Welcome to your daily look at the news in the North East.
Each morning and lunchtime we'll bring you some of the latest news from the North East - from breaking news and top stories to NUFC updates and the cost of living latest.
Today, we bring you news that murderers who dumped an injured man in a box to die after attacking him in a row over £20 have been jailed for life.
Blaine Hammond was killed in a prolonged attack by Louis Whelan and Anthony Keating, who stamped, kicked and punched him, causing a devastating brain injury. Whelan then dragged their unconscious victim to a disused utility box in Sunderland and locked him in on a cold December night.
Whelan, 23, who has 21 previous convictions and Keating, 23, who has nine previous convictions, were both found guilty of murdering Blaine after a trial last year. As the pair were jailed for life with a minimum term of 14 years at Newcastle Crown Court, 22-year-old Blaine's mum, Leigh Gray, outlined the devastating impact her son's death has had on her and his family and friends.
She said: "I will never get over the loss of my beautiful son or the horrendous circumstances of his murder. Blaine was a caring, well-loved son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson, cousin and friend.
"Those responsible for his death have not only taken his life but have destroyed the lives of all who loved him. We all feel we are living our own life sentences. We never got the chance to say goodbye to him. He had his whole life ahead of him.
"It's taken two people to destroy not only his life but that of all of his family and friends. He will always be loved and missed and forever be in our hearts."
Body investigating events at Newcastle's St Mary's Cathedral where alleged sex party took place will leave 'no stone unturned'
We also brought you the latest as the body investigating the events leading up to the resignation of Newcastle Bishop say they will "leave no stone unturned".
Bishop Robert Byrne stepped down as Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle in December, and the Roman Catholic Church has launched an inquiry looking at the events leading up to his resignation.
As part of a wider investigation, the Vatican is also looking into an alleged lockdown sex party at St Mary's Cathedral in Newcastle. There is no suggestion Bishop Byrne was at the alleged party of was aware of it.
During lockdown, Father Michael McCoy, who was the dean at the time, allegedly asked several worshippers if they would like to attend a 'sex party' inside a property adjoining St Mary's Cathedral, Newcastle, according to The Sunday Times.
"A number of complaints were made by individuals within the diocese after information came to light about a sex party taking place in the priests' living quarters attached to Newcastle cathedral," a source told the newspaper.
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Air ambulance called after man hit by bus in Sunderland city centre
We also brought you the news that a man has been taken to hospital after being struck by a bus in Sunderland.
Emergency crews attended the scene at the junction between Borough Road and John Street from approximately 1.52pm. A man was found injured and was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary for further treatment.
The extent of his injuries is currently unknown.
A North East Ambulance Service spokesman added: "We were called at 13:52pm to a road traffic collision between a pedestrian and a vehicle at the junction between Borough Road and John Street, Sunderland.
"We sent one emergency ambulance, one clinical team leader and were supported by colleagues from Great North Air Ambulance Service. One patient was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary."
The incident led to some disruption on the roads as Borough Road was subsequently blocked with heavy traffic. Police were diverting traffic including bus services 39, 39B, 2 and 2A.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said at the time: “Shortly before 2pm today, we received a report that a bus had collided with a man on John Street in Sunderland city centre."
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Everton's Anthony Gordon £60m price tag labelled 'laughable' amid Newcastle United links
TalkSPORT hosts Danny Murphy and Simon Jordan have called Everton's asking price of £60 million for forward Anthony Gordon 'laughable' as Newcastle United try and whittle down the fee before the January transfer window closes.
The 21-year-old has notched three times this season for the Toffees and has been linked with a move to St. James' Park this month, although manager Eddie Howe is reportedly unwilling to pay anything over £40 million - meaning the deal is now unlikely to happen.
The Everton youngster has recently received much of the fan's anger directed towards him after what has been perceived as 'lazy' performances with the club slipping further and further away from safety.
When asked if he thought Gordon would slot into Howe's plan for the Magpies, Murphy was certain he'd be fine though, as he said: "Oh yes, I can see it. I think it would be a brilliant signing. I’m a big fan of his. I watched him a lot last season and he was Everton’s best player by a mile.
"Although the bar was pretty low, wasn’t it," former Crystal Palace owner Jordan added as Murphy laughed in agreement.
"He’s started the season OK, but he’s not played a lot recently which has bamboozled me, because he threatens the goal," Murphy continued. "I have heard a couple of Everton fans talking about his work ethic, which I find absolutely bizarre because I’ve never seen him play and not give absolutely everything. His tracking back, his press, his work ethic is there.
"He’s got talent, he’s got lovely balance, he goes both ways, he can play off the right, off the left or as a No.10. He gets in there. His end product needs some work, but he’s 21.
"Under Eddie Howe and in a good side, he could fly. When Chelsea were interested in the summer they offered £60m and I thought that would be a bit over the top. But if Newcastle can get him for somewhere around the £30m mark, even £40m, I’d do it, because in three or four years he’ll be worth more than that. He’s a super talent."
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That's all from us for now, but check back at 1pm today for your next North East Today update.
In the meantime, keep up-to-date with all the latest and sign up to our newsletters here.
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