Man sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of murdering North Tyneside resident

A violent thug has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of the murder of North Tyneside man Trevor Bishop.

On March 7 last year, police received a report of concern for a man inside an address on Clifton Gardens in Meadow Well.

Emergency services attended the address, where they found 45-year-old Trevor Bishop lying in a pool of his own blood on the living room floor.

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

A review of CCTV from the night of Trevor’s death showed Tony Johnson fleeing the scene after the assault took place.

The subsequent investigation revealed that Johnson was in company with Trevor and others. The group had been drinking together in the address when Johnson assaulted Trevor, by punching him at least three times in the head.

On Monday, January 15, following a lengthy trial at Newcastle Crown Court, Johnson, 36, of Princes Street in North Shields, was found guilty of murder.

And on Friday, February 16, he attended the same court where he was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 18 years.

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Following Johnson’s sentencing, Trevor’s sister, Lisa Bishop, has re-shared these words about her late brother: “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 conclusion of the case, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Tam Fowler, of Northumbria Police, said: “This has been an incredibly difficult time for Trevor’s family and loved ones, and I am pleased that Johnson has been jailed for life.

“I know that no sentence will ever take away the pain Johnson caused that night, or bring Trevor back, but I do hope today can serve as a form of closure and allow all those grieving to begin moving forward with their lives.

“The jury heard a lot of detail around the movements of those in the address the night he tragically lost his life – before he was brutally assaulted and left to die by someone he thought was his friend.

“Even when we arrested Johnson in connection with Trevor’s death, our body worn video footage clearly shows his demeanour as he attempts to deny all knowledge of what has happened just hours after he’s captured on CCTV fleeing the scene.”

Det Insp Fowler added: “I am pleased that Johnson has a long prison term ahead of him – which is undoubtedly what he deserves.

“I would once again like to thank Trevor’s family for their strength and support throughout, as well as extending my thanks to the wider team at Northumbria Police, and our criminal justice partners, who have helped ensure Tony Johnson has been brought to justice for his actions.”