Michael Phillips murder trial: Second defendant takes to witness stand as seven Hartlepool men deny charge

The court case of seven Hartlepool men charged with the murder of Michael Phillips has resumed to hear its fifth week of evidence.
By Mark Payne and Fiona Thompson
Published 10th Feb 2020, 11:27 BST
Updated 10th Feb 2020, 15:20 BST
The trial of seven men charged with the murder of Michael Phillips, 39, is ongoing at Teesside Crown Court.The trial of seven men charged with the murder of Michael Phillips, 39, is ongoing at Teesside Crown Court.
The trial of seven men charged with the murder of Michael Phillips, 39, is ongoing at Teesside Crown Court.

Mr Phillips, 39, died on the night of Monday, June 10, in a house in Rydal Street in the town.

A trial is being held at Teesside Crown Court, where a group of men deny murder.

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They 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.

Darby and Elliott also deny a charge of burglary.

Follow our live blog from court as the evidence continues, with our reporter Mark in court following proceedings.