THE family of a man found battered to death have been left devastated after they were told murder charges will not be brought against his killers.

Wayne King, John King, and David Wright, were accused of killing Stephen Hunter, 33, who was found dead at his flat in Edenhill Road, Peterlee, County Durham, on June 2.

But Newcastle Crown Court heard yesterday how, despite there being "no doubt" that one or more of the trio killed Mr Hunter, the evidence could not pinpoint who did it.

Paul Sloan, QC, prosecuting, told the court how it resulted in charges of murder being dropped against the trio, as the evidence could not help a jury decide who struck the blow which killed Mr Hunter.

The court heard that Mr Hunter was assaulted late on May 31 at the home of John King when he suffered punches and three kicks to the head.

When he later returned home he was set upon again.

After the hearing, Detective Superintendent Harry Stephenson, who led the inquiry, said the assault had arisen following a dispute over money. He said: "It is very, very difficult for the family to come to terms with. Two sisters know their older brother was assaulted on two occasions yet nobody will be charged with murder or even manslaughter."

Wayne King, 30, of Thirlmere Road, Peterlee, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He was remanded in custody and warned he faced an automatic life sentence after being convicted of a similar incident in 1994, when he glassed a young woman.

John King, 32, of Keswick Road, Peterlee, pleaded guilty to lesser charges of assault at a previous hearing and was released on bail for pre-sentence reports. David Wright, 31, of Thirlmere Road, Peterlee, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of assault. They will be sentenced in September.