Murder accused 'lashed out' at hospital staff

Glenna Siviter was killed at her home in Middlesbrough's Grimwood Avenue in December

A drug addict accused of murdering a woman for her jewellery "lashed out" at medical staff treating him after his arrest, a court has heard.

Andrew Hall, 46, is accused of stabbing Glenna Siviter, 50, dozens of times at her home in Middlesbrough in December.

He is also accused of the attempted murder of two other men in stabbings.

Two police officers told Newcastle Crown Court they heard Mr Hall, who denies all offences, shout "why is he not dead?" after being arrested following the final alleged attack.

The court has heard the body of Ms Siviter was found hidden beneath a sofa at her home on Grimwood Avenue on 15 December, with prosecutors alleging she was murdered four days previously.

Also on 15 December, Mr Hall was arrested after allegedly stabbing another drug user, Craig Woodier, in Middlesbrough.

'Profanities'

Jurors were told Mr Hall was initially taken to Middlesbrough Police Station but transferred to James Cook University Hospital after becoming unresponsive in the back of the Cleveland Police van.

He was treated at the resuscitation ward but became aggressive when he came round, police officers told the court.

PC Christopher Donald said Mr Hall, who was handcuffed on a bed, was in a "heightened state", shouted "profanities" and "lashed out at nursing staff", almost kicking one in the face.

'Is he not dead?'

At 19.25 GMT, Mr Hall asked Special Constable Kenneth James why he was under arrest, to which the officer replied he was under suspicion of attempted murder and robbery.

The officer said Mr Hall shouted back: "Why is he not dead yet?"

The special constable made a note of the comment and PC Donald, who also heard it, said it seemed a "significant statement".

Both officers were challenged under cross-examination about whether Mr Hall was saying an officer was "dead in the head", but both remained adamant he had made the comment they reported hearing.

Two other officers said they heard him say either "is he dead yet?" or "is he dead yeah?".

One, PC Daniel Barnes, said he heard Mr Hall, of Thorntree Avenue in Middlesbrough, then say "is he dead in the head?" about his police colleague.

The trial continues.