Sunderland man given life sentence for murdering Northumbria Uni student in Uni accommodation
Aaron Ray, 21, fatally stabbed his boyfriend, 24 year old Jason Brockbanks last September
Last updated 23rd Mar 2023
A Sunderland man has been sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum of 22 years in jail, for the murder of his boyfriend, 24 year old Jason Brockbanks, in a student flat in Newcastle.
The court heard how the 24 year old was stabbed in his side whilst in bed, after his boyfriend- Aaron Ray went through his phone.
Ray, who’s 21 was told he was jealous, in a drunken rage- but knew what he was doing. And intended to kill.
The incident happened at the Mansion Tyne student accommodation block, on Howard Street, near Newcastle city centre, on the 24th of September, 2022.
The judge made reference to a history of jealous behaviour in relationships, including a previous court order taken out against him by a different partner.
The court also heard how - at age 18 -Ray killed a family pet, by cutting the throat of a cockatiel.
The court heard that Jason could have been saved if emergency services had been called, but instead Ray left the flat and returned home to Sunderland, leaving Jason to bleed to death.
His body was found 3 days later after concerns for his welfare were raised.
After immediately launching a murder investigation, officers from Northumbria Police arrested Ray at his home in Mayfield Road, South Hylton. He was then charged with murder, which he denied.
Following a seven-day trial at Newcastle Crown Court, Ray was found guilty on Tuesday (March 21) after the jury rejected his claims that he had been physically attacked by Jason and was acting in self-defence.
Today, at the same court, he was sentenced to 22 years behind bars.
The senior investigating officer in the case, Detective Inspector Tomasz Fowler, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a truly tragic case in which a popular young man lost his life and our thoughts very much remain with Jason’s heartbroken family, friends and loved ones.
“Jason was enjoying his life as a student in Newcastle and that was cruelly cut short by the actions of Aaron Ray, who was cold and calculating in fatally wounding Jason and then leaving the scene of the crime.
“There has been no evidence at all throughout this investigation to support Ray’s claim that Jason was violent or aggressive in any way and it was clear that his fellow students saw him as a friendly and sociable person.
“Thanks to the hard work of our officers, we were able to quickly identify Ray as the person responsible, apprehend him and get him before the courts. I’m pleased that he has now been given the conviction and sentence he deserves.”
He added: “I’d also like to thank Jason’s loved ones for their patience, co-operation and the dignity they have shown throughout the investigation and subsequent court proceedings.
“We hope that the outcome of the trial will help provide a degree of closure for them in seeing the person responsible for this heinous crime brought to justice.
“No-one wins when violence occurs and I hope what has taken place sends a clear message to anyone who believes that such actions are acceptable – the consequences are devastating and can rip not only yours but the lives of others apart.”