Men jailed for life after helping Moat

Two men who helped gunman Raoul Moat shoot dead one man and seriously injure a police officer last July have today been jailed for life.

Karl Ness and Qhuram Awan were convicted last week at Newcastle Crown Court of the attempted murder of PC David Rathband, conspiracy to murder and robbery.

Ness was given a 40-year minimum term, while Awan must serve at least 20 years.

Ness was convicted of the July 2010 murder of Chris Brown, the partner of Moat`s ex-girlfriend Samantha Stobbart.

Twenty six-year-old Ness was also convicted of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Awan was cleared of that charge.

PC Rathband was in court and wept as details of his injuries were read out.

Speaking outside court, he said: “Both Ness and Awan will be very old people before they are released or considered for release and long may they stay there.

“These two individuals, along with the other coward who wasn`t man enough to stay here, have taken my job from me.

“I am now blind for the rest of my life.”

The gunman shot dead Mr Brown on July 2 and blinded PC Rathband on July 4 after shooting him through the window of his police vehicle while on duty.

Moat died following a week long manhunt that ended in a six-hour stand-off with armed police in Northumberland on July 10.