Woman Jailed for Helping Gunman Hide After Shocking Washington Street Shooting
A woman has been handed a suspended sentence after aiding a dangerous gunman who opened fire on a busy Washington street. Michelle Wrightson helped John Dees, 34, disguise himself by cutting his hair and altering the colour of his car following a brutal attack.
Cold-Blooded Gunman Fires at Point-Blank Range
In October 2019, Dees blasted a man with a sawn-off shotgun at point-blank range, leaving the victim fighting for his life. After the terrifying attack, Dees fled the scene and turned to Wrightson for help to cover his tracks.
Earlier this year, Dees was jailed for 21 years at Newcastle Crown Court after pleading guilty to attempted murder, possession of a shotgun with intent to endanger life, and criminal damage.
Michelle Wrightson Caught and Sentenced
Wrightson, 38, of Gill Crescent South, Fencehouses, admitted assisting an offender when she appeared before Newcastle Crown Court on September 23. She was sentenced to 22 months in prison, suspended for two years, after a judge found her guilty of helping Dees alter the car’s colour and providing clippers so he could shave off his hair and beard.
Detective Sergeant Steven Brown said: “John Dees carried out a cold and pre-meditated shooting in the heart of our community in broad daylight. It was nothing short of miraculous that the victim survived from his injuries.”
“Despite attempts to change his appearance and car, officers arrested Dees and found the shotgun and unspent cartridges hidden next door to Wrightson’s home. Wrightson willingly assisted him after this appalling offence, and I welcome her conviction and sentence.”
The Shooting Scene and Aftermath
- The victim and two friends were driving a blue Transit van when Dees aggressively pursued them.
- They pulled over outside the One Stop Shop on Blue 1 Lane, where Dees fired a sawn-off shotgun at the victim.
- Injuries included a large gunshot wound to the chest, shattered ribs, and liver damage.
- Dees then fled and sought help from Wrightson to conceal his identity and vehicle.
- Despite their efforts, police arrested Dees and uncovered the weapon hidden nearby.
Dees pleaded guilty to a string of charges and was sentenced to 21 years in prison in May, while Wrightson was given a suspended sentence for assisting the offender.
