Scott Silkstone, 51, is on trial at Leeds Crown Court accused of murdering Dwayne Tuohey, 55, by beating him with his own prosthetic leg on New Year's Day. After the alleged attack, Silkstone reportedly bought a milkshake from a local shop.
Details of the Incident
Dwayne Tuohey, an amputee, was found with severe injuries near bins outside his flat in Gargrave Court, Burmantofts, West Yorkshire, in the early hours of January 1. The prosecution alleges that Silkstone assaulted Tuohey in his flat, then dragged him semi-naked into a lift and abandoned him in the street.
Prosecutor Michelle Colborne KC told the jury that CCTV footage showed Silkstone entering a lift at Shakespeare Grange at 4:01am, returning to Gargrave Court at 4:20am without blood on his hands. He reappeared at 6:30am with blood on his hands and face. He then went to Shakespeare Grange, where someone used Tuohey's phone to make a call. The same number had been dialled five times earlier that morning.
The Attack and Evidence
At 6:58am, Silkstone was seen on CCTV with phones. At 8am, he was captured dragging Tuohey along the ground into the lift. In the lift footage, Tuohey lies on the floor while Silkstone stands over him. Ms Colborne stated that the attack in the living room involved striking Tuohey with various objects while he was bleeding.
Forensic evidence showed blood spatter on objects including a shelf, a prosthetic leg, a crutch, and a heater. The prosthetic leg was extremely blood-stained, with fingerprint marks in the blood. DNA from both Silkstone and Tuohey was found on the leg. The prosecution's theory is that Silkstone used the leg to deliver blows.
Aftermath and Arrest
After the assault, Silkstone hit Tuohey on no fewer than 28 occasions over ten minutes, according to CCTV. Ms Colborne noted that Tuohey showed no response. Silkstone was arrested a few streets away, covered in blood, and allegedly told officers: "I'll have more injuries than him."
The trial continues.
