Last member of weapon-touting Byker gang jailed

The last member of a weapon-touting gang of hooded thugs has been jailed.

Moaaz Siraj was part of a group of five who descended on an address in Byker on February 21 2021.

The thugs threatened occupants, who had been making dinner, shouting threats and banging on windows.

They fled the scene when they spotted the occupant with a phone in his hand.

Police were contacted and an immediate trawl of CCTV began, and the men’s movements were soon pieced together.

Witnesses also provided statements to officers and Siraj was soon identified as one of the men leading the violence.

He was arrested at his home address in Heaton shortly after and officers recovered a jacket, trainers and bag matching those seen on the CCTV, as well as a balaclava from the property.

Siraj, of Coast Road, Heaton was later charged and previously pleaded guilty to affray, possessing an offensive weapon and unrelated offences, including setting fire to a taxi in 2019 after a dispute with the owner.

And last week the 21-year-old appeared at the same court where a judge sentenced him to four years and two months behind bars.

His four associates appeared at Newcastle Crown Court last October where they were jailed for their roles.

Speaking after the sentencing Detective Constable Jayne Jackson, said: “This was quite an ordeal for the victim to go through and I am pleased that the final offender has now been brought to justice.

“This incident was violent, frightening and completely unjustifiable and no one should ever have to experience something like this, let alone from inside their own home.

“Our investigation was swift and thorough and a review of CCTV meant we were able to clearly identify those involved and trace their movements through the city, leaving them little option but to admit their involvement.

“I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our commitment to tackling serious violence and reassuring our communities that anyone carrying a weapon and found to be involved in this type of criminality will be dealt with robustly.”