Gordon Gault: Six teenagers charged with murder of 14-year-old

Six boys have appeared in court charged with murder following the death of 14-year-old Gordon Gault.

The teenagers, who are all aged 16 and 17, cannot be named due to their age.

They appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 28 June but did not enter any pleas to the charge.

They have been remanded in youth detention for the next 48 hours and are due to appear before Newcastle Crown Court in the next two days.

Gordon was assaulted in the Elswick area of Newcastle on the evening on 9 November last year.

Emergency services attended Elswick Road and found the 14-year-old with injuries consistent with having been caused by a bladed article.

He was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle but died six days later.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Steel, of Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team, said: “A comprehensive investigation has been ongoing ever since Gordon Gault’s murder and our thoughts remain with his family and loved ones.

“We remain absolutely committed in our pursuit of justice and getting his family the answers that they deserve.

“Yesterday, we carried out a number of coordinated arrests with six males being brought into custody. They have now each been charged with murder and are due to appear in court.

“It is absolutely imperative that everyone refrains from any speculation – whether out in the community or on social media – that could jeopardise the live legal proceedings.

“I would like to thank everyone who has come forward to assist our investigation so far, and would ask that the wider public continue to work with us.

“As families, please continue to have those conversations about the consequences of knife crime and report anybody you believe is carrying a weapon."

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