Long-standing Dispute Leads to Fatal Stabbing at North Tyneside Industrial Estate

A tragic confrontation at the Tyne Tunnel Industrial Estate in North Tyneside culminated in the fatal stabbing of Andrew Darn, 35, by Alder Willis, 68, on March 27. Prosecutors revealed that the conflict between employees of The Deli Sandwich Shop and Easy Access Garage Doors dates back to 2010, initially sparked by a parking dispute. The tension escalated when a worker from the garage threw food for seagulls, inadvertently hitting a Deli employee, which ignited further animosity. The court heard that the deadly encounter occurred the morning after the food-throwing incident. Prosecutor Francis Fitzgibbon KC detailed how Willis and Darn confronted each other outside their workplaces around 8 a.m. on March 27. In a moment of aggression, Willis pulled out a knife and stabbed Darn once, leading to his death from catastrophic internal bleeding. Fitzgibbon emphasized that Willis does not dispute his responsibility for Darn's death, highlighting the long-standing antagonism between the two firms. Witness accounts and security footage played in court depicted the confrontation, with evidence suggesting that Willis had previously threatened Darn and followed him in his van after work. Following the stabbing, Darn managed to return to his car, where dashcam footage captured the aftermath of the incident. Willis claimed he was using the knife to open packages and did not realize he had stabbed Darn until later. The trial is ongoing as the court examines the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.