Stranger 'stamped to death over van fall'

Unemployed factory worker John Lockwood was making his way home in the early hours after celebrating his 45th birthday with a friend.

But near neighbour Dale Lockin, 29, who was in bed , thought the bump was a thief trying to break into his white van in the street.

He rushed downstairs wearing just trousers and found Mr Lockwood, 45, collapsed on the pavement, Leeds Crown Court heard.

Nicholas Clarke QC, prosecuting said of Lockin: "He was very aggressive in his approach possibly believing goods were being stolen from the vehicle.

"As he picked the man up he lost his self-control and violently attacked him. He was dragged to the ground and in due course, he was stamped on."

Lockin then triumphantly stood over his victim "with his fists clenched in a belligerent pose" before going back to bed.

Mr Lockwood died of severe injuries to the major organs in his abdomen. Footwear impressions from his attacker were imprinted on his body.

The victim's close friend Stephen Ratcliffe told the court: "He was pleasant and did not have an aggressive bone in his body."

Lockin, of Wellington Grove, Bentley, Doncaster, denies murdering Mr Lockwood on May 31 this year.

Mr Clarke told the jury Mr Lockwood, a machine setter who was made redundant in 2005, had a close circle of friends and enjoyed cycling and drinking in pubs near his home in Bentley.

He had been to Mr Ratcliffe's for a celebratory drink and meal and downed three-quarters of a bottle of Jack Daniels whisky and several pints of lager before setting off on the 25-minute walk home at 1.30am.

Ironically he did not take the direct route home along Bentley High Street because he wanted to avoid any drunks leaving pubs, said Mr Clarke.

He was found slumped in the road at 7am by a passer-by who called an ambulance.

The trial continues.