Gang members jailed for a total of 118 years for ammonia attack murder

Four men were jailed for a total of 118 years for murdering a man during a spate of ammonia attacks.

Andrew Foster, 26, was attacked at his home in Wrekenton, Gateshead, 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.

During the trial, the court was told Wynne was a drug dealer with the three other men working under him at the time.

All were handed life sentences.

Wynne, 40, was sentenced to a minimum term of 33 years for murder, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, assault causing actual bodily harm and robbery.

Fawcett, 33, will serve a minimum term of 32 years for murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent and robbery.

Wandless, 33, received a 31-year sentence for murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, robbery, handling stolen goods and arson.

Hawthorn, 22, was sentenced to 22 years for murder and robbery.

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".

The judge's sentencing remarks can be read in full at: https://www.judiciary.uk/judgments/r-...

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