9:38AM, Fri Sep 7, 2012

Trial: Men Hugged And Kissed In Celebration After Stamping Friend To Death

By Hugh Macknight Location: Wallsend

Two men hugged and kissed in celebration after stamping their friend to death at a North Tyneside Metro station, a court heard.

Lithuanian Aivaras Savickas was found lying in a pool of blood at Wallsend Metro station on December 12 last year, a jury heard.

Thomas Mikalauskas, also Lithuanian, has admitted murder. A third Lithuanian man, Veleus Norkas, faces trial at Newcastle Crown Court.

Prosecutor Robert Woodcock QC said a witness saw both men kick and stamp on Mr Savickas then celebrate after the attack.

"The evidence of triumphant hugging and kissing puts beyond doubt they both must have known what was happening," he said.

The 25-year-old was attacked after he and Mikalauskas fell out were heading home together to Vine Street, Wallsend, where they shared acccomodation.

Norkas was waiting at Wallsend Metro station to help Mikalauskas attack Mr Savickas, the court heard.

Mr Woodcock said: "The prosecution say Savickas was in for a hiding and Norkas was there to see he got one."

The victim's head injuries were so severe he had to be identified by his fingerprints.

He died in hospital four days after the attack.

Mr Woodcock said: "He had been unconscious since he was mercilessly kicked and stamped on.

"He had numerous facial fractures and severe brain damage.

"His injuries were unsurvivable."

Norkas, 22, denies murder. Mikalauskas, 21, will be sentenced at a later date.

The trial continues.