Man savagely murdered his friend after attack with six weapons

A BRUTAL murderer who left his friend with more than 90 injuries after attacking him with six weapons has been told he must spend at least 20 years behind bars.

- By ROB KENNEDY

Michael Craig

Vulnerable and kindhearted Michael Craig, 31, was a guest in Craig Howse's Heaton flat when he was subjected to a horrific and prolonged attack.

Howse repeatedly battered his victim with a vacuum pipe, attacked him with two knives and a fork and also used a clock and mug to assault him. In a final degrading act, as Michael lay bleeding but still alive, Howse inserted the vacuum pipe into his bottom.

As the 38-year-old murderer was jailed for life at Newcastle Crown Court, Michael's sister Kathryn went into the witness box to outline the devastation Howse has caused her and her family.

She told the court: "This whole case has had an immeasurable emotional impact on myself and our family. To lose a loved one at any time is difficult, but the added factors of Michael's age and the circumstances surrounding his death compound the distress and emotions far more than we can explain.