Murder accused: Shooting death was an accident

GUNMAN INTENDED TO 'SCARE' PEOPLE, COURT TOLD

- By DAVID HUNTLEY Chief Reporter

A MAN accused of murdering a grandad who was shot dead in his County Durham home has said his death was a “terrible accident”.

Barry Dawson was fatally shot through a downstairs window of his terraced house on Elm Street, South Moor, Stanley on April 5, this year.

Five men were later charged with the murder of the 60-year-old and are currently standing trial at Teesside Crown Court.

Kevin Dorward, 38, of New Durham Road, Stanley; Thomas Lee Sterling, 22, of The Avenue, Stanley; Kelvin Craig Lawson, 38, of Frosterley Gardens, Stanley; Keith Edward Dorward, 38, of no fixed address; and Sean Reay, of Sabin Terrace, Stanley, all deny murder.

Yesterday, the jury continued to hear from Reay, who has been giving evidence at the trial.

The 30-year-old admits firing the gun, but says he only meant to “scare” those inside the property.