Jury is discharged by judge in John Littlewood murder trial

The jury in a murder trial which has been hearing details surrounding the death of 36-year-old dad John Littlewood has been discharged.
By Fiona Thompson
Published 23rd Mar 2021, 17:00 BST
Updated 23rd Mar 2021, 17:05 BST
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His Honour Judge Paul Watson QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, told the 12 jurors they would hear no further information in the case of Marty Bates and Tracey Bunney, thanking for the time they had spent listening to the case since it opened early last week.

The decision followed legal discussions, with Teesside Crown Court hoping to swear in a new jury later this week.

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Bates, 31, and Bunney, 45, both of Tenth Street in Blackhall Colliery, deny the murder of Mr Littlewood, who was known by his friends and family as John D.

John Littlewood, known as John D, was found dead inside a house in Third Street, Blackhall Colliery, on Tuesday, July 30, 2019.John Littlewood, known as John D, was found dead inside a house in Third Street, Blackhall Colliery, on Tuesday, July 30, 2019.
John Littlewood, known as John D, was found dead inside a house in Third Street, Blackhall Colliery, on Tuesday, July 30, 2019.

He was found dead inside a terrace house in Third Street in the village on the evening of Tuesday, July 30, 2019.

It was later confirmed by Durham Constabulary it had been established he died due to head injuries.

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