Bishop Auckland murder trial: Jury to consider verdict

Lee Clarkson suffered a fatal stab wound when he was dragged outside his home and beaten by a group of armed attackers, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Five people were charged with the murder of the 42-year-old after he bled to death outside his home late last year.

Lee Clarkson (Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)

A post-mortem examination revealed that he had died as a result of blood loss after being stabbed in the abdomen.

Police outside the house on West Lane, Bishop Auckland, where Lee Clarkson was killed. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

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Michael Richardson, 52, of Boddy Street, Bishop Auckland; Karl Jones, 45, of General Bucher Court, Bishop Auckland; Helen Jones, 43, of General Bucher Court, Bishop Auckland; Craig Dent, 42, of Gray Street, Eldon Lane; and the teenager; are all on trial for murder.

Two members of the group, Dent and the 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have admitted manslaughter but continue to deny the murder of Mr Clarkson outside his home on West Lane, Bishop Auckland, on November 29 last year.

Mr Justice Jacobs told the jury that they were under no time constraints to reach their verdicts.

The trial continues.