Nurse Jailed for Life After Attempted Murder in Northallerton Record Shop
Shocking Daytime Attack with Hospital Drug
Darren Harris, 58, an NHS anaesthetist nurse from Middlesbrough, has been sentenced to life in prison for trying to kill a stranger in cold blood. The horrifying attack happened inside Gary Lewis’s vinyl record shop on Zetland Street, Northallerton, on 2 July 2024.
Harris injected Mr Lewis with Rocuronium, a powerful muscle relaxant used in hospitals to cause paralysis during surgery. The drug can stop you breathing and cause death if abused.
Victim’s Heroic Response
After injecting the unsuspecting shop owner, Harris fled, but Mr Lewis gave chase, blocking Harris’s car and alerting emergency services. Mr Lewis soon collapsed, unable to breathe, but quick-thinking passersby stepped in to save his life before paramedics arrived.
Shockingly, despite being a trained medical professional, Harris refused to help his victim and lied to police, claiming the injection was harmless.
Cold-Blooded Crime, Harsh Sentence
At Leeds Crown Court, Harris denied attempted murder but admitted to giving a noxious substance. He refused to testify. Yet, the jury found him guilty on 28 January 2025. The judge slammed the attack as “cold-blooded, premeditated, and inexplicably cruel” — especially given Harris’s medical background.
He was handed a life sentence with a minimum of 16 years behind bars.
Community Reels as Victim Recovers
The tight-knit Northallerton community is still stunned. Mr Lewis, a respected local business owner, is slowly recovering but suffers lasting physical and emotional scars.
Locals have hailed his bravery and praised the strangers whose quick actions saved his life.
“Anyone affected by this story or needing emotional support should contact Samaritans on 116 123 or visit their GP.”
