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Story summary
- John Maughan, of Morpeth, was sentenced to 16 months in prison for planting a fake bomb outside a convenience store in Birtley, Gateshead.
- The incident occurred on November 17, 2025, prompting evacuations and the involvement of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.
- CCTV footage shows Maughan placing the hoax device on a bollard.
- Police identified and arrested him after the incident.
- Northumbria Police released the footage on February 26, 2026.
