Boy's 'disgust' at murder claim

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A teenager accused of beating a woman to death while she walked her dog told police he was in bed when the attack is thought to have happened, a jury heard.

Barmaid Kelly Hyde, 24, of Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, was assaulted with a barbell on a bridle path.

At Swansea Crown Court, a 17-year-old youth denies her murder.

In police statements read out in court he denied ever having set eyes on Ms Hyde and claimed he was "disgusted" at being linked to the murder.

Her body was discovered face down in a stream off a local bridle path in September last year, three days after she had disappeared.

The jury was read police statements made by the teenager over three days after his arrest for murder in October.

Ms Hyde disappeared while walking her pet whippet, Scrappy, on 27 September 2007 after dropping her car off at a garage for its MOT.

Until her body was discovered local residents were only aware that she had been reported missing and that there was growing concern for her welfare.

The teenager was arrested within a week of her death and a search of his home found a dog lead belonging to her, which was stained with her blood.

Forensic tests also confirmed that her blood was on the teenager's training shoes and a barbell used to kill her, which matched one found at his home.

"I have told you I have no knowledge of this girl. You can ask me the same question but I will keep telling you the same thing," the teenager said during police questioning.

I am 16, I am locked up with people telling me I have murdered someone Statement by accused to police read to jury

"I am no murderer. I would not murder anybody. If I did I would not be standing here. I would top myself first."

Police continued questioning the teenager about Ms Hyde, repeatedly posing similar questions despite his denial of ever having met her.

At one point he replied: "It has been, like, tough, for three days now. I am 16, I am locked up with people telling me I have murdered someone."

An officer went on to explain: "There is forensic evidence showing that you have, in fact, been in contact with Kelly."

Forensic evidence

He replied: "I have never heard of Kelly Hyde, I have never heard the name, I do not know her."

He added "This is beyond a joke. I am 16, I have got a job on Fridays, I enjoy the weekends and I party with my friends.

"I am trying to be honest, but I do not know what the hell you are on yourself."

Asked what he was doing at 0930BST on 27 September, when the attack on Ms Hyde is believed to have been carried out, he said: "I was lying in bed."

Later he added: "It makes me disgusted - I cannot believe that my name is down there for murder. I am upset."

A police officer explained once more: "The reason we are putting these questions to you is because of the forensic evidence that links you to Kelly Hyde."

The teenager answered: "I feel this is disgusting that I can basically be questioned like this.

"I would not be out of my house the next day laughing and smiling with my friends, partying basically.

"I am not a murderer, I would not have a clue. What would a murderer do, do you know what I mean. It's berserk."