A court heard that a murder victim was terrified of an alleged killer who coerced him into surrendering his benefits. Ashley Crowder, aged 36, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Graham Cox, 37, who was discovered deceased at Crowder’s residence in Bolton in March 2024. Testimony presented at Bolton Crown Court revealed that Mr. Cox had visited a support center weeks earlier, reporting that he had been held captive by Crowder at his flat for a fortnight and had been subjected to an assault.

During the trial, it was disclosed that Mr. Cox managed to flee from the flat through a window and sought assistance at the UCAN center in Farnworth, where he regularly sought help. He alleged that Crowder had compelled him to hand over his benefits money. Crowder, residing in Farnworth, denied charges of murder, manslaughter, assault causing bodily harm, and multiple thefts.

In a video shown in court, John Mahon, a former friend of Mr. Cox, stated that after leaving the hospital, Mr. Cox was terrified of Ashley. Mahon mentioned a change in Crowder’s behavior towards Cox, recalling incidents where Cox was belittled and physically assaulted by Crowder. He recounted an episode where Crowder verbally abused Cox for sitting on his couch with his trousers partially down, leading to a physical altercation.

Mahon further testified that he witnessed instances of Cox being afraid of Crowder and even saw Crowder physically harm Cox behind closed doors. He admitted to drug use with Crowder and Cox in the past. When questioned by Crowder’s defense barrister about his statements to the police, Mahon maintained his negative portrayal of Crowder and expressed trauma over Cox’s death.

The trial is ongoing.