Life for teenager's two murderers

The pair beat Ross Davidson to death with pieces of wood

Two men who beat a teenager to death during a burglary at his Newcastle flat have been sentenced to life in prison.

Ross Davidson, 19, was hit with pieces of wood in front of his girlfriend in Grace Street, Byker, on 23 March.

Kenneth Power, 22, of Dunstanburgh Road, Byker, was found guilty of murder at Newcastle Crown Court and ordered to serve a minimum of 24 years.

Graeme Duncan, 22, of Norbury Grove, Byker, admitted the murder and was told he must serve at least 22 years.

Steven Gilbert, 22, of St Anthony's Road, Newcastle, was sentenced to 10 years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to rob.

'Girlfriend powerless'

Following the sentencing, Mr Davidson's family said in a statement: "There is nothing that can be said or done which will bring Ross back and ultimately we can't be happy because Ross will never be with us again.

Mr Davidson's family said he was a well-loved man

"However, we applaud the efforts and support of the police and our family and friends, which has helped take the razor-sharp edge from this terrible sadness and ensured the offenders are brought to justice."

Mr Davidson attended Walker Technology College before starting work as a pointer for the Ashington-based company Gunpoint.

Ch Insp Mark Anastasi, who led the investigation, said: "Ross was sitting at home watching television with his girlfriend when he was killed.

"He had no chance to protect himself. He was murdered as Graeme Duncan, Kenneth Power and Steven Gilbert tried to steal an Xbox games console, with Duncan and Power repeatedly hitting him with sticks.

"Ross's girlfriend had no option but to watch powerless as the incident unfolded, and there was nothing she could have done to save him.

"Our sympathy remains with Ross's family and friends at this difficult time."