The yobs and vandals who brought shame on the North East

Courts across the North East continue to deliver sentences to those involved in last summer’s violent unrest. The disturbances brought widespread shame to the region and left lasting scars on local communities.

Background of the disorder

In the summer of 2024, violent scenes broke out in Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Darlington. The unrest followed the Southport attack in which three young girls tragically lost their lives. According to the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), more than 1,000 individuals were arrested in connection with rioting across the UK.

Recent court cases

Several participants in last year’s violence have faced justice at Newcastle Crown Court. Among them are Dane Peace and Shay Henson, both from Sunderland.

Dane Peace, aged 30, was convicted of breaking into a NatWest bank and taking part in a burglary at a vape shop during the disorder. He was sentenced in October to two years and four months in prison.
Shay Henson, aged 19, of Padgate Road, Sunderland, admitted to riot and burglary. He received a 32-month sentence in a young offenders’ institution after being filmed throwing objects at police officers while wearing a balaclava. Henson also stole goods from a vape shop after the premises had been forcibly entered.

These are the names and faces of the yobs and vandals who brought shame on the North East.

Justice and accountability

The sentences reflect the courts’ continuing effort to hold accountable those whose violent acts shocked and saddened communities across the North East.

Author’s Summary: North East courts continue to impose prison sentences on offenders responsible for the violent riots of summer 2024, underscoring justice and community recovery.

Chronicle Live — 2025-11-09