'So-called vigilante justice will not be tolerated' - CPS reaction as three found guilty of killing Michael Phillips

At Teesside Crown Court on March 3, a jury found Lee Darby guilty of murder, with Niramax boss Neil Elliott and Anthony Small being convicted of manslaughter in relation to the killing of Michael Phillips, 39, at his home in Rydal Street on June 10 last year.

A CPS statement read: “The incident was the culmination of protracted efforts by Neil Elliott (44), to seek out those responsible for the burglary of his daughter’s home address and linked theft of a motor vehicle the previous night.

“On the morning of the attack, Elliott sent a chilling message through Facebook directed at those who had committed the offence, stating ‘your life is about to change trust me.’

“Thereafter he engaged others, including the defendant Darby, in the recovery of CCTV in a concerted effort to trace those responsible. At shortly before 9pm that evening Elliott drove together with Darby and others to Rydal Street where the defendant Anthony Small was recruited to knock on Michael Phillips’s door with a view to entering addresses and confront the occupants.

“In the attack that followed, the victim Michael Phillips was subjected to a vicious assault, sustaining over 50 injuries, including 15 rib fractures, skull and facial fractures, and traumatic lacerations to his left lung and spleen.

“The Forensic Pathologist noted that a number of injuries sustained were consistent with the use of weapons including a knuckle duster and footwear. Despite concerted efforts by paramedics attending the scene Michael Phillips was pronounced dead within an hour of the attack.”

Christopher Atkinson of CPS North East, said: “Each of those convicted today played a part in the killing of Michael Phillips.

“It is clear from the evidence in this case that Neil Elliott was the ringleader; he recruited those convicted alongside him to locate the stolen car, retrieve CCTV from local properties, obtain weapons and carry out this attack.

“During the attack on Michael Phillips, it was however Lee Darby who was the primary aggressor and this fact is reflected in his conviction for murder today.

“The tragic irony of this case is that there is no evidence that Michael Phillips was actually involved in the burglary at all. Even had there been, this would not justify the brutal and violent response delivered by those convicted today.

“I would hope that these convictions send a clear message that so-called vigilante justice will simply not be tolerated. I also sincerely hope that the convictions bring a measure of comfort to the family of Michael Phillips at what must remain a very difficult time for them.”