Pair accused of murder of cyclist in 2020

Two men have appeared in court, indicted with the murder of a cyclist in 2020.

Stephen McMurdo was struck by a ball bearing as he cycled along Bexhill Road, St Leonards, on the evening of 10 July that year.

He suffered a serious head injury which resulted in left-side paralysis.

On 28 July 2023, Joshua O’Toole, 29, of Mount Avenue, Maidstone, and Lloyd Powell, 32, of no fixed address, were charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the incident.

However, on 22 October last year, before the case was heard at court, Stephen sadly died. He was aged 71 and from Bexhill.

O’Toole and Powell now stand accused of the offence of murder.

They appeared before Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday 10 November, where they both pleaded not guilty and were released on court bail until the next hearing on a date to be confirmed.

Stephen’s wife Jaki has released this tribute to him:

“Steve was a wonderful husband, father and brother who loved, supported and understood me. He made me laugh a lot.

“Steve enjoyed being outside either in the garden or walking our dog Cali, he also watched awful B films, either horror or thriller. Steve cycled everywhere; to work, shopping or pleasure.

“We were married for 25 years and although the last five were different, he never lost his sense of humour. We will always miss and love him.”