Teenager convicted of murder "for sport"

Jan 22 2008 By Graeme Whitfield

A Sunderland teenager who took part in a drink-fuelled gang attack on a defenceless disabled man for ``sport" is facing a life sentence after being convicted of murder.

Brent Martin was repeatedly punched, kicked, stamped on and head butted by a man and two youths who bet each other £5 they could knock him out.

William Hughes and two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, chased the vulnerable Mr Martin for a mile and a half across two estates in Sunderland, subjecting him to a series of brutal assaults. Finally he was left dying in a pool of blood next to a parked car in Baxter Road, Town End Farm.

Hughes, 21, of Washington Road, Sunderland and the 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to murder.

However, the 17-year-old, also from Sunderland, denied the charge but was convicted by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court after an 11-day trial.

Judge John Milford QC warned the defendant and his two co-accused - who were not in court - they faced a mandatory life sentence.

``You have been convicted of murder. You know that the only sentence I can pass is effectively a life sentence but I must determine in due course the minimum term you will serve," the judge told the defendant.

``Your sentence is now adjourned until your co-accused come up with you and I will deal with you all at the same time." Sentencing will take place at a date yet to be fixed.

The victim died in Sunderland Royal Hospital surrounded by his family, including his mother Brenda and twin sister Danielle, on August 25, having never regained consciousness.

A post-mortem examination revealed Mr Martin died from a massive head injury and had suffered at least 18 separate blows to the head and neck.