Murder trial jurors told of 'selfie' evidence

A man accused of murdering a grandfather took photographs of himself in the elderly man's flat, prosecutors have suggested to a jury.

Police found several "selfies" on John Mills' mobile phone when investigating 71-year-old John Boyle's death in Kettering, Northamptonshire, jurors at Northampton Crown Court were told.

Finger-marks matching Mills' fingerprints were also found in 19 areas of Boyle's ground-floor flat in Leatherland Court, Kettering, jurors were told.

Prosecutors say Boyle, who was known as "Sean" rather than John, was beaten to death while in bed at home on 26 October 2025. Mills, 46, denies murder.

Jurors on Monday heard evidence from a detective and fingerprint expert called by prosecution lawyers.

They were shown "selfies" picturing Mills in Boyle's living room, bathroom and bedroom - and told how finger-marks matching Mills' fingerprints had been found in various places.

Andrew Vout KC, who is leading the prosecution team, says Mills carried out a "brutal and cowardly attack" with "something like a baseball bat".

He has told jurors that Boyle was probably asleep when attacked.

Vout has told jurors Boyle had a "mental health breakdown" in the months before his death and was "vulnerable".

He says Mills had become acquainted with Boyle about 10 days before the elderly man died.

Jurors have been told that Mills also had a photograph of Boyle's bank statement on his phone.

Mills says "someone else" was responsible for Boyle's death and that police had arrested the "wrong person", Vout has told jurors.

He has yet to give evidence.

The trial, before Judge Rebecca Crane, continues.

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