Four men who ambushed Anthony Dickons in a Middlesbrough car park, killing him with machetes and a pellet gun, have been sentenced to life imprisonment. The attack occurred on November 6 last year at Orme Court, where the victim, 44, was targeted alongside a friend.
Attack Details
The gang—Morgan Caldwell, 26; Dominic Hall, 24; Daniel Simpson, 32; and Kole James, 18—waited in a Chevrolet before ramming Anthony's reversing vehicle. They then smashed the car windows and attacked the occupants. Footage shown to the jury revealed Hall repeatedly stabbing through the driver's window, James hitting the window, Caldwell thrusting a machete through the passenger window where Anthony sat, while Simpson stood watching.
Anthony sustained a leg injury from the stabbing and died nine days later in hospital.
Sentences Handed Down
On Monday, the gang was sentenced. Caldwell, convicted of murder and grievous bodily harm, received life with a minimum of 30 years. Hall, convicted of the same charges, received life with a minimum of 28 years. James, also convicted of murder and grievous bodily harm, received life with a minimum of 26 years. Simpson, convicted of manslaughter and grievous bodily harm, was jailed for 14 years.
Family's Grief
Anthony's family stated: “Sitting through the trial has been one of the hardest things we as a family have ever had to do. And now we live with the life sentence that has been inflicted upon us. Our hearts are broken; our lives will never be the same, and our home feels empty without Anthony who has been robbed of a life of love and laughter.”
Police Response
Detective Superintendent Deb Fenny of Cleveland Police said: “This investigation was particularly distressing, involving an extreme level of violence inflicted upon two vulnerable men who were trapped inside a vehicle with no means of escape or protection. Anthony and the other man stood little chance against Hall, James, Caldwell and Simpson as their vehicle was deliberately rammed, its windows smashed, and the occupants trapped before being subjected to a brutal attack with machetes.
“The attack left one man with serious and lasting injuries and tragically cost Anthony his life. The loss of any loved one leaves a void that can never truly be filled. However, for a family to know that their son, brother, father, uncle and friend died in such horrific circumstances is simply unimaginable.
“Nothing can undo the devastating loss suffered by Anthony’s family, nor can any sentence ever bring him back. However, today’s outcome ensures that Hall, James, Caldwell and Simpson have been held accountable for their actions on that night. It also demonstrates that the jury carefully considered the evidence before.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this complex investigation and subsequent prosecution. From the first responding police officers and paramedics, who worked tirelessly in their efforts to save Anthony’s life, to the detectives, forensic specialists and support staff who painstakingly gathered and analysed the evidence, every individual played a vital role.
“In particular, I would like to recognise the officer in the case, PSI Paul Richardson, whose unwavering commitment, professionalism and determination were instrumental in building and presenting a compelling evidential case. I am also extremely grateful to the Crown Prosecution Service and King’s Counsel for their expertise, dedication and professionalism in securing these convictions.
“While no outcome can ever repair the profound loss experienced by Anthony’s family, I hope today’s verdict provides them with some measure of justice and reassurance that those responsible have been brought before the courts and held to account for their actions.”
