‘Man murdered in row over game of pool rules’

A FURIOUS pool player stabbed his opponent to death after a pub row over the rules, a court heard.

Lyndon Smith, 47, is accused of knifing John Joyce, 20, following a challenge and a £20 bet on a game.

At first, two groups of men were enjoying good natured banter said Mark Heywood QC, prosecuting.

But they ended up rowing over which rules to adopt, causing Smith to storm out of the pub.

He drove home, returned with a six-inch knife and was seen in CCTV shown to the jury stabbing it into the bar counter before looking for the men who had left.

Smith could then be seen getting into his car, followed by a man and woman, before driving away with the door still ajar. Smith drove off and found Joyce and pals up the street – and raised the knife as he pulled up, it was alleged.

Smith got out of the car and brandished the blade before Mr Joyce “tried to disarm him” Birmingham crown court heard.

Mr Heywood said: “In response, Smith appears to stab at his left hand, stomach and side of his chest.” He also allegedly attacked Mr Joyce’s friend Michael Keenan and uncle, James Mcdonagh.

Smith denies murdering Mr Joyce and wounding Mr Mcdonagh and Mr Keenan after the row at his local Market Tavern pub in Bilston, West Mids.

The trial continues.

STABBED John Joyce, 20