Stourbridge victim had suffered 38 injuries, jury told
A Stourbridge businessman murdered in a violent midnight robbery at his flat suffered almost 40 injuries, a jury was told.
Richard Sherratt died within an hour of being hit on the head and face during the raid on his home in Bridgnorth, Stafford Crown Court heard.
Pathologist Dr Nicholas Hunt said pressure to the 57-year-old's chest as well as his poor health had contributed to his death last June.
Prostitute Emma Bate, 26, of Gladstone Street, Birmingham, denies murder.
Her boyfriend Paramjit Singh, 32, of Willmore Road, Birmingham, has pleaded guilty to murder. The pair have both admitted robbing Mr Sherratt.
Michael Smith, 51, of Horton Street, Tipton, denies a charge of robbery.
Mr Sherratt grew up in Kinver and lived in Stourbridge before moving to Bridgnorth.
Mr Peter Grieves-Smith, prosecuting, said Bate led the robbery on the victim, whom she knew as a former client, in a bid to raise cash to pay off her drug dealer.
He said Bate and Singh walked into Mr Sherratt's flat before leaving with his wallet, a £10,000 watch and a pair of Calvin Klein jeans.
Dr Hunt told the jury yesterday that death was caused by a lack of oxygen to the heart and brain.
He said this was down to blood blocking Mr Sherratt's airways, pressure to his chest and a condition he suffered which impacted the functioning of his lungs.
In total, he said there were 38 injuries to the body, including 23 to his face and head.
Dr Hunt said: "It is clear this man was subject to a violent assault."
The trial continues.
