Teen Mugged by 14-Member Balaclava Gang in Newcastle City Centre
A teenager was brutally assaulted and robbed by a gang of 14 individuals wearing balaclavas in Newcastle city centre. The victim, a 16-year-old boy, was attacked after being followed from a McDonald’s on Northumberland Street.
Details of the Attack
The incident took place on January 14, 2023. The victim and his friend had attracted the attention of the gang while on their way to the fast-food restaurant. Comments about the victim’s £250 Trapstar coat quickly escalated into a frightening ordeal.
Despite trying to evade the gang, the teenager found himself surrounded. The assailants pinned him against a fence and assaulted him, causing injuries including a split lip. They stole his coat, phone, and bag while threatening him with a knife.
Moufareh’s Involvement
One member of the gang, 19-year-old Mohammed Moufareh, was apprehended shortly after the robbery. He was caught wearing the stolen coat and was found to have the victim’s phone hidden nearby. When the police stopped him, he attempted to flee but was detained.
- Victim’s Age: 16 years old
- Incident Date: January 14, 2023
- Value of Stolen Coat: £250
- Value of Stolen Phone: £600
- Moufareh’s Sentence: 4 years and 8 months
Criminal Activities
Moufareh was also found guilty of drug-related offenses. He had crack cocaine worth £100 and was carrying a bottle containing ammonia at the time of his arrest. Evidence of his involvement in drug dealing included messages on his phone advertising drugs for sale.
Legal Proceedings
Moufareh pleaded guilty to robbery, drug offenses, and possession of an offensive weapon at Newcastle Crown Court. His accomplice, Kalalu Berhane, was convicted of handling stolen goods. While Moufareh received a significant prison sentence, Berhane was given a community order.
Both defendants expressed intentions to pursue education and future careers upon their release. Moufareh aims to start a barbering career and attend university.
Impact on the Victim
The victim shared his ordeal through a statement, highlighting the emotional and physical scars left by the assault. He described feeling threatened and traumatized, emphasizing the impact of being attacked by a much larger group.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers present in urban environments and the troubling presence of organized street crime.
