Murder accused seen ‘sweating’ (From York Press)

Murder accused seen ‘sweating’

10:56am Thursday 1st November 2012 in News

A man accused of murder was seen sweating and out of breath on the night an 81-year-old man was killed, a court has heard.

James Allen, 36, is accused of murdering Colin Dunford, 81, and Whitby woman Julie Davison, 50, in April this year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard evidence from Craig Lines, who Allen stayed with on the evening of April 22, the same day prosecutors say Colin Dunford was murdered.

Mr Lines said Allen, who denies the charges, went in and out at various times during the evening and the last time he was out for about an hour. He said: “The last time he came back he looked upset. He was out of breath and sweating.

“When he was taking his coat off he had a pile of paperwork. They looked like bank statements and he had a couple of bank cards and mobile phones.”

Mr Lines also said Allen had previously told him he had terminal bone cancer and that was why he let him stay because he felt sorry for him. The jury heard bank details of Colin Dunford were later found at the house under one of the sofas.

But John Bromley-Davenport, defence, accused Mr Lines of being high on drugs that night.

He also accused him of knowing more about the death of Colin Dunford than he was letting on. But Mr Lines denied this and during a heated exchange said: “I’m disgusted with the way you’re treating me.”

The trial continues.