John Littlewood murder: Trial date planned for defendants charged with tragic death of Blackhall dad

The trial of two men and two women charged with the killing of Blackhall Colliery man John Littlewood is to take place this spring, a court has been told.
By Fiona Thompson
Published 10th Feb 2020, 16:11 GMT
Updated 11th Feb 2020, 13:18 GMT
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The 36-year-old dad – known as John D – was found dead at a house in Third Street in the village on Tuesday, July 30, last year after he suffered serious head injuries.

Four people from Blackhall Colliery are charged with his murder.

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They are Donna Balfour, 35, and James Nathan Riley, 30, both of Ninth Street, and Marty Lee Bates, 30, and Tracey Amanda Bunney, 43, both of Tenth Street.

The cordon in place outside the house where John Littlewood was found in Third Street, Blackhall Colliery, as inquiries continued into his death.The cordon in place outside the house where John Littlewood was found in Third Street, Blackhall Colliery, as inquiries continued into his death.
The cordon in place outside the house where John Littlewood was found in Third Street, Blackhall Colliery, as inquiries continued into his death.

Bates was not called alongside his co-accused when the case was listed for mention at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday, February 6, with the three others excused from attending.

Prosecutor Richard Wright told the court Wednesday, April 22, will be the first day of the trial, which could last four weeks.The case is listed again for Friday, March 6, for a further mention.

Mr Littlewood’s family joined police in appealing for help in the wake of his death, which left the community in his home village shocked.

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His dad John said: "John D had a heart of gold, he would do anything for anyone.

John Littlewood, known as John D, was found dead at a house in Third Street, Blackhall Colliery, on Tuesday, July 30, last year.John Littlewood, known as John D, was found dead at a house in Third Street, Blackhall Colliery, on Tuesday, July 30, last year.
John Littlewood, known as John D, was found dead at a house in Third Street, Blackhall Colliery, on Tuesday, July 30, last year.

“We just don't know why this has happened to him.

"I've lost a son, his siblings have lost their brother and his children have lost their dad.”

The inquiries led to searches across Blackhall, while police also carried out checks in Hartlepool and South Shields as part of the probe.