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A millionaire bank executive was murdered by a stranger in London’s West End in a row over a stolen phone, a court heard.
Paul Mason, 52, had spent the night socializing at the Ivy Club and was on his way home when he was confronted by Steven Allan.
The Old Bailey heard Allan believed Mr Mason, the chief executive of Qatar National Bank, had stolen his friend’s phone and punched him to the ground.
Allan, 34, who had been drinking in several bars, shouted: “Where’s your fight now” as Mr Mason lay on the ground, jurors heard.
Mason suffered brain injuries and died in hospital about six months after the attack, which happened on December 15, 2020.
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Allan, from Hook in Hampshire, was tracked down on CCTV and has admitted manslaughter but denies the charge of murder.
Prosecutor Jane Bickerstaff KC said Mason had just parted ways with a friend after a night out at the Ivy Club and was walking home when Allan pulled into the road and tried to take his phone.
Mr Mason tried to “shrug him off” but Allan punched him with his right fist, the court heard.
“The defendant then punched Mr. Mason a second time as he tried to get up,” the prosecutor said.
“He then hits him a third time with an uppercut that sends Mr Mason flying back and landing on his back with his head hitting the pavement.
“The defendant then appears to take Mr Mason’s phone from him and leave.
“It appears as if, after appreciating that Mr. Mason was lying unconscious on his back on the pavement, the defendant would approach him again and in fact be able to return what he took.
“Certainly, there is no evidence of any property missing from Mr. Mason.”
Registered nurse Laura Gil Selva says she saw Allan shouting at the victim, and when she went to help Mr Mason told her: “Don’t touch him or help him. You don’t know what he’s done. He’s kidnapped my nephew “.
Another witness, Vaki Dhaval, claims Allan threw the punches and said, “Where’s your fight now? Show me your fight now.”
The trial continues.