Men charged with murder after Bexhill cyclist struck by ball bearing in St Leonards
Two men have appeared in court, charged with the murder of a Bexhill cyclist, Sussex Police said.
Police said Stephen McMurdo was struck by a ball bearing as he cycled along Bexhill Road, St Leonards, on the evening of July 10, 2020.
He suffered a serious head injury that resulted in left-side paralysis, police added.
A police spokesperson said: “On July 28, 2023, Joshua O’Toole, 29, of Mount Avenue, Maidstone, and Lloyd Powell, 32, of no fixed address, were charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the incident.
“However, on October 22 last year, before the case was heard in court, Stephen sadly died. He was aged 71 and from Bexhill.
“O’Toole and Powell now stand accused of the offence of murder.”
The men appeared before Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday (November 10), where they both pleaded not guilty and were released on court bail until the next hearing on a date to be confirmed, police added.
Stephen’s wife, Jaki, paid tribute to him.
She said: “Steve was a wonderful husband, father and brother who loved, supported and understood me. He made me laugh a lot.
“Steve enjoyed being outside either in the garden or walking our dog Cali, he also watched awful B films, either horror or thriller. Steve cycled everywhere, to work, shopping or pleasure.
“We were married for 25 years and although the last five were different, he never lost his sense of humour. We will always miss and love him.”