Crime Commissioner McGuinness speaks on ‘horrific case’ that saw ten teens sentenced

North East Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness has responded to the verdict of ten teens who were accused of killing Jack Woodley.

The ten teenagers went before a jury on June 1 and were each found guilty of murdering 18-year-old Woodley.

The teenagers responsible for Woodley’s death are set to be sentenced in August, NewcastleWorld reported.

Speaking on the case, Crime Commissioner McGuinness said: “This was a truly horrific case. There really are no words but my thoughts remain with his family and those who knew and loved him.

“I do hope they can take some comfort from these convictions and my thanks go to all the investigating officers who have been involved in seeking justice.

“This should never, ever have happened. Every death is one too many. There really is an urgent need to tackle the causes of violent crime and prevent so many young lives being unnecessarily ruined like this and that’s exactly why I set up my Violence Reduction Unit.

This is, and will remain a top priority – we have to do everything possible to fight and prevent crime and work as a region to steer young people away from violence and prevent such awful crimes happening here again in the future.”

Jack is survived by his father John Woodley, mother Zoey McGill, stepdad Chris McGill and three siblings.