Gang sentenced after brutal machete attack left man dead
Anthony Dickons died nine days after he was attacked with machetes while trapped inside a car, with four men now sentenced over the killing.
On November 6, 2025, Anthony Dickons, from Middlesbrough, was sat inside a vehicle surrounded by Morgan Caldwell, Dominic Hall, Daniel Simpson and Kole James who were armed with knives and a pellet gun.
While the 44-year-old was trapped inside, he was struck with the machete, causing a significant wound to his leg.
He was taken to hospital where he sadly died nine days later.
On Monday (Jul 20) all four men appeared at Teesside Crown Court to be sentenced.
This came after a three-week trial in May where a jury found Caldwell, Hall and Kole guilty of murder. Simpson was found guilty of manslaughter.
During the trial, the court heard how the gang waited in a Chevrolet car until Anthony and his friend arrived in a VW Passat at Orme Court on November 6, last year.
As the pair reversed their vehicle into a parking space, it was quickly rammed by the Chevrolet, and the group swiftly exited the vehicle.
Footage played to the jury showed the men surround the car and smash its windows before beginning their attack on the men trapped inside.
Hall could be seen repeatedly stabbing through the driver’s window along with the teenage boy hitting the windscreen.
Caldwell was captured pushing the machete through the passenger window where Anthony was sitting while Simpson stood next to him watching the attack take place.
Morgan Caldwell, 26 from Middlesbrough was found guilty of murder and grievous bodily harm. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and will serve 30 years behind bars.
Dominic Hall, 24 from Middlesbrough was found guilty of murder and grievous bodily harm. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and will serve 28 years behind bars.
Daniel Simpson, 32 from Middlesbrough was found guilty of manslaughter and grievous bodily harm. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and will serve 26 years behind bars.
Kole James, 18 from Middlesbrough was found guilty of murder and grievous bodily harm. He was sentenced to 14 years.
During the sentencing, Anthony’s family said: “Sitting through the trial has been one of the hardest things we as a family have ever had to do.
“And now we live with the life sentence that has been inflicted upon us.
“Our hearts are broken; our lives will never be the same, and our home feels empty without Anthony who has been robbed of a life of love and laughter.”
They were also convicted of causing grievous bodily harm to Anthony’s friend, a 44-year-old man from North Ormesby, who was in the vehicle at the time.
T/Detective Superintendent Deb Fenny, Head of Cleveland Police’s Major Serious and Organised Crime Team and Senior Investigating Officer, said: “This investigation was particularly distressing, involving an extreme level of violence inflicted upon two vulnerable men who were trapped inside a vehicle with no means of escape or protection.
“Anthony and the other man stood little chance against Hall, James, Caldwell and Simpson as their vehicle was deliberately rammed, its windows smashed, and the occupants trapped before being subjected to a brutal attack with machetes.
“The attack left one man with serious and lasting injuries and tragically cost Anthony his life.
“The loss of any loved one leaves a void that can never truly be filled.
“However, for a family to know that their son, brother, father, uncle and friend died in such horrific circumstances is simply unimaginable. The impact of Anthony’s death on those who knew and loved him cannot be overstated.
“Nothing can undo the devastating loss suffered by Anthony’s family, nor can any sentence ever bring him back.
“However, today’s outcome ensures that Hall, James, Caldwell and Simpson have been held accountable for their actions on that night. It also demonstrates that the jury carefully considered the evidence before.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this complex investigation and subsequent prosecution.
“From the first responding police officers and paramedics, who worked tirelessly in their efforts to save Anthony’s life, to the detectives, forensic specialists and support staff who painstakingly gathered and analysed the evidence, every individual played a vital role.
“In particular, I would like to recognise the officer in the case, PSI Paul Richardson, whose unwavering commitment, professionalism and determination were instrumental in building and presenting a compelling evidential case.
“I am also extremely grateful to the Crown Prosecution Service and King’s Counsel for their expertise, dedication and professionalism in securing these convictions.
“While no outcome can ever repair the profound loss experienced by Anthony’s family, I hope today’s verdict provides them with some measure of justice and reassurance that those responsible have been brought before the courts and held to account for their actions.”