South Tyneside gang members sentenced to total of 118 years in prison for ammonia attack murder
ITV Tyne Tees correspondent Gregg Easteal was in court as the four men were sentenced
Four men have been sentenced to a total of 118 years in prison for murdering a man during a spate of ammonia attacks.
Andrew Foster, 26, was attacked at his home in Wrekenton, Gateshead in August 2023, causing him to suffer breathing difficulties, a heart attack and brain damage.
The attack on Mr Foster was the fourth of a series of similar attacks across South Tyneside in the space 11 days, one of which caused a woman to lose an eye.
It is believed they were connected to local drug dealing in order to intimidate rivals and steal drugs.
Youssef Wynne, Josh Hawthorn, Kenneth Fawcett and John Wandless were all found guilty of murder and other serious charges in connection to the other attacks following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court in June.
During the trial, the court was told Wynne was a drug dealer with the three other men working under him at the time.
On Friday 26 July, they returned to court to receive their sentences.
Wynne, 40, of Wuppertal Court, Jarrow, was sentenced to 33 years for murder, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, attempting to cause GBH with intent, assault causing actual bodily harm and robbery.
Fawcett, 33, of Balkwell Avenue, North Shields, will serve a minimum term of 32 years for murder, causing (GBH) with intent, two counts of attempting to cause GBH with intent and robbery.
Wandless, 33, of no fixed address, received a 31-year sentence for murder, causing GBH with intent, two counts of attempting to cause GBH with intent, robbery, handling stolen goods and arson.
Hawthorn, 22, of Ashfield, of Jarrow, was sentenced to 22 years for murder and robbery.
During the sentencing hearing, the court heard victim statements from Mr Foster's mum Karen Foster and his partner Katie Harrison.
Ms Foster described Mr Foster as her best friend and she will always remain haunted by the way he died. Ms Harrison said she continues to have flashbacks of trying to help Mr Foster directly after the attack and would always have a "void in her life".
Victim Statements in Full
Karen Foster said: “Andrew was the life and soul of the party. He loved to make people laugh and was always happy.
“He was kind and caring, and was always ready to lend a hand, and to listen to anyone who needed to talk.
“Since Andrew’s death, I have struggled enormously. I used to be a social bubbly person, now I like to be on my own a lot.
“I am haunted by the horrible violent way in which Andrew died. Andrew’s death has changed me in every way. I am angry.
“I am heartbroken because he has gone forever, and I have lost so much because he is not here with me. I am devastated because I can't tell him I love him and hear him tell me he loves me.”
Katie Harrison said: “I know some things I will have to live with forever for example – the constant flash backs to that night, the fear and panic running through my body, feeling helpless whilst trying desperately to keep Andrew alive.
“Struggling with the smell of ammonia that was overpowering filling the air, choking, coughing. Being completely terrified.
“Seeing him struggling for breath, fighting for his life as he lay on the ground outside.
“Having to listen to every detail of that night in court, watching CCTV and hearing those men were still in our home.
“Every element of my life has changed. I have lost the love of my life, my best friend, my home, my security, our future.
“I know I am a shadow of who I previously was, and sometimes don’t recognise who I am now. From a happy-go-lucky person to being totally overwhelmed by everything.
“This day has changed me forever. I have a hole in my heart, a void in my life.”
Sentencing, the judge, Mr Justice Dove, said the offences were made in the trade of illegal drugs and to protect Wynne's drugs trading business.
He added it was about “taxing” those who Wynne deemed to be in need of “punishment or discipline” or needed to be “taught a lesson to protect the trade in drugs”.
He then described the death of Mr Foster as "cruel and terrifying" with "devastating, irreversible consequences".
He added: “He was a much-loved young man – a gentle, funny, caring partner and son with many years of his life ahead of him.”
Mr Justice Dove describes the impact of the attack on Andrew Foster
Speaking after the hearing, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Tam Fowler, from Northumbria Police said: “As ever, our thoughts remain with Andrew’s loved ones, as well as with the other victims involved in these reckless attacks.
“This was a truly shocking spate which saw Fawcett, Hawthorn, Wandless and Wynne act together to intimidate and cause serious harm to their intended targets.
“Not only that, but they’ve continued to deny their involvement, without showing a hint of remorse for their victims throughout the investigation.
“This meant that Andrew’s family – and the survivors from the other attacks – had to sit through a lengthy trial, causing them further pain and upset.
“While no result will ever take away the suffering they have caused, I hope the sentences handed out today will bring a sense of closure and comfort knowing the attackers will spend a significant period behind bars.
“Once again, I’d like to thank the officers and staff who have worked tirelessly on this case from a range of specialist teams across the Force to ensure Fawcett, Hawthorn, Wandless and Wynne were put before the courts."
Stewart Haywood of the Crown Prosecution Service added: “The Crown’s case was that each of these attacks were part of a scheme to ‘tax’ rival drug-dealers, which is a street term for stealing drugs from a competitor while scaring them off from future dealing.
“The use of corrosive chemicals in these attacks would have been utterly terrifying for the victims. In addition to causing the tragic death of Andrew Foster, the attacks caused one other victim to lose the sight in one eye, with two others also requiring significant medical treatment.
“The Crown Prosecution Service worked closely with Northumbria Police throughout the course of the investigation to build a comprehensive case against each of these men, which was instrumental in securing the convictions against them at trial. Piecing together forensic and digital evidence, we were able to show the precise role that each defendant played in carrying out this string of horrific attacks.
“Our thoughts remain with the family of Andrew Foster and to the other victims, some of whom are still dealing with the life-changing consequences of these attacks. We sincerely hope that the life sentences passed on their attackers today provides them with some measure of comfort.”
In a special investigation Gregg Easteal reports now on the rise of chemical crimes, the impact on victims and the concerns and calls for change
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