Man jailed after brutal assault in South Tyneside
A man's been jailed for over 4 years, after an assault in South Tyneside, where he threw a kettle full of boiling water and salt over a man's head
Last updated 28th May 2026
A man's been jailed for 4 years, after a brutal assault on a man in South Tyneside, leaving him with permanent injuries.
Daniel Gaunt, 22, was at an address in Hebburn on September 21 last year.
Following a verbal argument, Gaunt went into the kitchen of the property, boiled the kettle, added salt, then went outside to the garden.
He then proceeded to throw the contents of the kettle over the man’s head – causing severe burns and blistering which required immediate hospital treatment.
After fleeing the scene following the assault and being marked as ‘most wanted’ by officers, Gaunt attempted to evade arrest by later giving false details to an officer conducting patrols.
Unluckily for Gaunt, the cool-headed cop was familiar with the people on his patch and trusted his instincts which stated Gaunt was lying – leading to his arrest.
In interview, Gaunt denied the offences starting that the water coming out the kettle was an accident, and he had only attempted to cause fear with his actions.
However, Gaunt, of no fixed abode, was subsequently charged with attempted grievous bodily harm with intent.
And, following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court in March, he was found unanimously guilty of the offence by a jury.
He returned to the same court today (Thursday), where he was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison. He will also spend a further four-and-a-half years on extended licence once he is released.
In charge of the investigation was Detective Sergeant Daniel Ross, from South Tyneside’s Criminal Investigation Department.
Speaking after Gaunt’s sentencing, he said: “This must have been a truly horrendous ordeal for the victim – who has been left with lifelong scars from Gaunt’s actions that day.
“Gaunt took the time to go back inside, and even add salt to the water, ensuring that the assault would do even more damage.
“He is clearly a very dangerous individuals and I am pleased he’s beginning a stint behind bars.
“Violence has absolutely no place in our communities, and we will continue to do everything in our power to bring those responsible for offences such as those carried out in this case before the courts to face justice.”