A GANG of men accused of murdering Newport's Lemy Bullock cultivated a "hard-man" image through intimidation and violence, prosecutors claim.

And, prosecutor Gerard Elias, QC, claims Mr Bullock was murdered for standing up to them after they allegedly beat up his cousin.

Mr Elias told Cardiff crown court: "Mr Bullock spoke out against their violent exploits and they didn't like it and simply decided to silence him once and for all... it seems he paid the ultimate price for standing up against the arrogant violence meted out by his three attackers."

Martyn Bruce 38, of Courtybella Gardens, and Mohammed Nasser, 44, of Kirkby Lane, both Pill, Newport, deny murder.

Mo Nasser's brother Abdul 'Sammy' Nasser, 39, of Bassaleg Road, Newport, also denies a murder charge for allegedly supplying the murder weapon.

Aaron Kent, 24, of Livale Court, Bettws, Newport, has admitted murdering Mr Bullock.

Mohammed Abbes, 50, of Cardiff Road, Newport, denies assisting an offender by hiding Bruce and Mo Nasser.