A man has appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court charged with manslaughter after a street incident on St Paul’s Road, Hartlepool left a local man critically injured and subsequently dead.
Court appearance and next steps
Mark James, aged 37 and of St Paul’s Road, stood in the dock at Teesside Magistrates' Court on Monday (August 3). He was charged in connection with an incident that took place on 24 July. James was granted conditional bail after the short hearing. No plea was entered and he is due to appear at Teesside Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 1 September.
Victim and police response
The victim of the incident, known locally as Tony (Anthony Armstrong), was taken to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough following the assault. He was initially reported to be fighting for his life; police later confirmed he has died.
“Tony's family is aware of their loved one’s death and they are receiving support from specially trained officers. All our thoughts remain with Tony's family at this very difficult time.”
The quote above was issued by Superintendent Deb Fenny as Cleveland Police continued enquiries.
Police appeal to witnesses
Officers have asked anyone who was in the St Paul’s Road area from around 2.45pm or 3pm on Friday, 24 July, and who may have seen anything to come forward. In particular, the force is interested in:
- mobile phone video or photographs;
- dash-cam footage from vehicles in the area;
- private CCTV recordings that might have captured the incident.
People with information are asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting reference 146385.
Timeline at a glance
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 24 July | Street attack on St Paul’s Road; victim taken to James Cook University Hospital |
| Unknown (after hospitalisation) | Victim later died in hospital |
| 3 August | Mark James appears at Teesside Magistrates' Court; charged with manslaughter and granted conditional bail |
| 1 September | Next hearing at Teesside Crown Court (plea and trial preparation) |
The case remains under active investigation. The local community has been asked to assist police by passing on any material that might aid enquiries. Anyone with relevant information should use the contact details above and quote the crime reference to ensure information is linked to the correct investigation.
This development will be followed through the Crown Court process; further reporting will cover any formal pleas and case management hearings as they occur.
