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Darren Parker murder trial: Teenager 'smoked Black Mamba on the day father was killed'

A teenager accused of murdering a father at a block of flats in West Bromwich had smoked Black Mamba on the day he was killed, a court heard.

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Demarco Martin told police he had taken the 'legal high' when he was arrested over the death of Darren Parker, who was stabbed in the heart during a row over a stolen TV, and that he was a regular user of the drug.

The 19-year-old denies murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter. He also denies the attempted murder of Mr Parker's step-son Sean Varden and an alternative charge of unlawful wounding.

Mr Parker, who was 43, collapsed and died outside the block of flats where his step-son lived in Campville Crescent, Stone Cross on April 6. He and Mr Varden were both knifed after they had gone to ask neighbours about Mr Varden's 47-inch TV, which had been stolen from his flat.

During the trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court, a statement from detention escort officer Rebecca Tranter from the Oldbury Custody Centre on the day of the murder was read to the jury.

It said: "Martin stated he had smoked Black Mamba and uses regularly."

Martin's statement to police following his arrest was also read out.

The accused claims he acted in self-defence after Mr Parker and Mr Varden burst into his home and attacked him. However, the jury had previously heard the prosecution's case that Martin lunged at Mr Varden after he had asked if he had taken his TV and then stabbed Mr Parker when he came to his aid.

The statement, read to the court by prosecutor Mr Richard Atkins QC, said: "I was at my home address when I woke up to loud banging on the door.

"A person was shouting they would kick the door off and smash everyone and everything in the flat.

"I opened the door and a number of people ran in and forced me backwards.

"All of my actions were in self-defence. I feared for my life and the lives of people with me."

However, Rita Mathison, who lived next door to Martin in Campville Crescent, told the court she did not hear any noise from the flat at the time the accused claims he came under attack.

The jury also heard of the moment Mr Parker's distraught wife was told her husband had died and she cried out: "I can't believe they've killed him for a telly."

The trial continues.

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