A MAN accused of murdering a rough sleeper “made noises like Bruce Lee” as he tried to kung-fu kick a man in the groin and questioned his military service, a court heard.

Martin Dines, 56, died in St Mary’s car park in Balkerne Hill, Colchester, in April.

Heidi Kennedy, 47, Darren Miller, 46, and Mark Hartley, 32, are jointly charged with his murder.

It is alleged Mr Dines was attacked in Head Street, Crouch Street and in the car park by the group.

After reading coverage of the murder trial at Ipswich Crown Court, Armed forces veteran Roy Ingham – who has known Hartley for roughly ten months – came forward to give a statement to police.

Giving evidence, he said he had met Hartley at Colchester Hospital and convinced him to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings which he did for between six to eight weeks before disappearing for a similar length of time.

He then returned to meetings but relapsed shortly afterwards and began boozing again.

During an altercation outside a church in Military Road, Colchester, Mr Ingham said Hartley had questioned whether he had served in the army.

He said: “I got told I was a liar.

READ MORE: Rough sleeper Martin Dines suffered 73 wounds before he died

“He was drunk but I believe there were other substances involved.

“He told me he didn’t believe me about the service I had done and that I was a liar.

“I was angry.

“I told him to get himself help and get sober again.

“He took a swing at me with his fist – he missed because I moved.

“He then stepped back and started making unusual kung-fu noises and tried to kung-fu kick me with his leg straight out.

“It was towards my lower abdomen area, towards my groin.”

When asked what noises he was making, Mr Ingham replied : “If you have ever watched a Bruce Lee film then you will know what kung-fu noises are like.”

He also told the jury Hartley was quick to mention he had served in the Parachute Regiment when they were together and had items in his flat including a maroon beret with the Para emblem on and a Para flag.

READ MORE: Man admits manslaughter ahead of St Mary's Car Park murder trial

Mr Ingham said he could not tell how he felt about his service because Hartley barely ever gave any details of his tours or deployments.

Mr Dines was found with more than 70 injuries in the stairwell, including horrific damage to his genitals.

All three defendants deny murder.

Miller, of no fixed address, has admitted to Mr Dines’ manslaughter but blames Hartley, of New Kiln Road, Colchester, for the worst of the violence.

Kennedy, of Queen Elizabeth Way, Colchester, has admitted assaulting Lisa Peck, a friend of Mr Dines, on the same night. She blames Miller for the majority of the attack.

The trial continues...