Shotton Colliery and Peterlee pair jailed for life for murdering Ross Connelly in Wheatley Hill as he laid in bed

Two young men have been jailed for life after brutally murdering a granddad as he laid in his bed.

Lewis Armstrong and Harvey Hughes forced their way into Ross Connelly’s home in Alexandra Terrace, Wheatley Hill, shortly after midnight on May 1 and repeatedly assaulted him with a weapon.

Police say the pair carried out the vicious attack after 46-year-old Mr Connelly insulted Armstrong’s mother on Facebook.

From left, Harvey Hughes and Lewis Armstrong have been jailed for the murder of Ross Connelly.placeholder image
From left, Harvey Hughes and Lewis Armstrong have been jailed for the murder of Ross Connelly.

The pair then fled before they were eventually arrested.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Armstrong, who was 17 at the time, and Hughes, 20, were jointly charged with murder.

They were also accused of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent in relation to another attack carried out the previous day on a man in Shotton Colliery.

The pair denied all charges but were found guilty following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court last month and returned to court to be sentenced.

Murder victim Ross Connelly was attacked in his own bed.placeholder image
Murder victim Ross Connelly was attacked in his own bed.

Hughes, of Girton Close, Peterlee, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 26 years while Armstrong, now 18, of Dixon Estate, Shotton Colliery, was jailed for life with a minimum tariff of 24 years.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
placeholder image
Read More
The 17 locations where Home Office figures say most Hartlepool crime is committe...

In a statement, Ross’s heartbroken family said afterwards: “Ross was a good man with a huge heart and lots of love to give to both friends and family. Ross was a proud Shotton Colliery lad, a proud Sunderland supporter and a proud granddad. He is greatly missed.”

A Durham Constabulary spokeswoman condemned the “vicious and unprovoked attack”, adding: “I hope today’s result will go a small way to offer some conclusion to the horrible suffering of Ross’ family, who have supported the police investigation throughout.”

News you can trust since 1877
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice