Face of brazen thief jailed after £1,000 shoplifting spree stealing booze and meat
Andrew Davidson's spree began on the morning of Friday April 25 when he stole £150-worth of meat from the Pelaw area of Gateshead.
He then targeted retailers in Birtley on May 3 and 4, and twice more on May 14, stealing bars of chocolate and alcohol, totalling around £1,000.
Two days later, Davidson broke into a vehicle in Wardley, making off with a pair of AirPods and two plastic bags filled with coins.Andrew Davidson. (Image: Northumbria Police)
Hours later he attempted to steal from another vehicle and tampered with a third.
Davidson was arrested 24 hours later in a property said to be linked to criminal activity in the Wardley area.
The 41-year-old, of George Street, Birtley, was charged with five counts of theft, plus one each of theft from a motor vehicle, attempted theft from a motor vehicle and vehicle interference.
Appearing before magistrates in Newcastle, he admitted all the charges. He was jailed for ten months when he appeared before Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday (August 12).
Read next ... more court stories from The Northern Echo by
Ferryhill addict tricked vulnerable OAP out of £14k-plus
Drunk banned from Durham after being arrested twice at bus station
Serial shoplifter from Newton Aycliffe has been locked up
Sergeant Elliott Richardson from Northumbria Police, said: 'This is a superb result, with Davidson now facing the consequences of his persistent offending.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to remind people about the small steps they can take to help reduce theft in their area by ensuring doors, windows, cars and garden sheds are kept secure and valuables out of view.
'These simple steps can deter opportunistic thieves who might be trying their luck to gain access to any unlocked buildings or vehicles.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
WATCH: Jamie Rothwell dances for the camera after arrest by police in Spain
THIS is the moment a dangerous drug and gun gang leader danced for the camera when he was arrested in Spain. Jamie Rothwell was jailed for 39 years, with a further four years on extended licence, at Manchester Crown Court today, Thursday. The 38-year-old used encrypted messaging network EncroChat to orchestrate huge drug and weapon deals, believing he was acting under the radar. He also used the platform to plot two shootings in Warrington, one of which left a man with life-changing injuries after being blasted in the leg by a bogus pizza deliveryman. But he was rumbled when police gained access to the encrypted messages – and when he sent a selfie of himself, allowing officers to attribute him to the 'live-long' handle he was using. In April 2020, following the infiltration of EncroChat by international law enforcement agencies, specialist detectives launched a covert investigation into a large-scale drug, money laundering, and firearms conspiracy. When the encrypted platform was compromised in April 2020, Rothwell was living in Spain and continuing to orchestrate the importation and distribution of drugs, firearms, and criminal cash from abroad. Despite his attempts to evade justice, detectives were able to monitor his encrypted communications in real time. This exposed his command over a sprawling criminal enterprise and his involvement in the trafficking of high-powered weapons, including AK-47 rifles. His drug empire was estimated to have a street value of around £26million, and he was deported back to the UK in 2021 to face trial. The selfie Rothwell sent over EncroChat Rothwell was jailed alongside nine co-conspirators involved in his drug gang, with the nine jailed for a combined 163 years and 10 months. The sentence was welcomed by Wayne Johns, the National Crime Agency's senior investigating officer for Operation Venetic – the UK's response to the EncroChat infiltration. He said: 'The NCA used its global reach to trace and arrest Jamie Rothwell, not just once, but twice, bringing him back from Spain and then Holland when he went on the run a second time. 'Fugitives should take note of the NCA's tenacity in tracing wanted offenders and, working with partners such as GMP and Cheshire Police, we will never give up on finding and returning those who have fled justice. 'More than 2,200 criminals have been convicted under Operation Venetic, and Jamie Rothwell is one of the most dangerous. READ MORE: Notorious EncroChat gun and drug gangster jailed for 39 years over revenge shooting 'We have worked incredibly hard to turn tide of fear in Warrington' – police say Aggrieved boyfriend created fake social media profiles to stalk ex after dumping Driver of 'rogue' electric car stopped by police on M62 denies fraud charges 'Throughout the operation, the NCA and UK police have stopped 200 threats to life, seized more than £84million in criminal funds and in excess of eight tonnes of class A drugs, and recovered 175 firearms and more than 3,500 rounds of ammunition. "UK law enforcement will continue doing everything possible to protect the public from serious and organised crime.' Rebecca Macaulay Addison, specialist prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service added: 'The sentencing of these men concludes five years' work by the CPS, prosecution counsel, Cheshire Police, and Greater Manchester Police, assisted by the NCA. 