Jack Lawson jailed for 18 years

A man has been jailed for life today following the murder of Craig Yorke in Eldon Lane.

Mr Yorke was stabbed three times during the attack on common land near the High Street in the early hours of December 14 last year.

Despite the best efforts of the emergency services and passers-by who had answered his call for help, Craig sadly died a short time later from his injuries.

An investigation, led by Durham Constabulary’s Major Crime Team, was launched, and resulted in five people being arrested and charged with murder.

Following a seven-week trial at Teesside Crown Court in July, Jack Lawson, 18 was found guilty of murder.

The other three men and one boy were acquitted.

The police investigation uncovered phone messages about a planned fight at what is known locally as the ‘Old Lines’ in Eldon Lane on the evening of December 13.

Further calls and messages showed that Mr Yorke was not the intended target.

Jack Lawson pleaded guilty to manslaughter but claimed that he had not intended to kill or cause serious harm to Mr Yorke.

He had however unlawfully brought a knife to the scene of a fight, which he ultimately used to stab Mr Yorke during an outburst of extreme violence.

Lawson appeared at Teesside Crown Court today (October 7) and was jailed for a minimum of 18 years.

A Durham Constabulary spokesman said: “Carrying a knife can destroy lives. Every incident has a devastating impact on victims, families, and entire communities.

“We urge anyone thinking of carrying a knife to reconsider and seek support if they feel unsafe. If you are worried that someone you know is carrying a knife, don’t stay silent."

Call the police on 101 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.