Serial killer guilty of murder

Simon Martin was the first of four victims killed by a serial killer the likes of which the North East had never seen before and hopefully will never see again.

Decades may have passed since it happened, but people in Sunderland say they will never forget as Kenny Toal reports.

Kenny Toal reports from Newcastle Crown Court where Steven Grieveson from Sunderland was convicted of the murder of a schoolboy 23 years ago.

Grieveson, who is already serving sentences for killing three teenagers in the 1990's, was sentenced to life.

The father of murdered schoolboy Simon Martin has been speaking outside court after his son's killer was sentenced to life with a minimum of 35 years.

Robert Martin read a statement which he said was "for my family, myself, my wife, my son and my son who isn't alive".

Detective Superintendent Roger Ford spoke on behalf of the other victims families.

Steven Grieveson has been given a life sentence with a minimum of 35 years after being convicted of murdering teenager Simon Martin in 1990.

42-year-old Grieveson already has three life sentences for killing three other teenage boys.

Steven Grieveson, who has been found guilty of murdering schoolboy Simon Martin, had already been convicted of killing Thomas Kelly and David Grieff and David Hanson.

Their parents have released a statement:

“Our sons were taken away from us by a cruel man whose despicable actions cost four boys their lives.

“These were innocent boys whose actions led in no way to their devastating and tragic deaths.

“Listening to this trial has brought back so many painful memories for us, and we would like to express our deepest sympathies to Simon’s parents, Robert and Jean Martin, for the pain they have suffered over the last 23 years.

“We hope that the outcome of this trial will help them to feel that justice has been done for Simon.

“Our sons would be grown men now. We will never forget them and they will live on in our hearts forever.”

The parents of murdered schoolboy Simon Martin have released a statement about the conviction of their son's killer, Steven Grieveson.

"Today is the end of a long journey for us, which will finally give us closure.

"I would like to thank Northumbria Police and all those who have worked on this case to get today’s decision.

"It has been a traumatic and life changing experience for all the families involved.

"Now Grieveson could spend the rest of his days behind bars.

"No other family should have to lose a son and suffer the heartache we have had to endure."

Serial killer Steven Grieveson has been convicted of the murder of schoolboy Simon Martin and faces his fourth life sentence.

The 42-year-old is already serving three life sentences for the murders of tragic teenagers David Hanson, 15, Thomas Kelly, 18, and David Grieff, 15.