A drug addict died after he was stabbed to “teach him a lesson” for trying to rob a dealer of drugs, it has been alleged.

Ipswich Star: Dean Stansby, who died after being stabbed on February 8 last year. Picture: SUPPLIED BY STANSBY FAMILYDean Stansby, who died after being stabbed on February 8 last year. Picture: SUPPLIED BY STANSBY FAMILY (Image: Archant)

Dean Stansby, a father-of five, from Trimley came into Ipswich on February 8 last year to buy drugs near the town’s railway station and was attacked after a local drug dealer apparently recognised him as the person who had allegedly tried to rob him the week before, Ipswich Crown Court was told.

Jacob Hallam, prosecuting, claimed that 41-year- old Mr Stansby was confronted in the Ancaster Road area by three men linked with the “AJ and Sky” drug supply ring, one of whom was carrying a knife.

“This was about teaching him a lesson, not intending to kill him but doing him really serious harm,” said Mr Hallam.

Mr Hallam told the court that Mr Stansby was a drug addict and at times had led a difficult life.

“It is fair on any view that it was his association with these narcotics that led to him dying,” said Mr Hallam.

Before the court are Jason Ruby, 45, of Risby Close, Ipswich, Tecwyn Parker, 48, formerly of Downside Close, Ipswich, Daniel Kaganda, 24, of London and Amiadul Islam, 25, of London.

All four have denied murdering Mr Stansby on February 8 last year.

Ruby has also denied conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine between November 10 and July 6 2017.

Mr Hallam said it appeared that Parker, Ruby and Kaganda had gone to confront Mr Stansby in retaliation for an earlier incident in which he had allegedly tried to rob Parker of some drugs.

He claimed that Islam was in telephone contact with Parker, Kaganda and Ruby during the confrontation and was encouraging what was happening.

Mr Hallam said a witness saw Mr Stansby being chased by a man down Ancaster Road and saw them exchanging punches.

Mr Stansby turned to run but stumbled on the kerb and fell to the ground and the witness then saw him being stabbed three or four times to the chest or stomach area.

Mr Stansby got to his feet and crossed the road and when the witness asked if he was alright he had put up his thumb to say he was, said Mr Hallam.

He collapsed shortly afterwards and died in hospital the same evening.

The trial continues.