Callous killer Aaron Ray is caught on camera coldly leaving his boyfriend to die after stabbing him in a jealous rage.
CCTV from Jason Brockbanks' student flats, Mansion Tyne, shows the pair returning after a night out in Newcastle last September. Around half an hour later, Ray emerged alone, having knifed his partner after finding out he had been sending sexual messages to other men.
Newcastle Crown Court heard that the injury to Brockbanks' flank would not have killed him quickly and he could have been saved had the emergency services been called. But instead, Ray left him there and headed home.
Read more: Jealous killer convicted of murdering Northumbria University student boyfriend
By the time Northumbria University student Jason, 24, was found, three days later, he had died. After Ray, 21, of Mayfield Road, Sunderland, was found guilty of murder by a jury, his victim's family said they were grateful to have "justice for Jason".
In a statement, they said: “We would like to thank the police for all their assistance and support throughout this matter and the prosecution barrister and their team.
“We would also like to thank the jury for making the correct decision. We would like to thank Jason’s friends and the Mansion Tyne staff for their support throughout the trial.
“We miss our beloved son dearly and we are thankful we have justice for Jason.”
Detective Inspector Tomasz Fowler of Northumbria Police, added: “First and foremost I would like to pay tribute to Jason’s family for the strength and courage they have shown throughout the legal process. “Their lives have been devastated by his death and we once again express our condolences to them.
"We sincerely hope that today’s conviction provides a degree of closure.” DI Fowler added: “Aaron Ray showed no regard for Jason’s life and has deservedly been convicted of his murder.
“On the night he killed Jason, he disposed of the murder weapon and fled the scene, failing to notify the emergency services that Jason had been seriously injured. If he had raised the alarm and called 999, Jason could still be alive today.
“Jason had been enjoying living in the North East after moving to the region and had his whole life ahead of him. We thank the jury for seeing through his lies and providing justice for Jason’s family and friends.”
Ray will be given a life sentence on Thursday.
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