Jury retires in Don Lock murder trial

The jury in the trial of a man who repeatedly stabbed a pensioner after a minor car crash has retired to consider their verdict.
Matthew Daley leaving Crawley Magistrates Court in July 2015. Picture: Eddie MitchellMatthew Daley leaving Crawley Magistrates Court in July 2015. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
Matthew Daley leaving Crawley Magistrates Court in July 2015. Picture: Eddie Mitchell

Matthew Daley, of St Elmo Road, Worthing, knifed 79-year-old Donald Lock after the great-grandfather’s car went into the back of the defendant’s car on the A24 in West Sussex last July.

After two weeks of evidence the jury at Lewes Crown Court have retired to consider their verdict.

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Daley denies murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility, as he says he was acting in self defence as he was worried the victim was going to attack him.

Justice Rabinder Singh said: “The prosecution say that although the defendant had mental health issues that is not why he killed Mr Lock.

“The prosecution submit that this was a road rage incident and that he acted in anger.

“They say this was not lawful self defence because whatever may have been his mistaken belief his reaction was over the top.

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“The prosecution say the defence have not established the defendant was lawfully impaired and therefore he must be guilty of murder.”

Justice Singh also told jurors to reach a unanimous verdict if they were able to but that a majority decision may be accepted after a long period of deliberations.

He said: “In certain circumstances a majority verdict will be acceptable, but these circumstances have not arisen so you are to reach a verdict each one of you has agreed.”

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