FREDDIE NEWMAN FROM STANLEY AND CHESTER-LE-STREET FACES FINAL WARNING AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT AND MULTIPLE CRIMES

In a recent development at Durham Crown Court, Freddie Newman, aged 23, who has a troubling history of criminal behavior, was handed a final opportunity to turn his life around. Newman, who is now residing in the Chester-Le-Street area but was previously from Stanley, appeared before the court to face serious charges, including a sexual assault on a 13-year-old girl, along with allegations of theft, criminal damage, and other offenses.

The court heard that Newman’s criminal record is extensive, and his recent actions have only added to his list of offenses. Despite his ongoing struggles with the law, Recorder Graham Hyland emphasized the importance of engagement with rehabilitation services. He stated, “Despite his lamentable failure to engage with the probation service and other authorities, the greatest chance of him not re-offending is if he grasps the nettle and does engage with them.”

Prosecutor Paul Abrahams detailed the incident that led to Newman’s arrest. According to the court, Newman was outside a pizza shop in Brandon with his girlfriend when he approached the young victim. He reportedly cuddled her, kissed her on the cheek, and called her “gorgeous.” The situation escalated when Newman touched her bottom, digging his fingers into her, which caused the girl to become distressed. She subsequently alerted her mother, who contacted the police.

Newman, who pleaded guilty to the charges, also admitted to several other offenses, including criminal damage, breaching an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (Asbo), thefts from a supermarket and a service station, and assaulting a police officer by kicking him in the jaw. The court was informed that Newman’s behavior has been problematic for some time, and his record reflects a pattern of criminal activity.

Recorder Hyland issued a stern warning to Newman, stating, “The time is going to come when — if you don’t take the chance I am giving you — you will come before a judge who will send you to prison, and it will be for a long time.” The judge also noted that Newman, who was previously living in Stanley, is planning to move in with his grandfather, a move that might influence his future behavior.

As Newman faces the consequences of his actions, the court’s message is clear: this is his last chance to avoid a lengthy prison sentence, provided he commits to engaging with the rehabilitation process and making genuine efforts to change his ways.