Coroner calls off inquest

HEARING WILL NOT BE RESUMED INTO MAN’S MURDER

NO inquest will be held into the death of murder victim Ashley Cochrane after two men were jailed in connection with his brutal killing, a coroner has confirmed.

The 29-year-old was tortured to death for his bank card details on New Year’s Eve last year .

Ashley went through a horrendous ordeal at the hands of Sean Histon and George Dixon, who are now serving prison sentences for their parts in his death.

Histon was last month convicted of murdering Ashley, at the Catherine House hostel, in Byker, Newcastle. Dixon was cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter at Newcastle Crown Court .

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

Coroner Karen Dilks has now said she would not be holding an inquest into his death as there were “no issues” that had not been dealt with during the criminal court proceedings. During the brief hearing at Newcastle Civic Centre, Ms Dilks said Ashley’s death had been confirmed at Newcastle ‘s RVI on January 1, 2018. She said: “Two defendants were convicted following a trial – one of manslaughter and perverting the course of justice, one of murder and perverting the course of justice. They have each received significant custodial sentences. I have carefully considered whether there were any issues that have not been fully explored within the criminal proceedings that would amount to sufficient reason for me to resume my investigation.

“I can identify no issues that could indicate any article two breaches within this case and find no reason that would justify the resumption of my investigation. The inquest will not be resumed.”

Ashley spent the last hours of his life at the Lord Clyde pub where he had a drink with Bobby Martin, his friend of seven years who was working behind the bar. But he was already very drunk when he arrived at the pub, and was asked to leave when he fell asleep on a seat.

Bobby said Ashley could go back to his room at the Catherine House hostel next door and wait for him until he finished work. But once inside he was confronted by Histon and Dixon subjected him to a ferocious attack as they attempted to get his bank card pin number off him.

Ashley was beaten, stamped on, stabbed and had his head slammed through plasterboard because he refused to reveal the number.

He was not found until Bobby returned home from work. But so severe were his injuries Bobby did not even recognise his pal.

Histon, 32, of Mitford Gardens, Wallsend, was jailed for life with a minimum of 30 years. Dixon, 39, of Shields Road, Byker, was jailed for 17 years.