4 men found guilty of murdering man in Gateshead Ammonia attack
A jury's found four men guilty of murdering a man in Gateshead
Last updated 13th Jun 2024
Four men have been convicted of murder after a string of planned corrosive substance attacks led to a Gateshead man being killed.
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 have 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 the ‘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 denied the charges put to them, they have today (Thursday) been found guilty by jurors following a five-week trial at Newcastle Crown Court.
• Kenneth Fawcett, 33, of Balkwell Avenue, North Shields was found guilty 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 found guilty of murder and robbery
• John Wandless, 33, of no fixed abode, was found guilty of 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 found guilty of 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
They were remanded into custody and are due to be sentenced before the same court on July 26.
Following the conclusion of the trial, Andrew Foster’s mam Karen paid a heartfelt tribute to her son.
She said: “We as a family will never get over Andrew’s death.
“To those who didn’t know Andrew, he was a practical joker, always laughing and had a heart of gold.
“I spoke to him every day, usually on video calls when he would pull funny faces just to make me laugh. He cared for his family and friends so much.
“Andrew was our only son, as well as a loving and supportive partner, grandson, nephew and cousin.
“He was particularly close to his Grandad who was very special to him.
“Andrew was the life and soul of the party, and he loved to make people laugh.
“Everyone around him was always guaranteed to have a big smile on their face. He was a big softy and loved life so much.
“He was such a happy, loving young lad who lit up the room with his energy, always had everyone laughing.
“Life will simply never be the same without him here.
“It breaks my heart that I will never get to hear him say, ‘I love you Mam’ again.
“I am hugely grateful for the support and kind wishes since Andrew passed away. It is heartening to know that he has touched so many lives and his memory will live on.
“I’d also like to thank the investigation team from Northumbria Police who have done a fantastic job to get justice for Andrew.”
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Speaking after the hearing, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Tam Fowler, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts firmly remain with Andrew’s loved ones following his tragic death, as well as with the other victims involved in this reckless spate of attacks.
“This was a shocking and orchestrated crime spree which saw Fawcett, Hawthorn, Wandless and Wynne act together to intimidate and cause serious harm to their intended targets.
“Not only did their cowardly and vile actions lead to a young man tragically losing his life, but they also left a woman with life-changing injuries.
“The four offenders involved have continued to deny the charges put to them, without showing a hint of remorse for their victims throughout the investigation.
“They have continued to demonstrate their ignorance to the destruction they have caused, even trying to cover their tracks by setting fire to the vehicle used after learning of Andrew’s death.
“This meant that Andrew’s family – and the survivors from the other attacks – had to suffer through a lengthy court process and subsequent trial.
Det Insp Fowler added: “Of course, no result will ever take away the pain they have caused, but I hope these guilty verdict today gives some comfort knowing that those behind the attacks have been brought to justice and will be made to pay for their horrific actions.
“I want to thank the team of officers and staff who have worked tirelessly on this case to ensure Fawcett, Hawthorn, Wandless and Wynne were put before the courts for their crimes.
“I want to make it clear that 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.”
The four men will be sentenced next month.