THE funeral takes place today of a man stabbed to death in a brawl near his home in the early hours of Boxing Day.
Kevin Mawhinney, 33, was found by a friend collapsed outside his terraced house in James Street, Easington Colliery, County Durham, on December 26, at 12.30am.
He was taken by ambulance to Hartlepool General Hospital, where he later died from what was a single stab wound, despite extensive efforts to revive him.
Keith Arthur Wright, 27, of George Street, Easington Colliery, has been charged with murder and, following two brief court appearances, was remanded in custody to appear before Chester-le-Street magistrates on February 1.
An inquest into Mr Mawhinney's death opened in Hartlepool earlier this week.
Hartlepool coroner Martin Donnelly adjourned the hearing, pending the outcome of criminal proceedings, allowing funeral arrangements to be made.
A service will be held at St Saviour's Church, Shotton Colliery, today, at 10.30am, followed by burial in the churchyard
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article