Jury hears how fatal stabbing followed dog row

A MAN died after he was twice stabbed in the back in a confrontation in the street after his dog was kicked, a murder trial jury has been told.

Peter Brocklesby’s pet had been taken by another man, Gareth Lightowler to a flat in Brooklyn Drive, Cleckheaton, where a party was taking place.

Peter Moulson QC prosecuting told Leeds Crown Court yesterday Mr Lightowler had done that after his sister complained of being verbally abused by Josiah Mayman, one of those at the party.

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But once there he was punched by Richard Oldroyd, another of those present and ran from the flat without the dog.

Mr Moulson told the jury it was alleged at that time Oldroyd took from a bag he was wearing, a black handled knife saying he would stab Mr Lightowler if he returned.

In the early hours of May 7, a group of about six people left the party, one taking the dog outside and tying it to a fence outside.

As Oldroyd left he “kicked Mr Brocklesby’s dog causing it to yelp.”

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A witness hearing that and shouted to Mr Brocklesby who lived nearby in Brooklyn Road ”they are stamping on your dog” and that led to a confrontation between him, Mr Lightowler and Oldroyd’s group.

Witnesses varied on whether Mr Brocklesby was armed but one said he strutted up to Oldroyd and Josiah Mayman asking “which of you two wants it first.”

Mr Moulson said it was clear in the incident that followed Mr Brocklesby was stabbed twice in his back.

Mr Mayman described having his top pulled over his head obscuring his vision at the time but then saw Mr Brocklesby on the ground with Oldroyd bending over him with the knife in his hand.

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Mr Brocklesby managed to stand but collapsed a short distance from the incident. He was taken to Dewsbury District Hospital and was declared dead at 1.30am.

Oldroyd, 20 of Great Pond Street, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, denies murdering Mr Brocklesby, who was aged 50.

Mr Moulson told the jury after the stabbing Oldroyd ran from the scene and went to a flat where he put his clothing into a washing machine.

About 16 hours after the killing he attended Dewsbury Police Station. In a prepared statement on May 10 he said he accepted responsibility for stabbing Mr Brocklesby but claimed he was protecting Josiah Mayman.

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He claimed Mr Brocklesby was repeatedly hitting that man with a stick.

Mr Moulson said to convict Oldroyd the Crown had to disprove that claim. “It comes to this if you determine the defendant was or might have been defending another and in so doing used reasonable force when he stabbed Mr Brocklesby then your verdict would be not guilty.”

The trial continues.