A man found dead in his own home died of neck compression, according to a murder trial.

Ian Staves was found dead at his home in Cherry Lane, Wootton, North Lincolnshire, on September 12, 2022, after being murdered the night before.

Coroner Dr Christopher Johnson told Bradford Crown Court there was strong evidence Mr Staves’ neck had been “forcefully compressed”.

All six defendants deny murder and manslaughter.

The defendants are:

Dr Johnson examined Mr Staves’ body after an initial autopsy proved inconclusive.

He told the court that a forensic examination revealed extensive injuries to Mr Staves’ neck – consistent with him being strangled.

He had bruising to his face which was consistent with a hand being forcibly held over his mouth, Mr Johnson added.

He told the court that Mr Staves also suffered severe blunt force trauma to his body, possibly from being punched, kicked or kicked.

The court heard that Mr Staves was a cocaine user and had an enlarged heart, possibly caused by being overweight or having high blood pressure.

Defense barrister John Harrison KC suggested there were a number of possible scenarios as to how Mr Staves died, including cardiac arrest after falling unconscious or as a result of two separate attacks.

However, in response, Mr Johnson told the court it was unlikely Mr Staves died of cardiac arrest.

“Either way you look at it, this was a very serious attack that ultimately led to his death,” he added.

The process continues.

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