A NEIGHBOUR has told a murder trial how he saw the accused leaving the dead man's home in Burnley shortly before it went up in flames.

Darren Wrighton, of Clay Street, said he saw Christopher Holgate go into the house carrying a disposable lighter and come out a couple of seconds later.

He said he smelled smoke and saw flames through the downstairs window.

Christopher Holgate, 35, of Brush Street, Burnley, denies the murder of Ivan Parker, 47, on March 20, 1999.

Preston Crown Court head that Mr Wrighton had earlier been at a neighbour's house with the owner, Brenda Hoyle, his friend, Anthony Heald, and Holgate.

He said Holgate had said to him "I am going to do him over" and he told the court the defendant "looked mad".

When Mr Wrighton saw the fire he returned to Brenda Hoyle's house and a couple of seconds later Holgate returned saying "I have done him over, I have done him over", the court heard.

Holgate was said to have rung the fire brigade from Mr Wrighton's house and attempted to get into the burning house with neighbour David Parkinson but the flames were too strong.

Mr Wrighton said Holgate later said to him: "don't say anything about the fire or I will get some Manchester lads up to do you over". Another witness, Anthony Heald, who had been staying at Mr Wrighton's house on the night of the fire, told the court he had seen Holgate leave Brenda Hoyle's house with a small white petrol canister and saw return saying "It's really going now" and laughing.

A post mortem examination showed Mr Parker, 47, died of smoke inhalation and he was pronounced dead shortly after 2am on Saturday, March 20.

He was also bleeding from a six centimetre deep wound to the groin area but this had not contributed to his death.

Forensic scientist Philip Ridyard, who is based in Chorley, said the fire spread very quickly and he told the court that a burnt aerosol was found in the living room.

(Proceeding)

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