Armed mob sentenced after Bishop Auckland murder

Lee Clarkson wasn't the intended victim but was visciously attacked.

Michael Richardson, Craig Dent, Karl Jones
Author: Micky WelchPublished 11th Oct 2024
Last updated 11th Oct 2024

Four men have been jailed for a combined total of more than 61 years after a fatal attack in Bishop Auckland.

41 year old Lee Clarkson was attacked at his home in West Lane in November 2023.

An armed mob, with at least one knife and a baseball bat, intended to harm another man at the property.

But when that target fled they dragged Lee into his garden and then stabbed him at least three times and violently beat him.

Michael David Richardson, 51, of Boddy Street, Bishop Auckland and a 17-year-old male who cannot be named for legal reasons were both convicted of murder.

Karl Gavin Jones, 45, of Thomas Street, Shildon, was convicted of manslaughter. Craig Dent, 42, of Station Road, Peterlee had also previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Lee's family paid tribute to him:

"Lee was a much-loved father, son, and brother. The whole family is absolutely devastated at the loss of Lee and his death has left an enormous hole in our lives.”

Lee Clarkson

Christopher Atkinson, Head of CPS North East’s Complex Casework Unit, said:

ure of each participant’s involvement in the planning and execution of this violent attack.

“The Crown Prosecution Service has worked closely with Durham Police to identify the role played in the death of Lee Clarkson by each of those convicted. Drawing on GPS data, mobile phone records and CCTV footage, we have built a clear picture of each participant’s involvement in the planning and execution of this violent attack."

“Our thoughts remain with the family of Lee Clarkson, for whom this must remain a particularly difficult time. We sincerely hope that the conviction of those responsible for Lee’s death brings them some measure of comfort.”

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