A COUPLE who bullied a man into living under the stairs and dumped his body in a back street after he overdosed were jailed yesterday.

Israel Moses Wood and Stacey Wood abandoned Alan Rusby, who was either dead or dying, in an alley behind a fish and chip shop, Durham Crown Court was told.

Mr Wood called an ambulance, but both lied to police about what had happened.

In a statement read out in court, Mr Rusby’s family said he was treated like an animal.

They said: “Alan didn’t deserve to die in this manner.”

David Crook, prosecuting, said the 40-year-old lived with the Woods, but they took his money and his freedom.

Mr Rusby slept under the stairs or in a shed. He died on March 25, last year, after taking methadone.

Israel Wood called an ambulance anonymously after he left Mr Rusby behind Beedles fish and chip shop, in Hurworth Street, Bishop Auckland.

The couple, who have since separated, then tried to lie to protect themselves, the court heard. They were arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and both admitted the offence.

Julian Smith, for Israel Wood said there was no question either was responsible for Mr Rusby’s death.

He said: “This was an act undertaken in absolute, abject panic.

“The actual obstruction of justice lasted no more than 24 hours. It was bound to be uncovered.

He deeply regrets his actions.”

Paul Abrahams, for Mrs Wood, said: “She did not set out in this enterprise with a criminal thought in her mind.”

Sentencing, Recorder Neil Davey told the pair: “Alan Rusby was a man who was anxious to please and easily led. If anyone needed protection and assistance, he did.

“But in the early hours of March 25 last year, your over-riding thought was to protect and assist yourselves.”

Israel Wood, formerly known as Robert John Wood, 43, of Hallington Head, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, was jailed for 12 months.

Stacey Wood, 27, of Dunelm Chare, Escomb, near Bishop Auckland, was jailed for eight months.