A MAN whose body was discovered in an alleyway in Derry had been stabbed more than 40 times, a court has heard.
Three men were arrested and charged with murdering Edward Jude John Meenan (52), who died after he was beaten and stabbed in the Creggan Street area of the city in November 2018.
All three denied involvement and are currently standing trial at Belfast Crown Court.
Derek William Creswell (29) of Kings Lane in Ballykelly, Sean Ciaran Joseph Rodgers (34) of no fixed abode and Ryan Walters (22) of Station Park in Crossgar have all denied murder.
All three also deny wounding Mr Meenan's friend William McConnell, and perverting the course of justice by burning evidence.
A fourth accused - Sinead Martina White (38) from St Brecans Park, Derry - has been charged with, and denies, withholding information.
As the Crown opened its case it was revealed that after being fatally assaulted, Mr Meenan was stripped and dragged into an alleyway.
As well as suffering multiple stab wounds, Mr Meenan also sustained several fractures.
It is the Crown's case that Mr Meenan left his home in the Little Diamond area of Derry at around 2am on the morning in question with his friend William McConnell.
The two men walked a short distance to a house at Creggan Street which at the time was White's home.
Revealing Mr Meenan and White were related, a prosecutor said when the deceased arrived at Creggan Street, the three accused "literally didn't give him a chance."
The jury was told that whilst Mr McConnell was attacked, he was able to flee and run back to Mr Meenan's house.
However, Mr Meenan was brought to the ground and was subjected to what the Crown say was a sustained assault where a knife and other weapons were used.
Following a police investigation, the homes of all three accused were searched. Mr Meenan's blood was located on a pair of Walter's trainers, while the dead man's blood was also found on a top and trainers belonging to Creswell.
When Walters was arrested, he admitted he was present but blamed his two co-accused for the attack.
After his arrest, Creswell gave a 'no comment' response during police interviews. He later admitted being present but blamed 'others' for the murder.
Regarding White, the prosecutor said "in spite of what took place at her home", she failed to provide any information to police.