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Gunman’s accomplice’s jailed
One of the most high profile cases in recent years ended in March when two men who helped gunman Raoul Moat last summer were jailed for a total of 60 years.
Karl Ness, 26, and Qhuram Awan, 23, had denied all the charges linked to the shootings by Moat in July last year and claimed they were taken hostage. However, on March 11, Ness was found guilty of the murder of Christopher Brown - the partner of Moat's ex-girlfriend Samantha Stobbart.
Both men were also found guilty of the attempted murder of PC David Rathband, conspiracy to murder and robbery at Newcastle Crown Court. Ness was also convicted of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Awan was cleared of that charge.
Ness was jailed for life with a minimum of 40 years and Awan was jailed for life with a minimum of 20 years
Police welcomed the sentences which reflect the severity of the crimes Karl Ness and Qhuram Awan were involved in.
The prosecution argued that throughout that week last July both men had numerous opportunities to stop the unfolding events and prevent people being killed and injured. However neither took any responsibility for their actions.
Keep an eye out for metal thieves
Police are reminding residents to report suspicious activity to police after a spate of metal thefts.
Areas across Northumbria have seen a rise in metal thefts over recent months, following a similar pattern across the country.
Police are urging residents to report information they have about metal thefts and alert police to any suspicious activities.
It's important if residents see a crime ongoing or suspicious activity - such as people on roofs of homes and porches - they contact police as soon as possible.
The quicker it's reported, the quicker police can get there and it helps officers trace those who are responsible.
It's likely in some cases they will also have a vehicle to transport the metal, so any suspicious vehicles should also be reported to officers.
Policing teams have been carrying out a number of operations around scrap dealers, stopping people weighing in metal and checking their vehicle and occupants.
Floating a bright idea
Police have backed a student campaign to reduce burglaries in Newcastle.
Volunteers from Newcastle and Northumbria Universities took to the streets of Jesmond and Heaton with balloons pointing residents in the direction of new website www.notifbutwhen.co.uk .
The balloons were put through any wide open windows which were seen to have been left open by householders - meaning if there's room enough for a balloon to get in there's room enough for a burglar. The householder was then spoken to about the campaign.
The campaign was aimed at raising awareness of the rise in burglaries at student accommodation in Jesmond and Heaton and just how preventable the majority have been.
There has been 60 burglaries to student premises in the area since the start of the academic year in September, with a rise since January.
Most thefts have taken place after doors and windows were left wide open or unlocked with items including laptops, MP3 players and mobile phones left on display and stolen.
