Three Teesside males deny murder of 26-year-old Lewis Bell

Liam Matthews, Sean McLeod and a 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, entered not-guilty pleas when they made a brief appearance at court.

Police were called to Hills Drive in Stockton in the early hours of September 19, where Mr Bell had died at the scene.

Matthews, 25, of no fixed abode but formerly of Norton, near Stockton, 23-year-old McLeod, of no fixed abode but formerly Billingham, and the teenager spoke only to confirm their date of birth and to deny the charge of murder.

Lewis Bell (Image: Cleveland Police)

Judge Francis Laird KC remanded all three defendants in custody until their trial next year.

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The trial is listed to start on March 3, 2025, and is expected to last at least ten days.

Following Mr Bell's death, his dad, Martin, paid tribute to him, saying: “He was loved massively and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

“He was a loving and doting Dad, son, brother, cousin and friend to many.

“As a family, we are devastated.”