Connor Brown murder trial: What the jury has heard so far as two men deny Sunderland man's killing

Leighton Barrass, of Hartside Square, on the Hylton Lane Estate, and Ally Gordon, of Polmuir Road, Plains Farm, Sunderland, each deny the killing of 18-year-old in the early hours of Sunday, February 24, this year.

The 20-year-olds are standing trial at Newcastle Crown Court and the hearing started on Wednesday, November 13.

It could last up to four weeks.

The court had been told Connor was stabbed five times and died an hour after the attack.

This is what we know so far, with the case expected to resume at 10.30am on Monday, November 18.

Why was Connor and his friends out in Sunderland city centre?

The court has heard from a number of his close friends, as well as others who knew his pals, about the hours leading up to the disturbance.

It broke out in the lane by the side of The Borough pub up to Chilino’s, which is used as a shortcut to get between Gatsby’s in Park Lane and other bars.

Connor and a group of mates had been in the Hendon Grange pub to watch a boxing match before catching a minibus into town, with one of the group, Stephen Nunn calling home to get changed before meeting up with others.

They had also been out to celebrate the birthday of one of the group, Dominic Moan.

What is said to have sparked off the fight?

The prosecution has told the court there was a disagreement between Stephen Nunn and Leighton Barrass after Barrass gave him a £5 note instead of two in return for £10 when he had asked for change – witnesses have said they heard reference being made to a “tenner” during the confrontation.

Barrass is said to have been in possession of pills and Dominic Moan and Mr Nunn have told they court they were offered drugs.

After Mr Nunn punched Barrass, the 20-year-old defendant is said to have left the alley and returned, with witnesses saying this is when they saw a knife.

Connor then became involved in the fight and was fatally injured, with the 18-year-old GP reception team member kicked while on the ground – it is claimed Gordon landed these strikes.

Friends tried in vain to stop violence

The court has heard a number of people tried to calm down the situation before the fight erupted and then also tried to bring the brawl to a stop, with the jury told at one stage Connor and Barrass were on the ground in the back lane close to a number of bins.

Chloe Ganley, who lived next to Connor for 14 years, said she was knocked to the floor as she tried to intervene.

The defence team have made mention of the fact Connor was a boxer and had thrown some “pretty good punches” during the altercation, while one witness said there were “arms were going all over” as the pair grappled.

Alarm raised for Connor

A number of the witnesses called to court so far have said they quickly realised Connor was badly hurt.

Kieron Eade, one of those out for the night, said he told his pal "Connor, I think you've been stabbed mate."

A number have said he didn’t seem to acknowledge his injury before the fight continued.

After he collapsed, door staff were called to the scene, while the witnesses say St John’s Ambulance staff, who are out in the city centre at night to offer support to those on a night out, arrived to help.

Efforts were made to keep Connor alive, but he died in hospital a short time later.

What is expected to happen next in the trial?

The hearing will resume as the new week begins and is due to hear from door staff among others, with the defence then likely to start.