Connor Brown murder: Community reacts as Sunderland teenager's killers are convicted

The Sunderland community has united in support of the family and friends of teenager Connor Brown after two men were convicted of his killing.
Debra Fox
By Debra Fox
Published 12th Dec 2019, 06:00 BST
Updated 12th Dec 2019, 13:24 BST

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The 18-year-old died in February this year after he was stabbed while on a night out in Sunderland city centre.

At Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday, December 11, Leighton Barrass, 20, was convicted of Connor’s murder.

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Ally Gordon, also 20, was cleared of murder but instead found guilty of manslaughter and possession of a bladed article.

Connor Brown lost his life in February 2019.Connor Brown lost his life in February 2019.
Connor Brown lost his life in February 2019.

The men have been standing trial at court since Wednesday, November 13.

As the news broke of the pair’s convictions, people from all corners of Wearside united in grief for the loss of Connor’s life, and shared their own messages of love and support with Connor’s relatives.

Barrass and Gordon will be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday, December 12.

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Here are some of your messages from the Sunderland Echo Facebook page:

Floral tributes for Connor Brown outside Happy House Surgery, Durham Road.Floral tributes for Connor Brown outside Happy House Surgery, Durham Road.
Floral tributes for Connor Brown outside Happy House Surgery, Durham Road.

Emily Hendry Natton: “So glad justice has been done.”

Denise Sheraton: “RIP Connor Brown and thoughts to family and friends.”

Susan Walker: “Justice is served for Connor ... RIP.”

Nadine Brooke: “Heartbreaking what his family has had to endure.”

Connor was fondly remembered by family, friends and colleague across the city.Connor was fondly remembered by family, friends and colleague across the city.
Connor was fondly remembered by family, friends and colleague across the city.

Laurie Tip Crow: “I didn't know Connor personally, only to talk to at the practice or over the phone. But he seemed a lovely lad, and l hope the sentences reflect his loss to his family, friends, and the future.”

Louise Amer: “Justice is served, RIP Connor.”

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Lauren Greenwell: “Justice has been served. Can't imagine the pain Connor's family will be in right now. RIP Connor.”

Amanda Richmond Blenkinsop: “God bless and keep you kid, justice is served.”

Rest in peace Connor.Rest in peace Connor.
Rest in peace Connor.

Sharon Humphries: “RIP Connor, you did not deserve it. Thinking of the family.”

Sarah Jane: “Thinking of Connor’s family. No sentence will ever justify the loss of their boy.”

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Marion Jolliff Jenkins: “He should [have] been looking forward to Christmas. Not sleeping his eternal sleep, at such a young age. RIP Connor.”

Brian Bonner: “RIP Connor hope your family can now get closure and they get the sentences they deserve.”

Tracey Davison: “Connor can rest in peace now he has seen justice done. Love to family and friends.”

Dorothy Stockdale Webb: “RIP Connor you will never be forgotten.”

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The Dolphin pub pays tribute to Connor Brown following his deathThe Dolphin pub pays tribute to Connor Brown following his death
The Dolphin pub pays tribute to Connor Brown following his death

Becca Stockdale: “So happy for the family to finally receive some kind of justice.”

Raymond Davison: “Justice has been served! Let’s hope his family can now find some kind of peace in their lives after this appalling event!”

Heather Card: “A beautiful young life taken far too soon. RIP Connor Brown, my thoughts are with the family.”

Nicola Elves: “Justice. Thoughts are with Connor’s family.”