Michael Phillips murder trial: Live updates from Teesside Crown Court as the case continues

Seven men accused of the murder of Hartlepool man Michael Phillips will return to Teesside Crown Court on Friday, January 31.
By Faye Dixon; Sophie Brownson
Published 31st Jan 2020, 09:40 BST
Updated 31st Jan 2020, 10:24 BST
The trial of seven men charged with the murder of Michael Phillips, 39, at a house in Rydal Street, Hartlepool, is ongoing at Teesside Crown Court.The trial of seven men charged with the murder of Michael Phillips, 39, at a house in Rydal Street, Hartlepool, is ongoing at Teesside Crown Court.
The trial of seven men charged with the murder of Michael Phillips, 39, at a house in Rydal Street, Hartlepool, is ongoing at Teesside Crown Court.

The men, who all deny murder, have been charged with killing Mr Phillips, who was 39, in an attack where he received more than 50 injuries in a property on Rydal Street, Hartlepool.

The seven men are: Lee Darby, 32, of Ridley Court; Neil Elliott, 44, of Briarfield 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.

Refresh for updates from Friday’s hearing as they happen. Our reporter Sophie Brownson is in court as the case continues.