A man has been cleared of murder and manslaughter after his friend suffered a fatal stab wound to the neck.

Clint Atkin always maintained he was asleep on the sofa when Ashley Crooks was stabbed to death inside a flat following a night of drinking.

The 45-year-old thanked the judge and the jury after the two not guilty verdicts were read out at Teesside Crown Court.

Members of the public cried with relief as Mr Atkin was told he would be released with immediate effect.

The 54-year-old grandfather, Mr Crooks, died inside his friend's flat after the defendant was accused of grabbing a kitchen knife and plunged it into his neck.

The Northern Echo: Ashley CrooksAshley Crooks (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)

Jurors heard how officers arrived at Kennedy Gardens in Billingham early on Thursday, May 25, last year, and arrested the 45-year-old at the scene along with the flat holder, Robert Francis.

During the trial, Mr Francis had told the jury how his friend fell to the floor without making any effort to stop his fall.

The Northern Echo: Crime scene investigators working at the Billingham flatsCrime scene investigators working at the Billingham flats (Image: STUART BOULTON)

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Jurors had heard how the Billingham man had been out drinking at the Astronaut pub and met the defendant before going to The Half Moon Inn.

The court heard forensic scientists arrived on the scene and noted a knife was missing from the knife block and was later found in the sink.

The knife was seized and DNA from Atkin was found on both the handle and cutting edge of the knife.

Atkin, of Rochester Road in Billingham, always maintained he was not responsible for the fatal stab wound being inflicted.