A DNA expert has said there is evidence Connor Tremble was fatally stabbed on or close to a sofa in his flat.

Forensic scientist Jane Rice gave evidence yesterday at Oxford Crown Court about what could have happened at the 17-year-old’s flat on February 13.

She described blood stains left on the floor of the front room and walls as well as damage to furniture.

The scientist told the jury: “During the assault multiple thrusts with a knife were delivered, some of which made contact with Connor Tremble.”

She said that fresh cuts to the sofa and a throw rug “support the view that Connor was assaulted while on or in close proximity to the sofa.”

The prosecution alleges that Will Blencowe, of Oxford Road, Banbury, killed the 17-year-old in a jealous rage because he was seeing his ex-girlfriend Aimee Harrison.

Blencowe admits stabbing the teenager but denies murder, claiming he was acting in self defence and was suffering from a mental condition.

Earlier in the day the younger brother of his co-defendant Grant Clemens described handing over his trainers on the night Connor was killed.

Declan Clemens, of Stockwells, Moreton-in-Marsh, said at about 8pm his older brother let two people into their house and he heard them talking in “hushed tones” downstairs.

The 19-year-old said he later found out the men were Blencowe and his other co-defendant Bradley Jones. Declan said he heard the shower running and a short time later his brother came into his bedroom and asked to borrow a pair of Adidas trainers.

He told the jury: “(Grant) said to me ‘I need to borrow your trainers’.

“I said no, and he offered me two (cannabis) reefers for them, so I said yes.”

Questioned about why he thought Grant, 23, of Stockwells, Moreton-in-Marsh, needed them he replied: “I didn’t really want to know.”

And asked if he is angry with his brother for getting involved, he replied: “No. He was just helping a mate out.”

The jury also heard how Jones, 21, of New Road, Bledington, described Blencowe as an “idiot” after he was arrested.

He allegedly made the comment after being taken into custody on suspicion of assisting an offender on February 15 this year.

Acting Detective Constable Richard Lewis described comments made by Jones while he was in the back of a police car.

He said: “(Jones) said ‘Will’s an idiot, he’s gone downhill’.”

DC Lewis said he told Jones not to say anything else until he had spoken to a lawyer.

The jury also heard when Blencowe was told he was under arrest on suspicion of attempted murder he repeated “attempted murder” and giggled.

PC Anita Dyer, who heard the remark after the defendant was found in a Stratford-upon-Avon guesthouse, said she thought it was “inappropriate” given the circumstances.

Jones and Clemens deny perverting the course of justice.

The trial continues.

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