Brutal Attack in Newcastle as Robbery Victim’s Partner Assaulted with Machete Amid Efforts to Drop Charges

A terrifying street assault unfolded in Newcastle when a robbery victim’s partner was viciously attacked with a machete after attempts to force the victim into dropping charges against her assailant escalated into violence. This shocking incident highlights the dangers victims face when standing up against their attackers and the lengths perpetrators will go to intimidate and silence them.

The Robbery That Sparked the Violence

On June 4, 2023, a woman in Newcastle was targeted by Ricky Coates and an accomplice while trying to get home. The victim was carrying hundreds of pounds in cash when Coates and the other man flagged down a taxi she intended to use. Despite her refusal to share the ride, the pair forcibly entered the taxi. During the ride, the accomplice urged Coates to grab the bag hidden in the victim’s trousers.

When she resisted, Coates responded with brutal force, punching her in the head and legs until he wrestled away the bag containing £600, house keys, and personal belongings. This violent robbery set off a chain of events leading to the harrowing attack months later.

Confrontation and Intimidation on Stanhope Street

While Coates was under police investigation for the robbery, he unexpectedly encountered the victim and her partner on February 8, 2024. The couple was standing outside a William Hill bookmaker’s shop in Newcastle’s West End when Coates approached them, accompanied by his young son.

According to court testimony, Coates confronted the woman about the charges she had brought against him. He declared his intent to plead not guilty and demanded she withdraw her support for the prosecution, attempting to intimidate her into dropping the case. When words escalated, Coates brandished a small penknife before fleeing briefly.

The Machete Attack That Shattered Lives

The situation worsened dramatically when Coates returned with another man wielding a machete. CCTV footage captured chilling scenes of the machete-wielding attacker striking the victim’s partner on the head. The man suffered a 3cm wound along with additional injuries during the violent assault near the bookmaker’s entrance.

The couple narrowly escaped back inside the shop, traumatized and shaken. The woman later described how the attack intensified her depression and anxiety, leaving her in constant fear and always looking over her shoulder.

Legal Consequences and Sentencing

Ricky Coates, 26, with a long history of 27 previous convictions including violent offenses and robbery, pleaded guilty to multiple charges—robbery, wounding, witness intimidation, and affray. Newcastle Crown Court sentenced him to 39 months in prison. Having already served 16 months on remand, he is expected to be released soon but remains under a strict ten-year restraining order.

During the trial, Coates’ defense lawyer acknowledged his remorse and efforts to address drug addiction while in custody. The defense also downplayed the force used with the machete, describing it as not swung very forcefully, though the injuries tell a different story.

A Grim Reminder of Victim Vulnerability

This violent episode serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability faced by victims of crime, particularly when they stand up against their attackers in the justice system. Intimidation and retaliation can come in brutal forms, making the pursuit of justice a daunting and dangerous path.

The Newcastle incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced protections for victims and their families, ensuring that standing up for justice does not come at the cost of safety and well-being.