(Image: DURHAM POLICE)
A man will go on trial today accused of killing another man at a Willington pub on Christmas Eve.
Martin Ian Greensmith, 36, from Crook was arrested on Christmas Day and later charged with 61-year-old Steven's manslaughter.
A four-day trial is due to start today (August 24).
An inquest into Mr Shevels' death was opened on February 24 but was adjourned due to the ongoing criminal case. It heard a post-mortem gave his cause of death as a blunt force head injury.
Police outside the Queen's Head in Willington on Christmas day
(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
The inquest was told: "Mr Shevels was involved in an altercation at the rear of the Queen’s Head pub in Willington, and there is an ongoing criminal investigation."
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Steven's family previously said: “We are heartbroken to announce the tragic death of Steven, who was taken from us far too soon.
“He will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends.”
The Queen’s Head was closed on Christmas Day while a police van remained stationed outside, and the pub reopened on Boxing Day morning.