MICHAEL STEAD INQUIRY ENDED
The Sunderland coroner has closed his inquiry into the death of a city dad after four people were convicted.
Michael Stead, 34, died in hospital on December 28, 2016, nine months after an attack masterminded by former partner Leanne Mould.
She had conspired with her brother, Daniel Mould, 26, and cousin, Trevor Creighton, 33, to carry out the assault.
The three, along with a fourth man, Michael Young, confronted Mr Stead outside his Brady Street home at about 9pm on March 1 last year.
A second stand-off took place about an hour and a half later, with Young and Daniel Mould launching a vicious attack.
The dad-of-three suffered extensive head injuries and a bleed on the brain after he was repeatedly beaten with a hammer and a knife sharpener.
All four were convicted of offences earlier this month.
Daniel Mould, 26, of Chester Terrace North, Sunderland, was found guilty of murder and conspiracy to commit GBH with intent.
Michael Young, 26, of Rutherglen Road, Sunderland, admitted a charge of manslaughter.
Leanne Mould, who lived at a separate address to her former boyfriend in Brady Street, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit GBH with intent.
Creighton, of Lumley Street, Sunderland, was convicted of conspiracy to commit GBH with intent.
Coroner Derek Winter told a hearing at Sunderland Coroner’s Court: “I began an inquiry into his death on December 30 and opened his inquest on the twelfth of January,” he said.
“When I was informed by the police that individuals had been charged with homicide offices, the inquiry and inquest were suspended until the conclusion of the proceeding at the crown court had taken place.
“I have now been advised by the crown court that individuals were convicted in relation to Mr Stead’s death and, as all appropriate and relevant issues were aired at the crown court, my decision is not to resume the investigation.”