Two men savagely beat a Chatham man to death in an “utterly senseless” attack, it has been alleged.

The victim, Michael Tierney had grabbed a pick axe handle after two drunken men had kicked down a fence near his home, a jury was told.

But during a chase, George French – who has denied murder –wrestled it away and used it to beat Mr Tierney.

Prosecutor Alexandra Healy QC has alleged he was joined in the murderous attack by French’s cousin, William Fleming.

She told a jury at Canterbury Crown Court: “The circumstances of his death, you may feel, were utterly senseless.”

French, 39, of Ansell Avenue and William Fleming, 26, of White Road, both Chatham have both denied murdering the 33-year-old dad of two.

Ms Healy claimed that on June 16 last year “two drunk men, one of whom was French, kicked through the gate that Mr Tierney had built near his home in Glencoe Road.”

She added: “These men were being aggressive and intimidating to Ms Tierney’s partner and to his neighbours who had rushed to the scene when they heard a noise.

“Mr Tierney took up a pick-axe handle from his house and ran after the two men. The two separated and Mr Tierney pursued French into Haig Avenue, “ she claimed.

The prosecutor alleged that French turned to confront Mr Tierney “and successfully wrestled the pick-axe handle from Mr Tierney’s hands.”

It was then – she said – that French was joined by Fleming who was returning from a trip to the shops and joined in the “savage beating”.

“These involved blows to the head and torso, with French using the handle and Fleming using his shod feet, kicking and stamping on the prostrate man, “ she claimed.

Mr Tierney was left unconscious and died in hospital two days later from his injuries.

The jury will be taken from the court to the scene on Wednesday (tomorrow) morning, accompanied by one of the defendants, security staff, police officers, trial Judge Adele Williams and barristers.

The trial continues.

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