Wycombe man on trial for murder of businessman (From Bucks Free Press)

Wycombe man on trial for murder of businessman

5:21pm Tuesday 17th November 2009

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A HIGH Wycombe man has appeared in court accused of the murder of a 49-year-old businessman.

Kieran Avery, 21, is accused of the murder of Colin Butler, who was found dead in his front garden in Marlow Road in the town on October 24 last year.

He has denied the charge at Reading Crown Court, in a trial which began yesterday.

He admitted manslaughter. Prosecutor Amjad Malik told jurors: "He has admitted the killing by pleading guilty to count two, manslaughter, but he continues to deny murder."

Mr Malik said the pair had maintained a “friendship of sorts” for eight months.

But he said Avery told one person on the telephone after the killing that he had struck out after Mr Butler told him he had raped a girl.

Mr Malik said Avery had told a member of his girlfriend’s family he hit Mr Butler and then “couldn’t stop”.

But he said Avery had stated in another call that Mr Butler had hit him first.

Mr Butler died after his head and neck were punched repeatedly, kicked, and stamped on by Avery, jurors heard.

Mr Malik said: “Colin Butler was a homosexual man and had certain sexual tendencies.

“He enjoyed violently taking hold of and hitting other men, usually with his fists.

“He loved also being punched.

“He also obtained sexual excitement from watching other men fight.

“He was also a cocaine user and it appears he had a great deal of money which he could spend on cocaine.”

He said Avery obtained drugs, drink and money from Mr Butler and fought him, with £40 to £50 rewards if he won.

Mr Malik told the court that Avery telephoned his girlfriend after the killing and was heard crying and shouting “please help me, please help me”.

He said “I’ve killed Colin”, jurors heard.

The trial continues.

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