Trio jailed after attacking and robbing a teenage boy in Gateshead

Three violent thugs who attacked and robbed a teenager in Gateshead have been jailed for a combined total of 11 years.

David Ingram and Benjamin Benstead, both 31, and Jordan Howey, 26, carried out the attack on the 15-year-old boy late in the evening on December 11 last year.

The three men approached the victim – who they did not know – on Second Street in the Bensham area when the teenager was walking home.

They surrounded the boy before pinning him up against a gate. One of the men then held a sharp object to his throat and demanded the victim hand over his possessions. The victim handed over his bag and managed to push the offenders away and run off.

The men then chased the victim, caught up with him, and assaulted by punching him on the body and head, while shouting racist abuse. The boy managed to get away again and ran home, where he realised that the headphones he had around his neck were missing.

An investigation was immediately launched by Northumbria Police and CCTV traced three men matching the description entering the same premises on Derwentwater Road in Gateshead.

The three – Ingram, Benstead, and Howey – were arrested less than two hours after the report.

Two days later the trio were charged. All three appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court that day, where they were remanded in custody.

Earlier this year at Newcastle Crown Court, Ingram and Benstead pleaded guilty to robbery. Ingram pleaded guilty to racially aggravated assault and Benstead pleaded guilty to assault. Howey was found guilty at trial for robbery and assault.

The trio appeared back at the same court on September 19, where Howey was sentenced to 50 months, Benstead to 45 months and Ingram to 38 months behind bars.

Detective Constable Burns of Northumbria Police said: “The victim in this case was subject to an absolutely terrifying ordeal and I hope the sentencing of these offenders allows him to take the first steps towards moving forwards with the rest of his life.

“Howey, Ingram, and Benstead are clearly dangerous individuals, and I am pleased that they will each now be spending periods behind bars.

“Violence has absolutely no place in our communities, and we will continue to do everything in our power to bring those responsible for offences such as those carried out in this case before the courts to face justice.”

Anybody who sees anything suspicious in their area is asked to report it by sending a direct message on Northumbria Police’s social media channels, or by using live chat and report forms on the Force’s website.

Those unable to make contact in these ways can call 101.

If a crime is taking place, or in an emergency, always ring 999.