Man convicted of murder after North Tyneside brutal assault

On March 7 last year, police received a report of concern for a man inside an address on Clifton Gardens in Meadow Well, North Tyneside.

Emergency services attended the address, where they found 45-year-old Trevor Bishop lying in a pool of his own blood on the living room floor.

Trevor Bishop (Image: Northumbria Police)

He was taken to hospital however, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he died from his injuries two days later.

A review of CCTV from the night of Trevor’s death showed a man – identified by officers as Tony Johnson – fleeing the scene after the assault took place.

The subsequent investigation revealed that the pair had been drinking together in the address when Johnson assaulted Trevor, by punching him at least three times in the head.

Only when he stopped did he realise the consequences of his actions, resulting in him immediately fleeing the property, discarding his own bloodied clothes en route.

Tony Johnson (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

Officers arrested Johnson, subsequently charging him with murder.

And today (Monday), following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court, Tony Johnson, 36, of Princes Street, North Shields, was found guilty of murder.

Johnson was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on Friday, February 16.

Following Johnson’s conviction, Trevor's sister, Lisa Bishop, has shared these words about her late brother: “I am devastated to have lost my brother in such a violent way.

“Trevor was my best friend. I miss him every day and will do for the rest of my life.”

Tony Johnson arrest (Image: Northumbria Police)

Speaking after the trial, the Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Tam Fowler, of Northumbria Police, condemned the mindless violence which caused Trevor’s death.

He said: “This will have undoubtedly been the most incredibly difficult year for Trevor’s loved ones as they continue to grieve, and I am pleased that the jury returned the right verdict today.

“Johnson’s actions were absolutely senseless and there was absolutely no need for Trevor to lose his life. This pointless violence has caused so much pain and I hope that today offers a sense of closure to the family, and to the wider Meadow Well community.

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“Unfortunately, the motives for Johnson’s attack may forever be unknown – but at some point, during the evening, a violent altercation has occurred leading to one of the men losing their lives and a family losing one of their own.”

Det Insp Fowler added: “Nothing good will ever come from this type of violence and as we’ve sadly seen in this case there was nothing but tragic consequences for all involved.

“I hope the courts recognise the severity of Johnson’s offending when sentencing takes place.”