Dad killed in ‘revenge’ beating may have had hood put over his head, court told

Sean Mason, 55, was subjected to a "catalogue of horrific acts" and suffered 18 sites of injury to his head, 40 to his body, multiple internal injuries including broken bones and brain damage before his lifeless body was found dumped on a grassed area by his son Michael.

Prosecutors claim Wayne Froud and Steven Milroy, who ran a "drug dealing enterprise", killed Mr Mason in a "retribution" beating, which involved him being put into a wheelie bin before being dumped outside, because they suspected he, along with others, had stolen from them.

Milroy, 47, of Avondale Avenue, and Froud, 36, of Wensleydale Avenue, both in Penshaw, deny murder and are being tried by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court.

The court heard Mr Mason's body was found outside the flats at Avondale Avenue in the early hours of May 16 after his son got concerned and went to check on him.

Prosecutors claim the deadly violence took place in and around Milroy's home.

Forensic scientist John Newall has told jurors the property and items in it were stained with Mr Mason's blood.

Jurors were shown photographs of a piece of black cloth that was on a table in the living room.

Mr Newall said the item was "extensively blood stained" and added: "It appears to be the sleeve from an item of clothing that has had a knot tied in one end.

"On the inside surfaces of this black fabric there was apparent body tissue. It was plainly visible to the naked eye."

Mr Newall said DNA testing of the fabric provided a profile which matched Mr Mason.

He added: "Because of the construction of the item and the apparent body tissue on its inside, one possibility is it was put over Sean Mason's head and then he was struck."

The trial continues.