Beggar killed man by dropping fridge on his head, court heard (From Your Local Guardian)

Beggar killed man by dropping fridge on his head, court heard

11:35am Thursday 23rd August 2012 in Top stories By Alexandra Rucki

A beggar killed a man after dropping a fridge on his head and then stole his money to buy booze, a court heard.

Cameron McFly, 38, of Herlwyn Gardens, Tooting, is accused of murdering Richard Ward in a Waitrose loading bay in Battersea.

Danny Samuel, 36, of the same address, is also charged with his murder after allegedly joining Mr McFly in the attack, in Severus Road, Battersea, on November 7 last year.

The Old Bailey heard that before the attack Mr McFly - who has pleaded guilty to manslaughter - was begging outside Sainsbury’s in Balham High Road with his two Staffordshire terriers, while Mr Samuel was drinking with a group in Tooting High Street.

The pair met each other and a group of friends outside Clapham Junction Station at about 8.45pm. They were seen walking towards Lavender Hill and stayed close to a flower store outside the station.

About 9.49pm Mr Ward, of Bookmaster Road, Batterea, was seen walking towards St John's Hill past the flower store.

After some form of meeting, which led to Mr McFly becoming separated from his dogs, CCTV footage showed Mr Ward holding the dog's by their leashes in St John's Hill.

Shortly afterwards Mr McFly appeared to become agitated and started kicking the side of the flower store.

Just before 11pm, CCTV footage showed Mr McFly attacking Mr Ward after placing his arm around him and leading him towards the loading bay.

The jury were shown Mr McFly punch and kick Mr Ward in the attack taking place in front of a 4x4 vehicle.

Mr McFly then left the scene and went to Sainsbury’s in Clapham Junction Station, where he bought three cans of pre-mixed Jack Daniels and Coca-Cola - appearing to flirt with the girl in front of him in the process.

Prosecuting, Mr Roger Smart said: "Police seized possessions from Mr Ward and he had no money on him.

"He [Mr McFly] used part of the money to buy alcohol and drinks in less than two minutes of the attack taking place."

Mr McFly met with Mr Samuel again and, about 11.20pm, the pair made their way back to the bay where Mr Ward lay unconscious.

Mr Samuel appeared to be carrying a large box, while Mr McFly was holding the dogs.

The two men continued their attack on Mr Ward, as CCTV images showed the two moving out of view and returning with the box, which was later identified as a fridge.

About 11.30pm they left the area and travelled home together on the 77 bus towards Tooting.

A Waitrose night shift worker discovered Mr Ward’s lifeless body and called an ambulance, but those treating him said they could "barely recognise a human face".

He was pronounced dead in the early hours of the morning on November 8.

Mr Smart said: "Cameron McFly and Danny Samuel allegedly struck Richard Ward to his face and head, Cameron McFly using his fists, feet and a weapon.

"Samuel joined in with the attack with such force Richard Ward dies of head and face injuries, which he sustained as a result of the vicious attack on him.

"There is no issue [Mr McFly] allegedly gave blows with his fists and feet... deliberately dropping a fridge on the victim's head."

Mr McFly has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but claims diminished responsibility for the murder as he was suffering from a mental illness time.

Mr Samuel denies the charges.

The trial, which is expected to last four weeks, continues.