Man charged with murder six months after fatal Northumberland assault

Andrew Saint was found with a serious head injury, believed to have been sustained during an assault, after emergency services were called to an address in Pioneer Terrace, Bedlington, at about 7pm on Sunday, February 23.

The 64-year-old was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries and remained there fro treatment before he died on March 13.

A 37-year-old man was arrested on the night of the incident but later released under investigation while a police investigation into the alleged assault was conducted.

Yesterday (Monday, August 3), he was re-arrested by police and charged with Andrew's murder.

James Rutherford, 37, of Pioneer Terrace, Bedlington, is due to appear before Bedlington Magistrates' Court today (Tuesday).

Detective Chief Inspector Ed Small, of Northumbria Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: "We have been investigating exactly what has happened that night so we can establish what led to Andrew Saint suffering from what proved to be fatal injuries”.

"Those enquiries have led to Mr Rutherford being charged with murder and he has been remanded in custody to appear before the court today."This has been a very difficult time for Andrew's family who are understandably devastated by what has happened. Specially trained family liaison officers will offer them any support they need.

"Our enquiries will continue and we would ask that the public are mindful about the ongoing legal proceedings and respect the family's privacy at this time."

Anyone who wants to report information about the assault can call 101, quoting reference 910 23/02/20.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

If you can, please do pick up a copy when you are at the shops. Thank you for your support.