Overview
- Counsel for Morgan Caldwell argued he would not have planned a killing while wearing clothing with bright reflective markings and leaving traceable items, urging jurors to see a lack of preparation rather than a plotted ambush.
- Prosecutors told the jury the four defendants hunted for Stephen Law after a drugs loss, used a 4x4 to ram a VW Passat, and carried machetes and a BB gun in what they say was a joint attack driven by a £20,000 cocaine theft.
- The jury has watched CCTV that shows four hooded men block in the Passat, smash its windows, and shout about missing “gear” before striking into the car during what the Crown called a ferocious assault.
- Daniel Simpson testified that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and denied knowing an attack was planned, though the court heard he later searched for non‑extradition countries and traveled to Belfast, where he was arrested.
- A Home Office pathologist said a machete wound severed a major artery in Anthony Dickons’ thigh, causing cardiac arrest, and the court heard Stephen Law likely suffered BB gun injuries as the trial at Teesside Crown Court continues.