A Teesside Crown Court jury has convicted two men in connection with a brutal attack in Stockton-on-Tees that left Macaulay Branighan, 27, fatally wounded. The victim was chased through streets before being cornered and attacked with a machete, suffering multiple severe injuries and dying three days later in hospital.
What the court heard
Jurors were told Mr Branighan sustained five significant knife injuries, two of which reached the bone, and suffered extensive blood loss. Forensic pathologist Dr Jennifer Bolton gave evidence that the injuries led to multiple organ failure and a brain injury culminating in cardiac arrest.
The attack took place on 12 October last year. CCTV material shown to the jury captured the victim being pursued and then cornered. The footage also recorded one defendant encouraging his dog to attack and instructing the other to block the victim's escape.
Verdicts and the unidentified third man
The court found Stephen Ward guilty of murder. His co-accused, Samuel Tweddle, was acquitted of murder but convicted of manslaughter. A third man, who the jury heard actually wielded the knife, remains unidentified and has not been charged after the two defendants declined to name him.
“He was a secondary party, you could conclude that if he had an intention to kill, he could have used more force himself as opposed to assisting the principal offender.”
The above remark was made by Mark McKone, representing Ward, as part of mitigation explaining his client's role during the incident.
Facts in brief
- Victim: Macaulay Branighan, aged 27.
- Incident date: 12 October (previous year).
- Injuries: five serious knife wounds, two down to the bone; extensive blood loss; subsequent multiple organ failure and brain injury.
- Outcomes: Ward convicted of murder; Tweddle convicted of manslaughter; an unnamed third man used the knife and has not been charged.
| Person | Role | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Stephen Ward | Participant (encouraged dog, blocked escape) | Guilty of murder |
| Samuel Tweddle | Participant (pursued victim) | Cleared of murder; guilty of manslaughter |
| Unnamed third man | Recorded using the knife | Not identified, not charged |
Local impact and context
The attack and ensuing court case will resonate across Stockton-on-Tees, where incidents of extreme violence cause understandable concern in communities. The fact a third person recorded as using the weapon remains unidentified will be particularly troubling for residents seeking reassurance about community safety and accountability.
Police and criminal justice processes have led to convictions for two participants, but with one principal offender not traced, families and neighbours may press for further investigation and clarity from law enforcement about steps being taken to identify and pursue that individual.
Anyone with information about the attack or the identity of the man seen with the knife is urged to contact Cleveland Police via their non-emergency number or Crimestoppers. Sharing details with investigators could be crucial to securing a full account of what happened and ensuring further charges are brought where appropriate.
This report is based on evidence given at Teesside Crown Court and includes forensic findings presented during the trial. Sentencing details were not provided in the material before the jury verdicts were reported.
