Kilburn murder: Barry Smith beaten and set alight, court hears
A father-of-four died after being beaten with a post and set on fire in the grounds of a Derbyshire miners' club, a court has heard.
Barry Smith was killed in October close to the Kilburn Welfare Social Club, Leicester Crown Court was told.
Vincent Aitken, 44, his daughter, Emma Aitken, 18, and her partner Nathan Doherty, 27, deny his murder.
A fourth defendant, Pamela Aitken, 41, has pleaded not guilty to assisting an offender.
Originally from Armthorpe in Doncaster, Mr Smith's family said he was a "well-loved gypsy man".
Mike Auty QC, for the prosecution, described what happened to the 48-year-old as a cold, brutal and chilling revenge attack following an argument between Mr Smith and Pamela Aitken, who was steward at the club.
The prosecution claim Mrs Aitken made a racist remark towards Mr Smith which led to her resigning from her post.
The court was told Vincent Aitken, of Chapel Street, Kilburn, also a club steward; Emma Aitken and Nathan Doherty, both of Portland Street, Derby, then carried out a "savage and merciless" attack in revenge for Mrs Aitken losing her job.
Mr Auty told the jury a fence post had been used in the attack and Mr Smith was struck in the face before being set alight.
A forensic pathologist report showed Mr Smith had at least 24 injuries.
The trial continues.