Builder 'stabbed 17 times by workmate after spending day together', court hears

23 January 2023 , 23:08

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Shane Thompson was later discovered by his girlfriend in a pool of blood on her bed (Image: BPM MEDIA)

A builder is alleged to have killed his workmate in a "merciless" stabbing attack.

Robert Goodwin, 32, from Birmingham, is accused of murdering carpenter and plasterer Shane Thompson, 32, on December 4, 2021.

Mr Thompson was found in a pool of his own blood by his girlfriend after suffering 17 stab wounds.

Wounds in the back of his leg, prosecutors say, appeared to show Thompson's attempt to run up the stairs away from his attacker in his girlfriend's house.

Goodwin has denied the charges against him.

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James Dawes KC, prosecuting at Birmingham Crown Court, said it was a "merciless attack" and that the victim fled to the bedroom to make a "last stand before being stabbed to death."

He said: "It was a merciless attack with at least 17 stab wounds. Shane and the defendant had spent the day together.

Thompson's injuries showed stab wounds to the back of his legs (BPM Media)

"They had both been working together as builders. After that, they went to the pub and had gone back to the house. Because Shane died before the alarm was raised and before paramedics and police attended the only person who can tell you why he did it is the defendant.

The court heard Mr Thompson and his on-off girlfriend, Sophie, first met in 2018 and that she suspected him of infidelity. He is also said to have had a cocaine habit that affected their relationship.

He continued: "Shane must have felt comfortable in the company of the defendant to invite him back to his girlfriend's house. From the blood distribution within the house, it seems as though Shane ran away from the defendant as he was stabbed.

"The defendant pursued Shane up the stairs in this small house stabbing him to the back of his legs as he ascended the stars."

"He collapsed on the bed and died in that position," He added. "The defendant left the knife at the scene and then fled."

Goodwin is alleged to have stolen Mr Thompson's BMW and driven away to another area of Birmingham in an attempt to cover his tracks that also involved a change of clothes.

The vehicle was abandoned in Halesowen, the court heard.

Mr Dawes said in the meantime Mr Thompson's girlfriend had gone to her address and found a mess downstairs. "She went upstairs and found her boyfriend's body in a pool of blood on her bed," he said.

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"One can only imagine how upsetting that must have been for her. The police were called and the ambulance called but it was too late."

The trial is ongoing.

Benjamin Lynch