'The use of EncroChat communication devices as part of their involvement in serious organised criminal activities ultimately led to their offending coming to light. Rothwell was involved in the transfer of an AK-47 submachine gun 'It was evident from EncroChat messages obtained that Jamie Rothwell played a leading role, which included him organising the purchase and supply of class A drugs, firearms, ammunition, and directing acts of extreme violence. 'The others who have been sentenced today and at previous hearings all played their part in the same criminal activities. 'The CPS continues to work tirelessly to ensure that those who engage in such activity are brought to justice. 'We will pursue confiscation proceedings against the defendants to ensure that they do not profit from the money gained through their crimes.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Aggrieved boyfriend created fake social media profiles to stalk ex after dumping
AN aggrieved boyfriend created fake social media profiles to stalk his ex after she dumped him over his controlling behaviour. Robert Forshaw, who has previous convictions for harassment, used the accounts to spread lies about the innocent victim. But the 42-year-old was put behind bars this afternoon, Thursday, after being sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court for stalking involving serious alarm or distress. The court heard that the victim ended her relationship with Forshaw after five weeks when she observed controlling behaviours from him. Soon after, in December 2023, the defendant embarked on a campaign to discredit the victim, making numerous calls to her from withheld numbers and sending her abusive emails. Forshaw also contacted her place of work in Warrington, pretending to be the spouse of one of her clients and accusing her of inappropriate behaviour towards the client. Along with this, he created a network of fake social media accounts and used these to publish content that further targeted the victim. Forshaw went as far as to send messages between each of the accounts he had created, discussing her and making false allegations about her. The defendant then screenshotted these and emailed them to the victim, from Widnes. In late January 2024, a friend of the victim shared images on social media of them and the victim attending a sporting event. The court was told that Forshaw also attended this event, and he later used one of the fake accounts he had created to comment on the post, saying: 'I'm only 50 yards away from you.' Robert Forshaw was jailed at Liverpool Crown Court After these incidents were reported to Cheshire Police, an investigation was launched in which Forshaw was a person of interest. He concealed his devices, but officers were able to recover them and piece together his digital footprint, attributing numerous fake social media accounts and email addresses to him. Even with the overwhelming amount of evidence facing him, Forshaw continued to deny any responsibility with his not guilty plea. A trial was set for July this year, but he changed his plea to guilty on the first day of the trial. During his sentencing hearing, it was said that his behaviour was 'persistent and over a prolonged period, and to maximise distress' He has a 'significant' criminal record, the court heard, including a breach of a non-molestation order and two counts of harassment. Before sentencing, judge Brian Cummings said: 'You have not shown any meaningful remorse. Remorse is being sorry for what you have done. 'You denied the offence in interview, you pleaded not guilty and took it to the wire, pleading guilty on the day of your trial after the victim and witnesses attended.' Forshaw, of Folly Lane in Bewsey, was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison, to be served immediately. He was also made the subject of a 10-year restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim, posting about her online, or entering named streets in Warrington and Widnes. The sentence was welcomed by investigating officer PC Charl Ashmore, of Cheshire Police's harm reduction unit. READ MORE: Notorious EncroChat gun and drug gangster jailed for 39 years over revenge shooting Driver of 'rogue' electric car stopped by police on M62 denies fraud charges Pervert prisoner flashed woman officer in jail after lewd Age UK call antics She said: 'Forshaw is a serial domestic abuse perpetrator, and this conviction clearly demonstrates that he is either incapable or unwilling to accept his victim's decision to end their relationship with him. 'Forshaw clearly hoped that by hiding behind a screen, he could punish the victim for calling out his behaviours and ending their relationship without repercussions. 'However, he, like many stalkers, failed to account for his digital footprint, which led investigating officers straight to him. 'This again proves that the internet offers no sanctuary to those who wish to commit violence against women and girls and domestic abuse. 