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Two charged over Newcastle murder of Lee Irving Two charged over Newcastle murder of Lee Irving
(about 2 hours later)
Two men have been charged with murder following the death of a vulnerable man in Newcastle. Two men have appeared in court charged with murdering a vulnerable man in Newcastle.
Lee Irving, 24, from East Denton, a deprived area in the west of the city, was found dead on Saturday morning in a grassed area about 10 miles from his home. He was described by Northumbria police as vulnerable and having learning difficulties.Lee Irving, 24, from East Denton, a deprived area in the west of the city, was found dead on Saturday morning in a grassed area about 10 miles from his home. He was described by Northumbria police as vulnerable and having learning difficulties.
On Tuesday, police charged James Wheatley, 28, from Newcastle, and Barry Imray, 31, of no fixed abode, with murder and perverting the course of justice. James Wheatley, 28, and Barry Imray, 31, both from Newcastle, appeared at North Tyneside magistrates court accused his murder.
Both were due to appear at North Tyneside magistrates court on Tuesday. The pair spoke to confirm their names and were told their case would be sent to crown court. Two men aged 50 and 23 and two women aged 50 and 20 who were also arrested have been bailed pending further inquiries.
Two men aged 50 and 23 and two women aged 50 and 20 have been bailed pending further inquiries.
On Monday, a statement from Irving’s family described him as “a wonderful young man” who was “loved by many”. They recalled that he loved ice-skating, going to the cinema and enjoying life. The statement added: “He will be very sadly missed by all who knew him.On Monday, a statement from Irving’s family described him as “a wonderful young man” who was “loved by many”. They recalled that he loved ice-skating, going to the cinema and enjoying life. The statement added: “He will be very sadly missed by all who knew him.
“What we have lost is irreplaceable and we must live with our loss every day. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us at this devastating time. Lee will always remain in our hearts and thoughts.”“What we have lost is irreplaceable and we must live with our loss every day. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us at this devastating time. Lee will always remain in our hearts and thoughts.”
Irving’s mother, Bev, wrote on Facebook that her son had the “mind of an eight-year-old”.Irving’s mother, Bev, wrote on Facebook that her son had the “mind of an eight-year-old”.
Police said they were investigating whether Irving’s learning difficulties were a factor in his murder.Police said they were investigating whether Irving’s learning difficulties were a factor in his murder.