THE opening statements in the trial of a man accused of murder have alleged that he is a 'gifted storyteller' who fabricated an intruder to cover his tracks.
The third day of the trial of Justin Griffith, 42, of Milton Road in Portsmouth, who is accused of the murder of Sean Ember, 35, on November 29 in Acaro Road, Picket Twenty, on Wednesday, May 7, saw prosecutor Steven Perian KC deliver his opening statements.
His remarks referred to two accounts of the night of the murder, obtained from police interviews with Justin Griffith and a witness, Finn Richardson.
Mr Perian read a police interview from Richardson that alleges Griffith stabbed Mr Ember twice, in the neck and chest, and proceeded to stage an intrusion, telling Richardson to open a window while also throwing drugs onto the floor.
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The prosecution said Justin Griffith is a "gifted storyteller," and this 'break-in' was a story he created to cover up the murder of Sean Ember.
"This was not a spontaneous act but a deliberate act to mislead, [and] escape after the unlawful killing," Mr Perian said.
The court heard that on the night, Griffith attempted to prevent Mr Richardson from making a phone call to 999, telling him to "shut the f*ck up" when he tried to intervene.
However, according to statements from police interviews, Griffith alleges it was the other way round and that he was the one trying to help Sean Ember.
Following these police interviews, Mr Richardson was determined to be a key witness and Griffith was charged with murder.
Day 4 of the trial, tomorrow, Friday, May 9, will begin at 10.30am and will see the first evidence given.
The trial continues.
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