Who was Michael Phillips? The Hartlepool man 'very loved' by his family who died in savage attack

But the 39-year-old’s life ended in tragic circumstances after he was beaten to death in a savage attack at his home address.

Michael died in June 2019 in Hartlepool’s Rydal Street, despite the efforts of paramedics who were called to his aid after he suffered serious injuries to his head and chest in an assault.

Born and raised in the town, he was described by his own mum, Margaret, as a “good kid” who was never in trouble with the police and went on to study car mechanics at college.

He later met his partner and the pair had a child - but when Michael was laid off from work, their relationship fell under strain. He wasn’t allowed to see his child.

A statement from Margaret was read at Teesside Crown Court during a trial into the murder of her son.

In it, she admitted she saw a “change” in Michael when he wasn’t working. He began lying to his mother, and things began going missing from her home.

"When I realised that something was wrong I confronted Michael and he admitted taking drugs”, her statement said.

"He was losing weight, was pale and he would wear multiple layers of clothing to hide himself."

Later, Michael moved to Luton and lived there for five years.

He “did well” there, Margaret said, putting on weight and working full-time.

But on moving back to Hartlepool, he returned to drugs and was in trouble with the police.

At the time of his death, jurors at the murder trial were told that Michael was taking a “high dosage” of methadone and was thought to be “in pretty good health”.

Margaret last saw her son two days before his death. She then spoke to him on the eve of his murder.

Lee Darby, 32, of Ridley Court, was convicted of Michael’s murder following trial at Teesside Crown Court and was given life with a minimum of 23 years.

Neil Elliott, 44, of Briarfields Close and Anthony Small, 40, of Rydal Street, were cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter and were sentenced to 15 and 12 years respectively.