Murder accused describes fatal attack on friend as ‘all a blur’
A MAN downed a cocktail of 75 valium and up to 20 pints before stamping on his friend, causing a fatal head injury.
Richard Thomas, 36, claims he has no memory of the “savage and vicious” assault on stroke victim Robert Young, 53.
He told a jury at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court the motiveless attack was “all a blur”.
Thomas had been released from police custody on the day of the alleged murder. The police gave him a lift, dropping him off at 8am outside a corner shop in Treharris, where he lived.
The court heard Thomas bought four cans of strong lager and a bottle of cider. He said: “I bumped into Robert and cracked a can.”
Outside the town’s library he saw a friend, who sold him 75 valium tablets.
He went to Mr Young’s house in the town and the pair spent the day drinking. Thomas told the jury he went back to the shop at least once to buy more alcohol.
Police and paramedics found Mr Young unconscious on the floor of his house at 8pm that night following a 999 call.
Thomas pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent in 2014.
Mr Young never left hospital after the attack and died from his injuries in June 2015. Thomas, of Fir Tree Drive, Treharris, denies murder.
The trial continues.