Hartlepool murder suspect identified by his own father

Kieran Potts was drinking in Norman Ryan’s flat before he became embroiled in a family dispute with his father, Carl, and they ended up scuffling in the living room.

Mr Potts senior left his friend’s flat with his girlfriend and her young child while Kieran remained with Mr Ryan.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the witness was concerned for his friend’s safety and returned to find him unconscious and covered in blood laid on the floor of his Hartlepool home.

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Mr Potts kicked his way into the flat before calling emergency services - jurors have listened to a harrowing 999 call on the second day of the murder trial.

Police activated their body-worn cameras when they arrived at the block of flats on Troutpool Close, Hartlepool, as they were met by Mr Potts and one of Mr Ryan’s sons.

Norman Ryan (Image: Cleveland Police)

In the footage played to the court, Mr Potts identified his son, Kieran, as the person who had violently attacked the vulnerable alcoholic when they ran out of booze.

“He’s like that when he has had a drink,” he said. “There’s no need for what he has done.

“He was in a right mood and Norman had run out of cans – why would you hit an old man?

“I don’t know why he comes round, he’s my mate not his but Norman won’t chase him.”

Earlier in the trial, the was shown footage of Potts carrying a crate of lager on his shoulder after leaving the alleged victim’s flat on August 31.

Troutpool Close, Hartlepool (Image: Google)

Sharon Beattie, prosecuting, added: “Kieran Potts didn’t go to get help – he bought a crate of lager instead.”

Jurors were shown CCTV of the accused leaving Mr Ryan's home and gesticulating angrily as he walked up the street towards his father and they had briefly fought inside the flat.

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A neighbour reported hearing someone shouting - “I’ve just knocked Norman out now I’m going to get you, you n****’.

Ms Beattie said the shouting was being done by a male, believed to be Potts, and said his manner was ‘cocky’.

Jurors heard how the injuries were consistent with Mr Ryan being punched, kicked, and stamped on.

Blood from the alleged victim was found on the trainers of the murder suspect, the court heard.

Potts, of Moffatt Road, Hartlepool, has pleaded not guilty to murder.

The trial continues.