– for nothing

had been with a few hours earlier.

Police and paramedics arrived at Catherine House soon after, but Ashley’s injuries were so severe nothing could be done to save him.

Bobby had no idea his friend was dead, or that he had been with him during his final moments, until the following morning when police were taking a statement from him.

As he spoke to the female officer, he believed he was simply helping with investigations into a stranger’s death. And Bobby broke down in tears when the devastating news was delivered.

“She said: ‘Does the name Ashley Cochrane mean anything to you?

“As soon as I heard his first name I knew. Then I just broke down.

“I don’t know if I wish I had known or not,” said Bobby. “If I had known it was him I would have done exactly what I did. I still blame myself though. If I hadn’t let him go back there, he would still be here. But if you keep thinking of the ‘what ifs’ you would go mad.”

Histon, 32, of Mitford Gardens, Wallsend, was convicted of murder and doing acts intending to pervert the course of justice by washing clothing and footwear afterwards.

Dixon, 39, of Shields Road, Byker, was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter. He had previously admitted the perverting justice charge. Both will be sentenced tomorrow.

A third man accused of being involved in the attack, Lee Annis, died in prison while awaiting trial.

The court heard how failed attempts had been made to use Ashley’s bank card to withdraw cash by Histon and Annis and then Dixon. Prosecutor Jason Pitter QC said: “The prosecution say they were together as a unit prior to, during and after the attack. The prosecution say they were operating as a team, a team to steal.

“While the prosecution don’t need to prove a motive, it may be you conclude in this case there was a motive and that was to obtain money to score, or buy, drugs.”