Gambling debts claim over stab murder case

A former Walsall man desperate for cash to pay off spiralling gambling debts carried out a robbery leaving a student victim dead, a court heard.

Siu Tung Ho was stabbed 13 times, had his throat slashed and his bank account was plundered by Reaben Kareem, formerly of Coalpool, it was claimed.

Ho's sister was tied to a chair it was alleged.

Her 19-year-old boyfriend was stabbed and bound and she was hit on the head with a bottle, the court heard.

Reaben Kareem, an Iraqi Kurd formerly of Webster Road, Coalpool, planned the robbery to pay gambling debts, Bradford Crown Court heard.

Kareem, 20, of no fixed address, denies murder but admits conspiracy to rob and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Jwanru Osman, 20, of Northolt, Middlesex, admits conspiracy to rob but denies murder and intending to cause grievous bodily harm.

Paul Greaney, prosecuting, said Ho, known as Tony, studied chemistry and forensic science at Bradford University and lived with his sister, pharmacy student Siu Luen Ho, 22, known as Sally.

They lived in student accommodation getting "substantial financial support" from parents in Hong Kong.

Also living there was Sally's boyfriend, law student Gavin Stolarczyk, 30.

Kareem struck Sally on the head with a ­bottle. When she fell to the floor he kissed her on the forehead and told her he wanted money.

She was tied to a chair and gagged, while Gavin was stabbed in his side and tied up. Her brother died from multiple stab wounds.

Mr Greaney said he was tortured to reveal his bank details before his throat was slashed, and £1,600 was transferred from his account to Kareem's.

It is alleged Kareem tried to take almost £4,000 from Sally's account but failed.

Osman says he went to the house with Kareem for a cup of tea and got caught up in the violence.

The trial continues.