Pensioner killed after being 'lured to front door'

Stephen Ridgeway, 72, died in hospital more than a month after being attacked at home

A pensioner who was fatally injured during a robbery in his own home was lured to the front door by a man pretending to be someone he knew, a court has heard.

Stephen Ridgeway, 72, answered the door when the man said his name was "Matty", one of the pensioner's acquaintances, Bristol Crown Court was told.

Jurors heard that Mr Ridgeway died in hospital more than a month after the ensuing attack in Keynsham, near Bristol, in the early hours of 3 November 2024.

Wayne Milsom, 50, and Ryan Robbins, 34, both of Keynsham, are charged with murder, manslaughter and burglary. They have admitted being present, but deny the charges, claiming they acted in self-defence.

Prosecutor Anna Vigars KC told the court that after Mr Ridgeway opened the door, both men ransacked the house, demanding drugs.

She said they assaulted the pensioner so severely that he never recovered.

Mr Ridgeway was taken to hospital that morning with six fractured ribs and breathing difficulties, and died on December 7 despite being transferred to intensive care.

'Blood on knives'

The court heard he suffered from a pre-existing lung condition, which made him particularly vulnerable to chest trauma.

A pathologist also found signs of injury that did not match a simple fall.

Inside the house, police discovered jars of flour spilt across the kitchen, cupboards emptied and bottles of Hennessy cognac among the items taken.

Blood was found on a hammer, a champagne bottle and two knives, jurors were told.

The victim's lodger, Ben Haughton, denied selling drugs and told police he had gone to bed early and was woken only when he heard officers arrive at the house.

Mr Ridgeway is said to have suggested to police that one of the men may have previously pushed him into a hedge – an incident linked to Mr Robbins, jurors were told.

Mr Milsom gave a prepared statement to police in which he claimed he had gone to the house to buy drugs and was invited in.

He said Mr Ridgeway became irritated and pulled a knife on him, leading to a struggle in which he disarmed the victim and pushed him away in self-defence.

He told police: "All of my actions were in lawful self-defence, as I genuinely feared for my safety."

Mr Robbins gave no comment in interview but accepts he was present at the time.

Ms Vigars set out the prosecution's case to the jury, telling them that Mr Milsom and Mr Robbins were "the aggressors", and while the former may have "used more violence, the latter was there to "spur him on".

The trial continues.