Man in court linked with man’s death in Queen’s Head, Willington

Martin Ian Greensmith, 36, from Crook, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (December 27), charged with manslaughter.

Police were called to the Queen’s Head pub in Willington, County Durham just after 4.45pm on December 24 where a man was found unconscious.

Despite the best efforts of the medics, the man, who has not been named, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police confirmed that Greensmith was arrested on Christmas Day on suspicion of murder.

He was charged with manslaughter and appeared in court this morning to confirm his name and address.

The case has been sent to Durham Crown Court for a hearing on Tuesday, January 27, and Greensmith has been released on conditional bail until that court appearance.

Following the incident, police confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and specialist officers are supporting the victim’s family.

The pub said on social media it would remain closed on Christmas Day while a police van remained stationed outside.

It was open again on Boxing Day morning.

One resident said: “There was a police van with blue flashing lights outside the pub and another parked further up the road.

“An ambulance was parked across the road, and there was another one round the back of the pub.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Durham Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency, quoting incident number 306 of December 24. Information can also be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.