A man has been found guilty of murder after he severely beat an addict who refused to share his drugs.
Dean James Williams killed Ian MacNeil during a drink and drug-fuelled incident in November 2021.
Teesside Crown Court heard how Williams smashed an empty bottle of Lambrini over Mr MacNeil's head, before hitting him with a walking stick.
The 50-year-old cleaned the seriously injured victim up before launching another assault on the defenceless victim.
Jurors heard how Mr MacNeil, 46, left a friend's bedsit in the early hours of Sunday, November 28, but was seen staggering around on CCTV and was found sitting in a doorway.
He died several days later in James Cook University Hospital after suffering head injuries.
Williams, who refused to appear in the court as the verdict was delivered, will be sentence on Friday, August 11.
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Judge Paul Watson KC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, thanked the jury for their deliberations and remanded the defendant in custody.
After the verdict, Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Simone Bennett, said: “Ian was dearly loved by his family and friends and they will now have to live the rest of their lives without him.
"I am pleased that Williams has now been convicted and will spend significant time behind bars to pay for what he has done. I hope this will bring some form of comfort to Ian’s family.”
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