Stockton murder accused denies using machete in attack

Samuel Tweddle was one of three people caught on CCTV chasing down Macauley Branighan but maintains that he was not responsible for inflicting the fatal injuries.

The 27-year-old was slashed with the weapon after he was “cornered and attacked” minutes after a chance meeting outside a shop.

Giving evidence in his defence, Tweddle said: “I was part of the chase but I didn’t know the chase was going to result in the death of someone or I wouldn’t have took part.”

Jurors heard how Mr Branighan was kicked, punched and slashed with a machete when he was cornered on Westerton Green, Stockton on October 12.

Under cross-examination by prosecuting barrister Simon Kealey KC, the defendant maintained he was not involved in using the machete on Mr Branighan.

Mr Kealey asked: “Can you think why witnesses would say that all of you were involved?” He replied: “I can’t, no.”

The barrister asked: “Isn’t it simply the truth that all three were involved in attacking Macauley?” He replied: “It isn’t, no.”

CSI, police and ambulance on Westerton Green, Hardwick, Stockton (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

The jury heard how a third, unknown person, was responsible for inflicting the machete wounds on Mr Branighan.

Mr Kealey asked Tweddle whether Mr Branighan was on the floor in a foetal position when he saw him on Westerton Green like he said in his defence statement.

Tweddle said: “He was just laid on the floor. I don’t know why I said he was curled up in a ball.”

He told the jury that he saw the third man riding away on his bike while tucking the machete back into his trousers.

Stephen Ward, 25, of Tithe Barn Road in Stockton, and 22-year-old Tweddle, of Kimblesworth Walk, both deny murder. Tweddle also denies possession of a machete.

Earlier in the trial, forensic pathologist Dr Jennifer Bolton told jurors Macaulay suffered five significant knife injuries, including two that went down to the bone, and suffered extensive blood loss as a result.

He died three days later after he suffered multiple organ failure and a brain injury resulting in cardiac arrest.

The trial continues.