A JUDGE was today due to sentence two men who shot a couple in the head after searching their house for drugs.

Raymond Whittaker and James Chopswood Morrison have been convicted of killing Patricia Price, 44, and Ian Clark, 35, in Bridlington in December 1999.

They were also found guilty of attempting to murder Surrey businessman Trevor Shine only weeks before the Bridlington attack.

Ms Price and Mr Clark were shot through the back of the head at Ms Price's home in Stamford Walk.

Their murderers immediately left the town, travelling to Lancashire before being arrested in London.

Morrison had admitted all charges, although Whittaker has always denied them.

But a jury returned a unanimous verdict.

"Today's result is testament to the professionalism and commitment of Humberside Police and Surrey Police forces, working together to bring two dangerous killers to justice," said Detective Superintendent Peter Morriss, of Humberside Police.

"Members of the public can feel reassured that two very dangerous people are now off the streets, and will be for a very long time."

Morrison, who is single and unemployed, was living in Bridlington at the time of the attack. The judge heard that he had previous convictions dating back to 1972 for offences including burglary, theft, possession of controlled drugs and offensive weapons.

Whittaker is also single and unemployed. He had no permanent address, and at the time of the murder was living in a truck in Bridlington. His previous convictions dated back to 1977 and included burglary, theft and possession of controlled drugs.

Updated: 11:19 Friday, February 08, 2002