'Bonnie and Clyde' lovers deny murder

The jury heard Mr England was stabbed 30 times

Two self-styled 'Bonnie and Clyde' lovers on the run from police stabbed a journalist to death in his flat, a court has heard.

Deborah Taylor allegedly told a friend she and boyfriend Lee Whiteley were just like the infamous American criminals.

They are accused of murdering Peter England, 54, at his flat in Stockport, Greater Manchester, on New Year's Eve 2001.

Ms Taylor, 18, of Hazel Grove, Stockport, and Mr Whiteley, 23, of Great Houghton, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, both deny murder.

Stabbed 30 times

At Manchester Crown Court they admitted robbing a store in Hazel Grove of two bottles of spirits 11 days before the murder.

Mr Whitely also admitted an attempted robbery at a corner shop in Shaw Heath, Stockport - a charge Ms Taylor denies.

Paul Reid QC, prosecuting, told the jury Mr England was stabbed 30 times and Ms Taylor and Mr Whiteley then went on a spending spree with his credit cards.

He said they had gone to Mr England's flat while on the run from the police for the store robbery.

Photograph found

His body was found a week later on the settee. He had been subjected to a "prolonged, vicious and painful" attack, said Mr Reid.

A photograph of the pair and names and addresses of Ms Taylor's friends were found on the floor.

She later claimed to police she had stabbed England after falling asleep and waking to find him indecently assaulting her.

Mr Reid said Ms Taylor had earlier told a friend they were on the run, "just like Bonnie and Clyde".

The pair then made their way to Gretna Green in Scotland where they were arrested at a guest house, Mr Reid added.

The trial continues.