THE jury in the Lemy Bullock murder trial retired yesterday afternoon to begin considering their verdict.

Two brothers, Mohammed 'Mo' Nasser and Abdul 'Sammy' Nasser, and Martyn Bruce are accused of murdering 36-year-old Mr Bullock.

A fourth man, Mohammed 'Ziggy' Abbes, 50, of Cardiff Road, Newport, is also on trial accused of assisting offenders.

During the trial at Cardiff crown court the prosecution has claimed 'Mo' Nasser, 44, of Kirby Lane, and Bruce, 38, of Courtybella Gardens, both Pill, Newport, were part of a joint enterprise to murder Mr Bullock with Aaron Kent. Kent has pleaded guilty to Mr Bullock's murder.

Mr Bullock died after suffering stab wounds to his stomach in Harvey's bar in Commercial Road, Pill, on March 15 last year.

The prosecution claim 'Mo' Nasser and Bruce went with Kent to kill him while wearing masks and armed with a sword.

'Sammy' Nasser, 39, of Bassaleg Road, Newport, is accused of supplying the alleged murder weapon "to order".

The prosecution said 'Mo' Nasser, Kent and Bruce were a gang cultivating a "hard man" image.

It has been alleged the three took part in the beatingand robbery of Mr Bullock's cousin, Nicholas 'Dyker' Griffiths, over claims he was dealing heroin to 'Mo' Nasser's friends.

Mr Bullock stood up to them and paid the "ultimate price" with his life, the jury heard.

'Mo' Nasser and Bruce have denied they knew Kent was armed with a weapon and that they understood he intended to kill or seriously injure Mr Bullock.

'Sammy' Nasser has admitted delivering a sword to his brother but said it was given to him in a box by 'Mo' Nasser a few days earlier.

It formed part of a security for a £40 loan he made to his brother, 'Sammy' Nasser claims. He also denies he knew the sword would be used in an attack, whether on Mr Bullock or anyone else, to kill or cause serious injury.

Abbes denies harbouring 'Mo' Nasser, Kent and Bruce at a flat in Ruperra Street.

His barrister, Mary Parry-Evans, said he would have had no motive to help them. (Proceeding)