Andrew Pomroy trial: Northampton man 'beaten and left for dead by best friend' says prosecutor on first day of murder trial

Andrew Pomroy was allegedly beaten to death by his 'best friend' Dale Bates and 'left for dead' in his flat, a jury has heard.
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A Northampton man allegedly beat his 'best friend' to the point of brain damage and left him to die in his flat, a jury has heard.

A murder trial has begun over the killing of Andrew Pomroy who was found dead in his Littlewood Close home on June 23 last year. He was 53.

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At Northampton Crown Court yesterday (May 6), the man accused of allegedly brutally assaulting Andrew and leaving him for dead - Dale Bates, aged 45, of Sulgrave Road, Dallington - appeared before a jury.

Andrew Pomroy was allegedly beaten to death by his 'best friend' Dale Bates in June last year, a jury heard on ThursdayAndrew Pomroy was allegedly beaten to death by his 'best friend' Dale Bates in June last year, a jury heard on Thursday
Andrew Pomroy was allegedly beaten to death by his 'best friend' Dale Bates in June last year, a jury heard on Thursday

"This defendant was a friend of Andrew Pomroy's for many years," prosecutor Mr Khalil Khalim QC told the jury in his opening statement. "Some would even say he was his best friend.

"Andrew Pomroy was a registered alcoholic. He was usually a gentle man but he could be nasty when in drink.

"Dale Bates was a regular visitor to Andrew's flat, and also a regular drinker. He needed no invitation to visit."

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It is alleged that Bates assaulted Andrew in his home at some point between June 19 and June 23 and caused fatal brain damage. The 53-year-old's body could have gone undiscovered for up to four days.

Mr Khalim claims Bates carried out the beating because he discovered Andrew had given Bates' sister his phone number.

He said: "Although they were friends for many years - some would even say best friends - there were occasions when this defendant assaulted Andrew Pomroy from time to time, and we say would take advantage of him.

"The fatal blows inflicted on Andrew Pomroy resulted in a smashed jaw, fractures to the throat and also severe brain damage. He was left for dead."

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The prosecutor said Bates later told police he accepted there had been "a physical altercation" between the two of them, but "denied causing or intending to cause the level of injuries sustained".

Bates, who was charged on June 26, 2020, denies the charge of murder.

The trial continues.