Sunderland man on trial for murder said attack victim was 'fine last time I seen him' in 999 call

A man on trial for murder said his alleged victim was "fine last time I seen him" during a 999 call he made the day after the killing, jurors have heard.
By Karon Kelly
Published 4th Dec 2020, 13:58 BST
Updated 4th Dec 2020, 13:59 BST
Andrew Mather, inset, died as a result of head and facial injuries following an alleged attack on June 2.Andrew Mather, inset, died as a result of head and facial injuries following an alleged attack on June 2.
Andrew Mather, inset, died as a result of head and facial injuries following an alleged attack on June 2.

Andrew Mather died as a result of head and facial injuries following an alleged attack on June 2.

Prosecutors claim Wayne Miller, 32, used punches, kicks, stamps and possibly a weapon to murder the 48-year-old during two separate episodes of violence in one night.

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Miller, of Dene Street, Sunderland, denies murder and is being tried by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court.

Jurors have heard Miller contacted the emergency services from a call box about a mile away from Mr Mather's home on June 3.

A recording of the 999 call has been played to the jury in court today.

During the conversation, Miller asked for an ambulance to be sent to Mr Mather's home and also told the operator: "I had a fight with him last night. I've knocked on the door and there's no answer and I'm worried about him."

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Miller added: "He punched into me and I punched back into him and I'm just worried, there's no answer and I just hope he hasn't keeled over.

"He was fine last time I seen him."

Jurors were read a statement from one of the first paramedics, Paul Jackson, who arrived at Mr Mather's home as a result of the call.

Mr Jackson said he and his colleague went into the house through the unlocked front door and saw blood on the stairway walls then found Mr Mather lying on his bedroom floor.

The paramedic said a series of tests were conducted on Mr Mather before he as pronounced dead at the scene.

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Mr Jackson added: "Due to the trauma to the male's face we decided there was something suspicious about this so we left the property and waited for police attendance."

Miller told police in a prepared statement after his arrest: "I was involved in a physical altercation with Andrew Mather.

"I acted in self-defence.

"When I left the address Andrew Mather was alive."

The trial continues.

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