TWO men appeared in court yesterday charged with the murder of a heroin addict.
The men made a brief appearance at Teesside Crown Court in connection with the death of Robert "Swampy" Parkin.
Brian Lancaster, 32, originally from Hartlepool but now of no fixed address, and Steven Small, 33, of Holburn Park, Stockton, Teesside, spoke only to confirm their names.
They are accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Parkin on May 4 and of murdering him four days later.
The body of 29-year-old Mr Parkin, a homeless drug addict, was found in a flat in Shaftesbury Street, Stockton, on May 9.
Richard Parsell, prosecuting, said the inquiry into Mr Parkin's death was major and ongoing. He said about 100 statements had been taken so far.
Mr Parsell also told the court that Mr Parkin's jaw had been broken in three places and he had a fractured cheekbone, as well as multiple cuts and bruises.
Judge Peter Fox ordered that the case should come back to court on Monday, June 17.
Mr Lancaster and Mr Small were remanded in custody.
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