Five to Face Trial Over Hearse Stunt on Football Pitch
Accused deny charges including conspiracy to murder and involvement in organised crime.
Five men are scheduled to stand trial next year following an investigation into a series of offenses, including a stunt where a hearse was driven onto a football pitch. Darren Kay, Graeme Rutherford, John Wright, Iain Boddy, and Carl Barron were arrested in connection with incidents that occurred across the North East of England during the summer of 2023.
On July 21, 2023, two vehicles, a Subaru and a hearse, performed 'donuts' on the pitch of Dunston UTS Football Club during the half-time interval of a pre-season friendly against Gateshead. Following the maneuver, individuals wearing balaclavas emerged from the hearse, distributed leaflets, and fled in the Subaru. The leaflets reportedly contained serious allegations against two individuals. The hearse was left on the pitch, leading to the abandonment of the match.
Police stated that the investigation, dubbed Operation Sentinel, also encompassed reports of criminal damage at addresses in the Dunston and Byker areas of Newcastle, and the theft of a vehicle from the Durham area. Northumbria Police have described these incidents as connected.
During a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court, all five defendants entered not guilty pleas to the charges they face. Kay, 31, denied conspiracy to make threats to kill. Rutherford, 54, denied two counts of conspiracy to damage property and conspiracy to make threats to kill. Wright, 42, denied two counts of conspiracy to damage property, conspiracy to make threats to kill, and conspiracy to steal. Boddy, 44, denied conspiracy to steal and participating in the activities of an organised crime group. Barron, 43, denied two counts of conspiracy to damage property, conspiracy to make threats to kill, and conspiracy to steal.
Judge Gavin Doig set the trial date for November 1 of next year, estimating it would last four weeks. Detective Chief Inspector David Johnson of Northumbria Police commented on the complexity and length of the investigation, emphasizing that it has been treated as interconnected from its inception. He also urged the public to refrain from speculation that could prejudice the ongoing legal proceedings.
