The North East has seen several chemical attacks, resulting in the life sentences of two Jarrow men.
A guy from Gateshead was murdered by several chemical attacks, and four of the individuals who received life sentences will spend a minimum of 118 years in prison.
On August 20, 2023, just after 11 p.m., the ambulance service called the police to report that a man had been beaten at a residence on Eighton Terrace in Wrekenton.
It was reported that two offenders had approached the property and knocked on the front door.
When 26-year-old Andrew Foster answered the door, they proceeded to spray him in the face and steal from within the address.
Following an investigation, law enforcement officials plotted a sequence of related events from the days preceding Andrew’s slaying.
Extensive CCTV, house-to-house and telecoms inquiries revealed a group had been linked to three corrosive substance attacks in almost identical circumstances between August 9 and 16.
The spree of attacks saw Kenneth Fawcett carry out planned ‘drug taxings’ at properties in Hebburn, Jarrow and South Shields – aided by John Wandless.
They left a number of victims requiring medical treatment – including a Jarrow woman, who was not an intended target, to lose her eye.
Through their inquiries, police went on to identify ringleader Youssef Wynne and his associate Josh Hawthorn, both from Jarrow, as orchestrating the attacks in a effort to intimidate rival drug dealers and steal their supply.
All four suspects were arrested and charged in connection with the investigation, including for Andrew’s murder.
Despite all four denying the charges against them, they were found guilty following a five-week trial at Newcastle Crown Court on June 13.
On Friday, July 26, all four were back in court where they were sentenced as follows:
- Youssef Wynne, 39, of Wuppertal Court, Jarrow, was jailed for life with a minimum of 33 years for 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.
- Josh Hawthorn, 22 of Ashfield, Jarrow, was jailed for life with a minimum of 22 years for murder and robbery.
- Kenneth Fawcett, 33, of Balkwell Avenue, North Shields was jailed for life with a minimum of 32 years for murder, robbery, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and two counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.
- John Wandless, 33, of no fixed abode, was jailed for life with a minimum of 31 years for murder, robbery, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm. He previously admitted handling a stolen VW Golf and arson for destroying the car.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Tam Fowler made the following statement following the sentencing: “As always, our thoughts remain with Andrew’s loved ones as well as with the other victims involved in these reckless attacks.”
“This was an extremely disturbing incident in which Fawcett, Hawthorn, Wandless, and Wynne collaborated to threaten and seriously hurt their chosen victims.
Furthermore, throughout the investigation, they have not once acknowledged their role or expressed regret for the victims.
“This meant that Andrew’s family – and the survivors from the other attacks – had to sit through a lengthy trial at court, causing them further pain and upset.
“Once more, I want to express my gratitude to the officers and personnel from various specialised teams within the Force who have worked incredibly hard on this case to make sure that Fawcett, Hawthorn, Wandless, and Wynne were brought before the courts.
