The trial commenced at Teesside Crown Court for Callum Howe, aged 23, who is accused of fatally attacking his lifelong friend Shaan Rasul, also 23, with an axe at Howe’s flat in Hartlepool on November 23 last year.
Police and emergency services secured the scene upon arrival, discovered the victim, and recovered the axe used in the attack as critical evidence.
A police officer gave chilling testimony describing the harrowing moment officers entered the flat. They first secured a dog present on the premises before finding that Shaan Rasul had died from his injuries.
The jury heard that Howe and Rasul had been friends since childhood and had spent several days together prior to the fatal incident. The prosecution stated that Howe launched a severe attack on Rasul during an altercation.
Witnesses told the court that after the attack, Howe escaped through a first-floor window and was later seen acting disoriented on the street, seeking help from passersby.
Howe admitted to inflicting the fatal injuries; however, his defence team claim he acted in self-defence following a confrontation reportedly started by Rasul.
During police interviews, Howe also disclosed that he had taken drugs with Rasul and a friend, and described attempts to keep an aggressive dog away during the incident.
The trial is ongoing as the court continues to consider the evidence and testimony surrounding this tragic betrayal of a childhood friendship.
Originally published by UKNIP.
