Two teenagers sentenced for violent Newcastle West End stabbing

Two teenagers who violently attacked and stabbed a man in the Newcastle West End have been sentenced to a total of five years.

Lee Ormston and Ryan Hodgson were convicted of their crimes earlier this year after first appearing at Newcastle Crown Court in January 2021.

The court heard how Ormston armed himself with two knives and Hodgson a baseball bat, before coming to blows with their victim on Ladykirk Road.

The victim, who was known to the offenders, tried to flee when he saw the pair coming for him, but a pursuit ensued. He was later caught by Ormston who stabbed him in the leg, buttocks and chest in front of a group of onlookers before fleeing.

Associate Hodgson had already fled the area and disposed of his weapon by the time police were called – but CCTV enquiries soon identified the culprits.

The pair pleaded guilty at Newcastle Crown Court and earlier this month, they were sentenced as follows:

• Lee Ormston, 19, of St John’s Walk, Newcastle, previously admitted possession of an offensive weapon, violent disorder and wounding with intent to commit GBH – and was sentenced to three years in youth offenders’ institute.
• Ryan Hodgson, 19, of Rokeby Avenue, Lemington, previously admitted possession of an offensive weapon and violent disorder – and was sentenced to 24 months in a youth offenders’ institute.

Speaking after sentencing Detective Sergeant Katie Collins, of Northumbria Police, said: “This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated on our streets and I am pleased the offenders have been brought to justice.

“Lee Ormston and Ryan Hodgson were specific in their actions – they armed themselves with weapons and were determined to use them, causing their victim injuries.

“Thanks to a swift and thorough police investigation, a solid evidential file was placed before the courts and this violent pair were left no choice but to admit their guilt.

“I’d like to thank everyone, including our partners in the criminal justice system, for their hard work in this case.

“Let me be clear – violence of any kind is completely unacceptable. We take a zero-tolerance approach to knife crime and will continue to carry out a range of measures to prevent this type of offending, including engaging with young people while pursuing those responsible.

“The Force carries out a range of work with partners, and is part of a number of youth intervention projects, such as the YOLO project, which aims to deter young people away from knife crime and educate them around the dangers weapons and violence can cause.”