Court told of stabbing after drug disagreement

A party guest suffered life threatening injuries after a “minor disagreement” over some missing drugs erupted into violence at a house in Ashford, a court heard.

Owen Lane grabbed a carving knife from a block and thrust it into Rotimi Edwards with such force that it went right through his body, damaging his liver, it was alleged.

Prosecutor Dominic Connolly said: “He felt what he describes as the most immense punch in the stomach. He felt the blade go into his stomach with immense force.

“He felt it twisting as it was inside him. He looked down and could see only the handle protruding from his stomach. Emergency surgery was carried out which saved his life.”

Mr Connolly said 22-year-old Lane launched the attack after Mr Edwards, known as Timi or Tim, accused him of stealing his cocaine.

Mr Edwards was living in London at the time and went to Ashford for a night out with a friend. While at bars in the town centre they met a group of women. Lane was also there.

During the evening Mr Edwards drank heavily and took cocaine. In the early hours of June 4 he and his friend were invited to the “impromptu” party at a house rented by Amy Revell and Joshua Hyde in Lakemead, Singleton.

While in the kitchen he gave some cocaine to others. He left it on the side while he went upstairs to the toilet and when he returned it was gone.

He asked Lane if he had taken the drug and he responded by denying it and swearing angrily at him.

Mr Edwards told him: “Don’t worry about it.” He continued talking to some of the women.

But he noticed Lane’s attitude had changed. Mr Edwards asked if he was alright and he replied: “No, I’m not, you have just accused me of stealing.”

Again, Mr Edwards told him not to worry about it and to “chill”, but Lane continued to swear at him.

Mr Connolly s ai d Mr Edwards decided it was time to go. He went upstairs to the toilet and then looked down to see a blond haired man looking up at him.

It was when he reached the bottom of the stairs he felt the “immense punch”.

He staggered into the kitchen where a woman put a tea towel over the wound. He was taken to the William Harvey Hospital and then transferred to King’s College Hospital in London.

Mr Connolly said Lane ran from the house bare-chested because his top had ripped in a struggle with another guest, taking the knife with him.

A neighbour saw him climbing over his garden fence. The knife with a 19.5cm long blade, was never found.

Mr Edwards had an L-shaped wound to his abdomen which was consistent with the blade being twisted.

The blade lacerated his liver and exited out of his back. The “distance” covered was 15-20cm. He needed extensive surgery including the removal of his gall bladder.

Owen, of Imperial Way, Ashford, denies attempted murder and an alternative charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The trial continues.

Police divers were spotted in Singleton Lake

Police at the scene of a stabbing in Lakemead, Singleton