Amy Winehouse bodyguard denies knife murder plot

 
Amy Winehouse: The star's former bodyguard has denied a role in a murder plot
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Paul Cheston9 October 2012
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A bodyguard for late singer Amy Winehouse has been accused of a brutal murder plot.

Daniel Yates, 40, is one of four men accused of attempting to kill 23-year-old Jamie Usedon outside his home in Clacton, Essex.

Jurors at Chelmsford Crown Court heard how Yates was part of a ‘hit squad’ who had spied on their victim to meticulously plan the knife attack at around 6am on March 15 this year <2012>.

Mr Usedon had been dropped off outside his home on Dudley Road in Clacton after working a night shift when he was attacked by two men armed with large kitchen knives.

He suffered stab wounds to his chest, neck, back, wrist and little finger during the early morning assault.

Despite sustaining eight stab wounds in total, Mr Usedon survived thanks to life-saving treatment from a neighbour.

Yates – who was certified with the Security Industry Authority and held a close protection licence - had been working as a self-employed bodyguard for a host of top bands and celebrities at the time of the stabbing.

The court heard his work included being bodyguard for soul singer Amy Winehouse before her tragic death last year <2011>.

He denies knowing Mr Usedon and said he has not been to Clacton in 20 years.

The jury of seven women and five men heard how cops had discovered traces of DNA from Yates on a toothpick jammed in the door lock at Mr Usedon’s home to stop him escaping.

Mark Milliken-Smith QC, prosecuting, said the reason for the attack is unclear but may have been drug-related.

Yates, 40, Frame, 26, Screech-Powell, 30, all from South Ockendon, and Knight, 50, from Aveley, Essex, deny conspiring to murder.

The three-week trial continues.

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