The Chronicle

Loaded sawn-off gun found in back of taxi after garage raid

BURGLARS STOLE ALCOHOL AND SANDWICHES

- By ROB KENNEDY Court Reporter rob.kennedy@ncjmedia.co.uk @ChronicleC­ourt

STASHED in the back of a taxi, this is the loaded sawn-off shotgun found in the possession of two men minutes after a raid on an airport garage.

When burglars struck at the Shell garage and stole valuables, police were alerted and pulled over a taxi carrying the culprits.

Officers were shocked to see the shotgun in pieces in the rear footwell, loaded with a cartridge.

Karl Glendennin­g and Simon Boyle admitted possessing the firearm while Glendennin­g also admitted burgling the garage and a series of unrelated charges, including stealing a man’s car after kicking him out of it.

Newcastle Crown Court heard it was around 1.30am on February 6 when Glendennin­g, Boyle and Stephen Palmer went to the filling station near Newcastle Airport, intending to steal cigarettes and alcohol.

Michael Hodson, prosecutin­g, said: “The garage was open but the door was closed while the attendant took a break and was easily pulled open.

“They went around picking up items. Nobody was present when they went in.

“Alcohol, sandwiches and other items worth £168 were taken.”

The court heard it was Glendennin­g and Palmer who went into the Shell shop while Boyle stayed in the taxi.

Mr Hodson said: “Airport police were alerted and the taxi was stopped on the way back to town.” A female police officer who approached the cab said: “I looked through the rear off-side window and saw what I thought was the handle of a double-barrelled shotgun.” She shouted to her colleague: “Be careful, I think they have a gun” and they backed away. The men were arrested after a struggle and the unfortunat­e cabbie also found himself taken to the police station for a time despite being innocent. Mr Hodson said: “A double-barrelled shotgun was in the near rearside footwell, sticking out from under the seat. It was loaded with a cartridge.”

A judge said he accepted the gun was not intended to be used in the raid at the Shell garage.

Then, on October 5, Glendennin­g and Bradley Fraser went to a man’s house and demanded his car key. He refused but agreed to give them a lift.

Glendennin­g then kicked off and started demanding money from someone else and threw a metal frame at a door.

When the man who had given him a lift said he was leaving, Glendennin­g said: “If you drive off I’m going to set your house on fire with you and your bairn in then I’m going to hang him upside down and slit his throat in front of you.”

He was calmed down and got back into the car.

But as they travelled along, he turned violent towards the driver.

Mr Hodson said: “He pulled the handbrake on while the car was moving in third gear and was

I looked through the window and saw what I thought was the handle of a double-barrelled shotgun

punching and kicking and banging his head against the door pillar.

“Glendennin­g started kicking him out of the car and Fraser joined in.

“Both were shouting at him to get out and he fell out, with Glendennin­g jumping in the driver’s seat.”

The victim said: “I feel like I can’t be at my home now because I fear for my safety.

“I feel Glendennin­g is out of control and could be capable of anything.”

At around 2.10am, the car was crashed and the pair ran off before returning and smashing its windows.

When Glendennin­g was arrested he informed police it was Fraser who was responsibl­e.

Glendennin­g, 21, of Bothal Street, Byker, pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm, burglary, affray, common assault and aggravated vehicle taking. He was jailed for six years and nine months.

Boyle, 31, of Whitehorn Crescent, Cowgate, admitted possessing the firearm and was jailed for five years.

Fraser, 18, of Hilton Avenue, Blakelaw, admitted common assault and aggravated vehicle taking. He was sentenced to six months suspended for two years.

Stephen Palmer, 36, of Moorview Crescent, Cowgate, was dealt with at a previous hearing. He admitted burglary of the filling station, possessing a bladed article and damaging a police vehicle and was jailed for 18 months.

Adam Birkby, for Glendennin­g, said he apologises to the man whose car he took. He added: “He was out of control over this period and he clearly has significan­t issues with alcohol and drugs.”

Peter Walsh, for Boyle, said he remained in the taxi during the garage raid and added: “He was asked to assist with concealmen­t.”

Richard Herrmann, for Fraser, said he was in a different category to the others.

He added: “He is someone who is easily influenced by peers. He is vulnerable when in the company of negative peers.”

 ??  ?? Karl Glendinnin­g
Karl Glendinnin­g
 ??  ?? Bradley Fraser
Bradley Fraser
 ??  ?? Simon Boyle
Simon Boyle
 ??  ?? Stephen Palmer
Stephen Palmer
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 ??  ?? A shotgun was found stashed in the back of a taxi which was pulled over by police minutes after a raid on the garage near Newcastle airport, top.
A shotgun was found stashed in the back of a taxi which was pulled over by police minutes after a raid on the garage near Newcastle airport, top.
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