In January 2025, several North East criminals were sentenced, including six murderers and others for serious offenses.
Ian Black was sentenced for murdering Christopher Henderson. After being accused of cheating, he brutally attacked Christopher in a hospital toilet. Black changed his plea to guilty and received a life sentence, with a minimum of 19-and-a-half years before parole.
In another case, Ben Hughes murdered Laura Robson after just meeting her. He stabbed her 27 times during their second night together. Hughes was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum of 17-and-a-half years before parole.
Teenage killers Kriesha Stroud, Jordan Tams, and Leandro Lopes were sentenced for killing Gary Belfield in his home. Stroud, only 15, organized the attack. They received lengthy sentences, with Stroud serving 20 years and the others at least 26 years.
John Baldwin was sentenced for murdering his girlfriend, Eve McIntyre. He inflicted 37 wounds on her with a meat cleaver. Baldwin received a life sentence with a minimum of 18 years.
Other criminals included Gordon Glass, who was jailed for controlling behavior, and Klodian Sulovari and Eldison Kalemi, who managed a cannabis farm. Each faced significant prison time for their actions.
Mark James attempted to rob his partner after drinking heavily. He was sentenced to three-and-a-half years. Leslie Crossan, a child sex offender, was jailed for breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
Ali Abdughari-Abud was sentenced for possessing a firearm that children found. He received five years in prison. Andrew Mackay was jailed for 14 years for raping a child.
These cases highlight the serious crimes occurring in the North East, with many offenders facing lengthy sentences for their actions.
