Murder-accused dies in prison during trial

The trial of a man accused of stabbing a 52-year-old to death at a property in Rotherham has collapsed following the defendant's death.

Martin Hoyland, 48, was on trial at Sheffield Crown Court charged with murdering Paul Sharp in October 2023.

South Yorkshire Police confirmed Mr Hoyland had died on 28 November at HMP Doncaster during the course of the trial.

The force said no one else was being sought in connection with Mr Sharp's death and that their "thoughts remain with all those affected".

Mr Sharp was found stabbed to death at a property in Redscope Crescent, Kimberworth, on 25 October 2023.

Speaking shortly after the incident, his family said his death had brought them "deep sadness".

An inquest into Mr Hoyland's death opened at Doncaster Coroner's Court on Friday.

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