The defendants represented by Ben Nolan KC, Peter Makepeace KC and Rod Hunt acquitted of Murder after a 7 week trial at Teesside Crown Court
July 24, 2025



Ben Nolan KC leading Johnathan Pigford of Singleton Winn Connell; Peter Makepeace KC, instructed by Meikles Solicitors leading Jonathan Walker and Rod Hunt, led by Sharon Beattie KC and instructed by Tilly Baily & Irvine, secure acquittals for each of their clients after a 7-week trial in Teesside. The defendants with others, faced an indictment with one count of Murder after the fatal stabbing of Craig Yorke in Shildon, County Durham in December 2024. The jury acquitted all three defendants of both Murder and Manslaughter, returning a guilty verdict and conviction for the offence of Murder against the co-accused, Jack Lawson.
The police investigation uncovered phone messages about a planned fight at what is known locally as the ‘Old Lines’ in Eldon Lane on the evening of December 13.
A Durham police spokesman said, “This has been a complex investigation and the professionalism and tenacity of the first responding officers and investigation team, together with support of the members of the public who came to help, has ensured we were able to bring Lawson to justice.”
The criminal team at Dere Street, headed by Richard Herrmann, is one of the strongest on the North East Circuit. The team’s 4 silks and 27 junior barristers provide expertise across the entire field of criminal law throughout the region and beyond. Highly skilled advocates provide exceptional service in all criminal courts and sound, reliable advice at all stages of proceedings. If you wish to instruct any member of the Dere Street’s Criminal team, their clerks can be contacted here.
Media coverage of the matter can be found here.