Newcastle - A 23-yearold Irish jump jockey was jailed for life for beating and choking a former Newcastle United football trialist to death.
Christopher Martin McGrath was high on ecstasy and alcohol when he smashed Mr Gary Walton in the face with a brick, then choked him, Teesside Crown Court was told.
McGrath, known to friends as Christy, was a jockey for the Durham-based trainer, Mr Norman Mason, and at the time of the murder, on July 17th last year, lived at Mr Mason's stables at Brancepeth village, Co Durham.
Formerly from Tipperary, McGrath was an accomplished sportsman. He led his county and Munster to a succession of hurling titles and was also a gifted handball player and footballer.