Gateshead Gym and Boxing Club Remain Closed After Owners Lose Appeal

A Gateshead gym and boxing club are to remain completely closed after their owners failed in their bid to have them partially reopened.

Northumbria Police conducted raids on Birtley Boxing Club and Birtley Gym and Fitness Centre on the early morning of Wednesday, 20th September 2023. Officers recovered drugs, weapons and a large amount of cash from the premises.

The raids were carried out in response to previous complaints about anti-social behaviour and violent disorder stemming from the premises.

The police made an application for a closure order, which was considered by District Judge Paul Currer at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 12th October 2023. The closure was supported by the local authority, Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council.

DJ Currer ordered the complete closure of the premises for a period of three months. The owners appealed that decision.

HHJ Sarah Mallett, sitting with two Justices, heard the appeal at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday, 10th November 2023.

Helen Towers, for the appellants, argued that the complete closure of the premises unfairly penalised the people of Birtley, as they were widely used community facilities. She observed that many talented young boxers had been trained at the premises.

Ms Towers asked for a variation to the closure order, allowing the premises to be used by females and males below the age of 25 and over the age of 60. She noted that the males subject to the police investigation would still be excluded from the premises by virtue of their ages.

Jane Foley, for the respondents (Northumbria Police), argued that complete closure of the premises was needed to prevent nuisance, disorder and criminal behaviour. She said police investigations into the premises were ongoing.

HHJ Mallet dismissed the appeal, saying: "We have come to the conclusion there is no working alternative to a full closure order and that the criteria has been met to prevent nuisance and disturbance."

She ordered the appellants to pay £600 towards costs within 28 days.