Two men have been found guilty of killing Brian Darby after he suffered fatal injuries in a hit-and-run attack.

The 60-year-old was walking home from the pub with a group of friends before bumping into Shaun Breeze as he cycled around Ingleby Barwick.

Following an innocuous altercation, the 29-year-old called his father to come and pick him up.

Minutes later, Mr Darby had been flung metres through the air and three other people were left with significant injuries when Martin Breeze ploughed into the friends after mounting a kerb.

Brian DarbyBrian Darby

This afternoon, Martin Breeze was convicted of murder, four counts of attempted murder and perverting the course of justice.

His son, Shaun, was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter. He was also cleared of four charges of attempted murder but found guilty of four charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was also convicted of perverting the course of justice after he reported his father’s white van stolen hours after the fatal collision occurred.

Following the verdict, Mr Darby's family said: "Today’s verdict brings some satisfaction for our family and will hopefully serve as some justice for Brian.

“It goes without saying that it will not bring our Brian back, nor lessen the pain and anguish we have suffered in losing him and we will continue to suffer forever."

The van at the scene of the murder of Brian DarbyThe van at the scene of the murder of Brian Darby (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

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Teesside Crown Court heard how Mr Darby was killed instantly while the three other victims were treated at hospital for multiple fractures.

Breeze Snr had admitted causing the death of Mr Darby by dangerous driving after taking a cocktail for booze and drugs but denied intending to kill the popular grandfather.

His son denied pointing the group out to his father in moments before the fatal collision on February 9 this year.

Detectives viewed hours of CCTV footage, spoke to a variety of witnesses as well as gathering vital evidence including telecoms and forensic enquiries that led to both Martin and Shaun being charged.