Overview
- Newcastle Crown Court imposed prison terms totaling 25 years on Grant Royal, John Reid, Mitchell Smith, Grant Curley and Walter Patterson after guilty pleas to arson-related offences.
- The attacks on 140–142 Fossway occurred on January 31 and February 2, 2025, first with Sayers’ VW Golf being torched and then with a Range Rover reversed into the premises and set alight while occupants were present.
- Prosecutors said planning began by January 29, supported by coordinated phone contact, fuel purchases at a Shell station, a Tyne Tunnel journey and the Range Rover being left near the target location.
- CCTV showed Sayers moving the burning Range Rover away from the building, which prevented the fire from spreading into the property.
- Defence counsel described some defendants as low-level participants driven by drug debts, coercion or addiction, asserting limited knowledge of the target or its residential use.