David Lupton is on trial for the murder of Rhys Howell in Skegness. Howell died from a stab wound to the heart.
Lupton lived on Grosvenor Road in Skegness and is accused of killing Rhys Howell. They resided in the same building. The jury selection took place on February 17th, and the trial is expected to last two weeks.
Mr. Howell died on August 19, 2024, in the afternoon. Paramedics arrived to provide assistance, but he died shortly afterward.
Lupton, age 60, denies both murder and manslaughter. The prosecutor has stated that the case centers around murder, asserting that Rhys Howell was murdered.
The prosecutor indicated that the argument stemmed from a key. Phil Bradley KC serves as the defense lawyer, and Judge James House KC is presiding over the case.
The court was informed that Howell frequently lost his key and was sometimes intoxicated. Lupton, who lived upstairs, kept a spare key for him.
On the day of the incident, Howell went to Lupton to retrieve his spare key, while being quite intoxicated. Later, he made loud noises while trying to get inside, prompting Lupton to tell him to be quiet.
Howell asked Lupton for the key again, but Lupton claimed he had already returned it. Howell’s frequent loss of his key had become a frustrating problem for Lupton and others.
They argued outside Lupton’s room, during which Rhys was pushed and punched, resulting in blunt force injuries. The prosecutor stated that Rhys was no match for Lupton.
The prosecutor said Lupton was seeing red. Howell went to his room downstairs and got back in somehow. He returned with a large knife, resembling a machete.
It remains unclear whether Howell broke the lock or if the door was unlocked. They argued again, and Lupton grabbed a diver’s knife with a 12.5cm blade.
Some suggest Lupton grabbed the knife in self-defense, while others believe it was prepared for Howell’s return. Other residents heard Howell returning. The court was shown a 3D view of the scene as it appeared upon police arrival.
Dr. Hollingbury, who conducted the examination, found that Howell had 18 injuries, including to his face and head. The fatal stab wound in his chest pierced his heart.
The court viewed photos of Lupton taken that day, showing him wearing camouflage trousers and a tiger shirt. He had small scratches and cuts.
The court also examined Howell’s clothes, which had cuts and blood stains. Lupton gave five statements to the police. According to the prosecutor, he was vague.
The prosecutor maintains Lupton is guilty of murder, urging the jurors to focus on the evidence without allowing emotions to influence their decision.
The defense intends to argue self-defense. The trial is currently ongoing.