A half-naked man was discovered dumped in the stairwell of a block of flats in Chatham after being bound with twine, it has been alleged.

James O'Rourke, 29, was found wearing just a pair of boxer shorts when his body was found in August 2017.

Prosecutor Philip Bennetts QC told a jury at Maidstone Crown Court the victim was discovered lying face down on stairs between floors four and five at Caulkers House in Shipwrights Avenue.

Daniel Fox, 36, of no fixed address, has denied taking part in his murder.

Mr Bennetts said O'Rourke had 27 separate head and neck injuries as well as multiple fractures to his ribs.

He told the jury that green twining was discovered nearby which Fox is alleged to have used to tie Mr O'Rourke's arms and thighs.

Fox was seen on August 31 in a pub called Jolly Caulkers in Batchelor Street and described by a bar worker as "looking a mess".

He is alleged to have claimed: "I was out of it. I was out of it."

The prosecution has alleged Mr O'Rourke was accused of stealing drugs and attacked.

The jury will visit the scene where Mr O’Rourke’s body was discovered today.

The trial continues.

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