Three go on trial today over Hove murder

Three people are due to go on trial today (Monday 30 September) over the death of a rough sleeper on Hove seafront.

Two unemployed men face a charge of murdering Lea Williams, who was killed on Monday 11 February, while a woman faces a charge of conspiring to murder.

Michael John Clark, 52, of Trafalgar Street, Brighton, and Edward Phillips, 44, who has links to Brighton, have been charged with the murder of 45-year-old Mr Williams.

Lauren Bishop, a 36-year-old nurse from Seaford, is due to join them in the dock at Lewes Crown Court. She has been charged with conspiring to murder Mr Williams.

The body of Mr Williams was found by local project workers in an archway, also known as the “bat caves”, by the pitch and putt course in Kingsway, Hove.

Post-mortem tests indicated that he died from injuries to his face and head caused by a heavy object.

Mr Williams, who was living in Hove, had suffered other injuries including broken ribs.