Gang 'killed paedophile suspect'

A man was beaten to death by a group of vigilantes who believed he was a paedophile, a court has heard.

Matthew Murray, 39, was beaten to death in a Derbyshire village in July last year.

Daniel Poole, 21, his uncle, Steven Poole, 37, and Richard Greyham, 31, all deny murder.

The three men all lived in Mickley, where Mr Murray was living at the time he was attacked.

Whether he is guilty or not will never be determined because he was killed John Warren, QC

Prosecutor John Warren, QC, told the jury at Nottingam Crown Court that in the days leading to the attack, rumours had been circulating that Mr Murray had sexually assaulted a girl.

On 9 July, the two Pooles went across the road to the house where Mr Murray was staying and attacked him, it was alleged.

Mr Warren told the court: "The sole object in going there was to give him a beating as a result of the allegations that had been made against him.

"The police were beginning to investigate that allegation and had done so by taking a statement that very day.

Frightened and bloodied

"The investigation never got any further than that because whether he is guilty or not will never be determined because he was killed that very same day."

The court heard Mr Murray had been been beaten at his home, where he was left staggering, frightened and bloodied.

Almost three hours later, Mr Murray was standing at a bus stop on the A61 at Stretton, Derbyshire, when he was subjected to the fatal attack.

After the final attack, it is alleged the three men then drove off, leaving him at the side of the road, where motorists pulled over to help.

Paramedics arrived within minutes and tried to revive him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Warren said the three men were later arrested and both Mr Greyham and Daniel Poole were found to have Mr Murray's bloodstains on their clothing.

The trial continues.