Coin collector allegedly stabbed rival enthusiast to death to get hands on rare items, court hears

Danny Bostock accused of knifing Gordon McGhee before attempting to cause a gas explosion

Gordon McGhee intended to hand his coin collection down to his daughter, court told. (PA)

A coin collector stabbed a rival enthusiast to death in a bid to steal his collection, a court heard.

Prosecutors said 33-year-old Danny Bostock knifed Gordon McGhee in his flat to get a set of coins that included limited edition Beatrix Potter 50p pieces.

They told Ipswich Crown Court that he later attempted to cause a gas explosion at the property in a bid to destroy the evidence after the August 2018 murder.

Mr Bostock denies the charges.

Mr McGhee's neighbour Melissa McGrory told that he had previously taken his collection to her flat in Colchester, Essex, where he showed it to Mr Bostock.

"He said 'look at this one, look at that one'," she said. "He was very proud of his collection."

She said 52-year-old Mr McGhee intended the collection to be a "hand-me-down" to his daughter.

Mr Bostock was "intrigued" by the collection, she said. "I think he was amazed."

She said Mr McGhee told Mr Bostock he could have a couple if there were any he liked and that he had taken a couple of duplicates.

"He seemed very grateful and it made Gordon smile," she said.

Ms McGrory said she found Mr McGhee's flat unlocked on 22 August, the day after she had been drinking with the pair.

"As soon as I opened the door I just smelt gas," she said, adding that the kitchen hobs were "turned up fall blast" but unlit. She switched them off and opened some windows, she said.

As she made her way around the flat, she said she found Mr McGhee's bloodied body on the floor by his bed. A "dish cloth that had been lit" on the hall floor, she added.

However, in cross-examination, she agreed with defence barrister Alison Levitt QC that the main door to the block of flats was not secure and "anyone could get in".

The trial continues.

Additional reporting from agencies