Life in jail for killer thieves

Dec 2 2008 The Journal

KILLERS who bludgeoned teenager Ross Davidson to death when they forced their way into his home to steal a games console were yesterday jailed for life.

Graeme Duncan and Kenneth Power repeatedly struck the defenceless 19-year-old with 3ft lengths of wood as his girlfriend stood frozen in fear, powerless to stop them.

The pair – high on drink and drugs – fled after grabbing his XBox console, leaving Mr Davidson unconscious with fatal head injuries on the living room floor, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

Duncan, 23, of Norbury Grove, Byker, Newcastle, had admitted murder. Power had denied murder, claiming he had only struck Mr Davidson twice on the legs with a stick handed to him as he and Duncan entered the flat in Grace Street, Byker.

But a jury found the 23-year-old, of Dunstonburgh Road, Byker, guilty of the murder after a trial.

Steven Gilbert, 23, of St Anthony’s Road, Byker, had admitted conspiracy to rob on the basis he had acted as a look-out unaware of the violence being used inside the flat. Duncan was ordered to serve a minimum 22 years and Power 24 years behind bars before they can be considered for parole.

Gilbert – who instigated the plan to raid the flat – was jailed for 10 years.

Mr Davidson, who studied at Walker Technology College and worked as a pointer for Ashington-based company Gunpoint, was living at the flat while saving up to buy his own home.

His flatmate David Wilson had been in his bedroom when the intruders burst into the property on March 23 this year, after kicking in the back door.

In a statement after the hearing, Ross’s relatives paid tribute to his gentle nature. His mother Lynne, described him as “the life and soul of the family”.

His sister Laura said Ross – a talented artist who had considered setting up his own business as a tattoo artist – was a “real grafter” whom everybody loved.

His brother Chris added: “He has left a massive gap that will never be filled. People will always remember the first time they met Ross because he would make them smile. All my friends say that.”

Passing sentence, Judge David Hodson said he accepted Duncan and Power had intended to cause serious harm rather than kill.

He told Gilbert the plan to raid the flat was “almost entirely” his but accepted he had not expected or forseen the violence used by Duncan and Power would be of the “severe and gross nature” it was.