Rob Kennedy

David Kelly, 56, was jailed for ten months after becoming drunk and abusive on a Jet2 flight from Turkey to Newcastle. He directed racist abuse at passengers and airline staff, made a homophobic remark, performed a Nazi salute, ignored cabin crew instructions and caused fear and distress among passengers, including a young family. Newcastle Crown Court heard that police were waiting for him at Newcastle Airport. Kelly pleaded guilty to being drunk on an aircraft and a racially aggravated public order offence. The judge said disorderly behaviour on a confined aircraft creates serious safety risks and normally warrants immediate custody, while the defence highlighted Kelly’s remorse, lack of physical assault and positive character references.

Benjamin Goddard, 23, was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court to two years in prison after pleading guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on his former girlfriend in a Newcastle hotel room. After drinking alcohol and using laughing gas, he accused her without basis of flirting, shoved her and kicked her in the head while she was on the floor. She suffered multiple skull and facial fractures, severely swollen eyes and a suspected cerebrospinal fluid leak. Goddard, who had previous convictions for supplying crack cocaine and heroin, was released early from a prison sentence when the attack occurred.

Christopher Yates received a four-year prison sentence after admitting that he violently shook his seven-month-old son while intoxicated by 11 cans of Foster's lager and cocaine. The assault caused a brain haemorrhage, seizures, extensive eye bleeding and catastrophic long-term injuries, including blindness and likely reduced life expectancy. Yates initially lied about what happened and delayed seeking medical help. Newcastle Crown Court heard that he had a history of alcohol and substance abuse and struggled to cope after obtaining sole custody. The child, who has returned to his foster parents, will require lifelong medication and care.