Callum Ansell has been handed a suspended prison sentence after using stolen bank cards to make purchases at Greggs and a newsagents, following a robbery in Newcastle city centre. The 21-year-old was part of a group that dragged a man into a side alley off Clayton Street in the early hours of March 4, 2026, where the victim was punched in the face four times by a woman. CCTV footage showed Ansell throwing a punch and stealing the victim's wallet.
Victim alerted by phone notifications
The victim managed to run towards The Gate and reported the incident to security. Meanwhile, he received notifications on his mobile phone that his Monzo card had been used to spend £22.99 at News Express on Grainger Street and £3.79 at Greggs. A further attempted purchase of £23.49 at News Express was unsuccessful as the card had already been blocked.
Ansell was arrested after being identified from CCTV footage. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of a scissor blade. He was already serving a suspended sentence for common assault and two counts of common assault on emergency workers, relating to an incident in January 2026.
Defence cites homelessness and substance misuse
In mitigation, the defence argued that Ansell had suffered from homelessness and substance misuse. They noted that he had previously worked in demolition, roofing and bricklaying, had a positive attitude towards work, and had completed qualifications while in custody.
Ansell, who has nine previous convictions, was sentenced to 34 months in prison, suspended for three years, at Newcastle Crown Court. He was also ordered to undergo a six-month drug rehabilitation programme and complete 200 hours of unpaid work. The forfeiture and destruction of the scissor blade was ordered.
Judge warns of close call with custody
Mr Recorder R Stubbs told Ansell: 'I must warn you, you have come very close to custody today. If you want to be a support for your mother and see your son, you must comply with the order.'
