Two men have been convicted over the savage killing of 27-year-old Macaulay Branighan after a violent chase and machete attack on a Stockton estate.
Murder and Manslaughter Verdicts Delivered
Stephen Ward was found guilty of murder, while Samuel Tweddle was convicted of manslaughter for their roles in the deadly pursuit. The dramatic trial revealed the harrowing last moments of Macaulay, hunted through residential streets before collapsing with fatal injuries.
Chase Sparks Horror on Stockton Estate
The violent episode began outside a local Spar shop, where Macaulay encountered Ward, Tweddle, and an unidentified third man. A brief exchange quickly spiralled into a relentless chase across Westerton Green.
- CCTV footage showed the trio pursuing Macaulay through gardens, alleyways, and over fences.
- Ward allegedly directed the chase and encouraged his dog to join the assault.
- Witnesses reported hearing screams and seeing the group “jumping from fence to fence” as they closed in.
Fatal Machete Attack Leaves Community in Shock
Macaulay was eventually cornered and struck with a machete. A Home Office pathologist detailed five deep knife wounds, two reaching bone, causing massive internal bleeding, organ failure, and brain injury. Macaulay died in hospital two days later. Neither Ward nor Tweddle admitted to wielding the weapon. Prosecutors suggested both knew the identity of the third attacker but refused to name him. Ward admitted presence but denied stabbing, claiming he expected only a fistfight. The jury rejected this, ruling he shared intent to cause serious harm. Tweddle denied using the weapon, cleared of carrying the machete but convicted of manslaughter for his part in the chase. The attack left the Stockton community shaken, with residents calling it “terrifying” and “relentless.” Many remain frustrated as the third man involved has yet to be identified. Ward now faces a mandatory life sentence for murder. Tweddle awaits sentencing for manslaughter, with judges to consider the planning, weapons, and sustained nature of the attack. Both men will return to court soon for sentencing.
