Six Men Accused of Strangling Man for Drugs, Court Hears

A jury was informed that a man died by strangulation during a “violent attack” carried out by six individuals intending to steal his drugs. Ian Staves was discovered deceased at his residence on Cherry Lane, Wootton, North Lincolnshire, on 12 September 2022, with his death having occurred the preceding night. Proceedings at Bradford Crown Court revealed that Mr Staves sustained punches, kicks, and stamps prior to being strangled. All six defendants have entered pleas of not guilty to charges of murder and manslaughter. The defendants are: During the trial’s opening, prosecutor Tom Storey KC informed the court that the men were all implicated in a “carefully orchestrated” conspiracy. The prosecutor stated that they were “fully prepared” and had the intention to seriously harm, “if not kill” Mr Staves. He further added, “They were engaged in either the physical attack, or encouraged, supported, or assisted in that attack.” The jury was informed that Mr Staves used cocaine and was subject to an investigation concerning his involvement with controlled drugs at the time of his demise. Mr Storey conveyed to the court, “Whatever lay behind the attack, nothing justifies what happened to Mr Staves.” The prosecutor informed the court that prior to the killing, the defendants had exchanged numerous messages and conducted “a reconnaissance trip” to Mr Staves’ residence. The court was told that a red Vauxhall Corsa, which had been stolen in a burglary, was subsequently used on the night of the attack, alongside a BMW, to transport the defendants from Hull, over the Humber Bridge to Wootton, and then back. Subsequently, the vehicle was abandoned on the south side of the Humber Bridge and discovered over a month later by police at a garage in West Yorkshire, containing several different false licence plates within its boot, as heard by the jury. Mr Storey asserted that the prosecution’s position was that all six defendants bore equal responsibility for Mr Staves’ death. The trial remains ongoing.