Victim was strangled to death, murder trial told

Ian Staves was found dead at his home in Cherry Lane, Wootton, North Lincolnshire, in September 2022

A man found dead in his own home died from compression to his neck, a murder trial has heard.

Ian Staves was found dead at his home in Cherry Lane, Wootton, North Lincolnshire, on 12 September 2022, having been killed the night before.

Forensic pathologist Dr Christopher Johnson told Bradford Crown Court there was strong evidence Mr Staves' neck had been "forcibly compressed".

All six defendants deny murder and manslaughter.

The defendants are:

• Nicholas James St Clair, of Castle Grove, Hull

• Bobby Gibson, of Woodcock Street, Hull

• Aaron Windas, of Anlaby Road, Hull

• Celestino Furtado, of Waterloo Street, Hull

• Jamie Smith, of Skippindale Road, Scunthorpe

• Patrick Joseph Smith, of no fixed address

Dr Johnson examined Mr Staves' body after an initial post-mortem proved inconclusive.

He told the court a forensic examination revealed extensive injuries to Mr Staves' neck - consistent with being strangled.

There was bruising to his face, which was consistent with a hand being held forcibly over his mouth, Mr Johnson added.

He told the court Mr Staves had also suffered significant blunt force trauma to his body, probably from being punched, kicked or stamped on.

The court heard Mr Staves was a cocaine user and had an enlarged heart, possibly caused by being overweight or having high blood pressure.

Defence barrister John Harrison KC suggested there were a number of possible scenarios as to how Mr Staves died, including from a cardiac arrest after being left unconscious, or as a result of two separate assaults.

However, in response, Mr Johnson told the court it was unlikely Mr Staves died from a cardiac arrest.

"Whichever way you look at it this was a very serious assault which ultimately led to his death," he added.

The trial continues.

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