Several North East robbers used violence against staff and the public while committing their heinous crimes. These eight thieves attacked their victims with their bare hands, knives, and guns, across the region.
From cowards wielding knives to intimidate taxi drivers, to robberies of local shops at knifepoint, these people have been dealt with in court after being apprehended for committing various offences throughout the North East.
Here are eight thieves who were brought in front of a judge after their violent actions:
Jordan Cuthill
Jordn Cuthill
(Image: Durham Constabulary)
A County Durham criminal stole a pregnant woman’s car, robbed a café and caused a crash during a two-hour spree.
Jordan Cuthill, 33, was given an extended prison sentence of over 10 years at Durham Crown Court in November.
The court heard that Cuthill wandered into a nearby café, and as he got served, he reached into a cutlery draw and pulled out a bread knife, demanding money.
The terrified proprietor, who had no cash, ran out of the shop, throwing a five pound note on the ground and telling him to take it. Cuthill then asked the man, ‘Don’t you know who I am?’
Read the full story here.
Robert Wardle
Robert Wardle, jailed for robbery
(Image: Northumbria Police)
A Wallsend dad was jailed for 10 years after he targeted a taxi driver in a terrifying knife-point robbery.
Robert Wardle, was jailed for robbery and carrying out a burglary after going on the run during his trial, back in September.
Wardle was one of two men who robbed a taxi driver, as the second man pulled out a knife, reached around the driver’s seat and held the blade to his throat. The victim tried to grab it before getting out of the car and running away.
Wardle, 32, of High Street East, who has 34 previous convictions, initially chased after him but then went back to the taxi and drove it away. The car was later found a few streets away but driver’s wallet, containing £600 and bank cards, his dashcam, house keys and keys to another vehicle, were all stolen.
Read the full story here.
Kieran Elsdon
Kieran Elsdon, jailed for robbery
(Image: Northumbria Police)
A taxi driver was left terrified when a passenger pulled a knife and robbed him, after picking him up from his Gateshead home.
Kieran Elsdon has been jailed for the robbery, after he the ordered the 60-year-old driver to change route before telling him to get out of the car. When the driver turned to face Elsdon, he held a knife to his face and struck him to the cheek, causing swelling to his left eye.
The victim then jumped out of his car and Elsdon got in the driver’s seat and drove away, crashing into a parked car nearby and causing extensive damage.
Newcastle Crown Court heard Elsdon, 21, of Harvey Crescent, Wardley, had stolen £200 and a vape from the taxi. He pleaded guilty to robbery, having a bladed article, driving while disqualified, having no insurance and failing to stop after an accident, and was locked up for 40 months.
Read the full story here.
Daniel McLaughlin
Daniel McLaughlin, jailed for robbery and assault
(Image: Northumbria Police)
A brute from Blyth left a vulnerable man battered and bloodied in a violent street robbery.
Daniel McLaughlin assaulted and robbed the victim as he came out of a corner shop. Newcastle Crown Court heard that McLaughlin followed the man, who he knew, for a while before putting his arm around him.
He then grappled with him, punching and kicking him several times and knocking him to the ground. The victim then tried to get up but was hit again, sending him back down to the floor.
McLaughlin, 34, of Briardale Road, Blyth, has 63 previous convictions, and pleaded guilty to robbery and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, on the basis that the victim owed him money. He was jailed for 40 months and given a ten-year restraining order.
Read the full story here.
Kane Rodden
Kane Rodden, jailed for robbery
(Image: Northumbria Police)
A grandma in Newcastle was thrown to the ground and had a knife pointed at her neck during the terrifying raid of a shop.
Kane Rodden, of Newbiggin Hall, pointed a large kitchen knife at two women who were working at a Best One store in the city, and attacked a customer who intervened in the robbery.
The 23-year-old, of Meadow Rise, Newcastle, chased the 63-year-old woman as she tried to leave. Lewis Kerr, prosecuting, said: “He grabbed her by the neck and threw her to the ground in a chokehold manoeuvre and pushed her down.”
Rodden, who has seven previous convictions, pleaded guilty to robbery and possessing a bladed article, and was jailed for four years and eight months, of which he must serve two-thirds behind bars.
Read the full story here.
Neil Vaughan
Neil Vaughan, jailed for attempted robbery and possessing an imitation firearm
(Image: Northumbria Police)
An armed raider left Newcastle city centre building society staff terrified after a heist in broad daylight.
Neil Vaughan, of Wallsend, has been jailed for attempted robbery at the Yorkshire Building Society in Newcastle. Despite having no previous convictions, he decided to take drastic action on July 2 at 11.10am, after becoming frustrated with his lack of money on benefits.
Vaughan was wearing dark clothing and a black woollen hat, and a 60-year-old staff member noticed that he was carrying what looked like a small black handgun and large bag. She ran to a secure space and alerted colleagues to the armed robber’s presence, as well as pressing the alarm, and the premises were soon secured.
He was arrested on Shields Road, around an hour after the raid, and was found to be in possession of a BB gun, a black bag and pepper spray. Vaughan, 56, of Melrose Gardens, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possessing an imitation firearm, and was jailed for five years.
Read the full story here.
Christopher Williams
Christopher Williams, who has been jailed for three years
(Image: Durham Constabulary)
A robber was jailed after pushing a Heron Foods worker and stealing cash from a till.
Christopher Williams, of no fixed abode, was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to robbery. Staff at the Chester-le-Street store called 999 on May 4 after Christopher Williams entered the shop, pushed an assistant, and took money from the till.
Despite attempts by staff and customers in the store to stop him, Williams left the scene. Durham Constabulary, attended the scene following the call, and after viewing CCTV footage, they identified 42-year-old Williams, who was arrested the same day.
Williams, of no fixed abode, was charged with robbery, and he pleaded guilty at Durham Crown Court on October 15, being subsequently jailed for three years.
Read the full story here.
Damien Dawson
Damien Dawson, jailed for robbery and burglary
(Image: Northumbria Police)
A Metro station robber who took offence at being called “Fletcher” has been jailed.
Damien Dawson, of Newcastle, has been locked up for more than four years for offences of robbery and burglary. On April 4, the victim was walking from a friend’s home to Walkergate Metro station, and Dawson was on the other side of the platform, with the victim asking him for a light.
Dawson crossed the track to do this, and the victim thought he was someone called Fletcher and called him by that name. Dawson then asked for the man’s phone but the battery was dead, but he took it and threatened to stab him with a multi tool.
The victim then pressed a panic button in the station, but he didn’t feel safe, so he soon left and contacted police when he got home. Dawson, 22, of Westgate Road, pleaded guilty to robbery, burglary and possessing a bladed article, and he was jailed for four years and two months.
Read the full story here.
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