Some of the most high-profile cases of murders and killings from across the North East were heard in 2025. The year has been an extremely busy one for the region's courts, and many despicable murderers and killers have been dealt with by judges.
This year saw cases that completely shocked Chronicle Live readers. Many were stunned to hear of the murder of Barry Dawson in his own home, or the teenage killer who caused the death of a hero soldier in a one-punch attack.
The majority of those responsible for taking another's life have been dealt with appropriately, receiving life sentences. Other offenders will be spending a long time in Youth Offender Institutions.
Here are some of the most high-profile cases involving murders and killings to have been heard in 2025:
Ben Hughes
Mum Laura Robson was stabbed and slashed 27 times by brutal murderer, Ben Hughes, who told her "you're going to die" as she screamed for help. Ms Robson had only properly met Hughes the day before her death and they got on well and it appeared they were at the beginning of a relationship. But on her second night at his flat in Gateshead, he murdered her for no apparent reason.(Image: Northumbria Police Copyright – No Reproduction Without Permission)
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The teenage killers
Kriesha Stroud was just 15 when she recruited boyfriend Jordan Tams, 18, and Leandro Lopes, 18, to attack Gary Belfield and his son, Luke Williams, in a "senseless" attack in their home in Gateshead. After organising the fatal attack at the father and son's home in Felling, Gateshead, Stroud was later covertly recorded as saying she was "glad" Mr Belfield died and "disappointed" his son had survived. The trio were locked up for at least 72 years. Tams later died while locked up.(Image: Northumbria Police)
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Mason Ibbotson
Mason Ibbotson was locked up for the manslaughter of dad-of-four, Corporal Shaun Roberts, known as Robbo. The victim was enjoying a night out with army colleagues while training in the North East when they appear to have been singled out for not being local. Ibbotson killed him in a one punch attack and 'celebrated' knocking him out.(Image: Northumbria Police)
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Ian Black
Ian Black brutally stamped and kicked a much-loved dad to death just 12 days after his son was born and was jailed for life. Black saw red after being accused of infidelity in a hospital toilet and savagely set upon Christopher Henderson for sharing the allegation with his fiance, who was Mr Henderson's stepdaughter. In a prolonged onslaught caught on CCTV, Black delivered 20 kicks and stamps, mainly to his head after he had been knocked out.(Image: Northumbria Police)