Man died in 'homophobic' stabbing

Retired accountant Jeff Akers died from a single stab wound

An accountant was stabbed to death in a "ferocious" homophobic attack in a public toilet near a Surrey beauty spot, the Old Bailey has heard.

Jeff Akers, 50, of Wallington, south London, died in hospital after he staggered from the toilet in Walton-on-Thames with the 8in knife in his back.

Jobless Mark Malone, 30, of Clement Road, Walton-on-Thames, a married man who went fishing nearby, denies murder.

The prosecution said he had drunk a bottle of vodka the day of the attack.

His memory of what happened was hazy, Ann Cotcher QC, told the court.

Mr Malone told police he became involved in a scuffle when Mr Akers made advances on him.

He gave the impression that he was angry, that he was on a mission Ann Cotcher

Miss Cotcher said Mr Akers, who had lived with his partner for 22 years, was found with the knife blade embedded up to the hilt in his back.

"Such was the force used in the attack that the knife sliced through one of his ribs and caused a fatal haemorrhage," she said.

"It was a totally unprovoked attack by Mark Malone and the only possible motive [was] homophobia, a dislike of homosexuals.

"It was a deliberate attack and it was a ferocious attack."

He was seen waving a knife in the air and "gave the impression that he was angry, that he was on a mission", the court heard.

Miss Cotcher said it was not in dispute that Mr Malone caused the fatal blow, but the jury would have to decide whether or not it was deliberate.

The court heard the toilet was a well-known venue for homosexual sex.

After the attack Mr Malone confessed to his brother-in-law that he had stabbed someone, and told him he hoped he died, Miss Cotcher said.

He handed himself into police two days later.

He told he had no issues with the gay community and he was not an angry person.

The case continues.