Second Lancashire man found guilty of the murder of Steven Thurston after 'brutal assault' in Blackburn

Andrew Tate, 22, of Brownbirks Road, Huncoat, was found guilty after a week-long trial at Preston Crown Court.

A second man – George Preshur, 30, of Keele Walk, Blackburn - pleaded guilty to Steven’s murder earlier this year.

Both men will be sentenced on Wednesday (December 18).

Det Temp Chief Insp Zoe Russo, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “Steven Thurston was subjected to a sustained and brutal assault which left him with a number of serious injuries, including skull fractures, from which he sadly died.

"My thoughts remain with his family and friends who have remained dignified throughout the investigation and the trial.

“It is clear from the evidence that both George Preshur and Andrew Tate went to Steven’s address with the intention to at the very least cause him serious injury.

"Preshur pleaded guilty to murder and I am pleased that the jury have convicted Tate of murder. I would like to thank them for their careful consideration of the facts”.

A Home Office post mortem examination showed he died from significant head injuries.

In a tribute Steven’s family said: “Steven was the kindest, caring, loving father, son and brother whose door was always open to help others.”