Lee Irving murder: Review launched to see if death could have been prevented

An investigation has been launched to see if lessons can be learnt over the murder of vulnerable Lee Irving.

James Wheatley was found guilty of the 24-year-old's murder on Thursday.

Wheatley, 29, had denied killing Lee. who had learning difficulties, but was found guilty after an eight-week trial.

Co-accused Barry Imray, 35, was found not guilty of murder and manslaughter but a jury said he caused or allowed the death of Mr Irving.

Because of his vulnerability, Lee was known to Newcastle City Council, which said it was now carrying out a review to see if anything was missed.

The findings will be published early next year.

A council spokesman said: "This is a tragic case involving the horrific exploitation of a vulnerable young man. The court has rightly convicted the callous and cold hearted individuals who are responsible for taking advantage of Lee during a sustained period of abuse which culminated in his violent death. Our thoughts are with Lee's family at this difficult time

"Lee has been known to social care and other agencies from a young age because of his vulnerability.

"Because of the seriousness of the case, a Safeguarding Adults Review is now being carried out to find out whether there are lessons to be learnt about the ways in which local professionals and agencies worked together to try to keep Lee safe.

"The independent report has been commissioned by the Newcastle Safeguarding Adults Board and is expected to be published in early in 2017."

Imray had already admitted doing acts intending to pervert the course of justice.

Both Imray and Wheatley had admitted conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Wheatley's mother Julie Mills and his former partner Nicole Lawrence were found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable adult. The jury also found them guilty of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

All four will be sentenced on Friday.