Scott Silkstone, 51, is on trial at Leeds Crown Court accused of murdering Dwayne Tuohey, 55, who was found with serious injuries on New Year's Day. Silkstone denies the charge.
Attack with prosthetic leg
Prosecutor Michelle Colborne KC told jurors that Silkstone allegedly assaulted Tuohey in his flat, using his own prosthetic leg as a weapon. Tuohey, an amputee, was unable to defend himself. Bloodstains and fingerprint marks were found on the prosthetic leg, with DNA from both men present.
The court heard that after the attack, Silkstone dragged Tuohey into a lift, abandoned him half-naked in the street, and then went to a nearby shop to buy a milkshake. CCTV footage showed Silkstone covered in blood when he was apprehended shortly afterwards. He allegedly told officers: "I'll have more injuries than him."
CCTV evidence
Ms Colborne presented CCTV footage showing Silkstone entering a lift at 4.01am and returning to Gargrave Court at 4.20am. She stated: "He had no blood on his hands when he left... The prosecution says he is in a heightened state of agitation." He was not seen again until 6.30am, when blood was visible on his hands and face. He returned to Gargrave Court shortly before 7am.
At 8am, CCTV captured Silkstone dragging Tuohey along the ground and into the lift. Inside the lift, Tuohey lay on the floor as Silkstone folded his legs and stood over him. Ms Colborne said the footage showed Silkstone had carried out "a determined and brutal attack" in the living room, involving multiple weapons.
Forensic findings
A forensic scientist will testify that the prosthetic leg was "extremely blood-stained" and had "runs of blood" and fingerprint marks. The court heard that Silkstone struck Tuohey on "no fewer than 28 occasions" after 8am, with "a lack of response from Dwayne Tuohey." Ms Colborne argued that Silkstone's conduct demonstrated contempt and gratuitous violence.
The trial continues.
