Three people have pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Adam Thomson who was killed at the beginning of the year.
Sarah Hadfield, Anthony Hadfield and Steven Corbett, all denied murdering the ‘much-loved’ father of one but admitted the lesser charge during a short hearing on the day their trial was due to start.
They were charged in connection with the alleged murder of Mr Thomson, who died following an incident in Sydenham Road, Hartlepool, at around 3am on Wednesday, January 4.
A teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was told he would no longer be facing any charges after the Crown Prosecution Service accepted their pleas and it was indicated that ‘no evidence’ would be offered in his case.
However, he will have to wait until next week when the formal not guilty plea will be recorded when he next appears at Teesside Crown Court.
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No details of the incident were revealed in court and the case was adjourned to allow time to set a date for a sentencing hearing.
In a tribute released through the force, Adam’s family said: “Adam was a much-loved father, son and brother who will be sorely missed by all of his family and friends.
“He was a quiet lad, and a doting father to his three-year-old daughter. We are devastated to lose him so young.
“We would request privacy at this time to allow us to grieve.”
The three defendants, Ms Hadfield, 35, of Brenda Road, Hartlepool; Anthony Hadfield, 40 of Wensleydale Street, Hartlepool; and 31-year-old Corbett, of Brenda Road, Hartlepool, will be sentenced on Monday.
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