Murder Accused Man Seen 'Out Of Breath'

1 November 2012, 18:07 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

The jury in the trial of a man accused of murder has heard he was seen sweating and out of breath on the night a man was killed in Middlesbrough.

36 year old James Allen, is accused of murdering 81 year old Colin Dunford, and 50 year old Julie Davison, in April this year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard evidence from Craig Lines, who Allen stayed with on the evening of April 22nd - the same day prosecutors say Colin Dunford was murdered.

Mr Lines said Allen, who denies the charges, went in and out at various times during the evening and the last time he was out for about an hour.

He said:
"The last time he came back he looked upset. He was out of breath and sweating and he had a snotty nose.

When he was taking his coat off he had a pile of paperwork. They looked like bank statements and he had a couple of bank cards and mobile phones.''

Mr Lines also said Allen had previously told him he had terminal bone cancer and that was why he let him stay because he felt sorry for him.

The jury heard that bank details of Colin Dunford were later found at the house under one of the sofas.

But defence lawyer John Bromley-Davenport, accused Mr Lines of being high on drugs that night.

He also accused him of knowing more about the death of Colin Dunford than he was letting on.

But Mr Lines denied this and during a heated exchange said: "I'm disgusted with the way you're treating me.''

The trial continues and is expected to last around 3 weeks.