Pair in bid to get charges against them dropped for murder of John Littlewood

Two people accused of killing a Blackhall man appeared before the court in the hope of having the case against them dropped.
By Sue Kirby
Published 6th Mar 2020, 16:51 BST
Updated 6th Mar 2020, 17:39 BST
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.

Donna Balfour and James Nathan Riley are two of the people charged with the murder of John Littlewood.

Barristers for the pair have made an application at Teesside Crown Court for the charges to be dismissed.

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Lisa Wilding QC, representing Balfour, who gave birth to a daughter in January, said: “We say there is insufficient evidence in this case.”

The cordon in place outside the house where John Littlewood was found in Third Street, Blackhall Colliery.The cordon in place outside the house where John Littlewood was found in Third Street, Blackhall Colliery.
The cordon in place outside the house where John Littlewood was found in Third Street, Blackhall Colliery.

Richard Wright, prosecuting, said the crown believes there is sufficient evidence against the pair and their trials should go ahead.

All parties have submitted lengthy documents to Judge Paul Watson QC who will make the decision on whether the charge of murder against Balfour and Riley will be dropped.

He said: “I am not prepared to make an immediate ruling in this case. I want to take at least the weekend.”

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Judge Watson QC said he would try to inform everyone of his decision by Tuesday.

Mr Littlewood, 36, - who was known as John D – was found dead at a house in Third Street in Blackhall on July 30 last year and he had suffered a serious head injury.

Balfour, 35, and Riley, 30, both of Ninth Street, are charged with his murder alongside Marty Lee Bates, 30, and Tracey Amanda Bunney, 43, both of Tenth Street.

Barristers for Bunney said they would no longer be making an application to dismiss the case as they had originally intended.

The murder trial is due to start on Wednesday, April 22.