Family pays tribute as a 36-year-old man is jailed for manslaughter

Mark Robinson, 40, was attacked by Ray Whincup in Redcar in July 2020

Author: Tom HailePublished 15th Feb 2023

The heartbroken family of a 40-year-old man who died a year after he was violently assaulted has paid tribute to their loved one as a 36-year-old man was sentenced to ten years for his manslaughter.

Mark Robinson was violently attacked by 36-year-old Ray Whincup in a friend’s flat on Station Road, Redcar, at the end of July 2020.

Mark, who lived in Guisborough at the time of the incident, sustained devastating and life changing injuries from which he never recovered, and very sadly he died just over a year later, in August 2021.

A murder trial began at Teesside Crown Court, but yesterday 14th February, Whincup pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Today, Mark’s family released a new photo of him and his mum said:

“Regardless of the indictment we all know that had it not been for the medical treatment Mark received on 28th July 2020, he would have died that morning in Station Road having suffered traumatic brain injury because of a vicious, sustained and unprovoked assault from Raymond Whincup.

“I struggle to put into words how this has devastated our family. Mark was so much more than a good, decent man who deserved to live and enjoy his life. As a family we will never forget him, we will celebrate his life and we will always love him and miss him so very much.

“We would like to express our profound gratitude to the team from Cleveland Police who have worked tirelessly to secure this conviction. I would also like to add our thanks to the CPS and to the Prosecution Team - and we would also like to thank our support worker from victim support who has been with us every step of the way. No matter what sentence Raymond Whincup received, as a family we serve a life sentence without Mark.”

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Helen Barker said:

“First and foremost my thoughts remain with all Mark’s family as they continue to live with the devastating impact of losing their beloved son, brother and uncle.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to their dignity in the most difficult of circumstances – throughout the investigation and the entire court process.

“This was a lengthy and very complex investigation however the dedicated enquiry team never lost sight of their aim of achieving justice for Mark.

“Nothing can bring Mark back, but I hope today’s result brings a degree of comfort to his family and I wish them well for the future.”

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