Dispute over drugs led to man’s fatal stabbing, jury told

A MAN was fatally stabbed through the leg during a fight between two rival groups over a cannabis debt, a jury heard.

Christopher Wade, 27, died after a 14cm kitchen knife penetrated his thigh during the incident in Farnley, Leeds.

The prosecution at Leeds Crown Court alleges a 16-yearold youth, who cannot be identified, inflicted the wound during the confrontation between two groups on May 5 this year on waste ground behind shops on Whincover Drive.

The youth and four men are on trial where they deny murder and violent disorder. They are: Kyle Hirst, 24, of St Ives Mount, Armley; Jordan Beers, 19, of Whincover Close, Armley; Jack Sneaton, 18, of Wortley Towers, and Frankie Mongan, 19, Bangor Street, Farnley. Grant Florey, 25, of Tong Drive, Farnley, and Daniel Stocks, 29, of Fawcett Vale, Wortley, deny disorder.

Peter Moulson, QC, prosecuting, told the jury: “The dispute which led to the fight, as far as the Crown can assist, is over an alleged drug debt owed by the defendant Hirst to one of Wade, Stocks or Florey.” He added: “The prosection contend that the (youth) unlawfully caused the fatal injury to Chris- topher Wade intending that he be killed or caused serious bodily harm.”

Mr Moulson said the other four accused of murder “lent support” to the attack by their presence at, or participation in, the confrontation. The trial continues.