A MAN whose battered body was found under a pile of logs in woodland died of severe head injuries following a sustained assault, an inquest heard.

The details of how Darren Manders, known as Dougie, suffered multiple skull fractures to the front and rear of his head during the attack last summer were revealed at Teesside Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The 31-year-old father of three's partially decomposed body was found buried beneath a pile of branches in woodland called Starvation Clump, near Old Nunthorpe, Teesside, on July 2.

The body could have lain undiscovered for nearly a month following Mr Manders' disappearance on June 5.

It is believed his body was dumped at the secluded site after he was killed elsewhere.

Home Office pathologist Dr James Sunter said there were multiple fractures to Mr Manders' head.

He said: "The injuries were very, very severe. It clearly shows repeated blunt-force injuries to the face and head. It was a violent homicidal assault.

"I cannot imagine a scenario where there could be any credible explanation for the injuries."

Specialists from Durham Police identified the body using a partial palm print.

Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield heard from Detective Sergeant Andrew Vickers, of Cleveland Police, who said Mr Manders was a drug user and had been for a number of years.

Mr Manders' mother, Lesley, said she reported him missing on June 27 after she became increasingly concerned because she had not heard from him since June 4, when he was last seen at his house in Bow Street, Middlesbrough.

Mr Sheffield said: "It remains a possibility that his death may have some connection with his drug connections, but that is speculative and the police investigation is still continuing."

A verdict of unlawful killing was recorded.