Two Darlington pubs could be stripped of their licences over significant "management failings" before the 'murder' of Leanne Park.
The Greyhound and Black Swan in Darlington are to face an urgent licensing meeting after police investigation into the murder of Leanne Park. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The 44-year-old mum and care worker was found dead in a flat above The Greyhound pub on Parkgate after emergency crews were called at 9.15pm last Wednesday, September 23.
Murder detectives have applied for The Greyhound and Black Swan pub, also on Parkgate, to have their licences reviewed, alleging both were "associated with serious crime".
The Greyhound Hotel on Parkgate in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Papers to be presented to Darlington Council's Licensing Sub Committee this morning (Wednesday, September 30) state the police investigation “has highlighted significant licensing management failings in the period prior to this crime”.
The Echo understands Ms Park had been in both pubs in the hours before her death.
Leanne Park was found dead above a Darlington pub (Image: DURHAM POLICE)
A hearing will take place at Darlington Town Hall this morning where police will request both pubs have their licences suspended pending a full review "to promote the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety.”
A cordon was lifted and the Greyhound reopened temporarily on Tuesday morning.
It came as Andrew Bell, 44, appeared before a judge for the first time charged with murdering Leanne, who worked at Ventress Hall care home in Darlington.
The Black Swan on Parkgate in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bell appeared by video link from Holme House Prison and was remanded in custody until October 26 when he will be asked to plead.
Judge Francis Laird told him: "I will set your trial date as March 8, 2027. You will next be before the court on October 26 and on that occasion you will be required to submit a plea to the charge."
A 27-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been bailed.
In papers prepared for the licensing hearing, Durham Police Superintendent Dean Haythornthwaite wrote: “Given the seriousness of the circumstances, I consider the matter should be placed before a licensing committee as soon as possible to consider what interim measures are required to address the risk to the licensing objectives.”
The Black Swan on Parkgate in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Greyhound licensee Terrence Ward and Black Swan licence holder D & G Pub Company Limited will be able to challenge the allegations.
Both licences remain subject to their existing conditions unless the licensing authority decides otherwise.
Floral tributes for Leanne, whom her family called the “best mam, nana, daughter and friend”, continue to grow outside The Greyhound pub.
The Greyhound Hotel on Parkgate in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Leanne's family said she was the "best mam, nana, daughter and friend".
In a statement over the weekend they said: “She was loved by everyone and would do anything for anyone.
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“She was the life and soul of the party and loved to dance.
“We love her so much and miss her more than words can describe. We are completely devastated. Her death has ripped the heart out of our family.
“We are grateful for all the kind messages and the support since her death. We ask that everyone remembers her for the kind-hearted woman she was.”