Second man charged with murder following death of Barry Dawson

A second man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Barry Dawson.

Thomas Lee Sterling was arrested on Wednesday evening following the death of Mr Dawson last weekend.

The 21-year-old, of Stanley, appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court this morning.

He did not enter any pleas and was remanded into custody until his next appearance at Teesside Crown Court on Monday, April 14.

The charge follows the appearance of Kevin Dorward, 38, at court yesterday (April 10). He was also charged with murder.

Mr Dorward appeared alongside Michaela Hetherington, 35, who was charged with perverting the course of justice.

Neither Mr Dorward or Ms Hetherington, both of Annfield Plain, entered any pleas to the charges and were remanded in custody to appear at Durham Crown Court on May 9.

A 47-year-old man who was wanted in connection with the death handed himself in yesterday afternoon and has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody today.

A 49-year-old woman and 20-year-old man were also arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of assisting an offender. They have since been released on bail while further enquiries are carried out.

Detectives continue to work around-the-clock on the case and a significant police presence in the community will continue as all lines of enquiry are thoroughly investigated.

Anyone with any information is asked to report it by using the force’s Live Chat function online at: Report a crime | Durham Constabulary

Footage and information can also be shared with our investigators via https://mipp.police.uk/operation/1101010119Q11-PO1 and anyone reporting on 101 should quote incident number 302 of April 5.

Always call 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.