Balaclava-Clad Thug Threatened to Kill Teen with Imitation Firearm During Redcar Shed Raid

A Redcar family was left so petrified by a terrifying confrontation with an armed intruder that they were forced to leave their home permanently, a court has heard.

The incident occurred on September 12, 2023, at a property on Langthwaite Walk in Redcar. A group of males wearing balaclavas was discovered by the homeowners attempting to break into their garden shed to steal bicycles. When the family confronted the group, one of the intruders, 25-year-old Lewis Dawson from Dormanstown, pulled up his balaclava and produced what appeared to be a handgun.

Dawson pointed the weapon directly at the family's 19-year-old daughter. He shouted terrifying verbal threats, telling the teenager that he would "kill her and the rest of her family" if she attempted to come outside or interfere with the burglary. The family, which includes six children, retreated in terror while the group of thieves fled the scene.

The traumatic event has had a devastating, long-lasting impact on the victims. Teesside Crown Court heard that the family felt so unsafe and terrified of potential repercussions that they made the difficult decision to move house entirely to escape the psychological shadow of the raid.

Dawson was eventually arrested and identified. The case was brought to court in January 2025, where he faced charges relating to the attempted burglary, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and making threats to kill. The court heard statements detailing the profound trauma inflicted upon the young victim and her family by the reckless actions of the gang.