Camden New Journal - by DAVID ST GEORGE Published: 04 October 2007
Timothy Stilwell
Four men plead innocent to murder of stall worker
SUSPECTS arrested in co-ordinated dawn swoops by Scotland Yard detectives probing a murder in Swiss Cottage, all maintained their innocence when quizzed the Old Bailey heard yesterday (Wednesday).
A jury was told how four men were taken into custody by officers from the Specialist Crime Directorate on November 14 last year, following the brutal death of market stall worker Timothy Stilwell.
The 49-year-old was asleep in a friend’s first floor-flat on the Rowley Way Estate, Abbey Road, when raiders burst in and attacked him with clubs and knives. “He was stabbed more than 20 times,” said the prosecutor, David Howker QC.
Mr Stilwell and his pal Ahemed Ghabi, 50, the tenant of the flat, had earlier been in involved in run-ins with youths congregating on the estate.
Forensic scientist Anthony Larkin said he examined the scene to reconstruct the murder and found a number of footprints in blood near shattered patio doors.
Blood had also “saturated” furniture and “sprayed” on to the tables and plant pots.
Four men are in the dock denying the murder of Mr Stilwell on June 18 last year. They are Sean Allen, 20, of Halleys Way, Luton, who formerly lived on the estate; Stephen Barton, 22, of Freeling House, West Hampstead; Ricket Parrett, 19, of Casterbridge, Abbey Road; and Scott Robinies, of Conway House, Quex Road, Kilburn.
Allen told police: “I know about the murder, it’s when I used to live. I was not there so I can’t be involved.”
Barton, whose flat was carefully examined without anything incriminating being found, remained silent when arrested.
Parrett allegedly said: “I stayed on the stairwell when it started kicking off.” He claimed: “When it started kicking off Scott and Sean were inside.”
Robinies said: “It ain’t me. I didn’t do it.”
The case continues on Monday when defence evidence is expected to begin.
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