Nephew denies attack on uncle

Burnley Crown Court heard how Michael Joseph Jones, known as Joey, was found by police on a sofa in his blood-spattered home, with a piece of metal with a wheel attached between his head and a pillow.

Friend, Martin Connolly, who had earlier been at the flat, told how the Mr Jones' nephew, Philip Rhodes, called on him, said Mr Jones was injured and claimed three men had beaten him up.

Rhodes, 33, of Hammerton Green, Bacup, denies wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

David Pickup, prosecuting, said before the assault Mr Jones, who lived in sheltered accommodation at Hammerton Green, was suffering from dementia and brain atrophy. He could not recall what happened or who attacked him. There had been a drinking session at the flat and a lot of Special Brew was downed, with the defendant and Mr Jones drinking most.

Rhodes twice went out to buy more cans and Mr Connolly left, leaving just Mr Jones and Rhodes, both drunk.

The defendant later turned up at Mr Connolly's home and asked him to go round. Mr Connolly found the flat in a mess, the vacuum broken and blood stained and Mr Jones slumped unconscious.

The police surgeon said Rhodes had blisters, consistent with a burn from a pan, fat or oil, on his hand. The defendant's clothes were stained with his uncle's blood.

Rhodes told police they had been drinking all day and he had found Mr Jones unconscious on the sofa covered in blood when he returned from the shop.

He said he had picked up the vacuum cleaner, blocking the entrance to the front room.

Mr Connolly, also of Hammerton Green, told the court Mr Jones and the defendant would go drinking together.

On the day of the attack, he had just had a can and a "quantity," as he was not feeling well. At one stage, Rhodes had got up, stumbled and knocked his head against a wall, knocking Mr Jones' canopy from his fireplace.

(Proceeding)