Five teenagers jailed for killing a dad-of-two in Northumberland

Five teenagers found guilty of killing family man Danny Humble have today been sentenced.

The 35-year-old father of two and his partner were on a night out when they encountered a group of teenagers at an underpass near Romsey Close in Cramlington, in the early hours of May 29 last year.

Following a short verbal altercation, an attack ensued which saw Danny, who lived in the town, kicked, punched and knocked to the ground before being stamped on.

He was rushed to hospital but sadly died the following day from his injuries.

An investigation was launched and seven teenage males– aged between 16 and 17 at the time – were arrested and later charged with murder.

All denied the offence.

Following a trial in July, a jury at Newcastle Crown Court found 18-year-old Alistair Dickson, of Hawkins Way, Blyth, guilty of murder.

Ethan Scott, Kyros Robinson, Bailey Wilson and Owen Soones, who are all aged between 18 and 19, were found guilty of manslaughter.

Today, at Newcastle Crown Court, Dickson was sentenced to 12 years, while Scott, Robinson, Wilson and Soones were each handed a six-and-a-half year jail sentence.

Detective Chief Inspector Joanne Brooks, of Northumbria Police, led the investigation. She said:

“This is an extremely tragic case which has seen two children left without a father and a family devastated. Our thoughts very much remain with Danny’s loved ones and we will continue to support them in any way we can.

“I would like to thank them for their patience and commend them for the dignity they have shown during the investigation and throughout the court proceedings.

“This has been a complex investigation which relied on the support of the community and witnesses who came forward – and I would again like to thank everyone for their assistance.”

Det Chief Insp Brooks added:

“So many lives have been destroyed by what happened that night.

“Those responsible have not only caused pain and suffering to Danny’s family but also for their own loved ones.

“This case clearly shows that no one wins where violence is concerned and I want to send a clear message to anyone who believes that such actions are acceptable – the consequences are devastating and can rip lives apart.

“As a Force, we are fully committed to tackling violent crime and we will continue to play our part to ensure the region remains one of the safest in the country.”

"My life turned black"

The parents of a beloved Cramlington dad who lost his life after being attacked after a night out have paid a moving a tribute to their loving son.

Danny Humble died in hospital after being fatally wounded in May last year.

In July this year, one teenager was found guilty of murder, while a further four were found guilty of manslaughter.

They have now been sentenced to a total of 38 years.

Danny is survived by his two children, partner, brothers, and his parents, Deborah and Vaughan.

Paying tribute to her son and recalling her last moments with him, loving mother Deborah said:

“On 29th May 2021 my life turned black.

“Danny had dropped his children off, then seven and five-years-old, for a sleepover, he and his partner were going on their first date since lockdown restrictions had eased.

“Danny and the children were laughing, singing, and joking together. They were talking about the plans for the next week – half-term.

“He kissed and hugged us all and gave a wave and left, then jokingly came back for another wave and smile.

“Hours later police were at the door and my memory just turns to black after that.”

She added:

“We lost a devoted dad, someone who always saw a positive in any negative.

“He loved music and films and his beloved Newcastle United was never far from his thoughts.

“His family, friends and his work colleagues are devastated. The ripple effect of his death has rocked the community of Cramlington.

“Danny’s death has destroyed us all in different ways. For me, he was my first born, my son, my friend a piece of my heart.”

"There is a void in our lives"

His father, Vaughan, said:

“We are a family incomplete, we are in the dark.

“One of the mainstays of our family and a guiding light has been cruelly snatched from us in dreadful circumstances from which we will never ever recover.

“There is a void in our lives and an emptiness that continually aches and tortures us. A once proud, fun loving and gregarious family has become withdrawn, reluctant to laugh and enjoy life, apprehensive of the pity that we continually see from others.

“Danny was loved by so many. Not only by the inner circle of his immediate close family but also by wider relatives, a multitude of friends and by work colleagues.

“He was caring, loving and compassionate and this was reciprocated by all.

“Above all, he was loved and adored by his heartbroken children. Danny thrived in their presence and showed his true colours as a very proud, caring and doting parent. The catastrophic impact of the loss of their Daddy will stay with them and have a real bearing forevermore.”

“In Danny’s absence, we will pick up the mantle and continue to guide them and teach them the values that Danny thought were so important in life.”

He added:

“We will never again hear his laughter, witness his love of life or that dazzling six-million-dollar smile. He was a beautiful, happy and contented person, loved and respected by all.

“What we will see, in our moments of quiet solitude and in the minutes before we sleep at night and when we wake in the morning, are the dreadful images and scenes of Danny being attacked and when defenceless, being punched, kicked and stamped to death.

“We will recall the vivid testimonies of the witnesses and their accounts of the noises that they heard on that fateful night.”

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