Glowing character references have been read out in court about John Henry Sayers' son, including from a retired nurse who holds an OBE. The statements were presented to a jury at the Old Bailey in London as part of the defence case for John Henry Sayers junior.
The father and son, aged 62 and 29 respectively, deny causing grievous bodily harm with intent to arsonist Walter Patterson. Jurors have heard they allegedly attacked Patterson with a machete and metal pole after catching him setting fire to a Range Rover that had been rammed into their home in Byker, Newcastle.
Background of attacks
The Central Criminal Court heard that this incident was the latest in a series of attacks on the Sayers family by an organised crime group named in court as the Freemans. The court was told that Sayers senior had not responded with violence in the previous three years, during which time he had been warned his life was in danger and his mother's grave had been vandalised.
Four character references were read on behalf of Sayers junior. One man, who knows him professionally and personally, described him as polite, respectful, and well-mannered. He said Sayers worked under him and had a strong work ethic, adding: “Nothing was ever too much trouble for him. He was reliable, hard-working and would go the extra mile to ensure responsibilities were completed to a high standard.”
The same man added: “I’ve also come to know John as a friend and found him trustworthy, considerate and supportive of others. He shows genuine respect for those around him and takes pride in doing the right thing. I firmly believe he is a good individual who contributes positively to those around me. I’ve no hesitation in supporting John and vouching for his character.”
Further endorsements
Another reference came from the managing director of a company where Sayers junior worked. He said Sayers “consistently demonstrated reliability, honesty and a strong work ethic” and has always been “considerate, polite and respectful”. He added: “While I’m aware of the current matter, I can only speak to the character I’ve witnessed over many years. He is fundamentally decent.”
A family friend who has known Sayers junior for 12 years said that in her first encounter with him, she was struck by how “well-mannered this young gentleman was”. She said everything he does is for the benefit of his family and that he is hard-working.
A retired nurse with an OBE, who has known Sayers junior for at least 15 years, stated: “He is always polite, respectful and behaves appropriately. When I have been out with him he has always been polite and respectful. He understands how important it is to support people who need help.”
Legal proceedings continue
Judge Philip Katz KC informed jurors that they will hear no more evidence in the case. The next stage involves the judge giving legal directions, followed by closing speeches from barristers before the judge sums up the evidence and issues for the jury to consider. The judge explained: “The purpose of the closing speeches is for each side to make comments to you about the evidence and put arguments to you and invite you to look at the evidence in a particular way from their respective positions.”
Previously, jurors were read a number of “agreed facts” – matters not in dispute between prosecution and defence. These included details of previous attacks on the Sayers family, some of which cannot be reported due to reporting restrictions.
Junior prosecutor James Yearsley said a “number of individuals are known to be associated with the Freeman organised crime group”. He stated the group has a hierarchy and that someone called John Freeman controlled the incidents against the Sayers family. He named other members of the Freeman family and others involved in the crime group.
Police were aware from 2022 that the organised crime group was behind a number of incidents targeting the Sayers family. In September 2022, a retail van owned by Sayers junior was approached by masked men on an off-road bike in Newcastle city centre; they poured accelerant on the van and set it on fire before leaving. In May 2023, a truck was reversed into the gable end of the home of Stephen Sayers and his partner, who were both present. It hit an area containing gas and electricity meters, creating sparks and causing a fire in the property.
In October 2024, Sayers senior reported that his mother’s grave was vandalised with spray paint; no one has been arrested or prosecuted for that. On January 31 last year, Sayers junior’s VW Golf was set on fire outside their home.
Mr Yearsley said police had information that there was a rumour an organised crime group was recruiting someone to murder Sayers senior. He added that there is no evidence either defendant sought to respond to the attacks with violence. He further stated: “The police had information the same group responsible for (an earlier attack on Sayers) had been discussing finishing the job, with this potentially happening in the presence of his children.”
Police told Sayers he was at risk of being killed. He was later issued with a further notice that he and his family were at risk, stating: “Northumbria Police are in receipt of information that a member of the Sayers family is at risk of serious harm.”
The trial continues.
