A man has been found not guilty of taking part in a fatal attack on a teenager.
Ian Hall was cleared of the manslaughter of Steven Thompson, who was assaulted outside a nightclub in South Shields after trying to stop one of his attackers from stealing a bike. Two men, Leon Wildgoose and Dylan Ford, have admitted manslaughter.
Hall had previously pleaded guilty to affray after headbutting another man in the same incident and he will be sentenced for that in February, when Wildgoose and Ford will be dealt with for the killing.
Read more: Teenager killed after trying to stop one of his attackers stealing a bike, jury told
Judge Penny Moreland told Hall: I'm going to direct a pre-sentence report be prepared to assist me. You may have bail until that date. I will remove the electronically monitored curfew but the other conditions remain. You are not to contact any prosecution witnesses nor Leon Wildgoose, you are not to enter South Shields town centre and are not to enter any on-license premises.
"Please don't draw any conclusions about the sentence you will get from the fact I'm granting bail and directing a pre-sentence report. All options remain open as far as sentence is concerned."
Giving evidence to jurors at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday, Hall said he didn't headbutt or punch Steven and only grabbed him to try to stop fighting outside Roxanne's nightclub, in South Shields, after getting a call to say Ford, his stepson, was involved in trouble.
He admitted headbutting the owner of the pedal bike but denied assaulting Steven and said he didn't encourage the other two to do so.
Hall, 41, of Revesby Street, South Shields, Wildgoose, 22, of Simonside Hall, South Shields and Ford, 23, of Alice Street, South Shields, will be sentenced on February 3.
Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Dodds, the senior investigating officer on the case, said: “These three men will now face the consequences of their violent actions that sadly cost a young man his life.
“Once again we want to thank those who came forward and helped with our enquires and assisted in ensuring justice for Steven and his family.
“Hopefully this case acts as a reminder to everybody that violence of any kind has a devastating impact on victims and families and there is no place for it in our communities.”
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