Shockwaves hit Stockton as two men found guilty in the killing of 27-year-old Macaulay Branighan.
Murder and Manslaughter Verdicts Delivered
Stephen Lee Ward, 25, was convicted of murder at Teesside Crown Court today. His accomplice, 22-year-old Sam Tweddle from Kimblesworth Walk, Stockton, was found guilty of manslaughter. The deadly attack happened on Sunday, 12th October 2025, at Westerton Green, sparking a full-scale police investigation. 
Family Speak Out After Heartbreaking Loss
“The events of Sunday 12th October 2025 will stay with us forever. Macaulay was taken from us in the most devastating way. He was loved deeply, and his loss has changed our lives forever. Today’s verdict does not ease our grief, but it does bring a measure of justice for him. Our focus now is on honouring Macaulay’s memory and supporting one another as a family.”
Sentencing Still To Come
The judge will hand down sentences to Ward and Tweddle at a later date.
