Murder accused admits lying to police

Michael Riddiough-Allen died outside a nightclub in Bodmin on 30 April 2023

A woman has admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice after a rugby player was killed outside a nightclub in Cornwall.

Michael Riddiough-Allen, 32, was stabbed to death outside Eclipse Nightclub in Bodmin in April 2023.

Jake Hill, 25, Tia Taylor, 22, and Chelsea Powell, 22, all from Bodmin, were charged with murder.

Ms Taylor pleaded guilty to doing an act tended or intended to pervert the course of justice at Truro Crown Court.

Jurors heard the charge related to Mr Hill being at her home in Bodmin.

The court earlier heard Ms Taylor and co-accused Chelsea Powell “deliberately lied to police” to “frustrate the police investigation”.

The trial was shown body-worn footage of the moment Mr Hill was arrested at the property on the morning of 30 April 2023.

The footage showed armed police surrounding the front and back of the home before Ms Taylor emerged from the front door with her two young children.

Mr Hill was seen falling out of a loft hatch after officers raid the property.

The court earlier heard from security guard Abiodun Ogunniki who said he saw Mr Riddiough-Allen being punched “non-stop” by two women outside the club.

Mr Riddiough-Allen was “punched in the face constantly” before he collapsed, the jury heard.

“He got punched, fell to the floor and never got up again,” Mr Ogunniki said.

Bronwyn Brown, another security guard, said Mr Riddiough-Allen was in good spirits during a routine search on entry to the club.

“He was more than compliant and seemed happy,” she said.

“There was nothing on him when he went into the club.”

The trial continues.

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