Two Lancashire men jailed for a total of more than 45 years for the murder of Steven Thurston

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

Today at Preston Crown Court both men were jailed for life.

Tate was given a minimum term of 25 years and Preshur 20 years and 10 months before they will be eligible to apply for parole.

Police launched a murder enquiry after the body of Mr Thurston, 50, was found inside his home address on Sussex Drive, Blackburn at about 12.50am on Monday, June 10th

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

"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”.

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.”