Man killed over remark about date, court told

A man was fatally stabbed in the heart outside a bowling alley after a row allegedly sparked by a comment about another man's Valentine's Day date, a court has heard.

Lorik Abazi, 22, died after being attacked in the car park of the Valley Retail Park in Croydon, south London, in the early hours of 15 February.

Ellis Anim-Annor, 29, of Belgravia Gardens, Bromley, denies murdering Abazi and wounding a second man with intent.

The Old Bailey heard Anim-Annor and his girlfriend, Ines Bernado, had spent the evening of Valentine's Day at Tenpin Croydon, where Abazi, his partner and friends had also gone.

Prosecutor Anthony Orchard KC said there had been no trouble inside the venue. Both groups left at about 01:00 GMT, and the defendant went to a nearby McDonald's drive-through.

He then allegedly returned and confronted Abazi's group outside the bowling alley.

The prosecutor told jurors the reason for the confrontation was "not entirely clear".

He said: "There is some suggestion one of Lorik's group had earlier remarked on Ms Bernado's appearance."

He said the confrontation turned into a fight, and alleged the defendant "had armed himself with a knife" and used it to stab Abazi in the heart.

Two other men in Abazi's group suffered slash or stab injuries, the court heard.

Emergency services were called at 01:19. Abazi was treated at the scene and taken to Croydon University Hospital where he died at 02:01.

The two other injured men were taken to St George's Hospital in Tooting.

After his death, Abazi's family said: "A light has gone out in our lives, and we are devastated beyond words by his loss."

The trial continues.

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