A DEFENCE counsel in an Andover murder case has called the prosecution’s case against his client 'speculative and non-sensical'.

Zaphar Ali KC, defending Edward Jones - who is accused of helping a murder suspect and withdrawing money from the debit card of the victim, told jurors during a trial that his client had no knowledge and involvement in the crime.

As previously reported, Winter Swan-Miller is on trial at Winchester Crown Court charged with the murder of Stuart Maxwell Crocker, 62, who was found dead at The Signals, in New Street, Andover, on June 28, last year.

Police investigations found that veteran Mr Crocker might have been killed in the early hours of June 23, but was only discovered five days later when a neighbour phoned 999 concerned for his welfare.

READ MORE: 'Swan-Miller is not a monster': Defence gives closing remarks as trial nears end

Jones, of Lancaster Avenue, Walsall, is a co-defendant in the case for allegedly helping Swan-Miller from June 23, 2023, despite knowing that she killed someone and also for using Mr Crocker’s debit card.

As the three-month long trial nears an end, Mr Ali opened his closing statement by reaffirming Jones had never met Mr Crocker nor been to Andover, where the murder occurred.

"Eddie has no involvement in the killing, whatsoever," Mr Ali said.

He also described how Jones first encountered Swan-Miller - a tearful stranger brought to his home by a friend - who then stayed with him for seven nights amid extensive drug use.

Mr Ali argued that the prosecution's evidence against Jones was 'speculative and circumstantial'.

He challenged the argument that Jones must have known about Swan-Miller's crime due to their close proximity and the videos she recorded.

Mr Ali played these videos for the jury, urging them to view them without preconceived notions, as Jones might have, especially given his intoxicated state from heavy drug use.

"They were clearly in an altered state of mind," Mr Ali said, adding that both defendants were heavily influenced by drugs during their time together.

He criticised the assumption that Jones knew of the murder simply because Swan-Miller used his phone for her internet searches and videos.

"Speculation has no place in this courtroom," Mr Ali reminded the jury.

He also addressed Swan-Miller's mental health, pointing out her obsessive behaviour and meticulous record-keeping in her diaries.

He explained how Jones' drug addiction rendered him incapable of comprehending or processing Swan-Miller's confessions over TikTok.

"Jones took crack cocaine and heroin over a 24-hour period. He didn't believe what she said," Mr Ali said.

“What Swan-Miller actually says is the slurring rambling of a person who is high. She is clearly in an altered state of mind. She sounds as if she has mental health issues.

“Swan-Miller told him many stories, they made 84 videos during their stay over seven days. You might think Jones might not have heard everything, let alone process what she said in those videos, because of the state he was in.”

The counsel also highlighted Jones' cooperation with the police after his arrest as evidence of his innocence.

He added that Jones provided crucial details and witnesses to the authorities and handed over one of the murder weapons – a Louis Vuitton handbag. The prosecution claims that Swan-Miller used the handbag to strangle Mr Crocker after stabbing him 27 times with a knife.

“Eddie also provided police with the details and names of witnesses which prosecution used,” he added.

He also said Jones used the debit card without realising it was not Swan-Miller’s.

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Mr Ali reminded the court that Jones had consistently pleaded guilty to past minor offences committed in his teenage years and had no history of violent crime. He added that his drug use should not overshadow the facts of the case.

Mr Ali reiterated that the case should be judged on factual evidence rather than moral judgements about Jones' lifestyle.

He said that Jones is a vulnerable individual struggling with anxiety, depression, and addiction.

The jurors are expected to be sent out on Wednesday, July 31, to deliberate after the judge completes summing up the evidence to them.