Bristol Crown Court : Second day of evidence from Frome's Joshua Delbono with summing up due tomorrow
By Susie Watkins
4th Apr 2023 | Local News
Bristol Crown Court has been hearing a second day of evidence from Frome's Joshua Delbono at his trial for the murder of Radstock teenager Charley Bates.
Delbono was questioned about why he initially denied being at the scene. He told the jury he regretted the lie, saying he also regretted all that happened at the car park behind the library in Radstock on July 31.
Giving evidence to defence counsel Charles Row KC said: " I didn't want any of this to happen, I didn't plan for that to happen." When asked why he had answered no comment to all questions put to him by police he said : " I had never been in that situation before.. so I just took the advice that I was offered."
Delbono was arrested following a call from his mother, who was worried that people would arrive at their home on the evening of July 31.
"You stabbed Charley about half past six, you would have called police much earlier ? " said Adam Vaitilingam KC for the prosecution .
Delbono answered : " I had to go back home and explain to my mum what happened." He also admitted he had lied about being a driver of the car because he did not have a licence.
Under further cross examination by the prosecution counsel he was asked : " You were unaware that you caused any injury ? Are you saying that you stabbed your knife, four times, one time right to the hilt and you were unaware that you caused any injury." Delbono insisted he was only throwing punches and was not aware of the fatal cut to Charley's heart.
Later he was asked about the decision to go to Shearwater Lake and to throw away the knife used in the fight and to burn his T shirt which had traces of Charley's blood on it . Delbono insisted that the whole time he had wanted to get hold of the police but he had been persuaded not to.
Delbono has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder of 16 year old Charley Bates of Radstock at The Street on July 31.
The trial will resume tomorrow (Thursday April 5)
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