A driver who killed a pedestrian in a road rage attack after an argument has been convicted by a jury.

Andrew Peart was fatally wounded by 28-year-old Jake McIntyre who had to slow down so he could cross he road.

The incident happened on August 23 last year and police were contacted by medical staff at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington.

They told offices they were caring for an injured man who was described as having "catastrophic brain injuries".

The man was identified as Mr Peart, who was 39, and from Northumberland, and, despite the best efforts of medical staff, his condition deteriorated, he died a week later.

The Northern Echo: Andrew Peart Andrew Peart (Image: Contributor)An investigation was launched by officers , who believed Andrew’s injuries were sustained as a result of an assault.

The subsequent investigation revealed that earlier in the same evening, Andrew had a verbal altercation with the driver of a silver Mitsubishi Shogun on The Square in Guide Post, near Ashington. 

The driver of the vehicle was later identified as McIntyre.

He initially drove away after the argument before returning, catching up to Mr Peart near Guide Post Working Men’s Club where got out of the vehicle and struck him with a metal tyre lever he had in his car.

He then punched Mr Peart leaving him on the floor as he left the scene.

McIntyre, of Stakeford Crescent in Ashington, was arrested two days later having fled to a hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere.

He was initially charged with assault and later with murder after the discovery of a voice recording he had made on his mobile phone where he admitted his involvement in the incident.

Today (Friday), following a two-and a half week trial at Newcastle Crown Court, McIntyre of Stakeford Crescent, Ashington, was found guilty of manslaughter.

The Northern Echo: Jake McIntyre Jake McIntyre (Image: Contributor)He was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced in the coming weeks.

Following the trial, Andrew’s family have paid tribute to their ‘loving family man’ who was a devoted father, brother, son, and friend who worked doing a job he loved as a senior design technician.

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Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Barr, has condemned the senseless violence which resulted in Andrew losing his life.

He said: “The last seven months will have undoubtedly been an incredibly difficult time for Andrew’s family and friends and I applaud their bravery and composure throughout this process.

“There was absolutely no reason for the levels of aggression McIntyre showed that day. He had had time to calm down, but returned to confront Andrew, using significant force towards a devoted father – simply because he had felt disrespected.  

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The Northern Echo:

“This pointless violent behaviour has caused so much pain and I hope that today can help offer some comfort to the family, and to the wider tight-knit community of Guide Post.”

Det Ch Insp Barr added: “Nothing good ever comes from this type of behaviour as we continue to see time and time again.

“In this case, there was nothing but heart-breaking consequences for all involved.”