A COURT heard of the terrifying moment in which a murder witness saw football fan Leigh Shaw being kicked to death outside his home.

Lee Vickers, formally of Pett Close, Whitehawk, Brighton, told a jury at Lewes Crown Court that he saw a man leap into the air and stamp with both feet on Mr Shaw's head.

Colin Stacey, 30, of Plaistow Close, and Ryan Bish, 23, of Limney Road, both Whitehawk, deny murdering Mr Shaw, who died from severe head injuries 24 hours after the incident.

Stacey is also charged with malicious wounding and an attempt to cause grievous bodily harm to father of two Mr Shaw, 37, who also lived in Plaistow Close.

Mr Vickers said that on the night of October 30, 1997, he heard shouting outside his flat. When he looked out, he said he saw Stacey and another man repeatedly kick Mr Shaw, who was lying on the ground.

He said Stacey then jumped in the air and landed with both feet on Mr Shaw's head before stamping repeatedly on his head with one foot.

He told the court the other man, who was watching the stamping, then said: "Come on Col," and both men ran off.

Mr Vickers said: "I saw him jump with both feet and then stamp three times on the side of his head by his ear.

"There was a dark stain running from his head, which I believed to be blood. It was running away from him down the road."

During cross examination Mr Vickers said initially he lied to police about what he saw that night as he was concerned for the safety of his family because of Stacey's alleged reputation for violence.

He told the court: "I thought my family were in jeopardy. I had heard about him (Stacey) and what he could do and just didn't want to get involved. I now want the truth to be told."

At an earlier hearing the jury was told that Stacey, an Albion fan, had been arguing at the Valley Social Club, Whitehawk, with Mr Shaw, a West Ham fan, about football.

The trial continues.

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