In a harrowing case heard at Portsmouth Crown Court, two brothers have been accused of the brutal murder of a drugs runner in Bridgemary, Hampshire, after he refused to extend them credit for cocaine.
Levi Kent, 22, was viciously stabbed in his car and then repeatedly attacked on Keyes Road in the early hours of 24 November, the jury was told. The court heard that the alleged attack was orchestrated by half-brothers Aiden West, 24, and Tommy West, 18.
The Attack
Prosecutor Nicholas Haggan KC described how the West brothers, sharing the same mother, had planned the robbery when Mr. Kent refused to defer payment for the drugs. Armed with knives, they arranged a meeting with Mr. Kent behind shops on Nobes Avenue.
Tommy West allegedly stabbed Mr Kent while he was still in his car, causing him to crash into a row of garages a few meters away. Mr Kent then fled the vehicle, leaving the engine racing with the accelerator jammed to the floor, Mr Haggan said.
Fatal Stabbing
The court heard that a witness saw the brothers pursue Mr Kent to nearby Keyes Road, where the fatal attack occurred. Aiden West kicked Levi Kent to the head and side several times,” Mr Haggan recounted to the jury. Tommy West then pulled out a knife and stabbed Levi several times. Aiden West searched Levi Kent’s pockets. The brothers were laughing.”
Mr Kent was pronounced dead at the hospital from a stab wound to the heart, the prosecutor stated.
Charges and Admissions
Aiden West, of Tudor Close, Gosport, denies charges of murder and possessing a blade in public. In contrast, his brother, Tommy West, has admitted to the charges. Peter West, 42, of Fisgard Road, Gosport, and Michael Figgins, 64, of St Ann’s Crescent in the town, are each charged with assisting the brothers.
Additional Involvement
The prosecution revealed that several others have pleaded guilty to helping the brothers. Their mother, Joanne West, 45, admitted to arranging a taxi to take them from the crime scene to the home of Liam Savage, 37, who also admitted to charges of assisting offenders. Sarah Flynn, 36, admitted to disposing of Tommy West’s bloodstained clothing.
However, Peter West and Michael Figgins deny providing transport and helping to conceal evidence. They claimed to have collected the brothers to take them to the police but instead drove them around Gosport for several hours before Tommy West turned himself in at about 5pm
Ongoing Trial
Tommy West, who has admitted to murder, robbery, and knife possession, handed himself in later that day. Aiden West, who has admitted to robbery, was arrested on 25 November. The trial for those who have denied charges continues.
Floral tributes have been left at the spot where Mr Kent was fatally stabbed, marking a poignant reminder of the tragic events that unfolded on that fateful night.
