A FAMILY have spoken of their relief after their brother's murderer was jailed for life.

Lee Bright, 26, launched a knife attack on Wearside bachelor Bruce Walker, on December 23, 1999.

The body of Mr Walker, who bled to death from three knife wounds to his back, was found by passers-by at the top of a flight of stairs.

Following a four-week trial, Bright has been found guilty of his murder and jailed for life.

As he was led away, Mr Walker's brother, Ian, 39, said: "Relieved is an under-statement. It took the jury so long to come to their decision and it was so frustrating for us.

"We are just glad we can put it behind us."

Newcastle Crown Court heard that 47-year-old Mr Walker was killed after he left a gay haunt know as The Gardens, at Newcastle's Quayside.

His sister, Lesley Watkins, 46, said: "He was a very sociable person, but we weren't aware that he went to The Gardens until he was murdered. He kept his private life to himself.

"Our brother was a nice guy. He had so many friends."

Ian Walker added: "We knew something was wrong when he didn't come home that night."

Bright was linked to the murder when his DNA profile was found under Mr Walker's nails and Bright was seen the next day with scratches on his face.

Bright, 26, of Woodland Crescent, Benwell, Newcastle, was found guilty of murder, wounding with intent and robbery.

Mrs Justice Steel said: "The killing of Mr Walker was a particularly cruel and needless offence. We shall never know what the motive was."