The jury in the trial of four men accused of the murder of an ammonia attack victim will continue its deliberations today (Wednesday, June 12).
Asthma victim Andrew Foster, 26, died from the effects of the attack with the corrosive chemical at his home in Wrekenton, Gateshead, late on Sunday, August 20, last year.
It was said to have been the fourth and final such attack carried out on behalf of drug dealer Youssef Wynne to try to ward off rivals in the Gateshead and South Tyneside areas, in 11 days in August last year.
The attacks were said to have been carried out by Wynne’s so-called “enforcer” Kenneth Paul Fawcett, assisted on the last three occasions by side-kick John George Wandless.
A fourth man, Josh Craig Hawthorn, is alleged to have taken part in the planning of the final, ultimately fatal attack.
(Image: Northumbria Police)
All four accused admit differing involvement in drug use or dealing but deny involvement in the killing of Mr Foster and the other attacks.
They each opted not to give evidence from the witness stand during the trial, which the court was told is their legal right.
Following the conclusion of the closing speeches and the judge, Mr Justice Ian Dove’s summing up of evidence, the jury in the Newcastle Crown Court trial retired to begin its deliberations, on Tuesday (June 11).
(Image: The Northern Echo)
Wynne, 39, of Wuppertal Court, Jarrow, denies murder, robbery, assault causing actual bodily harm, inflicting grievous bodily harm, and two counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.
Fawcett, 33, of Balkwell Avenue, North Shields, denies murder, robbery, inflicting grievous bodily harm and two counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, with intent.
Wandless, 33, of no fixed abode, but formerly of North Shields, denies murder, robbery, inflicting grievous bodily harm and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.
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He does, however, admit handling a stolen Volkswagen Golf car, said to have been used to transport the duo to three of the attack scenes, and arson of the vehicle following the alleged murder.
Hawthorn, 22, of Ashfield, Jarrow, denies murder and robbery.
The trial jury will continue its deliberations today (Wednesday, June 12).
