Clarke murder trial latest

From the Wiltshire Times, first published Wednesday 25th Jan 2006.

A NEIGHBOUR of Michael Clarke broke down in tears as she described the moment she saw the bodies of his murdered parents.

Clarke, 21, of Berryfield Park, Melksham, is accused of killing Milroy, 70 and Joan, 56, at their home on December 6, 2004. He denies the charge.

First aid trained Stephanie Cooke told Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday she had known Mr Clarke was dead the moment she saw him. She had gone into the house after being alerted to the tragedy by another neighbour, Kenneth Nurdin.

As she climbed the stairs she saw Mr Clarke lying face up on the floor. She said she noticed a line across his neck and described his body as "bloody."

"There was no blood pumping out. I was taught if the heart is pumping, blood will be pumping. If not the person is dead," she said.

Mr Nurdin had already been to the house after he was awoken at 1.30am by Clarke banging frantically on his front door.

Mr Nurdin opened the door to find Clarke crouching on the floor crying hysterically. He told the court Clarke was visibly shaking and very distraught.

While his wife looked after Clarke while Mr Nurdin went next door where he made the gruesome discovery.

Mr Clarke was found lying on his back with his eyes open half way between the bedroom and the landing. He had dark blood stains on him.

Mrs Clarke was found in another bedroom curled up beside a chest of drawers.

Clarke's best friend Stuart Painter, 22, of Beanacre Road, Melksham, is also standing trial. He is charged with assisting an offender by hiding clothes, shoes and a knife.

The trial continues.

For comprehensive coverage of this week's events in court, see Friday's Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News.

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