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

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

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

She agreed with Simon Spence QC, prosecuting, during her evidence at Ipswich Crown Court Mr Dines had been subjected to a sustained assault in the car park between levels five and six.

“There is a substantial amount of blood stain,” she said.

READ MORE: Rough sleeper Martin suffered 73 wounds in attack before death

“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 and a footprint of a shoe which had previously been in contact with his blood on his blanket.

Mrs Cunnison agreed it was likely Mr Dines was on stairs lower than the landing where he was found because extensive blood stretching two steps high had been discovered.

She added she could not rule out the attack starting at a higher level because the blood may have began to pour at a later point.

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 analysis of Hartley and Miller’s clothes showed the distribution in blood pattern was characteristic with an assault including punching, kicking and stamping.

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 was not sufficiently characteristic of 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.

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...