Ian Staves: Six people deny any involvement in a plot to murder a cocaine user

Rhind said the prosecution’s claim that there was a deliberate plan to seriously harm Staves was incorrect.

He described Mr Staves as a “harmless drug dealer from rural Lincolnshire, not The Godfather”.

Jamie Smith’s barrister, Rupert Doswell KC, said his client pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary and participating in a search of property.

However, he said that after hearing the information, Mr Smith went to Goole, where he remained throughout the evening.

He said his client “played a limited role” and there was “no evidence” to suggest he had anything to do with what happened at the house. He also added that his client wanted the jury to learn about his previous convictions, which involved theft and handling stolen goods and did not involve any violence.

Mr. Furtado’s lawyer, John Elvidge KC, told the court there was no evidence that his client was involved in the trial of the case or had any contact with any of the co-defendants before about 8:30 p.m. ET on the night of Mr. Staves’ death.

“So if he was involved in some way, it’s already late,” he said.

He added there was no forensic evidence linking his client to the scene and he had no motive to harm Mr Staves.

Bobby Gibson’s lawyer, Ahmed Hossain KC, told the court his client had obtained a stolen Corsa.

“Does this lead to the conclusion that the item was intended to be used in criminal activity?” – asked his lawyer. “Yes,” he told the jury.

“Does this amount to knowledge intended to harm someone? No, of course not,” he added.

He told the court his client had an “interest” in stolen cars and bicycles, adding: “To go from an interest in stolen cars to a planned murder is a huge step.”

He also said Gibson admitted he was one of the men seen on CCTV outside Stave’s door. But he said, “Something happens that he doesn’t expect, so he runs away, stumbling along the way.”

The process continues.

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