Newcastle West End hammer attacker admits attempted murder in crime rampage

A man has admitted attempted murder – after attacking two people at their Newcastle home last year.

At about 6.45pm on Friday, November 21, police received a report from the ambulance service of concern for a man and woman inside an address on Durham Street in Elswick.

Emergency services attended where the victims – both aged in their 60s – had sustained serious injuries with a hammer at the hands of offender Ross Clancy.

Clancy, who was not known to the pair previously, immediately fled the scene in the aftermath before officers arrived, stealing the couple's car in doing so.

While the man was later discharged from hospital, the woman has remained there ever since with life-changing injuries.

Clancy then went on to carry out a series of crimes at various premises across Gateshead and Newcastle, as well as assaulting another woman in Elswick causing minor injuries.

The now 39-year-old was arrested on Sunday, November 23, and later charged with a string of offences including two counts of attempted murder.

While Clancy initially admitted two counts of attempted robbery, burglary, three counts of robbery, theft and theft of a motor vehicle – he denied assault and attempted murder.

On Tuesday (March 24), on the second day of his trial at Newcastle Crown Court, he instead pleaded guilty to one count of attempted murder relating to the female victim, grievous bodily harm with intent relating to the male victim, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm relating to the other woman.

The judge further remanded Clancy, of Dunholme Road, Newcastle, into custody – and warned him to expect a lengthy custodial sentence when he is due to appear before the same court on May 19.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Atherton of the Major Investigation Team at Northumbria Police, said: “This was an appalling incident which saw a man and woman viciously attacked in their own home by a stranger.

“Most concerningly, they had never met Ross Clancy before who went on to steal from them and go on a crime-spree after fleeing the scene.

“Thankfully, we were able to quickly catch up with Clancy and put a halt to his reckless offending.

“And while he was initially going to put the victims and their families through a lengthy trial at court, he has now admitted his guilt.”

Det Chief Insp Atherton added: “Though today’s outcome is positive, it must be highlighted that there is a woman who has remained in hospital ever since being assaulted that day.

“Sadly, she sustained life-changing injuries at the hands of Clancy and continues to receive specialist treatment.

“We will do all we can to support her loved ones, as they navigate this next chapter.

“Violence of any kind is completely unacceptable, and we’ll continue to take robust action in putting offenders before the courts.”