Two Darlington pubs have been ordered to shut their doors after murder detectives found "significant licensing management failings" before the death of Leanne Park.
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 on Wednesday, September 23.
Ms Park had been in both The Greyhound and the Black Swan, also on Parkgate, in the hours before her death.
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)
Police applied for both pubs to have their licences reviewed, alleging they were "associated with serious crime".
Papers prepared for the licensing hearing stated the police investigation “highlighted significant licensing management failings in the period prior to this crime”.
A hearing took place in private at Darlington Town Hall today (Wednesday, September 30) when both pubs were ordered to shut.
The Black Swan on Parkgate in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Each had their premises licences for suspended pending a full review to take place in the coming weeks.
The designated premises supervisors (DPS) of each pub were also removed.
A council spokesperson said: “Following a licensing committee hearing, the premises licences for The Black Swan and The Greyhound Hotel have been suspended and the designated Premises Supervisors (DPS) for both premises have also been removed.
"These are interim measures pending a full review of both premises’ licences, which will take place within the next 28 days.”
The Greyhound Hotel on Parkgate in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
In papers prepared for the 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 police had requested both pubs have their licences suspended pending a full review "to promote the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety.”
Leanne Park was found dead above a Darlington pub (Image: DURHAM POLICE)
Andrew Bell, 44, appeared before Teesside Crown Court, on Tuesday (September 29) charged with murdering Leanne.
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.
The Greyhound Hotel on Parkgate in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
A cordon around The Greyhound was lifted and the pub reopened temporarily on Tuesday morning.
Floral tributes for Leanne continue to grow outside the pub.
Her family said she was the "best mam, nana, daughter and friend".
READ MORE:
- Two Darlington pubs face licence review over ‘significant failings’ before 'murder'
- Darlington man to appear before judge charged with murder of mum Leanne Park
- Nearly £10k raised for family of 'murdered' Darlington care worker Leanne Park
In a statement over the weekend they said: “She was loved by everyone and would do anything for anyone.
“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.”