Blaine Hammond murder: Sunderland victim's family praised

The senior officer overseeing the police investigation into the savage killing of Blaine Hammond, in December 2021, said his family has undergone an, “horrendous ordeal”.

But she said they have has responded with, “dignity”, adding that they have and shown, “so much courage”, both in the aftermath of their son’s death, during the investigation and the court process.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Sharon Chatterton, was speaking after life sentences, with a minimum of 14 years behind bars, was imposed on both killers, Louis Whelan and Anthony Keating, at Newcastle Crown Court.

Read more: Blaine Hammond murder: Family's heartfelt statement after son's death

Both 23-year-olds were found guilty of Mr Hammond’s murder, after a trial in November, prior to today’s sentencing hearing.

It was said they carried out a repeated beating of 22-year-old Mr Hammond in a drug-fuelled attack at Whelan’s flat, at the time, in Saltburn Road, Sunderland, before dumping him unconscious, but still alive, in a disused telecommunications box in nearby allotments.

He was later pronounced dead when emergency services found the body later that morning.

Following the sentencing hearing today, Det Chief Insp Chatterton, of Northumbria Police, said: “This has been a horrendous ordeal for Blaine’s family, who have conducted themselves with dignity and shown so much courage throughout these difficult proceedings.

Read more: Blaine Hammond murder: Life sentences for killers of Sunderland man

“No sentence can ever bring Blaine back.”

“Whelan and Keating have never shown any remorse for their acts and the loss of Blaine’s life.

“Their reluctance to admit their roles in this despicable attack, which took Blaine’s life and deprived him of a future, meant his family were put through the ordeal of a trial.

“These men are dangerous, violent offenders and our communities are a better place without them.”

She added: “As a force we are committed to tackling serious violence, and we’d ask that the public continues to work with us to help put offenders behind bars and to report any relevant information or concerns that you have.”

Following the post-trial convictions, she previously 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.”

She also thanked her officers involved in the inquiry, plus the community who assisted in the investigation.

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

Read next:

               Blaine Hammond murder: Louis Whelan and Anthony Keating found guilty

               Two men in court charged with Sunderland murder

               Two men charged with murder following death of man in Sunderland

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“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.”

The killers will have to remain behind bars for at least 14 years before they are eligible for release by the Parole Board, but may spend longer incarcerated.