BLOOD found near where a rough sleeper died in a multi-storey car park showed he had been attacked over a long period, multiple times 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 trio.

There is no CCTV covering the stairwell where he was found.

Forensic expert Judith Cunnison analysed the scene for blood patterns across the area.

READ MORE: Police piece together rough sleeper Martin Dines' final 12 hours

She agreed with Simon Spence QC, prosecuting, saying Mr Dines had been subjected to a sustained assault in the car park between levels five and six.

She said: "There is a substantial amount of blood stain.

“In that area it extended on all of the walls and on the floor up to the levels of the windows.

“It was not just all in one place. It was a protracted event.

“Multiple events which led to blood being distributed in the whole area.”

Mrs Cunnison said she had found body tissue belonging to Mr Dines in the area, body tissue in the pink blanket he was covered in when he was found and a tuft of hair in the wall.

She told the court Miller’s blood was found on the outside of a door leading back to the car park.

Analysis of Hartley’s clothes showed a pair of Adidas trainers, Puma jacket and jeans had been in contact with blood which matched Martin Dines’ DNA profile.

Miller’s olive jumper, black jogging bottoms and boots were also blood stained.

Mrs Cunnison said: “Mark Hartley had extensive contact with Martin Dines’ wet blood.

“He had been in close proximity with his wet blood.

“The distribution and blood pattern is characteristic with an assault including punching, kicking and stamping.”

She made the same conclusion about Miller.

Blood was also found on Kennedy's sandals, handbag and bodysuit but less than on the two men's items.

Mrs Cunnison said her conclusion was she had been in proximity to Mr Dines' blood but it did not indicate any kicking or stamping.

However a camouflage jacket first worn by Miller and then Kennedy on the night had widespread blood on it.

She said the distribution of blood indicated the wearer had punched someone.

Kennedy, of Queen Elizabeth Way, Colchester, Miller, of no fixed address, and Hartley, of New Kiln Road, Colchester, all deny murder.

But Miller has admitted to Mr Dines’ manslaughter while Kennedy has admitted assaulting Lisa Peck, a friend of Mr Dines, on the same night.

The trial continues...