Murderer will be jailed for life for killing 'best mate'

A MAN will be jailed for life after he was convicted of murdering his “best mate” in a rage-fuelled onslaught with a vacuum pipe and other weapons.

- ROB KENNEDY Court Reporter

Michael Craig was a guest in Craig Howse’s flat in Heaton, Newcastle, when he was subjected to a horrific attack during which he suffered more than 30 knife wounds to his face and head.

Exactly why Howse carried out such a ferocious attack is unclear. Prosecutors suggested it may have been drug-related given intimate injuries the victim suffered and a suggestion Howse was looking for any drugs that may have been secreted in his body.

Howse himself claimed Mr Craig, 31, had called him a “nonce” and a “baby killer”. Howse was previously sentenced for child cruelty charges. He got a suspended sentence after pleading guilty on the basis of not seeking medical attention and he told the court he had not hurt the child.

Whatever the reason for the attack, the 38-year-old, who claimed he had been acting in self-defence, has been convicted of murder by jurors at Newcastle Crown Court. Howse, who started swearing in the dock after being convicted, will be sentenced on November 14.

He faces a mandatory life sentence and Judge Edward Bindloss will determine how long he must serve before he has any chance of parole.