Aston Villa fan murder trial: Car 'used as a weapon', jury told

May 9 2009 by Paul Bradley, Birmingham Mail

“He must have known that he and his friends, Mr Pedley and Mr Higgins, were outnumbered.

“The inescapable conclusion is that he was so determined on revenge he did not think to risk a collision of his new car with a 4x4 Jeep or endanger the lives of his fellow passengers.

“The only weapon he had to hand was his new vehicle and he accelerated in second gear at the group of men.

“His previous convictions show he is not a man to back down in a confrontation.”

Mockble claims he drove down Aston Hall Road after the men smashed his window but performed a U-turn moments later so he could find a paramedic to treat his injured friend.

Earlier in the hearing he had broken down in tears as he told the court how he feared for his life as he drove back towards the angry mob of fans.

But Mr Hotten said: “Mr Mockble drove deliberately at the group of men because he was angry and wanted revenge.

“His actions were unlawful and he wanted to cause really serious injuries to the group.”

The defence will make their closing speech on Monday afternoon and the jury are expected to retire to consider their verdict on Tuesday.

They can return a number of verdicts including murder, manslaughter by provocation or death by dangerous driving.

(Proceeding)