'Evil' killers jailed and branded 'monsters' after subjecting victim Sean Mason to 'catalogue of horrific acts'

Wayne Froud, 36 and Steven Milroy, 48, subjected Sean Mason to a "catalogue of horrific acts" then dumped his lifeless body outside a block of flats, where he was found by his son.

The deadly pair, who ran a "drug dealing enterprise" and both had criminal records, had accused Mr Mason, along with others, of stealing from them the night before.

During the beating Mr Mason, 55, suffered 18 sites of injury to his head, 40 to his body, multiple internal injuries including broken bones and brain damage.

Part of the attack was recorded on a mobile phone as a "trophy" and showed Mr Mason begging "leave me alone" before being told by Froud "Goodnight, god bless, that's all I've got to say to you, goodbye", who then hit him again.

Part of the "retribution" beating, which happened inside Milroy's home involved him having a makeshift hood put over his head and being put into a wheelie bin.

Mr Mason was found by his son Michael outside the flats at Avondale Avenue, Penshaw, Sunderland, in the early hours of May 16.

In a heartbreaking victim impact statement, Mr Mason's lifelong partner Sharon Laing branded his killers "monsters"

Miss Laing said: "Every single day I relive how my son came running in, terrified, trying to tell me he thought his dad had been killed.

"I didn't understand and while believing him, I was hoping with all I had he was mistaken or was exaggerating.

"Time stood still then the police came and the realisation it was true, Sean had gone forever.

"My life partner, my soulmate, my loveable rogue, father of my children.

"I miss him every second of every day.

"I would describe my life as an existence, not living.

"My life is in limbo.

"He wasn't perfect, he would often find himself on the wrong side of the law. But this doesn't, in any way, excuse what those monsters have done."She added: "I'm aware that a video was made of Sean in his last moments which is something, although I never want to see, will haunt me for the rest of my life.

"I find myself fearful of going out by myself but also fearful for my sons now, knowing horrible things don't just happen in movies.

"These people are evil and no sentence passed by any court will be sufficient."

Froud, of Wensleydale Avenue, and Milroy, of Avondale Avenue, both in Penshaw, both denied murder during a trial at Newcastle Crown Court.

Jurors found Froud guilty of murder and Milroy guilty of manslaughter.

Froud has now been sentenced to life behind bars and must serve a minimum of 24 years before he can apply for parole.

Milroy has been sentenced to 19 years.

Judge Rodney Jameson QC said he was "far from convinced" that Mr Mason had stolen anything from the men and that the video the killers made of Mr Mason being taunted as he begged for his life was "chilling".

The judge said he was satisfied Froud inflicted "all or almost all" of the serious injuries suffered by Mr Mason after Milroy "wound him up".

Judge Jameson said Milroy "encouraged and assisted" in the killing and believes Mr Mason "deserved what happened to him".

The judge said the pathologist in the case had concluded Mr Mason "did not need to die" as prompt medical attention could have saved his life.

Judge Jameson told Milroy: "Instead of arranging this, after Wayne Froud had left and therefore at a time when you were acting entirely as you wished, you took your dog for a walk, smoked cannabis, had something to eat and went to bed, all of his while Sean Mason lay outside your flat, to your knowledge really seriously injured.

"You accepted you knew he was close to death and, in fact, suffocating on his own blood."

Prosecutor Kama Melly QC said the violence used on Mr Mason was to be "put to use by the drug dealing business as a warning to others in the area to secure their criminal operation".

Dapinder Singh QC, defending Froud, said: "To his credit, this is the only thing really to his credit, his convictions for violence are limited, of some age and not as serious as this."John Elvidge QC, defending Milory, said: "The offence, we submit, was out of character for him. At the time of it he was a weak man at a low ebb."What happened was beyond his contemplation and certainly his intention."

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Sharon Chatterton said: “While nothing will bring Sean back or erase the heartless actions of these violent men, hopefully today can help his family and loved ones begin to move on with their lives.

“I would like to take this opportunity to praise the Mason family - throughout these court proceedings, which have been very distressing at times, they have behaved with nothing other than dignity.

“Froud and Milroy are dangerous men who have showed no remorse for what they did - and I welcome the sentences handed down today.”

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