James Brindley murder suspects caught after nationwide CCTV appeal, court hears

James Brindley was fatally wounded after running into Aaron Kahrod and a 17-year-old boy in Aldridge, prosecutors allege.

Footage capturing the defendants moments after the stabbing near The Croft park was released by police and appeared on BBC One's Crimewatch, Birmingham Crown Court was told.

More from the murder trial of James Brindley

• James Brindley 'tried to calm things' before he was stabbed to death

• Stab victim was on phone to girlfriend during fatal attack

• 'Severe force' used to stab fitness instructor to death

• Teen admits stabbing James Brindley but denies murder

Addressing the jury, prosecutor Mr Jonas Hankin QC said: "Police released CCTV footage to the media showing the movements of two suspects before and after the stabbing.

"The defendants were recognised by a number of local people from the CCTV footage."

Both defendants deny murdering 26-year-old Mr Brindley on June 24 last year.

Kahrod, of Walsall Road, Aldridge, denies ‘playing an unlawful part in the incident’, while the teenager claims he stabbed Mr Brindley in self-defence, Birmingham Crown Court was told.

Blood-soaked blade

Jurors were told the youth ‘admitted’ during a covertly recorded conversation while remanded in custody that he and his co-accused knew there was blood on the blade when they fled the scene.

But both defendants initially told police they were not involved in the alleged murder, Mr Hankin revealed.

The prosecutor added: “Neither of them called an ambulance, even anonymously, despite knowing that Mr Brindley had been stabbed – and the prosecution say he was gravely injured.”

During the trial, Mr Hankin alleged Mr Brindley was wounded during a ‘chance encounter’ with the defendants.

The murder victim, who was walking to his Little Aston Road home after meeting friends in the town centre, was stabbed within just 35 seconds of meeting the pair, the prosecutor claimed.

But the blade - believed to be a kitchen knife - used to deliver the fatal blow has never been found.

Mr Hankin said the defendants fled The Croft park after attacking Mr Brindley just before midnight and made off along Whetstone Lane.

He claimed the pair then went into Aldridge Airport, where they allegedly disposed of the knife.

The trial continues.