Middlesbrough man found in Kent after going on the run

Josh Blackston went on the run before he was sentenced to more than six years in prison in his absence.

The 23-year-old was found hiding in the Kent area more than a month after fleeing Middlesbrough when he was due to be sentenced.

He was one of five-members of a lager-swilling gang who violently attacked the officers when they were called to a disturbance in Hemlington in the early hours of November 26 last year.

The 23-year-old, of Fonteyn Court, Middlesbrough, was jailed for six years and one month in his absence after pleading guilty to wounding with intent and violent disorder.

Last month, Judge Chris Smith labelled the outbreak of violence, near Fonteyn Court, as disgraceful as he sentenced the group of thugs.

“Each of you played your parts in what was a pitched battle with those two police officers,” he said.

“You armed yourselves with an array of makeshift weapons, grabbing whatever was close to hand, beer cans, bottles, rocks, bricks and lumps of concrete, in a disgraceful piece of mob violence.

“None of you showed any respect for those police officers. Each of you showed a complete disregard for the rule of law, instead, choosing to engage in an unattractive and frightening piece of public disorder.

“Each of you represents a stain on the hardworking and law-abiding community of Hemlington. This troubling piece of anti-social behaviour has to be met with significant custodial sentences.”

The judge had watched shocking CCTV footage showing one of the officers repeatedly trying to force the gang to move away from the area while his baton was fully extended while objects are being thrown at his head and body.

The officer suffered significant injuries and is waiting to be discharged from the force due to trauma and the impact the attack had on his physical wellbeing.

Gang of lager-swilling thugs jailed for 20 years for violent attack on police (Image: Newsquest)

Teesside Crown Court had heard how some of the gang armed themselves with a variety of missiles before launching them at the officer’s head from just metres away.

See more court stories from The Northern Echo by clicking here

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Craig Bradley, of Fonteyn Court, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to resist arrest and violent disorder. The 36-year-old was sentenced to two years and ten months.

Macauley Owen, 26, from Alwinton Court, Ormesby, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and violent disorder. He was jailed for six years and one month.

Martin Rivers, of no fixed address but formerly of Alstread Court, Hemlington, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. He was sentenced to two years and five months.

Samuel Lane, 20, of Eddison Way, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and breach of a criminal behaviour order. He was sentenced to two years and ten months.