Life sentence for murderer who stabbed boyfriend Jason Brockbanks in Newcastle student flat

A man has been jailed for life for murdering his boyfriend at a flat in Newcastle.

Aaron Ray, 21, will serve a minimum sentence of 22 years, for the murder of Northumbria student Jason Brockbanks, from Whitehaven, Cumbria.

Mr Brockbanks' body was discovered in his shower in his private student accommodation Mansion Tyne halls, Howard Street, three days after he was killed by Ray last September.

Despite knowing Jason had suffered fatal wounds, Ray left him in his room and got a taxi back to his Sunderland home just minutes after carrying out the attack.

Jason’s body lay in the bedroom of his flat until his family reported him as missing after not hearing from him for several days.

CCTV shows the pair on the night of the murder

Staff from Northumbria University raised the alarm with officers who then visited Jason’s room and discovered his body.

Jurors were told Ray had stabbed Mr Brockbanks after finding sexual messages with other men on his phone.

Jason Brockbanks' family gave an emotional statement outside court after the sentencing

Jason’s family paid tribute to him, describing Jason as a "loving, kind, gentle soul, who shied away from confrontation and hated violence."

They also thanks the jury, the Police and also the Mansion Tyne staff who supported them throughout the trial.

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