Alleged killers went to pub after stabbing - court

Three alleged killers went for a pint of Guinness two minutes after stabbing their victim to death, a court has heard.

David Walcott, 35, and Rammon Mali, 33, along with another man who is still wanted by police, are accused of murdering 22-year-old Rijkaard Siafa in Croydon, south London on 12 April 2024.

The victim was stabbed at least 13 times, the Old Bailey was told.

Both Mr Walcott, from Norbury in south London, and Mr Mali, from Kenley in Croydon, deny murder. Mr Walcott denies an additional charge of having an article with a blade or point.

Opening the case for the prosecution, Anthony Orchard KC, said the three men acted as a "team".

"All three were in it together," he said.

"All three intended that Rijkaard Siafa be caused at least really serious bodily harm.

"He didn't stand a chance."

CCTV footage played to the court showed the three suspects walking through Croydon together. They were seen on Surrey Street near Fellmongers Yard just before the attack.

Mr Siafa appeared to notice the group as he emerged from the alleyway and immediately turned to flee, Mr Orchard said.

However, the barrister said the victim was pursued back into Fellmongers Yard, where he was cornered.

His attackers then disappeared from the CCTV footage for 19 seconds during which time he was stabbed at least 13 times, the jury heard.

On the day of the incident, Mr Siafa had been at a flat near Fellmongers Yard with friends.

He had left the flat to go and meet his girlfriend, but a few minutes later he returned to the same address, having been stabbed and bleeding heavily, the court was told.

Witnesses reported seeing Mr Siafa trying to protect himself as one attacker held him down and repeatedly struck him on the ground.

Following the attack, the suspects fled towards The Spread Eagle pub on Croydon High Street.

CCTV captured them entering the pub, where they ordered three pints of Guinness and made phone calls before leaving through the beer garden, the jury heard.

After searching for several days, police located and arrested Mr Walcott in April last year.

He told police "you ain't even got the right person" and "I'm not a murderer bro, I didn't kill nobody", the court heard.

His co-defendant, Mr Mali, left the United Kingdom four days after the attack, but was arrested when he returned to Gatwick Airport.

The third alleged attacker is still being sought by police.

The trial, expected to last four weeks, continues.