Trial of man accused of stabbing Danny Myers to death in St Osyth draws to a close

Danny Myers (Image: Archant)

Yesterday, His Honour Judge Gratwicke began summing up in the trial of Kevin Padick, of Rosemary Road, Clacton, at Chelmsford Crown Court following weeks of evidence.

The 34-year-old denies murdering Danny Myers at a property in St Osyth, claiming he acted in self defence.

Mr Myers died in the early hours of March 20 at an address in Rochford Road after being stabbed three times, once through the heart.

Judge Gratwicke said the court heard the blade had gone 8cm into his body.

Speaking to the jurors, he said: “This is a very serious case. A man has lost his life.

“The crown says that anybody who uses a knife three times and pushes it 8cm into a body, passing into the heart, clearly has had the intention to kill.

“However, the defence says you cannot find him guilty because while they accept Kevin Paddick killed Danny Myers, they say he did it because of lawful self defence.

“If he did what he honestly thought was necessary then that is strong evidence that what he did was reasonable.

“There are only three options open to you - not guilty, guilty of murder or guilty of manslaughter.”

Kevin Paddick, 34, is accused of murdering Danny Myers after he was stabbed in the flat he was staying in. The pair were in Lyn Tranter’s home while their girlfriends Rachel Kirby and Kelly Luckhurst were having a fight outside.

The court heard the incident happened when the men intervened in that fight and when police arrived, resuscitation attempts were being made on Mr Myers.

Judge Gratwicke said: “Did the defendant kill Mr Myers? He accepts he did.

“The defence says he was acting in self defence, and if you are sure he did then you must ask yourselves did the defendant use reasonable force to defend himself?”

He added: “When you return to court having considered your deliberations, you must reach a verdict.”

Judge Gratwicke is expected to finish summing up today.

The trial continues.