Attempted murderer’s assistant spared jail
A mum who assisted an attempted murderer by giving him clippers to cut his hair and helping to change the appearance of his car has been spared jail.
Michelle Wrightson came to the aid of John Dees, 34, who caused permanent injuries to Darren March in October last year after shooting him to the chest on a busy street in Washington in broad daylight.
Newcastle Crown Court heard that Dees was a longterm friend of Wrightson, and went to visit her after the violence took place to seek help.
Kevin Wardlaw, prosecuting, told the court that during a short series of text messages between Dees' partner and Wrightson it was arranged they would come over to her property, before the changes to the car were made and the weapon hidden.
He said: "At the time Dees was driving a black Scirocco motor car registered to his partner.
"This car was silver, however, the appearance had been altered by adding a silver wrap."
Mr Wardlaw told the court that three people were later seen working on the car - one of whom was Wrightson outside of her address.
It was also heard Wrightson acquired some clippers which were used to alter the way Dees looked.
However, despite the attempts at disguise, police attended Dees’ address the following day where they arrested him on suspicion of attempted murder. He was later jailed for 21 years.
Mr Ward law added :" A subsequent search of the address next door to the defendant showed the shotgun.
"This address was under renovation and the defendant had control of this premises at this time.
"She stated she was aware of animosity between Dees and the victim but was unaware of the shooting."
Wright son originally claimed she only became aware of the shooting over time, but later accepted she knew about it all along but was in a state of shock.
"The defendant stated she acted in this manner because she panicked and her misplaced loyalty, as she believed Dees would not do the same for her," said Mr Wardlaw
The prosecution accepted that despite the offence, Wrightson's actions did not impede the police investigation to a great extent.
The 38-year-old, of Gill Crescent South, Fencehouses, pleaded guilty to assisting an offender. The court heard she is of previous good character barring one caution.
Jamie Adams, mitigating, told the court :" It wasn't a case of a well planned attempt to prevent justice at all – it was done in desperation when John Dees came to her house – he was a regular visitor there.
"He came to her house and put her in a complete state of panic. She was in the process of renovating next door for her daughter who has all sorts of difficulties.
"When she was contacted she really was in a state of panic."
Mr Adams also told the court of the troubles she has faced in the past, including being abused by her ex-partner. He added that her daughter heavily relies on her as she suffers from learning difficulties.
Wrightson was also made subject to an electronically monitored curfew for nine months as well as 15 days rehabilitation requirements.