A SUFFOLK car valeter was stabbed 13 times before he died, an Ipswich jury heard today.

A SUFFOLK car valeter was stabbed 13 times before he died, an Ipswich jury heard today.

Prince Kofi Koomson, also known as Francis Koomson, died within a couple of minutes of being attacked by his former friend, housemate and work colleague, it was alleged.

Kwabena Asumadu, 28, has denied murdering the 22-year-old on Christmas Eve last year.

Graham Parkin QC, prosecuting at Ipswich Crown Court, told the jury Asumadu used a sharp knife from the downstairs kitchen and went upstairs in the St Johns Place terrace which the men shared in Bury St Edmunds.

He said at about 1.20am, Asumadu stabbed Mr Koomson 13 times - twice in the back - in one of the bedrooms.

Mr Parkin said: “We say that this attack was ferocious at the very least.”

He said that such wounds to the back would have required “substantial force” to inflict.

The court heard that Asumadu, Mr Koomson and another man, Daniel Frimpong, shared the house and worked together as car valeters at EMG Garage in Bury St Edmunds.

Mr Parkin said the defendant had been upset because he earned less than his housemates and he had told a witness on December 23 that Mr Koomson and Mr Frimpong were “conniving towards him” and “it is going to get bloody some day”.

On that same day the witness, Edward Kantanka, had been out drinking with Asumadu and they returned to St Johns Place together. The court heard that Asumadu was playing loud music and dancing and Mr Koomson had complained about his behaviour before going upstairs.

A few minutes later Asumadu went upstairs. Mr Kantanka said he heard the two men arguing. He then heard a scream and then silence.

Asumadu came downstairs with a bloody lip and left the house. Mr Kantanka found Mr Koomson dead on the bedroom floor and dialled 999.

The trial continues.