Public and the media are thanked for helping catch killer

The co-operation of David Wilson’s family, the North East media and the wider community – including Daniel Johnson’s own relations and friends – had been criticalinbringinghiskillertojustice,” said Det Supt Mark Ord.

“It is that support from the family and the media that led us to the breakthrough and thenamingofDanielJohnson as the caller in this case.

“It is that support which had led to the community as a whole being highly aware of this murder and aware of the appeals we made from it.

“I would like to pay tribute to the family for their dignity, patience and support they have shown the investigation over the last two-and-a half years.

“It is the direct result of that support and the support of the media that got us the vital breakthrough and gave us the name of Daniel Johnson.

“You then move forward and its the support of the wider community – friends and family who have had the courage to come to court and give vital evidence to the court, which has led them to the natural conclusion that Daniel Johnson was the murderer of David Wilson.

“Great courage was shown by Daniel’s foster parents, his own sister and his friends to come forward and, on occasion, give very emotional evidence.

“They clearly cared for him as a son but were prepared to come to court and give very emotional but very impactive evidence that, in their view, the caller and the person captured on CCTV was, in fact, Daniel.

“For that evidence, both the police and David Wilson’s family will be eternally grateful.”