Two teenagers, one from Salford, have been convicted of manslaughter following the death of a teenager in Newcastle. On the evening of November 9, 2022, emergency services attended the Elswick area following a report of an assault. There they found 14-year-old Gordon Gault with a single stab wound to his upper right arm. Sadly, he died in hospital six days later. Following the attack, an investigation was launched by Northumbria Police, with officers piecing together what had happened. As a result of the complex investigation, six males – now aged between 16 and 18 – were all charged with murder. They were also charged with wounding with intent to commit grievous bodily harm in relation to a second victim, who suffered an injury to his back. They all denied both charges. As part of the investigation, a number of weapons were also recovered. During a trial at Newcastle Crown Court, the jury was told that Gordon was fatally wounded after an escalating dispute culminated in this violence. Gordon, at 14 years of age, was the youngest person present. One of those charged, 18-year-old Carlos Neto, from Salford, admitted injuring Gordon but claimed it was in self-defence. Today, following a trial, Neto, 18, of Manchester Road East, Little Hulton, and Lawson Natty, also 18, of Eastgarth, Newcastle, who supplied Neto with the machete used in the attack, were cleared of murder but have been convicted of manslaughter and unlawful wounding in relation to the second victim. Both men have been remanded in custody and are due to be sentenced at a later date. Four other teenagers, one aged 16, one aged 17 and two aged 18, were found not guilty of all charges. Following the conclusion of the trial, the Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Matt Steel, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an extremely tragic case in which a teenager, with his life ahead of him, had his future taken away. “Our thoughts very much remain with Gordon’s loved ones, who have been left devastated by their loss. We will continue to support them at this extremely difficult time. “Following this tragedy, officers have worked tirelessly for Gordon and his family. I thank them for their dedication and commitment. “Those convicted had a choice – they chose violence. Their lives and those of the people who care about them have also been changed by the decisions they made. “That should act as a lesson to anyone who goes out with a weapon, involves themselves in violence or encourages other to do so.” He added: “As a Force, we are committed to working with our partners to reduce the impact of knife crime. “But this is not an issue policing can tackle alone – as a society we must all come together to prevent violence. “This includes continuing to educate young people and talking about the pain and suffering caused by knife crime. “Our message to anyone who does pick up a weapon or involves themselves in violence is simple – think again. “Make that choice today for yourself, your family, your friends and your community.” Anyone who has information about someone carrying a weapon is encouraged to contact Northumbria Police via the ‘Report’ section on the website or by calling 101. In an emergency always dial 999. People can also share information anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
