R v Josh Craig Hawthorn & Anor

Facts

Four attacks in which ammonia was sprayed into the faces of drug dealers took place in the Newcastle area over 12 days in August 2023. Mark Dickinson was attacked at home on 9 August 2023, Jonathan Hay on 12 August, and Nicola Dixon on 16 August, losing an eye; drugs were demanded and stolen from her property. On 20 August 2023 Kenneth Fawcett and John Wandless entered Andrew Foster's home, threw ammonia in his face and took drugs; he suffered a severe respiratory attack and died. The Crown's case was that Youssef Wynne, a drug dealer, conceived and directed the attacks in order to tax rival dealers, and that Joshua Hawthorn assisted or encouraged the final attack. A separate count concerned Wynne's assault on Mr Foster in September 2022, proved by hearsay from Hannah McNally and Katie Harrison. At the Crown Court at Newcastle before Dove J and a jury, Wynne was convicted of murder, robbery, a section 47 assault, two attempts to cause grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and received life with a minimum term of 33 years; Hawthorn was convicted of murder and robbery and received life with a minimum term of 22 years. The single judge refused permission to appeal; both renewed their applications.