Teenage Girl Kidnapped at Knifepoint in Newcastle's West End in Mistaken Identity Attack
A chilling case of mistaken identity unfolded in Newcastle's West End when an 18-year-old girl was violently kidnapped at knifepoint by two men, a court has heard. The teenager was walking to a local shop on Stanhope Way on May 8 last year when she found herself caught in the middle of a confrontation between rival groups that had nothing to do with her.
Terrifying Ordeal with a Knife to Her Throat
The victim noticed three men approaching her, with one carrying a pole. They appeared to be shouting, prompting her to remove her headphones. Tommy Burns, who had blood coming from his nose and was armed with the pole, suddenly grabbed her and demanded, "tell us where they are." When she replied that she didn't know who they were talking about, the situation escalated dramatically.
Sean Burns, wearing a balaclava, then seized her by the hair, pulled her head up, and held a knife to her throat. He threatened to slit her throat if she didn't reveal the location of the people they were seeking. The terrified teenager repeated that she had no knowledge of their targets and had simply left her house. The assailants then dragged her into a nearby alleyway with the knife still pressed against her throat.
Intervention and Aftermath
The attack lasted only 42 seconds, with Tommy Burns holding the victim for approximately nine seconds. It ended when a man came around the corner and intervened, telling the attackers to leave her alone and confirming she wasn't the person they were after. Tommy Burns responded with expletives and chased after the man.
After the ordeal, the teenager called her mother to explain what had happened. When they returned to the scene, they witnessed a "big fight" taking place. Upon arriving home, the girl discovered blood on her hands and clothing from one of the attackers. Although she escaped serious physical injury, she suffered bruising and pain.
Psychological Impact and Legal Proceedings
The psychological impact has been severe. The victim reported being "petrified" during the attack, not knowing what would happen to her. She has since experienced flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, and has been prescribed medication. The trauma has also affected her studies, Newcastle Crown Court was told.
When police arrived at the scene, they found Sean Burns receiving first aid on a basketball court after being stabbed in the torso under his armpit, sustaining a life-threatening injury.
Criminal Histories and Sentencing
Both attackers have significant criminal records. Sean Burns, 35, from Arthurs Hill, Newcastle, has 17 previous convictions, including possessing cocaine with intent to supply and wounding with intent, for which he served an eight-year prison sentence. Tommy Burns, 30, also from Arthurs Hill, has 11 previous convictions, including attempted robbery, and was on a suspended sentence for racially aggravated common assault at the time of the incident.
Both men pleaded guilty to kidnap. Sean Burns was sentenced to 39 months in prison, while Tommy Burns received a three-year sentence. Additionally, they were both issued with 10-year restraining orders to protect the victim.
Defence Arguments
Nick Lane, representing Sean Burns, emphasized that the incident was a case of mistaken identity and that "there was clearly something else going on in the background." He noted that Sean Burns suffered a life-threatening injury that night and has a low IQ, PTSD, and depression.
Gordon Carse, for Tommy Burns, highlighted the brief duration of the attack and pointed out that the victim suffered no injuries. He stated, "It happened in the heat of the moment because of mistaken identity."
