'I am devastated' - family of murdered North Tyneside man speak after killer guilty verdict

The family of a man who was 'violently' killed in North Tyneside have expressed their emotion and loss after a guilty murder verdict was passed.

Tony Johnson, 36, has been found guilty by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court of murdering Trevor Bishop in Meadow Well last year.

On March 7, emergency services were called to an address on Clifton Gardens following concerns for the welfare of a man.

When they arrived at the scene, they found 45-year-old Trevor lying in a pool of his own blood on the living room floor.

He was taken to hospital but despite the best efforts of medical staff, he sadly died from his injuries two days later.

Police reviewed CCTV footage from the night of the incident and identified Johnson fleeing the scene after the assault took place.

An investigation revealed that the pair had been drinking together in the address when Johnson assaulted Trevor, by punching him at least three times in the head.

Johnson, of Princes Street in North Shields, only realised the consequences of his actions when he stopped the brutal assault, resulting in him immediately fleeing from the property.

It was discovered that he discarded his own bloodied clothes en route.

Johnson was arrested and charged with murder, which he was found guilty of on Monday, January 15.

He was remanded in custody and is set to be sentenced on Friday, February 16.

Following the guilty verdict at Newcastle Crown Court, Trevor's sister, Lisa Bishop, paid tribute to her late brother.

She commented: “I am devastated to have lost my brother in such a violent way.

“Trevor was my best friend. I miss him every day and will do for the rest of my life.”

Speaking after the trial, the Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Tam Fowler, of Northumbria Police, condemned the mindless violence which caused Trevor’s death.

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He said: “This will have undoubtedly been the most incredibly difficult year for Trevor’s loved ones as they continue to grieve, and I am pleased that the jury returned the right verdict today.

“Johnson’s actions were absolutely senseless and there was absolutely no need for Trevor to lose his life.

"This pointless violence has caused so much pain and I hope that today offers a sense of closure to the family, and to the wider Meadow Well community.

“Unfortunately, the motives for Johnson’s attack may forever be unknown – but at some point, during the evening, a violent altercation has occurred leading to one of the men losing their lives and a family losing one of their own.”