Flight Mh17

Mr Sweeney, who became a spokesperson for the families of those killed when flight MH17 was shot down, died earlier this month at the age of 61.

Barry Sweeney became well known around the North East for his campaigning after his son Liam died in the MH17 plane crash.

Igor Girkin called Vladimir Putin a 'cowardly mediocrity' and faces up to five years in prison if convicted.