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Victim 'beaten to death for £40' Victim 'beaten to death for £40'
(about 13 hours later)
An 89-year-old man was left for dead by a conman who tricked his way into his home and beat him for just £40, Newcastle Crown Court has heard.An 89-year-old man was left for dead by a conman who tricked his way into his home and beat him for just £40, Newcastle Crown Court has heard.
Harry Lindley was discovered in a pool of blood at his bungalow in Wallsend in April last year.Harry Lindley was discovered in a pool of blood at his bungalow in Wallsend in April last year.
Michael Stevenson, 21, denied murder on the first day of a week-long trial.Michael Stevenson, 21, denied murder on the first day of a week-long trial.
The jury heard that Mr Lindley suffered at 15 least wounds to his head and face. He died from his injuries in hospital 26 days later.The jury heard that Mr Lindley suffered at 15 least wounds to his head and face. He died from his injuries in hospital 26 days later.
Simon Bourne-Arton QC, prosecuting, said: "He had been struck repeatedly by a fist, with a weapon or weapons, stamped on repeatedly and he was probably subject to some form of strangulation."Simon Bourne-Arton QC, prosecuting, said: "He had been struck repeatedly by a fist, with a weapon or weapons, stamped on repeatedly and he was probably subject to some form of strangulation."
The court heard how a hole in the wall of Mr Lindley's home had been caused by the defendant allegedly forcing the elderly victim's head into it.The court heard how a hole in the wall of Mr Lindley's home had been caused by the defendant allegedly forcing the elderly victim's head into it.
Mr Bourne-Arton said fingerprints belonging to the defendant were found on the toilet and the inside of the front door.Mr Bourne-Arton said fingerprints belonging to the defendant were found on the toilet and the inside of the front door.
Remnants of the victim's blood were also found on Mr Stevenson's trainers and he had rang his mobile phone, a drug dealer and a taxi firm from Mr Lindley's landline. Remnants of the victim's blood were also found on Mr Stevenson's trainers and he had rung his mobile phone, a drug dealer and a taxi firm from Mr Lindley's landline.
He had blood all over his face, his head and even his arms Mr Lindley's carer, Veronica SandersonHe had blood all over his face, his head and even his arms Mr Lindley's carer, Veronica Sanderson
The jury heard he then fled, leaving his victim conscious and badly beaten.The jury heard he then fled, leaving his victim conscious and badly beaten.
Mr Lindley's carer, Veronica Sanderson, found him the following morning.Mr Lindley's carer, Veronica Sanderson, found him the following morning.
She said: "He had blood all over his face, his head and even his arms.She said: "He had blood all over his face, his head and even his arms.
"He was conscious but very confused. He told paramedics that he had not fallen and it was not his fault.""He was conscious but very confused. He told paramedics that he had not fallen and it was not his fault."
The court heard he managed to tell paramedics a young man had entered his home saying he needed something for his girlfriend.The court heard he managed to tell paramedics a young man had entered his home saying he needed something for his girlfriend.
Mr Bourne-Arton said before the attack on Mr Lindley the 21-year-old had conned his way into the home of two other pensioners.Mr Bourne-Arton said before the attack on Mr Lindley the 21-year-old had conned his way into the home of two other pensioners.
He told the them he needed to use their phones and borrow cash to get to hospital to see his pregnant girlfriend, the jury heard.He told the them he needed to use their phones and borrow cash to get to hospital to see his pregnant girlfriend, the jury heard.
Mr Stevenson had denied being at the house, but then changed his account and admitted he had been there, but denies attacking Mr Lindley.Mr Stevenson had denied being at the house, but then changed his account and admitted he had been there, but denies attacking Mr Lindley.
The case continues.The case continues.