Newcastle City Libraries, The Abuse of Power and The Magna Carta

The following recounts The Ongoing Grieviences of Joseph Eldridge against Newcastle City Libraries and Newcastle City Council. The sad saga begins on 20th January 2026 when I recieved a rather startling email from

Chris Lake, City Library, Charles Avison Building, 33 New Bridge Street West, Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8AX, www.newcastle.gov.uk

I was given a refence number

Reference: **/**/****. The email continued ” Dear Mr Eldridge.
Exclusion from all Community Hubs and Libraries in Newcastle I am writing to address an incident that occurred at City Library on Saturday 17 January 2026.” Chris Lake alleged that I had breached Section 9 of the Library Byelaws so he took the decision to exclude me from all Community Hubs and Libraries for a period of six months, with immediate effect.
This is in accordance with Section 24 of the Library Byelaws: If I attempt to enter any of their buildings before my exclusion period ends on 17 July 2026, I will be reported to the Police

Sharon Trail went on to state

“You have not
provided any mitigation for your behaviour or an alternative version of events.”

Sharon Trail then went on to state in the email

“I have reviewed all available evidence and confirm that your exclusion from Newcastle
Libraries will remain in place until 17 July 2026. Should you fail to comply with this exclusion, or continue to breach our byelaws, I reserve the right to extend the exclusion period or impose an indefinite exclusion.
This is the last stage in our exclusions process and as such we consider this matter concluded. Any further complaints can only be made in relation to the policy and if you feel you have been treated unfairly compared to others. This would be through our Complaints process, details of which can be found here:
https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/communities-and-neighbourhoods/compliments-and-
complaints

Sharon Trail of Newcastle Libraries has not adhered to established procedures for a fair process. The conclusion was reached without granting me access to the evidence I had previously requested, despite her acknowledgment of my request. Additionally, I was not provided with an opportunity to present my perspective. This behaviour is concerning and does not align with principles of fairness and due process. It is important that all individuals are given the opportunity to review evidence and present their case to ensure a balanced and unbiased resolution.

Because Sharon Trail had concluded ” This is the last stage in our exclusions process and as such we consider this matter concluded. Any further complaints can only be made in relation to the policy and if you feel you have been treated unfairly compared to others. This would be through our Complaints process, details of which can be found here:
https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/communities-and-neighbourhoods/compliments-and-
complaints.

I subsquently emailed the complaints team using their online complaints form on the 26th January 2026

Roxanne of The Corporate Complaints Team replied

Good Morning,

Thank you for contacting Newcastle City Council Corporate Complaints, unfortunately we cannot investigate as a corporate complaint due to our Corporate Complaints Procedure, Appendix 1, item 21. As we cannot investigate something that can be appealed about, and we cannot change the outcome of the appeal either.

If you are unhappy with this response you can also issue your complaint to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

Thank you,

Roxanne

The Corporate Complaints Team

I am writing to formally address the matter regarding the exclusion order numbered JE/CL/0126, issued by Chis Lake on 20th January 2026.

This exclusion pertains to an alleged incident that reportedly occurred at the City Library on Saturday, 17 January 2026, which has resulted in my being prohibited from accessing all Community Hubs and Libraries within Newcastle.

I requested, via email, any available evidence related to the incident from Ms. Sharon Trail. In her response, she indicated that despite my request for all written eyewitness statements—which I believe I am entitled to—my exclusion has been upheld, and I was informed that I could not appeal her decision. She advised me to submit a formal complaint to your department.

As a member of the community, I believe I am entitled to fair treatment and a chance to respond to the allegations. Ms. Trail did not provide me with an opportunity to present my case or mitigate the situation. Therefore, I am concerned that the current policy may be unfair in this context.

Could you please clarify the grounds on which the council is declining to address my complaint regarding the policy under which this exclusion has been implemented?

Newcastle City Council is currently demonstrating a concerning pattern of shifting responsibilities and failing to uphold its statutory obligations. Newcastle City Council is abrogating its duties to its members of the community.

In 1215 King John (1199–1216) sealed the Magna Carta prompted by a coalition of barons to assert their rights at Runnymede. This historic document sought to establish limitations on royal authority, safeguard individual liberties, and affirm the rule of law.

The Magna Carta (1215) directly addressed the abuse of process by King John, who used arbitrary power to imprison, exile, and dispossess subjects without legal justification.

King John was perceived as an authoritative ruler. Following a dispute with Pope Innocent III, England was placed under Interdict for six years. During this period, religious services were suspended. King John faced excommunication which undermined his reputation and effectiveness as a ruler.

Key Provision (Clause 61): This provision established the formation of a council comprising twenty-five barons endowed with the authority to monitor compliance with the charter’s terms. The council possesses the capability to take appropriate actions, including enforcement measures, should the king fail to adhere to the stipulated agreements.