A READING man stabbed his father’s best friend of 64 years in a ‘vicious and brutal attack’, a court has heard.
On the opening day of the trial, Reading Crown Court heard how Jacob Trussler told his brother he was ‘going to prison’ after ‘beating the f***’ out of Dave’ [Allen] on December 1, 2021.
Elgar Road, where David Allen was stabbed by Jacob Trussler
The 37-year-old, of no fixed abode, is charged with the murder of Mr Allen, 77 - an accusation he denies.
Mr Graham Smith, prosecuting, alleged Trussler visited David Allen at his Elgar Road home just after 10am on December 1, 2021.
READ MORE: Family's tribute to David Allen
Here, he stabbed him three times to the chest. One wound was 20cm deep and caused fatal injuries to the grandfather.
The defendant allegedly placed the weapon -- a large kitchen knife -- and his Adidas jumper in Mr Allen’s sink.
Mr Smith said: “He carried out a vicious and brutal attack.
“Rather than call the ambulance in the hope Mr Allen might be saved, Trussler put the kitchen knife and the blood-stained top he had been wearing in the sink.
“Trussler left Mr Allen dead or dying alone on his kitchen floor, only to be discovered when his friends became concerned for him.”
The defendant took Mr Allen’s car and parked it near his brother’s flat.
Trussler then spent the rest of the day with his brother, Barry Cooper, who claimed the 37-year-old told him: “Baz, don't be pissed off, Dad's going to kill me, I am going to prison for this.
“I beat the fuck out of Dave.
READ MORE: Man denies murdering David Allen
“Dad won't speak to me again, you're all I've got.”
Reading Crown Court heard how Trussler had known Mr Allen for ‘many, many years’ as his father, Barry Trussler, had been 'best friends' with him for more than six decades.
Mr Allen took Trussler ‘under his wing’, offering him food, shelter and money when he needed it.
Elgar Road, where David Allen was stabbed by Jacob Trussler
Mr Cooper raised the alarm with Barry Trussler, who asked his other son, Luke Trussler, to check on David Allen.
At just after 8pm on December 1, Luke Trussler found Mr Allen on the floor of his kitchen with blood around his head and on his dressing gown.
Emergency services were called but Mr Allen was unable to be resuscitated.
Elgar Road, where David Allen was stabbed by Jacob Trussler
Barry Trussler called police at 8.45pm to tell them he thought his son, Jacob, may have been responsible for killing David Allen.
READ MORE: Pictures from Elgar Road murder investigation scene
Jacob Trussler was arrested by police officers at 9.35am on December 2, 2021.
An officer captured Trussler saying 'get me a fag please, I'm going away for a long time' on body-worn camera footage.
Elgar Road, where David Allen was stabbed by Jacob Trussler
Blood staining was found on the front of Trussler's jacket, and DNA testing showed it match the profile of David Allen.
The trial continues.
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