Men on trial for footpath killing

A 19-year-old man was beaten to death by three other teenagers with fists, feet and tree branches after a drunken quarrel, a court has been told.

The body of Paul Markey, from Milton Keynes, was found on a path in the New Bradwell area of Milton Keynes last August, Luton Crown Court heard.

James Lane, 18, and Jonathan Clarke, 19, both from Milton Keynes, have pleaded not guilty to murder.

Gareth Waghorn, 19, also from Milton Keynes, has pleaded guilty to murder.

Outlining the prosecution's case John Jenkins QC said Mr Markey was beaten to death by the three defendants for "no apparent reason" after a drunken quarrel.

'Booted' in face

The three returned to a flat in New Bradwell where Mr Waghorn and Mr Clarke were living.

Mr Clarke then alerted two girls from another flat and told them "I have killed him". Mr Clarke said they had wanted money to buy cannabis.

The girls asked for directions to the body and found Mr Markey's feet poking out from a bush, QC Jenkins added.

Mr Clarke was arrested shortly afterwards and Mr Lane went voluntarily to a police station.

In police interviews Mr Lane said: "The geezer was on the floor and 'Jif' (Mr Clarke) was lifting him up and thumping his head on the concrete. I was in shock.

"Gareth (Mr Waghorn) was booting his face in like a football and did a double jump on his face. I threw one punch and a kick to his thigh."

The case continues.