Teenagers convicted of climbing crane at Port of Sunderland

One of the defendants was also successfully prosecuted for using “indecent, obscene, profane or offensive language” towards an employee during the Port of Sunderland incident.

The case has prompted a warning from Sunderland City Council that similar “breaches will be prosecuted as criminal matters”.

Tougher penalties are also under consideration as part of potential new bylaws.

South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was told that the incident occurred at Corporation Quay on May 12 last year.

Reece Duffy, 19, of Harbour View, Roker, Sunderland, was fined £60 and ordered to pay a £34 victim surcharge and £60 costs after it was proved that he breached three Port of Sunderland bylaws by entering the docks, climbing a crane and using obscene language.

Anthony James, 18, of also of Harbour View, was fined £40 and ordered to pay a £34 victim surcharge and £60 costs after it was proved that he breached two bylaws by entering the docks and climbing the same crane.

The pair were convicted in their absence and it is not known how high they climbed.

A spokesman for Sunderland City Council, which owns the port, said afterwards: “The port estate is an operational working area, subject to strict security measures and health and safety requirements.

“Members of the public are therefore prohibited from entering the port without authority and breaches will be prosecuted as criminal matters.

“Subject to further consultation and legal processes, new port by-laws are being considered that will increase penalties for all offences, including unlawful access.”

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