Michael Phillips murder trial: Latest updates from Teesside Crown Court as trial continues

A jury is continuing to hear evidence in the trial of seven Hartlepool men who deny the murder of Michael Phillips.
By Sophie Brownson, Mark Payne
Published 18th Feb 2020, 10:39 BST
Updated 18th Feb 2020, 11:06 BST
Seven men are standing trial at Teesside Crown Court charged with the murder of Michael Phillips.Seven men are standing trial at Teesside Crown Court charged with the murder of Michael Phillips.
Seven men are standing trial at Teesside Crown Court charged with the murder of Michael Phillips.

The 39-year-old died on the evening of Monday, June 10, last year following an attack inside a house in Rydal Street in the town.

Mr Phillips sustained more than 50 injuries in the assault, including a number to his head and torso.

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Despite emergency services trying for 40 minutes to save him, Mr Phillips sadly died.

The defendants standing trial are Lee Darby, 32, of Ridley Court; Neil Elliott, 44, of Briarfields Close; Gary Jackson, 31, of The Darlings in Hart Village; John Musgrave, 54, of Wordsworth Avenue; Sean Musgrave, 30, also of Wordsworth Avenue; Anthony Small, 40, of Rydal Street, and Craig Thorpe, 36, of Young Street.

The trial has been going on for more than a month at Teesside Crown Court.

Our reporter Mark Payne is at the court bringing us live updates from today’s hearing.