The mother of a father-of-one who was crushed to death under a car when he was chased down by three killers spoke of the devastation his death had on his family.

Adam Thomson died in the early hours of the morning after he was chased from his ex-partner’s home after forcing his way inside.

The 30-year-old stabbed Anthony Hadfield during the confrontation before fleeing when he suffered a knife wound to his face. His ex-partner, who is the mother of his child, also suffered injuries during the fracas.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Hadfield called his sister, Sarah, and her partner, Steven Corbett, to help hunt down Mr Thomson around the streets of Hartlepool.

Read next: Faces revealed of three people who chased down and killed a father-of-one

Mr Thomson was cornered by the gang on Sydenham Road before being hit by the Ford Focus driven by Sarah Hadfield and becoming trapped under the vehicle.

All three defendants attempted to push the car off their victim but ran from the scene when police arrived.

The father-of-one suffered respiratory failure and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A statement from Adam’s mum Joanne Thomson, read by a police liaison officer during the hearing, laid bare the devastating impact his death has had on the Hartlepool family.

“Adam was my son and I have a lifetime of memories of him but since his death, my happy memories have been replaced by images no mother should ever have to see.

“I close my eyes and I see his motionless body lying in the road. Lying in the mortuary – these are the last memories you have given me of my son,” she said.

“Because of the way he died, I was not allowed to touch him or kiss him. The agony of not being able to hold your son is something I would never expect you to understand.”

His mother said Adam’s death had a significant impact on his brother and father’s health as well as having the trauma of telling his young child they would never see him again.

Speaking about the impact it had on her grandchild, she added: “I had to tell them that their dad had died and it broke my heart – something that I will never get over.

“The only way she can connect to him now it to point at a star and say there’s my dad.”

The Northern Echo: The faces of three killers: Anthony Hadfield, Sarah Hadfield, and Steven Corbett.The faces of three killers: Anthony Hadfield, Sarah Hadfield, and Steven Corbett. (Image: Cleveland Police)

Mr Thomson's killers, Ms Hadfield, 35, of Brenda Road, Hartlepool, was jailed for five years and four months; Anthony Hadfield, 40 of Wensleydale Street, Hartlepool, was sentenced to seven years and seven months; and 31-year-old Corbett, of Brenda Road, Hartlepool, was locked up for five years and five months after they pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the day their trial was due to start last week.

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Speaking after sentencing, Senior Investigating Officer Stuart Hodgson, of Cleveland Police, said: “This has been a tragic loss for Adam’s family, who were devastated to lose their son so young.

“I hope that the sentencing of those who took his life will offer them some comfort.

“Steven Corbett, Sarah Hadfield, and Anthony Hadfield will now face time in prison to think about the consequences of their actions that day and the fact that they took Adam’s life.

“I would like to thank the local community for coming forward with information which helped with the investigation and ensured that Adam’s killers faced justice for what they have done.”