A MAN has today (Wednesday, October 12) been sentenced to life imprisonment after a violent pub attack in which a man died.

Michael Anthony Wilson, aged 34, of Hylton Avenue in South Shields was found guilty of murdering Ronnie Howard and will serve a minimum of 15 years and 8 months.

The 31-year-old died after he was attacked inside the Prince Edward pub in Prince Edward Road in South Shields on May 4.

Wilson also pleaded guilty to affray at Newcastle Crown Court.

David Wood, 29, of Sunderland Road in South Shields; Anthony Kenrick, 33, of Centenary Avenue, South Shields and Paul John Haley, 27, of Ascot Gardens, South Shields have also been jailed for assault.

Wood was sentenced to 20 months, Kenrick 20 months and Haley 18 months.

Detective Inspector Alan Cairns said: “We welcome today's outcome and we hope this gives the family some closure.

“This has been the most difficult time for them and, with the added trauma of going through a trial, it has hugely impacted on them.

“But they have remained completely dignified throughout the case and I commend their bravery and composure through the most trying of circumstances.

"I hope this provides some sort of solace for them and I want to stress that victims are our absolute priority and to see justice for them today is exactly what we aim to achieve."