Gang Violence Horror in Southwick – Daredevil Driver Tried to Kill!
Deadly Chase Through Streets
David ‘Porky’ Clark unleashed chaos across Southwick on the night of April 5, 2020. Behind the wheel of a Mercedes, Clark led a convoy that targeted a man standing in the road on Ridley Street. The gang tried to run him down in cold blood.
When the victim sped off in a silver hatchback, Clark and an accomplice slammed their cars into his vehicle – and then crashed into a parked car nearby. Terrified families watched in horror as the carnage unfolded right outside their homes.
Machete Attack Caught on Beaumont Street
Clark’s violence didn’t stop there. Alongside Shaun Hewitt, Shaun McGregor, and Leigh Coulson, he ambushed Luke Owen on Beaumont Street. Owen was carrying a machete but was overpowered, disarmed, and viciously stabbed. He suffered serious leg injuries and deep cuts across his face in the brutal assault.
Threats and Arson Rampage
Earlier that night, Clark’s girlfriend, Coulson, threatened a resident on Ridley Street, warning he’d be “burnt to a crisp” and that a car would be driven through his living room. Horrifyingly, a vehicle was later reversed into the man’s front door and set ablaze by unknown attackers.
Justice on the Horizon
Clark, 36, and four accomplices face jail after admitting multiple offences. Clark pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, violent disorder, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Newcastle Crown Court. Coulson, Hewitt, McGregor, and Owen also admitted violent disorder and related charges.
The gang’s sentencing is set for May 4. Detective Inspector Andy Richardson of Northumbria Police slammed the violence as “absolutely appalling” and promised the criminals would be taken off the streets.
“Clark was at the centre of these incidents and should be ashamed. We won’t tolerate this kind of violence in our communities,” DI Richardson said.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness added:
“These crimes are unacceptable. sunderland/" title="Sunderland" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Sunderland will be safer without these callous offenders. We’re committed to tackling organised crime and protecting our communities.”
Community Urged to Speak Up
Local residents worried about crime can contact neighbourhood officers based at the Salvation Army building in Austin House on Ridley Street. Police stress that information from the public is vital to clamp down on violent gangs causing terror in their area.
