Three men have appeared in court charged with the murder of Ashley Cochrane, who was found with serious head injuries at a Byker hostel.

Mr Cochrane was discovered by police in the early hours of New Year’s Day at Catherine House on Shields Road.

The 29-year-old was taken to the Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary with head injuries but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Now three men have appeared in court after being jointly charged with his murder.

George Steven Dixon, 38, of Shields Road, Byker; Lee Annis, 39, of Fletcher House, Percy Main and Sean Histon, 32, of Mitford Gardens, Wallsend, each face one count of murder and one count of burglary.

Ashley Cochrane, 29, who died after being found injured at Catherine House, Byker
Ashley Cochrane, 29, who died after being found injured at Catherine House, Byker

Histon has also been charged with an assault on January 1.

Appearing before magistrates at Newcastle Crown Court on Saturday morning, all three spoke only to confirm their names, ages, and addresses.

Annis and Histon appeared in the dock together, while Dixon was dealt with in a separate hearing.

Sitting magistrates remanded the trio in custody, and all three are due to appear before a judge at the same court on Monday.

Police investigating Mr Cochrane’s death have also made a further appeal for information and have released an image of a white jacket.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Cole, of Northumbria Police, said: “We are keen to locate a white jacket such as the one seen in these images.

“It could help further our investigation and we would encourage anyone who may come across a jacket like this to call us.

“We would ask people to have a look in your gardens or your bins to see if it has been discarded there.

Police are appealing for information about a white jacket following the death of Ashley Cochrane
Police are appealing for information about a white jacket following the death of Ashley Cochrane

“Anyone else who has information that may assist us in our investigation into Ashley’s death is urged to get in touch.”

Specialist officers are supporting Mr Cochrane’s family.

Devastated friends of the popular lad took to the ChronicleLive Facebook page to express their grief following his death.

Sarah Hall said: “RIP Ashley Cochrane. Such a lovely lad, you always had a smile on your face when I used to see you.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting the log number 191 01/01/18 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.