'His behaviour and offending have understandably left his victim physically shaken and emotionally distressed. 'That said, the strength she has shown throughout this investigation, right up to the moment Forshaw changed his plea, is truly commendable. 'Thanks to her bravery in taking the step to contact the police, Forshaw has been held accountable for his actions and is facing a spell behind bars.' DCI Danielle Knox added: 'I am pleased to see the sentence which has been given here, showing that the police and the wider criminal justice system take stalking seriously. 'We will always listen to victims and put perpetrators before the courts. 'Forshaw was determined to cause serious distress to the victim in this case, and I am pleased that he pleaded guilty and was able to answer for what he did. 'For any victims who are in a similar situation and may be unsure of whether to call the police about what is happening, my plea is to please call us – we will listen to you, and we will take what you tell us very seriously.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
What we know as Paul Doyle faces 24 new charges over Liverpool car incident
Doyle, 53, of the West Derby area of Liverpool, is set to face trial in November. Paul Doyle, the man accused of being the driver who ploughed into crowds at the Liverpool FC victory parade, is facing an additional 24 charges. Doyle, 53, appeared via videolink from prison for the hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday. He was in tears as the charges, including two relating to alleged victims who were babies, were read out to him. He was originally charged with seven offences after the incident on Water Street in the city centre just after 6pm on Monday, 26 May. Doyle, wearing a grey T-shirt, did not enter any pleas during the hearing, which lasted about 20 minutes. He appeared to be struggling to speak through tears as he confirmed his name at the start of the hearing. Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC adjourned the case until 4 September, when Doyle is expected to enter pleas. Earlier this year, a provisional trial date was fixed for 24 November, and the case is expected to last three to four weeks. Doyle is reported to be a local businessman who has three children. He is believed to be a former Royal Marine who went on to become an IT security consultant. What happened during the Liverpool trophy parade crash? On 26 May, Liverpool's Premier League victory parade was the location of a a crash in the centre of the city. At around 6pm, Doyle allegedly drove a grey Ford Galaxy minivan into a crowd on Water Street, just after the open-top bus carrying Liverpool players had passed through the area. The vehicle, which had followed an ambulance through a temporarily lifted roadblock, struck pedestrians, injuring 134 people, including four children. Fifty people, among them an 11-year-old and a 17-year-old, were hospitalised, with four initially in serious condition. Firefighters lifted the vehicle to free three adults and one child trapped underneath at around 7pm – an hour after the crash. Merseyside Police ruled out terrorism before Doyle was arrested and later charged on 29 May. What is Paul Doyle charged with and what are the punishments? Doyle, whose full name is Paul Desmond Sanders Doyle, of Croxteth, Liverpool, was previously charged with six counts that are all contrary to Section 18 of the Offences Against The Person Act 1861. But the new indictment, which was not read out in court, has 31 counts relating to 29 victims, aged between six months and 77. Doyle is charged with 19 counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, seven counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, three counts of wounding with intent, one count of dangerous driving and one count of affray. Sentencing for the grievous bodily harm and wounding with intent offences can range from two to 16 years in prison, with a maximum of life imprisonment. Sentencing for these crimes depends on the court assessing the level of harm caused to the victim, both physical and psychological. Any aggravating factors can also affect a sentence, including whether a suspect has any previous convictions, any motivations for the offence and who it was carried out against, as well as the presence of children, and whether the perpetrator was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The court will also take into account mitigating factors like remorse, positive character, and any difficult personal circumstances. Dangerous driving carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison, with sentencing ranging from a community order to the maximum two years. Someone convicted of this offence will also be disqualified from driving for a minimum of a year. Affray, a public order offence involving violence or the threat of violence, carries a maximum sentence of three years in custody in the UK. However, sentencing can range from a fine to a custodial sentence, depending on the severity and aggravating factor The CPS said the charges would be kept 'under review as the investigation progresses'.
