Sophie Doughty

A jury at the Old Bailey cleared John Henry Sayers and his son of grievous bodily harm after they confronted William Patterson, who had driven a Range Rover into their Newcastle home and set it alight. Sayers described acting instinctively to protect his family, including his teenage daughter, and expressed relief at returning home after 18 months on remand. The case detailed prior threats from an organised crime group and the police warnings Sayers had received. The pair now plan to rebuild their lives and repair their damaged businesses, while Patterson has since pleaded guilty to arson and been jailed.