James Brindley murder trial: 'Severe force' used to stab fitness instructor to death, court hears
A forensic expert told a murder trial ‘severe force’ would have been needed to cause the fatal knife injury to James Brindley in a street attack 400 yards from his home.
The 26 year old fitness instructor died from a single stab wound to the heart in the confrontation as he walked home from meeting friends in Aldridge last June.
Dr Brett Lockyer, the consultant forensic pathologist who carried out the post mortem, told the jury the knife had fractured Mr Brindley’s breast bone and penetrated his heart.
Although the weapon has never been recovered, he confirmed a blade, consistent with a kitchen knife, had been used.
The significant damage to the victim’s breast bone indicated the degree of force required to inflict the injury was ‘severe’, said Dr Lockyer, who described Mr Brindley as ‘an athletic young man’.
The other injuries to his face and body could have been caused either during the scuffle with the defendants or when he collapsed outside Glitters shop in the High Street, he added.
After the attack at the entrance of The Croft park in Little Aston Road, Mr Brindley retraced his steps to Aldridge town centre before collapsing. A specialist medical team performed open heart surgery on the pavement in a bid to save his life.
Giving evidence at Birmingham Crown Court a 16 year old witness said he saw a smartly dressed man with a phone in his hand, believed to be Mr Brindley, acting like he was trying to ‘calm things down.’
Aaron Kahrod, aged 21, of Walsall Road, Aldridge, and a 17 year old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, both deny murder.
The trial continues.
