Two men accused of murdering a homeless man whose badly beaten body was found in a stairwell at a Colchester car park have been convicted by a jury.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Scales of JusticeThe Scales of Justice (Image: Archant)

Mark Hartley, 32, of New Kiln Road, Colchester and Darren Miller, 46, of no fixed address, denied murdering 56-year-old Martin Dines, whose body was found at St Mary’s car park in Balkerne Hill, Colchester on April 23 but were found guilty by a jury after a six week trial. Both verdicts were unanimous.

Also before Ipswich Crown Court is Heidi Kennedy, 47, of Queen Elizabeth Way, Colchester, who also denies murdering Mr Dines.

The jury will continue its deliberations in respect of her on Friday (Dec 7).

Mr Dines died as a result of punches, kicks and stamps inflicted by Hartley, Miller and allegedly by Kennedy during three alleged attacks.

The first two alleged attacks happened in Head Street and Crouch Street with the final alleged attack taking place in St Mary’s car park.

The jury retired to consider its verdicts on Monday.