Grieving son '˜putting himself right' after stresses of his dad's murder land him in court

David Richardson committed a number of offences in the wake of the trial of his dad David ‘Boff’ Walsh’s killers, Sunderland magistrates heard.

The 26-year-old had gone through the stress of giving evidence at Newcastle Crown Court, which saw three men given substantial prison sentences for their part in the killing, the bench was told.

Prosecutor Laura Lax said Richardson was spotted by police as he drove a VW Polo into the Vane Tempest carpark in Seaham at 3.30am on July 4.

“The officer spoke to him and he gave his details as Aaron Richardson,” Miss Lax said. “When he was asked what he was doing he stared blankly at the officer.

“He smelled strongly of alcohol and there was a half-empty bottle of wine on the passenger seat. He stated that he was waiting for his friend.”

Richardson was arrested and taken into custody, there he tested 112mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood – the legal limit being 80.

Miss Lax said police later received a report the same car had been stolen from outside a woman’s address.

She added that Richardson had given officers false details, pretending to be his brother Aaron, which also caused him to be arrested.

David Richardson was arrested on October 16, in the intervening period he had appeared in court for other offences and served a prison sentence, for which he is currently on licence.

The defendant, of Fuller Road, Hendon, admitted theft of a car, drink-driving, driving whilst disqualified, having no insurance and obstructing a police officer.

Jason Smith, defending, said: “This all occurred after the untimely death of Mr Richardson’s father who was murdered last year.

“This occurred round about the trial of the individuals who were charged with Mr Richardson’s father’s murder

“He was required to give evidence in relation to some parts of the trial and as you can imagine it’s affected his behaviour.

“David has served a bit of time in relation to the offences that subsequently occurred.

“It has had the effect on him of putting himself right.

“All these offences predate these matters, which should perhaps have been dealt with at the same time and no additional penalty would perhaps have been imposed.”

Richardson was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and an existing driving ban was extended by 12 months, to four years.

He was also told to pay £85 costs and £115 surcharge.