Gunman Jailed for 12 Years After Byker Shooting
Violent Showdown at Headlam Green
A Newcastle man blasted another with a handgun during a furious clash in Byker. Stephen Thompson, 50, fired the weapon on 16 October 2024, leaving his victim injured but alive. The victim was rushed to hospital and has since been discharged.
Arrest Reveals Shocking Arsenal
Police wasted no time arresting Thompson. On him, officers found:
- A black handgun
- A bladed weapon
- A corrosive substance
Thompson faced serious charges including attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of an offensive weapon, and grievous bodily harm with intent. He denied the attempted murder but admitted to lesser offences—a plea accepted by the Crown.
Judge Slams 12-Year Sentence at Newcastle Crown Court
Last Friday, Newcastle Crown Court handed Thompson a hefty 12-year sentence. The judge slammed the reckless use of a gun in public, reflecting the grave threat it posed to innocent bystanders.
The Crown Prosecution Service praised the plea deal for avoiding a lengthy trial while securing justice.
Police and Community Response
Northumbria Police assured Byker locals that “offences of this nature thankfully remain rare across the communities we serve.”
They credited forensic evidence and eyewitness accounts for the swift conviction. Meanwhile, their ongoing Firearms Surrender Campaign is cracking down hard on illegal weapons across the region.
UK Gun Crime: The Bigger Picture
- Gun crime in the UK stands at a low 0.02 offences per 1,000 people, says the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
- The Office for National Statistics reports a steady 7% drop in gun crime over the past decade.
- The Home Office pumped £3 million into illegal firearms prevention programmes in 2024.
Local Voices Celebrate Swift Justice
Residents took to X (formerly Twitter) to applaud the police and court’s action:
“Glad justice was served in Byker. No place for guns on our streets.”
“Well done to the police for acting fast.”
