Mechanic murdered in sister row

Kevin Joyce died from a stab wound to his heart

A mechanic was stabbed in the heart in front of work colleagues for sticking up for his sister, a court has heard.

Keith Orchard, 29, from Walgrave Drive, Bradwell, Milton Keynes, denies murdering Kevin Joyce, 27, at Kipling Motorist Centre in the city.

He stabbed Mr Joyce with a knife on 8 September, Luton Crown Court heard.

Mr Joyce, 27, had argued with Mr Orchard over the telephone the previous night after the defendant had sent his sister abusive text messages.

The defendant sent the abusive texts to Katy Gunn after she ended their relationship, jurors heard.

It was a deliberate blow by Keith Orchard and the weapon was a lock knife which was later disposed of and has never been found Neil Moore, prosecuting

He is also accused of making threats to Mr Joyce, telling him that he would "put him in a box" in the weeks before his death.

Neil Moore, prosecuting, said: "It was a deliberate blow by Keith Orchard and the weapon was a lock knife which was later disposed of and has never been found.

"It entered a chamber of his heart and despite medical intervention he (Mr Joyce) died later that day in hospital.

"Orchard had been in a relationship with the deceased's sister Katy Gunn. It was a stormy on/off affair.

"The night before she told him it was over for good.

Open blade

"He was angry and sent a series of offensive text messages and she sent equally offensive messages back.

"She asked her brother to call Orchard and get him to leave her alone.

"The two men spoke on the phone that morning and argued.

"It resulted in him travelling to the deceased's place of work concealing the knife in his tracksuit top with the blade already open in the locked position."

James O'Gorman of Polruan Place, Fishermead, Milton Keynes, is accused of helping Mr Orchard commit the murder.

When the garage manager attempted to phone police Mr O'Gorman threatened him, jurors heard.

Mr O'Gorman, who claims he went to the garage to act as a peacemaker, denies murder, assisting an offender and affray.

The trial continues.