North East Teen Jailed for Carrying Knife and Drugs While on Bail

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An 18-year-old from Newcastle has been sentenced after being found carrying a knife and cannabis at a building site near the popular Northumberland landmark, Northumberlandia. Callum Duncan, of Fawdon Lane, was already on bail for several offences when security staff spotted him trespassing at the site in Cramlington, leading to his arrest on June 29, 2025.

Police were called after security guards noticed three males had gained unauthorised access to the construction site. Upon arrival, officers detained Duncan and found a folding pocket knife and cannabis in his possession. At the time, he was still awaiting trial for previous offences, including possession of cannabis, driving without a licence or insurance, and refusing to provide a blood sample for drug analysis.

Prosecutor Chike Anieto outlined how Duncan was first stopped by police in West Denton earlier that year on January 5, 2025. Duncan had been driving a Toyota Yaris without a valid licence or insurance and fled when officers attempted to stop him. He was later caught and found to be in possession of cannabis. Additionally, he refused to provide a blood sample when requested at the police station.

While on bail for these offences, Duncan committed further offences by trespassing on the building site beside Northumberlandia and carrying illegal items. The court was told Duncan pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article, possession of a Class B drug (cannabis), failing to provide a specimen of blood, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance.

Defence barrister James Rickerby described Duncan as remorseful, citing his immaturity and willingness to accept responsibility. He stated: “He realises he should not have done any of this – he was not thinking right. It was mostly down to immaturity. He’s pleaded guilty to all offences at the first opportunity and deserves full credit for that.”

Duncan was handed an 18-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work, pay £85 in court costs, and a £154 victim surcharge. In addition, Duncan received a 24-month driving ban.