Two accused killers have both given their accounts to a jury as to how the other was responsible for the death of a teenage fatal stabbing victim, who was lured to his death spot.

Despite the claims of innocence to the killing made by each defendant, Ben Cook, 19, and 20-year-old Louis Hackett, the prosecution maintains its position that both were jointly responsible and were, “in it together”.

Evidence in the trial of the accused pair concluded at Newcastle Crown Court on today (Friday, January 27) after both defendants completed giving their evidence to the jury at the end of the second week of their trial.

The court has heard it relates to the death of 18-year-old Kieran Williams, who was reported missing following the last sighting of him, at his mother’s home, in the Pallion area of Sunderland, on April 18, Easter Monday, last year.

Read more: Kieran Williams murder: Evidence of one of accused Sunderland killers

It would be almost six weeks before a police dog handler, acting on information, came across Mr Williams’ burial site, a makeshift grave dug in secluded ground, covered with branches and leaves.

The court heard the deep grave was surrounded by trees and bushes, on former industrial land on the southern banks of the River Wear, near a local landmark Claxheugh Rocks, known locally as, “Clatchy”.

The Northern Echo:

Subsequent forensic examination confirmed the body was that of Mr Williams, who a Home Office pathologist concluded died from blood loss caused by multiple stab wounds.

Attempts had also been made to set the body alight, but the court heard the fire did not take hold beyond part of the deceased’s clothing.

During questioning by police, in an initial missing person inquiry, and then after their arrest, firstly on suspicion of kidnap, then, after the body find, for murder, both Mr Hackett and Mr Cook claimed they had nothing to do with Mr Williams’ disappearance.

When fingerprint evidence linked to Mr Hackett emerged from clods of clay within the grave, he changed tack and gave an account that Mr Cook was responsible, having stabbed Mr Williams multiple times following an angry exchange at the burial site.

Mr Hackett said he then followed Mr Cook’s instructions to bury the body in the pre-dug grave and to fill it with soil.

He claimed he did as Mr Cook told him to, for fear he, too, would be stabbed.

Mr Hackett said Mr Cook was angry with Mr Williams as he had failed to receive any money from a man who had been asking him not to report a recent slash attack on him.

Read more: Pathologist gives evidence in trial of Sunderland murder accused duo

It was claimed that man had offered Mr Williams £5,000 not to give a statement to police about the attack, but that none of the promised money had emerged.

Asked by his defence counsel, Toby Hedworth KC, if he had any reason to kill his long-term friend, or did he stand to gain anything from his death, Mr Hackett replied, “no”.

When he was asked if he had been afraid of anyone during the police inquiries and interview process he told Mr Hedworth: “Yes”.

Asked who that was, he told the court: “Ben (Cook) and his brothers.”

When he took to the stand, however, Mr Cook claimed it was Mr Hackett who produced the knife and carried out the fatal stabbing of Mr Williams.

He said he had been in “shock” at what he saw and went along with Mr Hackett’s instruction to carry the body to the secluded area and cover it with foliage.

Mr Cook claimed Mr Hackett squirted petrol over the body in the failed attempt to set it alight.

He said he and Mr Hackett then went to the river, where he believes his co-accused discarded the knife.

Mr Cook claimed in his account that there was no pre-dug grave at that stage.

He said he was “devastated” at what he witnessed but that in shock he followed Mr Hackett’s instruction to ride home on his bike and not to tell anyone what had taken place.

Asked by his counsel, Caroline Goodwin KC: “Did you play a part in that killing? Mr Cook replied: “No.”

Under cross-examination by prosecution counsel, David Lamb Kc, he was asked why he did not tell his family what he had just witnessed on his return home, Mr Cook said he had been told to say nothing by Mr Hackett and was just trying to take his mind off events by acting normally.

In response, Mr Lamb told him: “Wasn’t that because you were part and parcel of it?”

Read next:

 If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here

Mr Hackett, of Fordenbridge Square, and Mr Cook, of Fordfield Road, both Ford Estate, Sunderland, each deny murder.

The respective counsel will give their closing speeches in the case to the jury, on Monday (January 30).

Proceeding.