Opening day of trial hears how Norfolk man died five days after allegedly being struck in the legs with a hammer before being kicked in the head

A Norfolk man died five days after allegedly being subjected to a “malicious and brutal” attack with a hammer, a jury has heard

Mitchell Bird, 29, of Cox Close, Wisbech, is accused of the murder of Bradley Carter, 35, of Spencer Close, West Walton, on February 19 this year.

Cambridge Crown Court heard this morning how Bird allegedly struck Mr Carter in the legs with a club hammer, before repeatedly kicking him in the head and body after an incident at his home in Wisbech on February 14.

Richard Christie, prosecuting, told the jury how Mr Carter had needed the help of a crutch to walk following the attack, and “soldiered on” with injuries to his back, legs, head and hands before collapsing and dying at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn five days later.

He said: “It is beyond doubt that Bradley was assaulted, very badly, with a weapon on February 14.

“He soldiered on for five days before his mother took him to hospital where he collapsed and died.

“Mr Carter suffered from an enlarged spleen due to his lifestyle and that suffered a tear during the attack. That tear filled with fluid and ultimately burst.”

Bird denies murder. The trial continues.

Mr Carter’s family have described their son as “a kind, loving and helpful son, uncle and father who will be greatly missed by all those who knew him”.