George Ness repeatedly battered John Smyth, 63, with a wooden plank in a backyard in Wallsend, then searched his dying victim ...

John Smyth, 63, was repeatedly struck with a wooden plank after trying to stop George Ness, 41, smashing his way into a woman's home in Wallsend, Newcastle Crown Court has heard.

George Ness had been abusing crack cocaine when he arrived at a Bridie Nye's flat in Wallsend looking for drugs or money and turned violent. When 63-year-old John Smyth, who was visiting Bridie ...

George Ness repeatedly battered John Smyth, 63, with a wooden plank in a backyard in Wallsend, then searched his dying victim's pockets to steal his phone, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

George Ness, of North Shields, has been jailed for life and told he will serve a minimum of 22 years behind bars for murdering John Smyth. nechronicle Load mobile navigation. News.

“George Ness’s actions in the early hours of September 22 last year were vicious and deplorable and we are pleased he has now rightly been brought to justice following a thorough investigation.

George Ness, 41, denies murder, aggravated burglary and possessing a knife. Mr Ness told jurors he had gone to Mr Smyth's neighbour's home to buy drugs and feared he would be killed.

John Smyth, 63, was repeatedly struck with a wooden plank after trying to stop George Ness, 41, smashing his way into a woman's home in Wallsend, Newcastle Crown Court has heard.