Trial Opens at Old Bailey
John Henry Sayers, 62, and his son John Henry Sayers junior, 29, are standing trial at the Old Bailey accused of grievous bodily harm with intent after a car was driven into a property in Byker, Newcastle, and set alight. The father and son both deny the charges.
According to prosecutor Matthew Bean KC, the incident occurred on 2nd February 2025 outside Lou's Diner, the family-run restaurant above which Sayers senior lived. The alleged victim, Walter Patterson, was seriously assaulted in what the prosecution describes as a joint attack by both men.
Charges and Weapons
In addition to GBH with intent, each defendant faces a charge of possession of an offensive weapon. Sayers senior is accused of possessing a machete, while his son is alleged to have had a metal bar. Police were called to the Fossway after a vehicle collided with the building and was set alight. A man in his 30s was taken to hospital with injuries.
Court Proceedings
The jury was shown images of Lou's Diner on the Fossway in Newcastle. Matthew Bean KC opened the case, stating: "The prosecution say in February 2025, the first defendant John Sayers senior lived at an address in Newcastle that was above their family run restaurant, that’s called Lou's Diner. The second defendant is his son, John Sayers junior." He added: "This offence involves an allegation that, on 2nd February 2025, they seriously assaulted a male called Walter Patterson outside Lou's Diner. The prosecution say this was a joint attack, with both men acting together, and that, not only did they cause Walter Patterson grievous bodily harm, that is really serious bodily harm, but that they intended to cause him such harm during the attack."
Both defendants, of the Fossway, Byker, Newcastle, deny all charges. The trial continues.
