Ben Neilson murder suspects alleged to be 'spoiling for a fight' before attack in Ashford, Kent
by Keith Hunt
Two men were aggressive and
provocative and spoiling for a fight before they attacked a
university student, causing him fatal injuries, a court heard.
Victim Ben Neilson had not been
involved in any trouble when he was set upon in Ashford town centre
by Zion Covey and Gareth Powell, it was alleged.
Jonathan Higgs, prosecuting, said the
21-year-old former Norton Knatchbull School pupil was struck a
heavy blow to the head when he was attacked on April
21, and was believed to be unconscious by the time he hit the
ground.
He was then kicked while down by both
Covey, 21, and 20-year-old Powell, said Mr Higgs.
Ben, 21, of Essella Road,
Willesborough, was taken to hospital "in a terrible state"
and died a week later from catastrophic and irreversible
brain damage.
Covey, 21, of Lynsted Close, Stanhope,
Ashford, and Gareth Powell, 19, of Bensted, South Ashford, deny
murder and manslaughter.
The trial continues, at Maidstone
Crown Court.
Tuesday, November 10 2009