Shocking CCTV shows how Andrew Foster's murderers bought snacks at a petrol station just minutes after inflicting horrific - and fatal - injuries in an ammonia attack
And a leading detective has described what happened as a "truly shocking" spate of violence. Kenneth Fawcett, Josh Hawthorn, John Wandless and Yussuf Wynne have all been sentenced to life sentences with minimum terms of more than 20 years each for killing Andrew, who died in hospital days after being sprayed with ammonia at his Wrekenton home.
Fawcett and Wandless carried out the attack on the night of August 20 2023. Wynne and Hawthorn had a role in organising this, along with three similar incidents between August 9 and August 16. Shocking CCTV shows Fawcett and Wandless driving to and from Andrew's home, before even nonchalantly stopping at a petrol station to buy food and fuel.
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The quartet were found guilty of offences including murder and robbery on June 13 at Newcastle Crown Court, and sentenced on Friday July 26. Each was sentenced to long stretches behind bars.
Fawcett, 33, of Balkwell Avenue, North Shields was jailed for life with a minimum of 32 years for murder, robbery, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and two counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. Hawthorn, 22 of Ashfield, Jarrow, was jailed for life with a minimum of 22 years for murder and robbery.
Wandless, 33, of no fixed abode, was jailed for life with a minimum of 31 years for murder, robbery, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm. He previously admitted handling a stolen VW Golf and arson for destroying the car.
Wynne, 39, of Wuppertal Court, Jarrow, was identified as the gang's ringleader and jailed for life with a minimum of 33 years for murder, robbery, assault causing actual bodily harm, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and two counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. The court heard how the crimes were "drug taxings" - and along with Andrew's death resulting in serious injuries and one woman - Nicola Dixon - losing an eye.
Andrew, 26, suffered horrific injuries before his death - and in court his loved ones spoke of their heartbreak and trauma.
Speaking after the sentencing, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Tam Fowler, said: “As ever, our thoughts remain with Andrew’s loved ones, as well as with the other victims involved in these reckless attacks. This was a truly shocking spate which saw Fawcett, Hawthorn, Wandless and Wynne act together to intimidate and cause serious harm to their intended targets.
"Not only that, but they’ve continued to deny their involvement, without showing a hint of remorse for their victims throughout the investigation. This meant that Andrew’s family – and the survivors from the other attacks – had to sit through a lengthy trial at court, causing them further pain and upset. "
Det Insp Fowler added that he hoped the sentences would provide some measure of justice for the gang's victims. He added: “Once again, I’d like to thank the officers and staff who have worked tirelessly on this case from a range of specialist teams across the Force to ensure Fawcett, Hawthorn, Wandless and Wynne were put before the courts.
"There are no winners where serious violence is concerned – and this case demonstrates the sheer harm that using corrosive substances as a weapon can have on others. You don’t have to deliver the fatal blow to contribute to someone’s death – and using a household item such as ammonia can still very much amount to murder."
He said he and his colleagues at Northumbria Police would continue to work with partners to keep the people of the North East safe.
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