Man on trial accused of murdering father-of-two

Leon Penman, from Bedford, died in May after being stabbed

A man has gone on trial accused of murdering a father-of-two on an industrial estate.

Police said Leon Penman, 20, from Bedford, died after an incident in Riverfield Drive in the town in May last year.

Jacob Zuco, of Kimble Drive, Bedford, has denied fatally stabbing Mr Penman in May 2024 - and denied stabbing him in March 2024.

Jurors have been sworn in and are due to begin hearing evidence at a trial in Luton Crown Court later this week.

Mr Zuco was charged with murder in May, when he was 18.

Judge Michael Simon began overseeing the trial on Monday.

Jurors were given some details of the case by a lawyer.

They were told that Mr Zuco had been accused of a stabbing in March 2024 and a fatal stabbing in May 2024 - and that Riverfield Drive was part of an industrial estate.

The judge told jurors that they would not start hearing evidence until later in the week and released them until Wednesday.

Mr Zuco had denied two charges at earlier hearings.

He denied murdering Mr Penman in May and wounding Mr Penman with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in March.

Relatives had paid tribute to Mr Penman following his death.

They said, in a statement released by police, that Mr Penman was a "loving father to two beautiful daughters" and would be "sadly missed".