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Ilkeston murder retrial continues
A verdict is expected early next week in the retrial of a Cotmanhay man accused of killing Anthony Collins after an argument outside a takeaway.
Josh Clarke, 22, of Cotmanhay Road, originally stood trial in February, accused of killing Mr Collins, 36, next to the Aldi supermarket in Bath Street on Thursday June 6 2008.
The jury failed to reach a verdict and a retrial was called.
Nottingham Crown Court heard this week that Clarke had kicked Mr Collins' head "like a football" following an argument Mr Collins had had with Clarke's friend Charlotte Hill after a night out in Ilkeston.
Paul Mann, prosecuting, said to Clarke, who had drunk between 10 to 12 pints and taken amphetamine during the evening: "You were pumped up with drink and aggression."
He said Clarke was "relishing the prospect" of beating him up.
Mr Collins died from injuries to his head.
Clarke admitted making forceful kicks to Mr Collins body but said he had only kicked him in the head once as he was throwing him to the ground.
Ms Hill said she saw Clarke administer just one kick, which she described as "like kicking a football."
Adele Pounder who had been arguing with Clarke's group earlier outside Pizza Amicos in Bath Street said she had seen a circle of people outside the Aldi supermarket one of which was making "repeated kicks towards the ground."
Ms Pounder had drunk half a bottle of wine and as well as a number of other alcoholic drinks.
Defending Orlando Pownall said: "All the players in this scenario were drunk.
"Drink can muddle individuals' recollections of what they see."
Clarke admits manslaughter but denies murder. A verdict is expected on Monday afternoon.
The trial continues.
See this week's Advertiser out Wednesday December 23.
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Weather for Ilkeston
Saturday 04 February 2012
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