Sunderland men jailed for attack on rival

Feb 27 2009 By ncjMedia Newsdesk

THREE Sunderland men who attacked members of a rival security firm as their car was stopped at traffic lights were jailed today.

John Chisholm, 49, of Lyndhurst Terrace, Pallion, was given an indeterminate sentence with a minimum of five years for the offence of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and violent disorder. On release he will be on licence for 10 years.

John Chisholm Jr, 27, of Granville Street, Millfield, and associate Carl Waters, 45, of Bancroft Terrace, Ford Estate, were both jailed for 18 months for violent disorder.

The charges relate to an incident on May 24 2007when the trio attacked Robert Anderson and his passenger Alan Smart in their BMW as they were stopped at traffic lights on Hylton Road.

Chisholm Jnr and Carl Waters had already pleaded guilty to violent disorder and were remanded in custody until sentencing, which took place at the conclusion of the trial of Chisholm Snr today.

Detective Superintendent Barbara Franklin of Northumbria Police said: "We are pleased with the sentence passed down to these three men today.

"This has been a lengthy and complex investigation carried out by detectives at Sunderland Area Command.

"I would like to extend my thanks to everyone involved in the investigation and subsequent trial. Their hard work has greatly assisted us to secure the conviction of these violent men and helped in making Sunderland a safer place for its residents."

Sunderland Area Commander Dave Pryer added: "These sentences today send a clear message that Sunderland Area Command will hunt down and pursue to conviction any individual who resorts to violence on our streets.

"This assault is the result of a long running dispute between members of two rival security firms and incidents of this nature remain uncommon in Sunderland."

"Although we continue to work closely with all local security firms, today's result demonstrates that we will take tough action against any firm committing crime or causing disorder.

"Any criminal who considers themselves untouchable or above the law will certainly find no comfort in this city. Police will continue to work tirelessly to maintain Sunderland's deserved reputation as a safe city in which to live, work or visit."