Accused blame other for attack

A COUPLE blamed each other for kicking to death a frail 60-year-old man in his own home, a murder trial has heard.

- STUART ABEL

Lee Chugg, aged 42, and 32-year-old Jodie Swannick both told police that the other person was responsible for Stephen Fogg's death in Wembury.

Both admitted visiting him that night but claimed in interviews and a statement that their partner had started the attack - though Swannick said she kicked Mr. Fogg three times to the side of the head.

Prosecutors have told a jury at Exeter Crown Court that both Chugg and Swannick were to blame for his death in his kitchen in Hawthorn Drive. They have pleaded not guilty to his murder between December 14 and December 17, 2020.

Mr. Fogg had learning difficulties and needed three to four hours of care at the house where he lived alone, the trial has heard. His body was not found until a carer came to visit more than two and a half days after his death on December 14.