I’m hearing voices, train ‘killer’ claims
Courtroom drama as man accused of stabbing passenger nine times refuses to stand in dock
A MAN accused of killing an IT consultant by stabbing him nine times on a London-bound train said he was ‘innocent until proven guilty’ when he appeared in court yesterday.
Darren Pencille, 35, allegedly stabbed Lee Pomeroy, 51, in front of Mr Pomeroy’s 14-year-old son after an argument.
In a dramatic courtroom outburst, Pencille refused to stand up in front of magistrates as he hid behind the dock claiming he was ‘paranoid’ and ‘hearing voices’.
His girlfriend, Chelsea Mitchell, 27, also appeared in court – charged with helping him flee the scene last Friday lunchtime and changing his appearance.
The couple were arrested at their housing association flat in Farnham, Hampshire, on Saturday.
The defendants appeared separately at Staines Magistrates’ Court and later at Guildford Crown Court, where they were remanded in custody.
Prosecutor Sally Lakin told the Staines court that an argument broke out between the two men on the train and it continued as Mr Pomeroy followed Pencille into another carriage.
Miss Lakin said Pencille stabbed Mr Pomeroy nine times.
Pencille is said to have left the train at Clandon station and fled over a fence, discarding a bloodstained hat and jacket. A knife has not been found.
Wearing a prison-issue grey tracksuit and black thick-rimmed glasses during the Staines hearing, Pencille was told he was charged with the murder of Mr Pomeroy and possessing an offensive weapon.
He stood to confirm his name and date of birth, but did not enter a plea.
Pencille appeared to become agitated at the large media presence during the three-minute hearing and refused to stand up when asked by magistrates.
Hunched over so he could not be seen, he addressed magistrates from his seat, telling them: ‘Innocent until proven guilty.’ Turning to the public gallery, he said: ‘The people are making me paranoid...
‘They look like they are filming, recording me for no reason. I’m paranoid. I’m hearing voices.’
Chairman of the bench Helen Mattey said: ‘You are going to be remanded in custody in the next few hours to Guildford Crown Court. You will appear before the judge this afternoon.’
Pencille – who was out of view of the court – replied: ‘Yes, Miss. I’m looking at you.’
During the Guildford hearing, he stood quietly as he was addressed by the judge. Mitchell spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth. She indicated a not guilty plea.
The family of Mr Pomeroy, who would have celebrated his 52nd birthday on Saturday, said he loved his wife Svetlana, 50, adding: ‘He was a devoted family man and did everything for his family.’