Man suffered 'five blows' in care home attack

A man attacked by a fellow care home resident suffered injuries consistent with "five blows struck by blunt force impact", a doctor has told a trial.

Kevin Ryan, 61, was taken to hospital last December with serious injuries including several fractures and a punctured lung.

Graham Dowling, 36, of Barkerend Road, has denied attempted murder, but admits causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Jurors at Bradford Crown Court were told both men lived at Burger Court, which is a residential care home for adults with mental health conditions and learning disabilities.

Dr Gemma Escot told the jury she had attended the scene following the attack.

She said trainers with traces of Mr Ryan's blood on them were found in a bucket of water in Mr Dowling's room, adding that she was part of the team who examined the site after the incident.

She said: "A pair of black trainers were recovered from a bucket of water at the scene and a blood stain was found on the back of the right trainer.

"It is clear the injuries were five blows that were struck at blunt force impact, with at least one in the head."

Dr Escot also said a knife had been found in Mr Dowling's room, although there was no blood on it.

There was also no blood found on Mr Dowling's clothing at the time, she said.

However, Josh Normanton defending Mr Dowling said her comments about the injuries were a "matter of interpretation".

He went on to say that "we can't say how the blows were meted out", although he added "it is known Mr Ryan ended up on the floor by the bed and in a pool of blood".

Mr Normanton also asked if his injuries happened when he was lying down, but it was not confirmed.

Earlier in the week, jurors heard how another female resident at the care home told police that she had seen Mr Dowling going in and out of Mr Ryan's bedroom.

The trial continues.

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