MURDER TRIAL: Jury told of 'ferocious attack'

FOUR people launched a ferocious attack on Tristram Wallace in broad daylight near Stratford-upon-Avon town centre that led to his death, a jury at Birmingham Crown Court has been told today, Wednesday.

The opening of the trial of Toney Jelf, Neil Potter, Peter Mallon and Donna Windsor, all from the Stratford area, heard Mr Wallace, 36 at the time of the incident in June last year, pleaded for mercy.

But the group landed up to 30 blows, punches, kicks, stamps in the attack that the jury was told was in the mistaken belief the victim had cheated them in a drug deal.

As Mr Wallace lay defenceless on the ground, they then looted his body, the jury was told.

See Thursday's Stratford-upon-Avon Herald for a full report of the opening day of the trial, which is expected to last six weeks.

Mr Jelf, Mr Potter, Mr Mallon and Miss Windsor all deny murder.