THE trial of four people accused of conspiring to murder a fifth has been dramatically halted by the death of one of the defendants.

Paul Michael Rishworth, also known as Paul Brolly, 31, was expected to begin his defence today against allegations relating to a brutal attack on Matthew Carney on a track behind Burnholme Drive, Tang Hall, in June 2016, that left him brain damaged.

But when the jurors filed into court this morning in Leeds Crown Court, he was not in the dock alongside the other three defendants – his cousin Kieran Kevin Harris, 22, and his friends Scott Lewis Hurst, 29, and Keely Ann Hurst, 23.

The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier QC, told the six men and six women: “I am afraid I have some very sad news. During the trial, he (Rishworth) had been on remand in prison in Leeds.

“We have had an email confirming that he died yesterday. I am told the course of death at the prison is, at the moment, unknown.”

The judge formally discharged the jury from returning verdicts on charges of attempted murder and conspiracy to murder against Rishworth, who had denied them. Rishworth, of no fixed address, had admitted causing Mr Carney grievous bodily harm with intent. The email had come from the prison governor.

The judge continued; “I have discussed with the other barristers whether it is possible to continue the trial for the others. We have come to the conclusion it is not.”

“We know the Hursts are very close to Rishworth, we know also Kieran Harris is related to him.

“They have been devastated by the news they have received about his death. I am told, and I accept, they will not be in a position to continue.”

He formally discharged the jury from reaching verdicts of attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm against the Hursts, both of James Street Caravan Site, York, and of conspiracy to murder against all three.

Both the Hursts and Harris, of Bell Farm Avenue, York, had denied all the charges against them.

All three are expected to stand trial on October 3. Scott Hurst was remanded in custody, his wife and Harris were both released on bail.