An alleged murderer had a knife called ‘Simon the Slice’, a jury has heard.
Ryan Byrne, 24, of Hathaway Green Lane, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and George Stephens, 27, of no fixed abode, are on trial at Oxford Crown Court charged with the murder of Tobias Bruce, 32.
Mr Bruce died from five stab wounds after reportedly stealing a Cartier watch from the men in College Lane, Littlemore, at about 6.05pm on Sunday, February 25. He was pronounced dead at the John Radcliffe Hospital on February 28.
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Both men are also charged with a Section 18 – wounding with intent of Brandon Day, who was taken to hospital alongside Mr Bruce.
They have denied the offence, stating it was one of self-defence.
During the trial on Friday (October 11), Byrne was cross-examined by prosecutor John Benson KC.
He was asked about a flick knife he possessed which he had named ‘Simon the Slice’.
Speaking to the jury, Byrne said: “It was just a stupid name. I was probably drunk.”
He agreed with Mr Benson KC that the knife was about two inches in length.
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When it was pointed out that the depth of three of the wounds suffered by Mr Bruce were two inches in depth, Byrne replied: “Most [flick] knives are about the same size.”
During his evidence, it was heard that Byrne and Stephens first met each other in prison. Bryne said when the pair left, they were involved in the dealing of Class A and B drugs.
When asked if he carried ‘Simon’ when dealing, Byrne replied: “If it was on me and I was selling drugs yeah but it was not for that reason.”
Byrne told the courtroom that police have been ‘lying’ about the incident and that the process has been difficult for him.
He said: “There are so many rumours. There were so many lies. I was so scared. Police are supposed to be there to protect you.
“When you’re arrested it’s hard to get out of it. They said I’ve done this, they believe that I’ve done this.
“They put my name in the papers assuming I’ve done this, I have a son that can Google this and my name under murder and that is one of the worst things.”
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Byrne added that he didn’t know about the plan to sell a Cartier watch and necklace to Mr Bruce in Oxford.
He denies bringing ‘Simon’ and stated he had thought the plan was to ‘go for a drive’ until he was told about the watch after getting in the car.
The trial continues.
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