Murder accused acted 'on reflex'

One of two Polish men accused of murdering a man in Bedford has told a jury he had wanted to give the victim "a few bruises and go home".

Piotr Pustelnik, 28, told Luton Crown Court he did not know why he hit and kicked Noel Smith, 49, on 31 January, but described it as a "reflex".

Mr Smith, of Bedford, died three days later when his life support machine was turned off.

Adrian Cybula, 23, and Mr Pustelnik both deny murder or manslaughter.

Mr Pustelnik, of Queensbury Close, Bedford, told the court he had drunk vodka, snorted amphetamine and smoked marijuana the night before the attack and carried on drinking and taking drugs the next day.

'Pushing and shoving'

At lunchtime he was outside a friend's flat in Rutland Road with a group of Polish friends including Mr Cybula, of Old Ford End Road, Bedford, when Mr Smith walked by.

Speaking through an interpreter, he said he heard an exchange of words between him and Mr Cybula before Mr Smith walked away and turned to shout something offensive.

He told the court Mr Cybula and Mr Smith began "pushing and shoving each other" and that he joined in.

"I hit Mr Smith in his back with my fist but it was not hard and then pushed him quite hard and he fell," he said.

"He was on the ground... Adrian started kicking him and I started kicking him as well.

"I don't know why, it was a reflex.

"I did not want to harm him, I just wanted to give him a few bruises and go back home.

"The whole thing lasted about 10 seconds."

The case continues.