Pair face murder charges after cyclist's death

Two men have pleaded not guilty to murdering a cyclist who died five years after he was attacked.

Stephen McMurdo from Bexhill suffered a serious head injury when he was struck by a ball bearing on Bexhill Road in St Leonards, East Sussex, in July 2020, and died in October 2025 aged 71, said Sussex Police.

Joshua O'Toole, 29, and Lloyd Powell, 32, faced murder charges at Lewes Crown Court on Monday after initially being accused of causing grievous bodily harm in 2023.

In a tribute released by Sussex Police, McMurdo's wife Jaki said: "Steve was a wonderful husband, father and brother who loved, supported and understood me. He made me laugh a lot."

She added: "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."

O'Toole, from Maidstone, Kent, and Powell, from St Leonards, were both released on bail following a further hearing on Tuesday.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Sussex on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.