Nephew Guilty Of North Shields Murder

7 November 2013, 16:40 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Eligijus Zemaitus has been sent to prison for 8 years for killing his uncle in his flat in North Shields.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that the 18-year-old from Lithuania, beat his uncle Mantas Leonavicius to death in a "vicious attack".

The attack followed an row after Leonavicius took offence to Zemaitis buying him a kebab with chilli sauce on during an alchohol-fuelled evening at Leonavicius' home.

The court heard Zemaitis was also angry with his uncle for not attending his mother's funeral a week prior to Leonavicius' death.

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UPDATED 6TH NOVEMBER 2013 - 6:30pm

Eligijus Zemaitus has been found guilty of killing his uncle in his flat in North Shields

22 year old Mantas Leonavicius, who's from Lithuania, was found with a fork sticking out of his neck in Stanley Street, North Shields, in May.

His 18 year old nephew Eligijus Zemaitis (pictured), was found guilty of manslaughter by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court .

Zemaitis, of Barmouth Way, North Shields, had denied murder.

Mr Leonavicius died of head and neck injuries. Zemaitis had argued with his uncle for not attending his mother's funeral, the court heard.

Det Ch Insp Christina Barrett of Northumbria Police said it had been a difficult time for the victim's family.

She said:
"Mantas Leonavicius was killed inside his home in Stanley Street, North Shields. His nephew Eligijus Zemaitus was arrested and charged.

Our thoughts remain with Mr Leonavicius?s family and friends, both here and in Lithuania, who have shown great dignity throughout the investigation.

This has been a very difficult time for them and I would like to thank them for their assistance."