The man who led the investigation into the death of Jimmy Prout said described it as one of the "most awful cases" he has dealt with.

Det Ch Insp Andy Fairlamb spoke after a gang of four was jailed for the sadistic torture and killing of the vulnerable 45-year-old. Images of his injuries apeared on his own Facebook page (pictured).

Image source, Northumbria Police

Mr Fairlamb said: "This truly has been one of the most awful cases I have dealt with.

"He was brutally tortured by these people who were supposed to be his friends.

"It's hard to believe that a human being could have been treated in this way.

"I hope today's outcome can help Jimmy's family seek solace and move on with their lives."

During the seven-week trial, Newcastle Crown Court heard Jimmy Prout died on 9 February 2016, and his decaying body was found on wasteland more than a month later.

The court was told the group of five, including Mr Prout (pictured), had a strange relationship which had developed an almost "cultish dimension".

They heard that a series of events in late 2015 created tensions that led to a number of serious assaults against Mr Prout, which included him having his teeth knocked out with a hammer and chisel.

Paul Greaney QC, prosecuting, said: "In effect, over a period of time, Jimmy Prout was not just mistreated, he was tortured.

"In the end, this conduct was to cause the death of Jimmy Prout."

After Mr Prout's body had been dumped, the court was told the group then set about covering their tracks by pretending to look for him and asking others to help.

Image source, Northumbria Police

Peter Harris
BBC Look North

A gang have been jailed for their part in the sadistic torture and killing of a vulnerable man on Tyneside.

Jimmy Prout was found dead in undergrowth near his home in North Shields after suffering sustained and brutal abuse.

Today Zahid Zaman, (pictured top left) branded "evil" by the judge, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 33 years for Mr Prout's murder.

Ann Corbett (pictured top right) was jailed for life with a minimum term of 27 years after being convicted of the same charge.

Kay Rayworth and Myra Wood (pictured bottom) were jailed for 12 years and four months and nine years respectively for causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable man.

Paul Greaney QC, prosecuting, said Zaman, a wheelchair user with a Masters degree, was the manipulative ringleader who had treated Mr Prout like a "skivvy."

All had admitted a further count of perverting the course of justice, at Newcastle Crown Court.

Image source, Northumbria Police

Peter Harris
BBC Look North

Two people who were found guilty of murdering a man who was tortured for months and forced to eat his own testicle have been jailed.

Jimmy Prout, 45, was found dead on wasteland near his home in North Shields on 27 March 2016 after being tortured by a group he though were his friends.

Zahid Zaman, 43, and Ann Corbett, 26, were found guilty of murder at Newcastle Crown Court.

Zaman, who was the group's leader, was jailed for life with a minimum of 33 years and Corbett for a minimum of 27 years.

Hartlepool's players are beginning their preparations for life in the National League.

Pools were relegated last season and new manager Craig Harrison has said he wants to get promoted at the first time of asking.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a woman who was found with knife injuries.

The woman was found at an address in Hylton Castle, Sunderland, in the early hours of this morning.

A 35-year-old man has been arrested and is currently in police custody.

Northumbria Police sentior investigating officer Det Insp Dave English said: "We know local residents will be concerned and will have officers in the area to offer reassurance.

"Our enquiries are in the initial stages but this is believed to be a domestic incident between people who know each and our thoughts are with the family of those affected at this awful time."

Police have been directing traffic at a busy junction in Newcastle after a two-car collision.

The crash happened on Barrack Road at about 09:30.

Emergency services attended but nobody was seriously injured.

There is no major disruption to traffic in the area but some traffic lights have been damaged in the collision so officers will remain on scene to keep traffic moving, Northumbria Police said.

Martin Emmerson
BBC Newcastle

It's wet for the second day of Durham v Worcestershire at Chester-le-Street.

BBC Newcastle's cricket commentator says it is a similar scene to three years ago.

Hartlepool Mail
Newspaper

Bradley Lowery's family has assured people they will let everyone know how he is doing after being overwhelmed by messages., external

Image source, Hartlepool Mail

Colin Briggs
Look North

Hundreds of teaching assistants across County Durham are about to receive their ballot papers for a vote on whether to accept the new terms of pay and conditions being offered to them.

There have been a series of strikes as the 2,000 support staff were angry at Durham County Council's proposal to only pay them during term time.

Union officials said the move would see some assistants lose up to 23% of their salary.

The authority has now proposed a new grading structure and pledged to compensate those out of pocket. That was welcomed by the union Unison and it is now putting the revised offer to its members.

Sunderland Echo
Newspaper

Housing chiefs have confirmed that there are no longer any tower blocks in Sunderland which have cladding that would fail new fire safety tests., external

Image source, Sunderland Echo

Fraudsters who conned NHS hospitals, councils and a government out of more than £12m have been sentenced.

Ten conspirators were given sentences at Leicester Crown Court of up to 10 years in prison.

In each case forged letters were sent to 22 organisations, pretending to be from a legitimate firm carrying out contract works.

The hearing heard that Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust, was targeted and paid out £261,260 which it lost.

Middlesbrough Council paid out £236,477, although £197,718 was recovered

However, other North Trusts did not fall victim including Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Foundation Trust which ignored demands for money from the fraudsters.

Image source, Getty

Hartlepool Mail
Newspaper

Fears have been raised for the welfare of a man after he went missing following upsetting news., external

Image source, Hartlepool Mail

Durham recover from 18-5 to post 197 before Worcestershire's Brett D'Oliveira becomes the day's first half-centurion.

Lisa Gallagher
Weather presenter, BBC Look North

Starting overcast with rain, persistent and often heavy for many areas.

The rain is likely to become lighter and more intermittent through this afternoon and evening, although some heavier bursts are still possible. Feeling cool.

Maximum Temperature: 14C (57F).

Nisha Joshi
BBC broadcast journalist

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