A jury has been sworn in for the trial of two men charged with the murder of a man in an alleged hit-and-run.
Shaun and Martin Breeze are both charged with the murder of Brian Darby and the attempted murder of four other people.
The 60-year-old died after an incident was reported in the Myton Way/Rings area of Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, on Friday, February 9, at around 9.30pm.
It is understood Mr Darby, who had a background in IT, was a project manager with the RSPB and lived in Ingleby Barwick.
Martin Breeze, 56, of Irthing Close, Ingleby Barwick, who appeared at Teesside Crown Court via video link from prison, pleaded not guilty to 11 charges.
He denied the murder of Mr Darby, the manslaughter of Mr Darby, four charges of attempted murder, four charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.
Shaun Breeze, 29, of Owls Grove, Ingleby Barwick, also appeared in court via a video link and pleaded not guilty to the same set of charges.
They are also charged with an additional offence of perverting the course of justice which they both deny.
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The pair are accused of reporting to the police that a van had been stolen before the fatal collision took place.
Addressing the jury, Mr Justice Jacobs said: “The trial is not really going to get underway until Monday when the prosecution will open its case.”
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."
The trial was adjourned until Monday (July 15).
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