Son found lifeless body of Sean Mason after alleged 'revenge attack,' Sunderland murder trial jury told

Sean Mason, 55, had been 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 when he was found by his son Michael, the court heard.

Prosecutors claim Wayne Froud and Steven Milroy ran a "drug dealing enterprise" and 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.

Newcastle Crown Court heard part of the fatal beating was recorded on mobile phone and shows Mr Mason begging "leave me alone" before being subjected to further violence and told by Froud "Goodnight, God bless, that's all I've got to say to you boy, goodbye."

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

The court heard Mr Mason's body was found outside the flats at Avondale Avenue in the early hours of May 16.

Prosecutor Kama Melly QC told the court Milroy sold drugs on behalf of Froud.

Mr Mason, who was a drug user, had been at Milroy's flat on May 14, with others and they were accused of stealing cash and property while they were there.

The court heard in a series of messages, Milroy had warned one of the other visitors, who was also suspected of stealing, "you're all dead" and "graveyard waiting for you all".

Around half an hour after the fatal attack on Mr Mason, Milroy sent another message warning the same visitor "you're next", jurors heard.

A post-mortem examination revealed Mr Mason died as a result of face and chest injuries.

"The body had evidence of multiple, forceful blows to the face and the head, including kicking and stamping and the use of a weapon,” said Miss Melly.

"There were multiple rib fractures, probably from stamping, and blood in his airways."

The court heard Mr Mason's body was found after his son Michael "became concerned" at how long he been at the "local drug dealers'" and went to check on him.

Miss Melly added: "Michael Mason found his father's lifeless body outside those flats.

"Michael Mason managed to stop a police car that just happened to be travelling nearby.

"While every attempt was made to save the life of Sean Mason, he was declared dead that morning as a result of the violent assault".

Both men deny murderThe trial continues.