This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/8217586.stm

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Disgruntled driver 'killed boss' Disgruntled driver 'killed boss'
(about 1 hour later)
A trial has heard how a disgruntled lorry driver took four men prisoner before murdering his boss at the driver recruitment agency he worked for. A disgruntled lorry driver bound and gagged four men before strangling his boss at a driver recruitment agency with his tie, a trial has been told.
Russell Carter, 52, of Rumney, Cardiff, denies murdering Kinglsey Monk, 45, last October at Driverline 247 at New Inn, Pontypool, Torfaen.Russell Carter, 52, of Rumney, Cardiff, denies murdering Kinglsey Monk, 45, last October at Driverline 247 at New Inn, Pontypool, Torfaen.
He also denies attempting to murder three employees - Robert Lewis, Nathan Taylor and Gethin Heal. He also denies attempting to murder three workers after setting fire to the office. They managed to escape.
Newport Crown Court heard it had been a "prolonged and terrifying ordeal".Newport Crown Court heard it had been a "prolonged and terrifying ordeal".
The prosecution explained that Mr Carter believed he was owed money by the firm. In October last year, he went to the offices and tied up and gagged the four men with duct tape at gun point. The prosecution explained that Mr Carter believed he was owed money by the firm.
Kingsley Monk was a company director of recruitment agency Driverline 247 In October last year, he went to the offices and tied up and gagged Mr Monk and employees Robert Lewis, Nathan Taylor and Gethin Heal with duct tape at gunpoint.
He then subjected them to an ordeal which, the prosecution said, lasted around four hours.He then subjected them to an ordeal which, the prosecution said, lasted around four hours.
David Aubrey QC, opening the case, said Mr Carter had parked his car outside and lay in wait for them one morning last October. David Aubrey QC, opening the case, said Mr Carter had parked his car outside and lay in wait.
He showed "cold and ruthless determination and no regard or concern for the four victims of his brutality", Mr Aubrey said. He threatened to kill Mr Heal, the first to arrive about 0850 BST, if he did not do as he was told, the jury heard.
Kingsley Monk was a company director of recruitment agency Driverline 247
Mr Aubrey said Mr Heal dialled 999 on his mobile phone but Mr Carter took the phone off him.
Mr Lewis, who was allegedly tied up and stamped on by Mr Carter, described the weapon as a Magnum-style gun, used in Clint Eastwood films. Mr Carter later claimed it was a toy.
The court heard Mr Carter threw petrol in the faces of Mr Lewis and Mr Taylor and threatened to burn them with a cigarette lighter.
Next to arrive was Mr Monk. Mr Aubrey said Mr Carter was heard to say "you owe me money" and berate him for the phone message, which he said his daughter had heard.
It appears he must have spent the few days after the call brooding, angry and resentful David Aubrey QC, prosecuting
The court heard Mr Monk phoned Mr Carter after he did not turn up for a driving job as arranged the previous month, leaving a message saying: "Don't be a coward. Answer the phone you coward."
Mr Aubrey said: "It appears he must have spent the few days after the call brooding, angry and resentful."
During the attack, Mr Aubrey said Mr Carter showed "cold and ruthless determination and no regard or concern for the four victims of his brutality".
Escape
Mr Monk, who was responsible for the day-to-day running of the business, suggested Mr Carter use an office computer to transfer money to himself.
The defendant also made several transactions worth hundreds to other drivers in what Mr Aubrey said was an attempt to cover his tracks by making it appear that other people had received money.
During that time it is alleged Mr Carter throttled Mr Monk, probably with his own tie.During that time it is alleged Mr Carter throttled Mr Monk, probably with his own tie.
A pathologist's report found he suffered pressure to the neck.A pathologist's report found he suffered pressure to the neck.
Mr Carter also poured petrol over two other employees threatening to set them on fire, said Mr Aubrey. Before leaving, Mr Carter, who wore surgical gloves, set fire to the offices "to destroy all physical trace that could identify him", Mr Aubrey said.
Staff were persuaded to transfer money into his bank account and the accounts of other Driverline 247 employees.
The prosecution said Mr Carter then set fire to the offices before leaving.
It is claimed the defendant intended to destroy the evidence and kill the three witnesses. But, the court heard, they managed to escape.It is claimed the defendant intended to destroy the evidence and kill the three witnesses. But, the court heard, they managed to escape.
The trial, expected to last three weeks, continues. Mr Carter was arrested that night at Newport train station trying to flee when he realised the police were after him, Mr Aubrey said.
The trial is expected to last up to three weeks.