Halesowen murder suspect acted in self-defence, claim
A murder suspect accused of stabbing a man to death used a knife in self-defence because he was "in fear for his life" when two intruders burst into a house where he was staying, a court was told.
Ian Swinburne's solicitor told Dudley magistrates that the alleged victim, David Carpenter, and another man had come from Wolverhampton to the house in Graham Road, Halesowen, to "sort out" his client. Solicitor Mr Michael Davies took the unusual step of applying for reporting restrictions to be lifted at the first court appearance.
This was so he could appeal for witnesses. The court approved the application and Swinburne, aged 49, of Stourbridge Road, Brierley Hill, was sent to custody to appear before Wolverhampton Crown Court on Monday.
He is charged with murdering Mr Carpenter, also aged 49, and assaulting another man, Mitchell While, on Sunday.
Mr Davies told the court that he had "never come across a stronger case of self defence". He said: "It is quite clear my client was acting in self defence.
"He was attacked in a property where he was staying by two men who deliberately came to sort him out. They came through the kitchen and the conservatory and, at that time when he feared for his life, he used a knife to protect himself."
Mrs Lauranne Middleton, prosecuting, initially opposed the move to lift reporting restrictions but withdrew her application after being informed that the only person who could legally object would be a co-defendant. Mrs Middleton told the court, however, that the prosecution accepted "the majority" of what Mr Davies had said.
Police have bailed a second man, aged 28, who was arrested on suspicion of using violence to secure entry to premises during the incident. Mr Davies is urging any witnesses to call him on 01384 375437.
