Six people have this week admitted affray after violence escalated in Newcastle resulting in one of their group tragically losing his life.

On the evening of November 9, 2022, emergency services attended the Elswick area following a report of an assault.

There they found 14-year-old Gordon Gault with a single stab wound to his upper right arm. Sadly, he died in hospital six days later.

After the attack, an investigation was launched by Northumbria Police, with officers piecing together what had happened.

It became clear that Gordon had been killed after a dispute between two groups culminated in this violence.

Subsequently, following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court, in January two teenagers were convicted of Gordon’s manslaughter.

They were also found guilty of wounding with intent to commit grievous bodily harm in relation to a second victim, who suffered an injury to his back.

Carlos Neto, 18, of Manchester Road East, Little Hulton, admitted wounding Gordon but claimed it was in self-defence.

He and co-accused Lawson Natty, also 18, of Eastgarth, Newcastle, who supplied Neto with the machete used in the attack, were remanded in custody and are due to be sentenced next month.

Guilty pleas

Six people aligned to the same group as Gordon, who were due to stand trial over their alleged involvement in the disorder on the night, have this week all pleaded guilty to affray.

They are:

• Jack Hardy, 18, of Quarry Bank Court, Newcastle
• Raymond Matthew, 18, of Durham Street, Newcastle
• Liam Thompson, 28, of no fixed abode.

Three 17-year-old males who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Appearing at Newcastle Crown Court, all of the defendants will be sentenced at a later date.

'Violence destroys lives' 

Following the conclusion of the hearing, the Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Matt Steel, of Northumbria Police, said:

“The truly devastating impact of violence is clear for all to see with the tragic death of Gordon and our thoughts very much continue to be with his loved ones.

“Gordon was killed after an escalating dispute culminated in violence, with two teenagers subsequently being convicted of his manslaughter.

“We have seen a group of people admit their part in the disgraceful disorder which occurred the evening Gordon, who was the youngest person present, was fatally wounded.”

He added: “Violence destroys lives and has absolutely no place in our communities.

“As a Force, we are committed to reducing the impact of this type of offending.

“This includes targeting those who carry weapons and working with our partners to prevent incidents by educating people about the dangers and consequences of doing so.

“Our message to anyone who does pick up a weapon or involves themselves in violence remains very simple – think again.

“We urge people, to make that choice today.”

Anyone who has information about someone carrying a weapon is encouraged to contact Northumbria Police via the 'Report' section on the website or by calling 101.

In an emergency always dial 999.

People can also share information anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.