Michael Phillips murder trial: Toxicologist discusses effects of heroin as evidence concludes

The trial of seven men accused of the murder of Hartlepool man Michael Phillips is nearing its end.
By Mark Payne
Published 18th Feb 2020, 15:04 BST
Updated 18th Feb 2020, 15:48 BST
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Seven men are jointly accused of the brutal killing of the 39-year-old at his home in Rydal Street on the night of Monday, June 10 last year.

The trial at Teesside Crown Court has heard Mr Phillips suffered more than 50 injuries in an assault including to his head and body.

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On Tuesday, the final witness gave evidence. Richard Brown, a forensic toxicologist, was called on behalf of Niramax boss Neil Elliott, 44, to talk about the effects of heroin on a user.

Michael Phillips, 39, died at his home in Rydal Street, Hartlepool, last June. He had more than 50 injuries.Michael Phillips, 39, died at his home in Rydal Street, Hartlepool, last June. He had more than 50 injuries.
Michael Phillips, 39, died at his home in Rydal Street, Hartlepool, last June. He had more than 50 injuries.

The trial previously heard that Mr Phillips had started taking drugs when he moved back to Hartlepool after coming off them while he worked and lived in Luton for five years.

Nicholas Johnson QC, defending Elliott, of Briarfields Close, Hartlepool, suggested to Mr Brown that the fatal dose of heroin can change if a regular user has come off the drug and starts using it again.

Mr Brown said: "If they stop using the drug, tolerance diminishes."

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Mr Johnson asked if a person who restarts using heroin again could accidentally kill themselves by misjudging the amount they can tolerate, to which Mr Brown said yes.

Police in Rydal Street following Mr Phillips' death. Picture by FRANK REIDPolice in Rydal Street following Mr Phillips' death. Picture by FRANK REID
Police in Rydal Street following Mr Phillips' death. Picture by FRANK REID

But under cross examination from the prosecution barrister, also called Nicholas Johnson QC, it was put to the witness that unlike alcohol, it is not possible to calculate exactly when someone had taken heroin or how much from forensic tests after death.

Mr Johnson further suggested the toxicology findings could be affected by factors such as the purity of the drug, the user's tolerance and their metabolism.

Mr Brown agreed, but added it was likely Mr Phillips had taken heroin recently before he died as a breakdown product of the drug disappears in the bloodstream at a fast rate.

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The other men who deny Mr Phillips’ murder are: Lee Darby, 32, of Ridley Court; Gary Jackson, 31, of The Darlings, Hart; father and son John Musgrave, 54 and Sean Musgrave, 30, both of Wordsworth Avenue; Anthony Small, 40, of Rydal Street, and Craig Thorpe, 36, of Young Street.

Proceeding.