Ian Franklin is on trial, accused of murdering Greg Marshall. The victim suffered fatal stab wounds, court heard.
Rupert Doswell KC is the prosecutor. He spoke against Ian James Franklin, age 33, who is accused of murdering Marshall last year. The incident happened in the early morning.
The men had met earlier that night. Franklin had a machete the first time, but Marshall disarmed him, said Mr. Doswell. Franklin then ran away.
Jason Rhodes is also in court with Franklin. Franklin is accused of hurting Rhodes too.
Marshall threw the machete after taking it. Rhodes picked up the machete, and Mr. Doswell stated that Marshall told Rhodes to break Franklin’s window before the stabbing occurred.
Rhodes called for help when Marshall collapsed. When police arrived, Rhodes gave first aid and had a wound on his arm.
Medics tried to save Marshall. Rhodes tried calling Franklin many times and said he would kill Franklin if Greg died, the court was told.
Marshall and Rhodes went to Franklin’s house on Roche Avenue that night. Mr. Doswell said it was over a debt or drugs, adding that Rhodes had texted Franklin about cocaine earlier.
Franklin, 33, denies murdering Marshall. He also denies hurting Rhodes and having a knife. Rhodes, 33, denies having a knife.
Mr. Doswell said that Rhodes and Franklin had argued about a debt before.
Marshall and Franklin fought at 4:30 AM. Marshall took a weapon from Franklin, who ran, followed by Marshall and Rhodes.
At 4:43 AM, Marshall and Rhodes returned on bikes. A neighbor recorded them on a phone.
Mr. Doswell said Marshall left his bike and ran into Franklin’s yard, unarmed. Voices shouted, a bang occurred, then screaming, the court heard.
Marshall ran from the yard. Rhodes and Franklin followed him. Mr. Doswell said Franklin had a long, shiny item in his hand.
Marshall died at the hospital soon after. He had chest and lung wounds from stabs, as well as face, neck, wrist, and hand wounds. Mr. Doswell noted a knife caused at least 13 wounds.
Police found a knife in Franklin’s sink and believe it was the weapon. They also found a machete in Franklin’s house, which had DNA from multiple people, including Marshall.
Franklin was not hurt when police arrested him. He was at his sister’s house. He told police men with weapons banged on his door and said his partner went outside, so he helped her.
Mr. Doswell said Rhodes was unhelpful to police and refused to share information. The trial continues.