Borehamwood ex-soldier 'killed in brawl over woman'
A former soldier was killed in a drunken fight with another man over a woman, a court has heard.
Mark Fagence, 50, is accused of killing Mark Hopkinson, 36, after finding him lying on Jane Kane's bed at her home in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.
Mr Fagence accused Mr Hopkinson of "hitting on his woman" and the fight started, St Albans Crown Court heard.
Prosecutor Ann Evans said Mr Hopkinson was found unconscious by paramedics. Mr Fagence denies manslaughter.
Mr Hopkinson, a regular visitor to Mrs Kane's home, was an alcoholic who suffered from post traumatic stress disorder after leaving the Army.
He was pronounced dead in hospital.
'Hitting on his woman'
Ms Evans said Mr Fagence from Bovingdon was guilty of manslaughter because "he held Mr Hopkinson forcibly on the floor", which led to his death.
On the day of the death Mr Hopkinson had brought drink to Mrs Kane's home.
The prosecutor said Ms Kane was attracted to Mr Hopkinson and the pair ended up in an upstairs bedroom while Mr Fagence was asleep downstairs.
Ms Evans said: "A short while later the pair heard Mark Fagence shouting: 'What are you two doing?'
"He went upstairs and accused Mr Hopkinson of hitting on his woman."
Later Mrs Kane came downstairs to find the pair fighting. An ambulance was called but Mr Hopkinson was pronounced dead in hospital.
Mrs Kane later told police police the two men were fighting after she had "a bit of a moment" with Mr Hopkinson.
The case continues.