A jury has heard further details of a stabbing that prosecutors say eventually led to the alleged murder of Daniel Ambler. The 22-year-old was found with serious injuries following a collision at the Esso Asda Express Service Station in Seaham, County Durham. He died at the scene on January 15 this year. Five people have since been charged with his murder.
Defendants and charges
Barry Anderson, 52, of Canon Cockin Street, Sunderland; Ashton Anderson, 20, of Noble Street, Peterlee; Barry Logan Anderson, 19, of Shotton Bank, Hartlepool; Ajay Henry, 18, of Melrose Crescent, Seaham; and Tyler Leadbetter, 18, of Elgin Avenue, Seaham, all deny murder. They are standing trial at Teesside Crown Court.
On Monday, the jury heard further details of the stabbing that Barry Anderson was subjected to months before the alleged murder. The court previously heard how he had received treatment at Sunderland Royal Hospital in August last year after suffering stab injuries. He consented for police to investigate the case at the time, and two men were initially charged over the stabbing: Jed Wilson, who was prosecuted, and David Ambler, the older brother of Daniel.
Hospital visit and statement
This morning, the jury heard that a Durham Constabulary Detective Constable visited Barry Anderson at Sunderland Royal Hospital, but he refused to cooperate. On a second visit, he provided a DNA sample and a written statement confirming he had been assaulted, but "provided no further statement" for fear of repercussions to his family.
Barry Anderson's statement, read to the jury, detailed how on August 10 2025, he was "stabbed in the stomach on Malvern Crescent in Seaham". He told an officer that David Ambler was responsible for the assault after a "two-on-two fight" was organised between them. He said David Ambler brought a friend, Jed Wilson, who was in possession of a knife. During a fracas, the knife was said to have been dropped, Anderson tried to kick it away, but was then stabbed in the side. He was also said to have been "rammed" by a vehicle.
Unsupportive witness and aftermath
On August 18 last year, Anderson's partner provided some CCTV footage to police. However, Barry Anderson "remained unsupportive" of providing a statement, but was in the process of moving home due to fear of attacks.
David Ambler and Jed Wilson were later arrested and remanded in connection with the stabbing. Wilson was prosecuted for the offence on February 17 this year. David Ambler was remanded into custody between August 25 and May 26, but was later released with no further action taken against him.
The jury heard that Barry Anderson went on to tell police about a "puppy being poisoned" and windows being smashed, all allegedly "on the orders of David Ambler" while he was on remand. He told police he was fearing for his and his family's safety. The jury also heard that in the weeks and months following the stabbing, Logan Anderson made references to David Ambler on social media, and the two exchanged words on Facebook.
