FOUR people have been convicted of their part in the brutal killing of a vulnerable man.

Disabled Lee Irving, a 24-year-old who suffered profound learning difficulties, was repeatedly attacked over the space of a week by James Wheatley.

The victim suffered 27 rib fractures and broken bones in his face after a “merciless” campaign of violence in which he was repeatedly stamped and kicked by the people he lived with.

The 28-year-old killer then ordered his friend Barry Imray to put Lee’s lifeless body in a pushchair and dump it on a grass verge near the A1 at Fawdon in Newcastle.

Today at Newcastle Crown Court, Wheatley, of Studdon Walk in Newcastle, was found guilty of murder after a two-month trial, having earlier pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

Imray was acquitted of murder and manslaughter, but the 31-year-old of no fixed abode was found guilty of perverting the course of justice and allowing the death of a vulnerable adult.

Wheatley’s 50-year-old mother, Julie Mills, and 20-year-old girlfriend, Nicole Lawrence knew Lee was badly injured after the first attack, but did nothing to help.

Mills, also of Studdon Walk, found guilty of perverting the course of justice and allowing the death of a vulnerable adult.

Lawrence, of The Avenue in Fellgate Moore in Morpeth, found guilty of perverting the course of justice and allowing the death of a vulnerable adult.

Both women were remanded in custody for their own protection.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fairlamb said: "This has been a tragic case for both Lee's parents and families.

He added: "This has been a truly awful case and to watch the defendants show such little respect and remorse for Lee has been sickening.

“All Lee ever wanted was friendship”.

All four are due back at Newcastle Crown Court tomorrow when they are due to be sentenced.