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.
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’.
He told the court: ‘The trade in illegal drugs is a curse in the communities we all live in.’
The judge said: ‘The impact of your attack upon Andrew Foster had devastating and irreversible consequences.
‘He was a much-loved young man – a gentle, funny, caring partner and son with many years of his life ahead of him.’
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