A SUSPECTED killer used back roads and alleyways in an attempt to avoid CCTV cameras and travel around Harwich unseen, a court heard.

Scott Swift is accused of attacking Michael Beckwith with a metal pole beating him so badly the 44-year-old carer later died from his injuries.

It is claimed Swift, who denies one count of murder, tried to get to Barrack Street on his motorbike to carry out a planned attack without leaving a trail.

It is further alleged he then tried to flee the scene by alternative routes in order to maintain his alibi.

Swift claims he was with his friends, the Biddlecombes, at the time Mr Beckwith was allegedly attacked by two men.

Amjad Malik QC, prosecuting, claims Swift was caught on a CCTV camera on his motorbike close to the scene and time of the attack.

He said: "You did not realise this camera was there. You did not know the motorbike was going to be identified.

"That is your motorbike and you have been caught."

Swift, who spent a second day giving evidence during the trial at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday, denied it was him or his motorbike on the camera.

Mr Malik QC accused Swift of making up his defence as he goes along depending on what is said in court, including denying it was him on the CCTV for the first time on Monday.

He accused Swift of making up a trip to see Joseph Smith to hand over some clothes as a way of explaining why his mobile phone was tagged in other parts of Harwich than where he originally claimed he was.

He also referred to a telephone conversation between Swift and his mother while he was on remand which allegedly included the lines "we have got a pretty good case", and his plan to "stick" to the difference in descriptions.

Mr Beckwith described the larger of his two attackers as about 5ft 5ins and slim.

Swift is almost 6ft tall and about 23 stone.

Swift claims he was not one of the attackers so the description was not of him and he has no need to make up a defence because he has done nothing wrong.

Mr Beckwith, 44, of Goodlake Close, Dovercourt, died on August 2 following an attack on July 31 near Barrack Lane, Harwich.

Swift, 27, of Station Road, Dovercourt, Smith, 18, of Canning Street, Harwich, and Ryan, 22, of Hilltop Rise, Weeley, are charged with murder.

All three deny the charge.

Smith has admitted one count of manslaughter.

Ryan is also charged with perverting the course of justice.

Triston Biddlecombe, 24, and wife Enderlein Biddlecombe, 20, both of East Street, Harwich, deny assisting offenders and perverting the course of justice.

The trial continues.