Progress in the trial of five people accused of murdering a Bishop Auckland man has been delayed most of the week by legal arguments.

Lee Clarkson was stabbed to death outside his home after he had been dragged outside and beaten by the masked group armed with weapons.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 41-year-old was stabbed three times in the abdomen with two piercing his liver resulting in fatal blood loss.

Lee ClarksonLee Clarkson (Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)

A witness had told jurors how a fatally injured Mr Clarkson tried to crawl back into his house on West Lane after he was attacked at around 6pm on November 29 last year.

The jury had heard how Michael Richardson is accused of assembling the team of alleged attackers after his home and shed were burgled and they intended to confront their suspected target.

Police at the scene on the evening of the alleged murder of Lee Clarkson on West Lane, Bishop AucklandPolice at the scene on the evening of the alleged murder of Lee Clarkson on West Lane, Bishop Auckland (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

A 17-year-old youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has already admitted to stabbing Mr Clarkson, but denies being responsible for his murder.

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Co-accused Craig Dent has also admitted manslaughter but also denies a charge of murder.

The murder accused are now expected to start giving evidence to the jury on Monday morning (June 24).

Michael Richardson, 52, of Boddy Street, Bishop Auckland; Karl Jones, 45, of General Bucher Court, Bishop Auckland; Helen Jones, 42, of General Bucher Court, Bishop Auckland; Craig Dent, 42, of Gray Street, Eldon Lane; and the teenager who cannot be named for legal reasons, are all on trial for murder.

The trial continues.