Man denies killing Grantham housemate in computer theft row

Tony McDermott was found dead at a house on Eton Street in Grantham last year

A man was found covered in blood by police after they were called to a house in Grantham, a murder trial heard.

Tony McDermott, 38, was pronounced dead at the property in Eton Street.

Nicholas Ward, 37, who also lived at the shared house, denies murdering Mr McDermott, during the early hours of 14 October last year.

Prosecutors allege Mr McDermott was murdered by Mr Ward after accusing him of stealing his work tablet computer.

Mr McDermott died from heavy blood loss after suffering a number of knife injuries including a stab wound which went all the way through his left leg, Lincoln Crown Court was told.

Jurors heard the two men were close friends and had spent the evening drinking.

Prosecutor Simon Ash KC said Mr Ward "reacted very badly indeed" after forming the view that his computer had been stolen.

Mr Ash said a 999 call was made by another resident of the Eton Street property at 04:21 BST. He stated he found one of his housemates covered in blood and not breathing.

A police officer called to the scene told the jury he found a "male lying on the floor".

"There was a pool of blood on the carpet, and blood on his face," he said.

The officer opened the door to Mr Ward's room but he was not present.

A search of the property found the defendant's work computer in his own bag.

Lincolnshire Police at the scene in Eton Street, Grantham, on 14 October

CCTV footage showed the accused walking along a road shortly after 05:00. He was arrested a short while later.

The prosecution allege Mr Ward made a number of phone calls to friends after leaving the house.

Police interviewed Mr Ward ten times but on each occasion he either remained silent or answered no comment, Mr Ash told the jury.

In a prepared statement to police, he said he could not assist with what had happened to Mr McDermott in his living room.

Mr Ward also denies a second charge of manslaughter relating to the death of Mr McDermott.

The trial continues.