Four men jailed for life for ammonia attacks which killed Gateshead man

Four men have been handed life sentences and must serve a minimum combined term of 118 years – after a string of planned corrosive substance attacks led to a Gateshead man Andrew Foster being murdered.

Shortly after 11pm on August 20 last year, police were alerted via the ambulance service to a man that had been assaulted at an address on Eighton Terrace in Wrekenton.

Emergency services were swiftly deployed to the scene where it was reported two offenders had approached the property and knocked on the front door. 

When the victim answered, they proceeded to spray him in the face and steal from within the address. Andrew Foster, 26, was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries as he struggled to breathe. 

However, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he sadly passed away a short time later after suffering a fatal cardiac arrest. 

An investigation into Andrew’s death was immediately launched by Northumbria Police – which soon led a team of detectives to map out a series of connected incidents from previous days. 

Extensive CCTV, house-to-house and telecoms enquiries revealed a group had been linked to three recent corrosive substance attacks in almost identical circumstances between August 9 and 16. 

The crime spree saw Kenneth Fawcett carry out planned ‘drug taxings’ at properties in Hebburn, Jarrow and South Shields – aided by John Wandless. 

Their trail of destruction left their victims in fear and requiring medical treatment, as well as causing a young woman who was not an intended target to lose her eye. 

Officers went on to identify ringleader Youssef Wynne and his associate Josh Hawthorn as orchestrating the assaults in a bid to intimidate rival drug dealers and steal their supply. 

A stolen grey VW Golf which had been connected to three of the incidents was later found burned out on August 22 in Wallsend, after the news of Andrew’s death was made public.

The four suspects were later arrested and charged in connection with the investigation, including for Andrew’s murder. 

And while Fawcett, Hawthorn, Wandless and Wynne continually denied the charges put to them, they were found guilty by jurors on June 13 following a five-week trial at Newcastle Crown Court. 

Today, the quartet returned to the same court where they were sentenced for their crimes.

• Kenneth Fawcett, 33, of Balkwell Avenue, North Shields was jailed for life with a minimum of 32 years for murder, robbery, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and two counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent
• Josh Hawthorn, 22 of Ashfield, Jarrow, was jailed for life with a minimum of 22 years for murder and robbery
• John Wandless, 33, of no fixed abode, was jailed for life with a minimum of 31 years for murder, robbery, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm. He previously admitted handling a stolen VW Golf and arson for destroying the car
• Youssef Wynne, 39, of Wuppertal Court, Jarrow, was jailed for life with a minimum of 33 years for murder, robbery, assault causing actual bodily harm, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and two counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent 

Speaking after the sentencing, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Tam Fowler, said: “As ever, our thoughts remain with Andrew’s loved ones, as well as with the other victims involved in these reckless attacks. 

“This was a truly shocking spate which saw Fawcett, Hawthorn, Wandless and Wynne act together to intimidate and cause serious harm to their intended targets. 

“Not only that, but they’ve continued to deny their involvement, without showing a hint of remorse for their victims throughout the investigation.

“This meant that Andrew’s family – and the survivors from the other attacks – had to sit through a lengthy trial at court, causing them further pain and upset. 

Det Insp Fowler added: “While no result will ever take away the suffering they have caused, I hope the sentences handed out today will bring a sense of closure and comfort knowing the attackers will spend a significant period behind bars.

“Once again, I’d like to thank the officers and staff who have worked tirelessly on this case from a range of specialist teams across the Force to ensure Fawcett, Hawthorn, Wandless and Wynne were put before the courts.

“There are no winners where serious violence is concerned – and this case demonstrates the sheer harm that using corrosive substances as a weapon can have on others. 

“You don’t have to deliver the fatal blow to contribute to someone’s death – and using a household item such as ammonia can still very much amount to murder. 

“As a Force we are fully committed to tackling violent crime, and we’ll continue to work with our partners to ensure our region remains one of the safest in the country.”