Graffiti gang that targeted Northern train depot in Heaton sentenced

Ringleader, Adam Smith (28) of Hedgeley Road, Hebburn has been jailed for 18 months.

His accomplices, Jordan Shone (26) of Lumley Court, Hebburn; Mark Marshall (28) of Greenbank, Jarrow; and Colin Bell (47) of St Vincent Street, South Shields all received suspended sentences ranging from nine to 18 months as well as being ordered to undertake unpaid work.

A further gang member, David McGuire (28) of Winskill Road, Simonside, South Shields was given a community order and ordered to undertake 18 months unpaid work.

The five all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to cause criminal damage between January 2018 and June 2019. The case was delayed coming to trial by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kerry Peters, regional director for Northern, said: “We welcome the sentences that have been handed down by Newcastle Crown Court this week.

“The actions of this gang caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to our rolling stock – diverting vital resources that could have been better spent for the benefit of our customers.

“I’d like to thank British Transport Police for their work bringing these individuals to justice and I hope the outcome of this case acts as a deterrent to others who think they have the right to vandalise property for their own amusement.”

Heaton TrainCare Centre is operated by Northern and is the maintenance base for its Class 150 and Class 158 fleet.

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with nearly 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.