Two men charged following the death of Brian Darby in Ingleby Barwick appeared in Teesside Crown Court today. Mr. Darby, 60, died on 9 February after a van was allegedly driven into a group of people on a footpath in the Myton Way/The Rings area.
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The men, Martin Breeze and Shaun Breeze, face charges of murder and attempted murder. They appeared before His Honour Judge H K Crowson for a Plea and Trial Preparation hearing at Teesside Court 1, starting at 10:00 am. Both defendants are currently held at HMP Durham and appeared via video link.
Mr. Darby was a project manager with the RSPB and lived in Ingleby Barwick, and is believed to have previously worked as an IT consultant.
Martin Breeze (56) and Shaun Breeze (29) both appeared via video link from prison for their hearing at Teesside Crown Court. The court did not ask either man to enter pleas on the charges they face. Shaun Breeze also faces an additional charge of perverting the course of justice. Both men were informed that there is a possibility their trial could be held at a different court.
The case was adjourned until May 2 when a preliminary hearing will take place at the Teesside Crown Court. A provisional trial date has been set as July 8. Both men were remanded in custody.
Cleveland Police launched a thorough investigation immediately following the incident. Brian Darby’s family has released a heartfelt tribute, stating, “We are completely heartbroken at the sudden loss of our beautiful Brian… He was an absolute gentleman who cared so much about people.” His loved ones expressed gratitude for community support and requested privacy to process their grief.