Four deny cyclist murder charge

Stephen Green was attacked in an underpass in Dunstable

A cyclist died after he was kicked, stamped on and battered with a stick by teenage robbers, a court has heard.

Stephen Green, 54, was attacked in an underpass beneath the M1 in Dunstable by a gang of four as he cycled home on 5 May, 2007, Luton Crown Court heard.

He died in hospital nine days later from a blood clot as a result of the injuries he suffered, it was said.

Darryll Bennett, 18, Richard McNamara, 19, Nicholas Garland, 18, and Shane Liddy, 19, all from Luton, deny murder.

Jurors heard how Mr Green was robbed of his rucksack as he cycled through an underpass running under the M1, after finishing a night shift.

'Serious bodily harm'

Prosecutor Stuart Trimmer QC said: "On the same evening these defendants had another purpose for going to the same underpass. It was to do a 'raise', slang for a robbery to raise cash."

Mr Green, from Ackworth Crescent, Luton, remained in the underpass for two hours before being found by a passer-by, jurors heard.

"He died from a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot, that was brought about directly by the injuries he received at the hands of these defendants," said Mr Trimmer.

"Although he did not die at the scene, nevertheless they are responsible for his murder."

Overheard talking

All but Mr Liddy went back to Mr McNamara's home after the attack where his mother overheard them talking, jurors heard.

Mr Trimmer said: "She heard Bennett say 'Did you see his face, did you see the way I was battering him.' McNamara replied: 'You were going mad man, I tried to get you off'."

All four defendants were arrested on 16 May. Mr Green's blood was found on trainers belonging to Mr McNamara and Mr Garland.

Mr Bennett, of Eighth Avenue, Mr McNamara of Butely Road, Mr Garland of Bradley Road, have pleaded guilty to an alternative charge of manslaughter and have also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob.

Mr Bennett admits a further charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Mr Liddy, of Brickley Road, denies manslaughter and a conspiracy to rob charge.

The case continues.