A man who fired a handgun at another man during a violent confrontation in Byker, Newcastle, has been jailed for 12 years, Northumbria Police confirmed.

Stephen Thompson, 50, opened fire during a dispute on Headlam Green on 16 October 2024, leaving his victim injured but alive. The victim was treated in hospital and later discharged.

Arrest and Charges

Thompson was arrested soon after the shooting, with police discovering he was in possession of:

• A black handgun
• A bladed weapon
• A corrosive substance

He was charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of an offensive weapon, and grievous bodily harm with intent. He denied attempted murder but admitted to the lesser offence, which the Crown accepted.

Newcastle Crown Court Verdict

At Newcastle Crown Court on Friday, the judge sentenced Thompson to 12 years in custody, taking into account the serious danger posed by firearm use in a public place.

The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that Thompson’s plea deal avoided a lengthy trial while securing accountability.

Police Response and Community Impact

Northumbria Police reassured residents:

"Offences of this nature thankfully remain rare across the communities we serve."

Local officers credited forensics and eyewitness statements with securing a swift conviction.

The Firearms Surrender Campaign by Northumbria Police continues to target illegal weapon possession across the region.

UK Gun Crime in Context

• Firearm-related crime in the UK is 0.02 offences per 1,000 people, according to the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
• The Office for National Statistics reports a 7% drop in gun crime nationwide over the past decade.
• The Home Office invested £3 million in 2024 for illegal firearms prevention programmes.

Social Media Reactions

Locals took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice support:

"Glad justice was served in Byker. No place for guns on our streets."
"Well done to the police for acting fast."

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