Two Teesside men charged with murder of Brian Darby

Shaun and Martin Breeze are both charged with the murder of Brian Darby and the attempted murder of three other people.

The 60-year-old, who worked for the RSPB, died after an incident was reported in the Myton Way/Rings area of Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, Friday, February, 9, at around 9.30pm.

Martin Breeze, 56, of Irthing Close, Ingleby Barwick, who appeared at Teesside Crown Court via video link from prison, was not asked to enter pleas to any of the charges during the short hearing.

Shaun Breeze, 29, of Owls Grove, Ingleby Barwick, also appeared in court via a video link and was not asked to enter a plea to the same charges he faces.

He is also charged with an additional offence of perverting the course of justice.

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A provisional trial date has been listed for July 8 and both men were remanded in custody.

Judge Howard Crowson told them there would be an opportunity to enter their pleas to the charges at another preliminary hearing on June 17.

Mr Darby’s family released a statement through Cleveland Police following his death, they said: “We are completely heartbroken at the sudden loss of our beautiful Brian. Nobody could ever understand just how much he meant to us all.

“He was special in so many ways. He was an absolute gentleman who cared so much about people. He always made time for us; nothing was ever too much trouble for him."