A killer has been told he will spend at least the next 26 years behind bars for the murder of North-East father David "Noddy" Rice.

Mr Rice was shot up to nine times with a semi-automatic handgun at a seafront beauty spot in May last year.

Detectives are still hunting gunman Allan Foster, who police believe pulled the trigger, but his henchman Steven Bevens was yesterday jailed for life.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Bevens was in the car with Foster when he "executed" Mr Rice as a public punishment in front of horrified onlookers.

Bevens pleaded guilty to murder on the fifth day of his trial last month.

He claimed he knew Mr Rice was to be shot but did not know Foster had planned to kill him.

But the judge rejected his claims and said he played a crucial part in the killing.

Mr Justice Simon told him: "This was a cold-blooded execution in which you played a central part."

During the trial the court heard how Bevens, 39, had set up a rendezvous at the Marsden Grotto car park in South Shields, South Tyneside, on May 24 last year in a deliberate bid to lure the 42-year-old to his death.

Bevens had driven gunman Allan Foster to the scene of the shooting then drove him away again once it was certain Mr Rice was dead.

The court was told how Mr Rice and Bevens both worked for Foster, a notorious drug dealer with a criminal record and a history of underworld dealings.

The court heard how the Mondeo was driven from the scene to nearby Lizard Lane where it was abandoned and set on fire.

The killers then transferred to an awaiting orange van and fled the area.

Tony Hedworth, prosecuting, told jurors how shortly before the killing, Foster had fallen out with Mr Rice, of St Vincent Street, South Shields.

Foster fled the country via Luton airport on May 26.

The victim's family said in a statement: "To say we were horrified by the murder is an understatement.

"However, what equally shocked us is the fact that Steven Bevens, the man sentenced today, was someone whom Nod considered to be a friend.

"Although justice has been served, the thought of closure regarding the matter remains as distant as ever.

"Everyone loses, but whether or not Bevens considered our feelings, or those of his own family, when setting out to commit his atrocious deed is something only he knows. Somehow, though, we doubt it.

"He will, however, have a long time to ponder the consequences of his actions.

"Whilst doing so, perhaps he should spare a thought for Nod's aged, heartbroken and sick mother who couldn't attend court today on account of her lying in hospital suffering from heart failure.

"That's not to mention his beloved children, two of whom are under four years old, and whom Bevens had met, and whose lot is now to grow up without the care and influence of a loving father."