Blaine Hammond murder: Louis Whelan and Anthony Keating found guilty

Louis Whelan and Anthony Keating, both 23, have been convicted after brutally assaulting Blaine Hammond on the morning of December 3 last year.

His injured body was then dragged to and abandoned in a disused telephone exchange box across the street.

Blaine Hammond (Image: Contributor)

Read more: Police investigating after man found dead in Newcastle

Emergency services attended Saltburn Road and found the body of 22-year-old Blaine, who was later pronounced dead.

An investigation was immediately launched by police and extensive CCTV, house-to-house and forensic enquiries soon enabled detectives to arrest and later charge Whelan and Keating with murder.

During a four week trial at Newcastle Crown Court, a jury heard how Whelan, of Watling Street, Towcester, and Keating, of Palmerston Road, Sunderland, savagely beat Blaine before leaving him for dead.

Today(Monday) the pair have been found guilty of murder.

Read more: This is when Redcar Steelworks will finally come down in demolition

They were remanded into custody and are due to be sentenced before the same court at a later date.

Speaking after the hearing, Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Sharon Chatterton, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts remain with Blaine’s loved ones following his tragic death and we will continue to support them in any way that we can.

“This was a shocking and brutal attack which has left a family without a son, brother, nephew, uncle, grandson and a dear friend.

“The offenders have then gone on to deny the charges put to them and made Blaine’s loved ones suffer through a lengthy court process and trial before they were able to see justice done in court.

“No result will ever take away the pain of what’s happened, but hopefully this guilty verdict today gives the family some closure.

“Finally, I want to thank the team of officers and staff who have remained dedicated to this investigation and worked tirelessly to ensure a conviction.

“I also want to commend the local community and all those who helped with this case - your support has helped get the result Blaine and his family deserve.”

Read next:

• Bishop Auckland Iceland to close as Food Warehouse open date revealed
• Newcastle death: First pictures from Dilston Road after man dies
• 12 North East businesses recently slapped with a poor hygiene rating

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here