Teenagers 'killed man after row'

Stephen Langford died after an attack in the street

Two teenagers beat a 43-year-old man to death after a row in a fast food restaurant, a court heard.

Kes Ingoldsby, 18, from Henley and James Diggens, 19, from Reading allegedly kicked and punched Stephen Langford in December 2006.

Witnesses heard a crack as Mr Langford's head hit the ground during the attack in Greys Road, Henley, Oxfordshire, the jury heard.

Mr Ingoldsby and Mr Diggens both deny murder.

He immediately fell backwards on to the ground and the back of his head hit the ground as he fell Prosecutor Julian Baughan

Mr Langford had been enjoying a night out with friends when he and another man, Gary Joynes, decided to visit the Southern Fried Chicken and Pizza Takeaway, jurors heard.

Prosecutor Julian Baughan told Inner London Crown Court that it was in the takeaway that Mr Joynes noticed a young man, who was with a group of friends, staring intently at Mr Langford.

Mr Baughan said: "Comments were passed between Mr Langford and this young man which were ignored by Mr Joynes."

Mr Baughan told the court that as Mr Ingoldsby left the takeaway he allegedly shouted across to Mr Langford in a very aggressive manner, causing Mr Langford to shout something back.

The jury heard that a young woman named Donna Butcher saw a group of young men surrounding Mr Langford.

'Kicked in head'

Mr Baughan said: "There were raised voices and she then saw one of the men punch Mr Langford hard in the face.

"He immediately fell backwards on to the ground and the back of his head hit the ground as he fell.

"As she [Donna Butcher] approached Mr Langford she saw the first man, Mr Diggens, kick at Mr Langford but the kicks were short and towards his upper leg/waist area.

"Another of the men identified later by Gary Joynes as Kes Ingoldsby then kicked Mr Langford in the head as he lay unconscious on the ground."

An ambulance was called but attempts to revive Mr Langford were unsuccessful and he died at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Mr Baughan said.

The case continues.