Baker trial: Trio found not guilty
10:09, 23 April 2008
Three men accused of beating a Chislehurst clubber to death have walked free from court after being cleared of manslaughter.
Oliver O’Bryan, 23, his brother Christopher, 26, and their friend Daniel Becks-Evans, 27 were all cleared by a jury at the Old Bailey of manslaughter, violent disorder and affray on Tuesday afternoon.
Paul Baker, 25 – who grew up in Sidcup and lived in Chislehurst – died from head injuries in hospital after hitting the pavement outside The Lounge bar on May 7 last year.
The court heard a fight broke out when Mr Baker flew into a rage after allegedly hearing Becks-Evans make “a comment” as he chatted with ex-girlfriend Naomi Burgin.
Giving evidence, car salesman Oliver O’Bryan said Mr Baker was a “lunatic” and acting very aggressively.
All the defendants said they were acting in self-defence and denied kicking Mr Baker as he lay dying.
The O’Bryan brothers – both of Half Moon Lane, Tonbridge, but formerly of Shortlands, Bromley – were discharged on Tuesday along with Becks-Evans, of Leas Green, Chislehurst.
His 25-year-old brother Samuel Evans, of the same address, was earlier cleared of all charges on the orders of Judge Peter Rook QC.
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