TWO men found guilty of the vicious and bloody murder of Peter Robinson in a York flat have been sentenced to life in prison.

A judge at Leeds Crown Court told John Wood, 39, and Wilfred Barlow, 44, they would not be eligible for parole for 15 years - the maximum term available.

The court heard how Mr Robinson suffered a sustained attack lasting at least 20 minutes, in which he received a minimum of 19 kicks and punches to his head and neck.

His blood was found staining the walls and furniture of the flat in Trent House, Margaret Street.

Judge Peregrine Simon said: "Peter Robinson was subjected to a brutal and sustained attack which eventually killed him. He received kicks and back-heels to his head, face and neck and he never had a chance of recovering.

"He was on his hands and knees and on the ground I am satisfied for at least 20 minutes, and it may have been much longer."

The 50-year-old's body was found in the flat, off Walmgate, in February. The two men attacked him after a heavy cider-drinking session.

Witness Karen Bulmer, a well-known street-drinker, said Wood attacked Mr Robinson in a fit of jealousy because he had recently offered her £5 for sex and touched her breast.

The court heard yesterday how Barlow boasted of what he had done afterwards when he tried to get people to help him dispose of Mr Robinson's body.

Wood, of Trent House, Margaret Street, and Barlow, no fixed address but formerly of Bramham Avenue, Chapelfields, York, denied murder. But during 11 days of evidence, the jury heard evidence of a frenzied attack on Mr Robinson.

Both men were described in court by their barristers as suffering from alcoholism and Barlow's barrister, Tom Bayliss, said he had a history of traumatic stress dating back to when he served in the British Army.

A third man, Paul Darch, 36, of Horsman Avenue, off Cemetery Road, York, was found not guilty of murdering Mr Robinson, but guilty of his manslaughter.

Earlier yesterday, Darch was told he would return at a later date to be sentenced after Mr Justice Simon ordered reports about his background.

Sentencing Wood and Barlow, Judge Simon said the 238 days they had been in prison since their arrest on March 1 would be deducted from their sentence.

Outside court, Detective Inspector Steve Maud, who led the investigation, said: "Peter Robinson was subjected to a savage assault.

"He was punched and beaten to the ground.

"He was kicked unconscious and while he laid defenceless and at the mercy of his assailants, his head and face was ferociously kicked and stamped on.

"He was even attacked with a door that had been earlier removed from its hinges.

"He died a painful and lonely death in an attack that had taken place over several hours."

Updated: 12:21 Tuesday, October 25, 2005