcett, 33, of Balkwell Avenue, North Shields was found guilty of murder, robbery, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and two counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 32 years.
- Josh Hawthorn, 22 of Ashfield, Jarrow, was found guilty of murder and robbery. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 22 years.
- John Wandless, 33, of no fixed abode, was found guilty of murder, robbery, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm. He admitted handling a stolen goods and arson. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 31 years.
- Youssef Wynne, 39, of Wuppertal Court, Jarrow, was found guilty of murder, robbery, assault causing actual bodily harm, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and two counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 33 years.