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Ricky Butler murder trial latest - Martin had crossbow and airgun
RICKY Butler's killer kept a crossbow and an airgun in his bedroom, a court heard today.
Richard Martin, 19, of Heath Way, Horsham, denies murdering popular Forest School boy Ricky, and denies wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to another teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
Last week, the court heard evidence from a witness who said that Martin threatened to shoot her as he was leaving the scene of the incident outside a party in Gorringes Brook, Horsham.
Asked about it today, Martin told prosecutor Charles Miskin QC that he hadn't made that threat, and couldn't have carried it out as he didn't have a gun.
However, the court heard that police had found an air rifle and crossbow in his bedroom.
Mr Miskin challenged Martin: "That was untrue, wasn't it?"
Martin replied: "When I said 'I don't have a gun', I meant it as in 'I don't have a gun that holds bullets.'"
He said he used the air rifle to shoot rabbits on a friend's farm, while the crossbow 'was for decoration'.
"The air rifle barely kills rabbits, let alone humans, and the crossbow probably would bounce off someone," he added.
Earlier, Mr Miskin had asked him to explain his actions in attacking Ricky Butler with a nunchuk.
Martin said he had felt scared and humiliated by the behaviour of other people at the party, and had reacted to that.
"I believe alcohol may have been a factor," he added.
Mr Miskin said: "It may have loosened your inhibitions, as it often does, but it's not drink's fault - it's your fault."
Martin denies the charges.
The case continues at Lewes Crown Court.
Regular trial updates will appear on this website.
Martin's remorse
Martin admits manslaughter
Friend's call to Martin after attack
Martin's martial arts 'interest'
Ricky's last moments
Pathologist gives evidence
Witness recalls gatecrasher
Witness describes attack
Teen witness breaks down in tears
Ricky Butler murder trial update
Jury hears nunchuk allegations
For comprehensive coverage of all the stories making the local news, read Friday's edition of the West Sussex County Times newspaper. Website users who wish to purchase a copy of the County Times newspaper but live outside our circulation area can do so by telephoning 01403 751200 and asking for reception. The cost of the newspaper plus postage in England is 1.53 which can be paid for by credit card. Overseas rates are also available, on request.
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Weather for Horsham
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 14 C to 27 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
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Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North east
