A MAN initially arrested by detectives investigating the killing of "gentle giant" Anthony Leecy admitting arguing with him over a gambling debt just hours before his death, Preston Crown Court heard.

David Haslam was giving evidence for the prosecution at the trial of Danny Derbyshire, 24, of Burnley Road, Accrington, who is accused of murdering Mr Leecy on April 1 of this year.

The prosecution claim Derbyshire killed his victim in a savage and frenzied attack in the early hours of the morning following an after-hours drinking session.

Home Office pathologist Dr John Rutherford told the court Mr Leecy died from multiple wounds to the head, including a fractured skull.

The pathologist went on to say the injuries were consistent with someone having his head stamped on and were caused by severe force. There were no injuries to suggest Mr Leecy had been aggressive in any way. Police took away clothes belonging to Derbyshire and Mr Haslam for forensic tests but failed to find any traces of blood on them.

Mr Haslam, a council gardener from Taylor Street, Clitheroe, was arrested two days after the death along with Derbyshire.

He was interviewed by the police over two days and admitted being in the Starkie Arms with Derbyshire and Mr Leecy in the hours leading up to the killing.

The court heard that Mr Leecy, who had gambling problems, owed Mr Haslam and his father Roy money. It was also said that Mr Haslam and Mr Leecy had argued in the Starkie Arms about the loan.

Defence barrister Ray Wigglesworth quizzed Haslam about the argument. He said: "You spoke to Leecy about the money and you were cross?"

Haslam replied: "Voices were raised but I did not shout. I said 'when am I going to see my money?' "I was not aggressive, I just raised my voice but there was no shouting."

When Mr Haslam was originally interviewed by police he told them he had left the Starkie Arms with Derbyshire and Mr Leecy.

The court was shown a tape taken from CCTV cameras covering Castle Street in Clitheroe town centre on the night of the murder.

Derbyshire and the dead man could be seen walking down the street together. At the end of the section of tape they were joined by a third man, who the defence claim was Mr Haslam.

Under cross examination Mr Haslam said he left the Starkie Arms on his own. He said: "When I was interviewed by the police I was confused and nervous. I left the pub on my own about 12.30am."

Mr Leecy was said to have been killed around 1.30am. Mr Haslam said he was in bed at the time of the killing.

The jury also heard Derbyshire flagged down a taxi shortly after members of the public heard arguing and fighting taking place in Mearley Brook.

When Derbyshire got into the taxi his clothes were soaking wet and covered in mud.

Mr Leecy's body was discovered the following morning in the river bed.

(Proceeding)

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