There was not enough evidence to support a charge of murder against a man who had pleaded not guilty to killing a drug dealer in 2021, a court has heard.
A judge has directed a jury to find a Newcastle man not guilty of the alleged murder of a drug dealer due to a lack of evidence.
Prosecutor Liam Shaw said it was a "drug rip" gone wrong. A drug rip is a term for the robbery of a drug dealer. Police alleged Mr Stamp was the getaway driver in a Hyundai Santa Fe which was later set alight at Heatherbrae.On Monday, Justice Dina Yehia told the jury, she was of the view there was not enough evidence for a murder charge to stand against Tyson Stamp.
"The shooting and killing of David King occurred when an armed drug rip did not go to plan," he said.He said Mr Cage and Mr Lowcock knew Mr King could have been shot."They may not have wanted to happen but it was abundantly clear bringing loaded fire arm to a drug rip, that that loaded firearm could be used to shoot someone with the intention to cause at least really serious harm.