Murderer of Newcastle man Bradley Tams jailed for life

Just before midnight on December 6, 2023 police found Bradley Tams with serious stab injuries on Cartmel Green in Slatyford. He sadly died at the scene.

CCTV Footage showed his killer Gavin Train, 24, along with his mum Andrea and friend Lewis Allison fleeing the scene.

Police discovered Train had sought revenge for a previous dispute, and had followed Bradley’s taxi in a car before confronting him.

Bradley Tams. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

Bradley suffered a single wound to his side and escaped into a nearby block of flats, but died a short time later despite the efforts of paramedics.

Train admitted murder when he appeared before Newcastle Crown Court last month. Appearing before the same court on Monday (July 22) he was jailed for life. He will have to serve at least 21 years.

Gavin Train. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

Speaking after the sentencing Bradley’s family said their lives changed forever when they learnt of his murder.

His mum Julie Weatherson said: “My life changed forever when Bradley was born. I cannot describe the love I felt when he was first placed into my arms.

“From a young age Bradley was full of character and always had lots of friends. I would describe Bradley as the life and soul of the party and always the joker. He loved and adored his family and would do anything for us.

“Since Bradley was taken from me, my life has not been the same. I am not the same person – a part of me died when Bradley died.

Bradley with mum Julie Weatherson. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

“Every day is a struggle for me, but I know I have to be strong for the sake of my other children. All of them are hurting and grieving the loss of their brother.

“This hurts me when I see how much pain they are in. No parent should ever have to experience the death of their child and arrange their funeral. My heart feels like it's been broken into a million pieces.

“I'd give anything to be able to speak to my beautiful boy one last time.

“Bradley wasn't a saint and did have his own issues prior to his death but I always knew how much he loved and cared for me.

“People say that time is a healer, but I am yet to experience this. I miss my handsome boy every second of every day.”

Lewis Allison. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

Train’s friend Allison, 24, of Roundhill Avenue, Blakelaw, and mum Andrea Train, 49, of Rothay Place, Newcastle, both pleaded guilty to charges of violent disorder at the same hearing last month.

Andrea Train. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

Andrea Train was jailed for three years and four months, with half of the term to be served on licence. Allison was handed the same sentence, and ordered to serve a further six months in custody for a separate offence of breaching a community order.

Bradley’s eldest sister Lauren added: “Bradley was the closest thing I had left of my father.

Recommended reading:

• Moment moronic youngster runs over live train tracks at Newton Aycliffe station
•  
• Ben Houchen urges Tory leadership frontrunner to conduct contest 'with civility'
• Newton Aycliffe family business has '£1m worth of Pokemon cards' stolen

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Get access for 4 months for just £4, or get 40% off an annual subscription with our latest offer. Click here.

“My brother and I grew up side by side having only 14 months between us. He lit up every room he stepped in, he was always so full of life.

Bradley Tams with sisters Lauren Weatherson (L), Kelsey Weatherson (C), and Elliemae Weatherson. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

“My nights have become sleepless, my days have become tiresome. I am constantly thinking about my brother's last moments in life and the pain he would have felt physically and emotionally.

“Any homicide would be difficult to get past but the people responsible in my brother’s case makes this a whole lot worse. My brother was killed by people he would have called his best friends.

“I am not the same person anymore, no one in my family is. We are all broken.

“One thing I wish for in the future is for these people to think about their actions so that another family doesn't have to go through the pain and grief my family and I have.”