Man goes on trial accused of killing colleague at Christmas party

The jury at Chelmsford Crown Court heard that both men had taken cocaine Credit: PA Wire

A 21-year-old man has gone on trial accused of killing a work colleague with a single punch at their company's Christmas party.

Bradley Casey, of Castle Street, Thetford, is said to have punched 53-year-old William Wareham, causing him to fall backwards and crack his head on the pavement.

But Chelmsford Crown Court was told that Casey claims he acted in self defence. He has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter.

It happened on 12 December last year after Casey and Mr Wareham had gone to a BUPA Healthcare Christmas party at the Park Inn Hotel, Harlow.

The court was told that the two men, who had both taken cocaine during the evening, were looking for a taxi to head into Harlow to find another drinking venue.

Prosecutor Peter Clark told jurors: “Initially, there was no problem at all but there came a time Billy Wareham was punched – a single blow to the face causing him to fall straight backwards, cracking his head on the pavement, knocking him out cold.

“The defendant stared at him for a few moments before sprinting away. An ambulance was called, paramedics took Mr Wareham to the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, from where he was transferred to the Queen’s Hospital, Romford.

“His injuries were non-survivable. People were called to his bedside and he died on 13 December – less than 36 hours later. Casey claims it was self defence – saying his actions were ‘fair and reasonable.’

The jury heard that Casey told police Mr Wareham had tried to persuade him to take cocaine while they were in the toilet. As they waited to get a taxi outside, he had “put a cigarette to my lips, I was cornered and didn’t want ash to get into my mouth.”

Witness Stephen Boyce, who was also at the party, told the court: “I was looking for a taxi, looked around and there appeared to be a bit of a scuffle. I said: ‘What are you arguing about, it’s Christmas'.

“I was still searching for a taxi and saw Billy laying on the floor. He was on his back. I couldn’t find Casey, I couldn’t see him, he’d gone.”

The trial continues.