WALLSEND DRUG ADDICT JAILED FOR BRUTAL MURDER OF HERO TRYING TO STOP BREAK-IN
In a recent court ruling, George Ness, aged 41 and addicted to crack cocaine, was convicted of the murder of John Smyth, who was 63 years old, in Wallsend.The incident involved Ness assaulting Mr.
Smyth multiple times with a wooden plank during a confrontation in a backyard.
The altercation was triggered when Mr.
Smyth attempted to stop Ness from breaking into a woman’s flat as part of a drug-related conflict.
Although Ness argued that his actions were in self-defense, the jury disagreed and found him guilty of murder.
Ness received a life sentence with a minimum term of at least 22 years.
The trial highlighted that Ness's violent behavior was driven by his addiction, and the judge described his conduct on the night of September 21-22 as 'utterly amoral.' The court detailed how Ness launched a prolonged and brutal attack, striking Mr.
Smyth’s head with such force that it caused several skull fractures.
After the assault, Ness rummaged through Mr.
Smyth’s pockets while he was dying and lied to cover up what he had done.
The court praised Mr.
Smyth as a 'hero' because he tried to protect others, and acknowledged the profound effect of his death on his family, including his children.
The judge condemned Ness’s violent, drug-induced actions, emphasizing that his motives were linked to obtaining drugs, referencing his prior activities which included breaking into cars and exchanging food for drugs on the night of the incident.
The court dismissed Ness’s self-defense claim and established that his actions were wholly unjustified and unprovoked.
