Michael Phillips murder trial: Defendant Craig Thorpe gives evidence as he and six other Hartlepool men deny murder

A jury has now been hearing evidence in the trial of seven Hartlepool men who deny the murder of Michael Phillips for over a month.

The 39-year-old died on the evening of Monday, June 10, last year following an attack inside a house in Rydal Street in the town.

Mr Phillips having sustained more than 50 injuries in the assault, including a number to his head and torso.

Despite emergency services trying for 40 minutes to save him, Mr Phillips sadly died.

The defendants 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.

Elliott and Darby also deny burglary.