Killers face life after murder of dad who tried to stop attack on son

Two men are facing life sentences for the murder of a dad killedwhen he went to intervene in a violent attack on his son.

David Walsh suffered 34 stab wounds and cuts, as well as a number of other injuries at the hands of an armed mob, who used an "assortment" of weapons.

The 45-year-old, who had the nickname Boff, died as a result of massiveblood loss from stab wounds and cuts to major blood vessels linked to the heart, lungs and kidneys.

After a trial, lasting more than four weeks, at Newcastle Crown CourtCharles Lamont, 40, of Villette Road, Sunderland, was convicted of murder and violent disorder.

Raymond Brown, 37, of Canon Cockin Street, Sunderland, who was seen toinflict multiple stab wounds, had already pleaded guilty to the same charges and both men now face mandatory life terms when Mr Justice Globe sentences them on Monday.

Lamont's son Dalton Barnett, of Fuller Road in the city, was cleared ofmurder but convicted of manslaughter and violent disorder.

The 19-year-old will also be sentenced on Monday.

Former Nissan worker Patrick Duggan, 19, of Palmstead Place, Sunderland, was cleared of murder, manslaughter and violent disorder after the trial.

He had admitted being at the scene of the killing but denied any involvement.

The court heard during the trial Mr Walsh had gone to the lane betweenCanon Cockin Street and Fuller Road in Hendon, Sunderland, on November 20 last year when he found out his son David Richardson, aka Walsh, was being assaulted.

Mr Walsh, who was described in court as a "big strong man", wanted to know "who had done this to his son", was angry and ready to fight, the court heard.

The court heard violence involving a number of men broke out in the lane,one of whom was knocked unconscious by Mr Walsh.

Mr Walsh was then subjected to a deadly attack using weapons.