Men 'killed brother in drinks row'

TWO MEN murdered their elder brother after he refused to buy his round in a pub, a court at the Old Bailey was told yesterday.

David Calvert-Smith, for the prosecution, alleged that Dermot Brennan, 29, and his brother Sean, 39, stabbed Brian Brennan, 41, eight times in the chest and seven times in the back after a lunchtime drinking session last January. Both men deny murder.

Mr Calvert-Smith said that after Brian left the pub, his two unemployed brothers went to Sean's bedsitter in George Lane, Catford, south London, and complained to a neighbour that Brian was 'stingy' because he had not bought his round and had also refused to lend Sean some money.

He said the brothers spent the afternoon drinking, and Brian was stabbed soon after he joined them in the early evening.

The brothers took Brian's car and drove to the home Dermot and Brian shared in Catford where they were said to have confessed, in effect, to a friend.

Mr Calvert-Smith said Dermot told the police that Sean had attacked their brother. Sean told them he could remember nothing.

The trial continues today.