Lewisham murder trial: Man beaten to death, partner held at gunpoint

Two men are on trial at the Old Bailey accused of murdering Miles Meyjes, 44, who died two weeks after an alleged violent assault in his Lewisham flat. Jamal Morgan-Salih, 32, and Romar McDermott, 23, deny the charge.

Opening the case on Wednesday, prosecutor John Price KC told the jury that intruders forced their way into the flat shared by Mr Meyjes and his partner, Samantha Lee, 54. Mr Meyjes was allegedly attacked while on the floor, suffering blows to his head and body. Ms Lee reported that one intruder held a handgun to her face while detaining her in a bedroom.

Mr Meyjes died in Lewisham Hospital on February 20 last year. He had been admitted to hospital the previous day. His partner had told a 999 operator that he had been without essential kidney dialysis treatment for five days and was unresponsive. A paramedic attending Mr Meyjes’s home noted one of his eyes was severely bruised and swollen shut.

Previous Assault Allegations

The court heard that Mr Meyjes had been seen by a police officer at his home on February 7, following a report of an assault. On that occasion, Mr Meyjes told another paramedic that he had been "jumped" two days prior. In a written statement, Mr Meyjes reportedly identified two of the three men involved in that earlier incident as "Mitch" and "Kane". The prosecution asserts these were Morgan-Salih and McDermott.

Ms Lee also identified the men as Mitch and Kane. She told police that she and Mr Meyjes were long-term users of class A drugs and alleged that Mitch and Kane were involved in drug dealing. Ms Lee stated that she delayed reporting the earlier assault because she was scared and believed she could resolve the situation herself. She added that Mr Meyjes did not want an ambulance called, fearing it would worsen matters.

Further Charges

Morgan-Salih, from Gravesend, denies murder, possession of a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and perverting the course of justice. The latter charge relates to allegations that he offered Ms Lee money and controlled drugs in an attempt to dissuade her from cooperating with the police investigation and giving evidence. McDermott, from Wandsworth, denies murder.

The trial at the Old Bailey is continuing.