Ronald Smith murder: Police 'forced way into' suspect's home
Police had to force their way into the home of Colin Cooke to arrest him during inquiries into a murder committed by one of his children, a jury heard.
Prolific burglar Paul Cooke later pleaded guilty to the crime in which 65-year-old Ronald Smith was stabbed 27 times, Wolverhampton Crown Court has been told.
The body was not found at the victim's maisonette in Cottage Walk, West Bromwich until June 2 2015 almost a month after the murder which took place on May 6, 2015.
Detective Constable Sarah Lacy, from West Midlands Police Homicide Department, was among officers who went to 62-year-old Colin Cooke's home in Wilford Road, West Bromwich on June 11, 2015 to arrest him on suspicion of murder and burglary, the court heard.
She told the jury: "I banged on the front door and said it was the police but could get no answer. After ten or 15 minutes I climbed over a fence to enter from the rear and found Colin Cooke upstairs."
The detective said that, after she had cautioned the defendant, he told her: "This is about Ronald's murder isn't it? It was my son Paul. He came back with bruises. I know it was him."
He continued to swear and make angry comments about his son on the drive to the police station," added Dc Lacy.
"He apologised for swearing and continued to say that Ronald was his friend and he had not committed any murder."
Cooke allegedly said: "I couldn't murder anyone, especially not Ron. I know it was Paul but he denied it. He takes from everyone and don't care who he hurts. I am not going down for something he did. I don't know where Paul is now. I know he hasn't been at his hostel for a couple of days. I can't believe this."
Mr Andrew Wallace, prosecuting, has alleged that Cooke and another of his sons, also called Colin and aged 37, were overheard plotting the robbery which cost Mr Smith his life.
The prosecutor claimed Paul Cooke was not the only person involved and maintained the victim was persuaded to open his front door to the robbers by Colin Cooke senior when then, with his son Colin, arranged accommodation for Paul after the attack. Cash and jewellery was stolen from the address.
Both Colin Cooke senior and junior, the latter of no fixed address, deny conspiracy to rob Ronald Smith and assisting an offender. The case continues.
