Drugs gang who murdered man in chemical attack spree jailed for 118 years

Jul 26, 2024 15:10

{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"Metro.co.uk","duration":"T4M57S","thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2024\/07\/26\/15\/87811219-0-image-a-7_1722004817997.jpg","uploadDate":"2024-07-26T15:40:10+0100","description":"Members of a gang who murdered a man by throwing ammonia in his face as part of a violent campaign to control the drugs trade in a community have been told they must serve minimum jail terms of up to 33 years.\n\nNewcastle Crown Court heard how Andy Foster, 26, died in what a judge described as a \"cruel and terrifying\" attack at his home in Wrekenton, Gateshead, in August 2023.","contentUrl":"https:\/\/videos.metro.co.uk\/video\/met\/2024\/07\/26\/1354294470249920994\/480x270_MP4_1354294470249920994.mp4","height":270,"width":480}

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser thatsupports HTML5 video

Up Next window.addEventListener('metroVideo:relatedVideosCarouselLoaded', function(data) { if (typeof(data.detail) === 'undefined' || typeof(data.detail.carousel) === 'undefined' || typeof(data.detail.carousel.el_) === 'undefined') { return; } var player = data.detail.carousel.el_; var container = player.closest('.metro-video-player'); var placeholder = container.querySelector('.metro-video-player__up-next-placeholder'); container.removeChild(placeholder); container.classList.add('metro-video-player--related-videos-loaded'); });

Members of a gang who murdered a man by throwing ammonia in his face have been told they must serve minimum jail terms of up to 33 years.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Andy Foster, 26, died in what a judge described as a ‘cruel and terrifying attack’ his home in Wrekenton, Gateshead, in August 2023.

The murder was committed as part of a violent campaign to control the drugs trade in the community.

On Friday, leader of the drugs gang Youssef Wynne, 40, of Wuppertal Court, Jarrow, was jailed for life by the judge, Mr Justice Dove, who ordered him to serve at least 33 years before he is considered for parole.

Three other men were jailed for life over Mr Foster’s murder.

if(window.adverts) { adverts.addToArray({"pos": "mpu_mobile_top"}) } if(window.adverts) { adverts.addToArray({"pos": "mpu_tablet"}) }

Kenneth Fawcett, 33, of Balkwell Avenue, North Shields, who was described by the judge as Wynne’s “willing enforcer” was given a 32-year tariff.

John Wandless, 33, of no fixed address, was given a 31-year tariff; and Josh Hawthorn, 22, of Ashfield, Jarrow, was given a 22-year tariff.

The judge said the attack on Mr Foster was the fourth in a series of ammonia attacks which were part of a ‘campaign of violence designed to bring fear of retribution and reprisals to those who crossed you in your drugs trade’.

In another attack in the series, a woman suffered serious injuries which led to her having to have one of her eyes removed after it ‘melted’.

The judge said: ‘This murder was committed during an attack in which was intended to protect and enforce the drugs trading business operated by Youssef Wynne.’

He said this was about ‘taxing’ those who Wynne deemed to be in need of ‘punishment or discipline’ or needed to be ‘taught a lesson to protect the trade in drugs’.

More Trending

Man accused of killing BBC man's family 'paralysed himself before arrest'

Man kicked in the head by police officer at Manchester airport 'has cyst on his brain'

Rapist drugged himself when victim swapped drinks after seeing him spike hers

Urgent warning for anyone heading to France for a holiday over the next few days

Our ⚡AMP sites

Drugs gang who murdered man in chemical attack spree jailed for 118 years