A man died after being stabbed in the heart outside a tenpin bowling alley in Croydon, south London, following a confrontation partly linked to a comment about a Valentine's Day date's appearance, a court has heard.
Ellis Anim-Annor, 29, is accused of murdering Lorik Abazi, 22, and injuring others outside the venue in the early hours of February 15. Prosecutors said the defendant and his girlfriend, Ines Bernado, had been celebrating Valentine's Day at Tenpin Croydon Bowling Alley, where Mr Abazi, his partner and friends had also gone.
Confrontation outside the venue
Anthony Orchard KC, prosecuting, said there was no trouble inside the venue and both groups left at about 1am, with the defendant going to a nearby drive-through McDonald's restaurant. He then returned to the area and confronted Mr Abazi's party outside the bowling alley in the Valley Retail Park car park.
Mr Orchard told jurors: "The reason behind the confrontation is not entirely clear. There is some suggestion one of Lorik's group had earlier remarked on Ms Bernado's appearance."
Fatal stabbing and emergency response
The prosecutor said the confrontation escalated into a fight, during which the defendant, armed with a knife, used it to stab Mr Abazi in the heart. Two other members of Mr Abazi's group also suffered slash or stab injuries.
Emergency services were called at 1.19am. Mr Abazi was treated at the scene and taken to Croydon University Hospital, where he died at 2.01am. The other injured men were treated at the scene and taken to St George's Hospital in Tooting, south London.
Defendant denies murder
Anim-Annor, from Bromley, south London, has denied murdering Mr Abazi and wounding a second man with intent. The Old Bailey trial continues.
