A man's convicted of murdering 31-year-old Micheal Craig in Newcastle
Northumbria Police have called Craig Howse's actions mindless and indefensible
A man has been convicted of the murder of Michael Craig in Newcastle.
Craig Howse was today (Tuesday) found guilty at Newcastle Crown Court of killing the 31-year-old at an address on Bolingbroke Street in the Heaton area on March 5.
At about 4:50pm, police responded to a report of concern for a man at the property.
Emergency services attended where they found Michael, who had sustained serious injuries.
He was taken to hospital but despite the efforts of medical staff, he sadly died a short time later.
An investigation was immediately launched by Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team and soon after – officers arrested Howse on suspicion of attempted murder.
The 38-year-old of Bolingbroke Street, Newcastle, was subsequently charged with Michael’s murder.
Howse denied the offences but was found guilty by a jury following a two-week trial at Newcastle Crown Court.
He is due to appear at the same court for sentencing in November.
Michael’s family have today shared a tribute to their loved one, they said:
“Michael was a kind, fun loving and caring young man.
“Our lives have been left shattered and broken at the devastating loss. He will always be in our hearts.
“Thank you to the Police and Prosecutors for their professionalism and hard work.”
Following the conviction, Detective Sergeant Steven Gibson, of the Force’s Major Investigation team, said:
“Firstly our thoughts remain firmly with Michael’s family and friends.
“While I know today’s result is no substitute for the loss of Michael, I hope it brings them a degree of closure.
“Howse’s vicious actions on that Wednesday afternoon were mindless and indefensible.
“I’d like to thank the swift and tireless work of our officers who gathered the evidence required to secure both a charge and a conviction.
“We'd also like to recognise our blue-light colleagues and criminal justice partners for their part in the case.”