A FORMER soldier accused of murdering a rough sleeper told his defendants it was “game over” when he saw police and paramedics surrounding the car park where he was found.

Martin Dines, 56, died in St Mary’s Car Park in Balkerne Hill, Colchester, in April.

Mark Hartley, 32, is charged alongside Heidi Kennedy, 47, Darren Miller, 46, with his murder.

The group are said to have attacked him in Head Street, Crouch Street and then the car park where he was found with more than 70 injuries.

Following the attack in the stairwell – the three returned to Hartley’s flat in New Kiln Road, Colchester.

He said the group continued drinking the alcohol he had left before and when they ran out, he and Miller burgled a Tesco Express in Crouch Street to get more.

A few hours later Hartley was forced to go to Colchester Police Station as he was answering bail for charged of harassment and assault – which he has since admitted.

During the walk he went passed the car park and saw the emergency services.

He said: “On the walk to the police station I had a view of the car park.

“I saw lots of forensics there and ambulances.

“That was when I knew he was definitely dead.

“I went to the police station and normally they ask me loads of questions but this time I was in and out really quick.

“Then I went back to my house and told them both ‘look, it’s game over’.

“I knew it was just a matter of time before they came and got us.”

After being arrested, Hartley was transferred to Broomfield Hospital because he was unfit to be interviewed because of alcohol withdrawal.

A nurse gave a statement saying Hartley had told her he was getting angry – and the last time he was angry he bit somebody’s ear off and made them swallow it.

Hartley told the court he “didn’t think he had said that.”

After he was remanded in custody, Hartley was initially sent to HMP Chelmsford – to the same jail and wing Miller was on because it was the only place suitable for him to detox from alcohol.

Hartley told the court the pair had met in the exercise yard and Miller had said: “Heidi will flop. She won’t be able to hack it and we will get away with it.”

He then complained to a senior officer about the comments and was immediately moved to a different wing and then HMP Norwich.

It is alleged Mr Dines was attacked because he had called Hartley a fake para. He has been a frontline solder but never served in the Parachute Regiment.

Hartley and Kennedy blame Miller for the worst of the violence, Miller blames Hartley.

Kennedy, of Queen Elizabeth Way, Colchester, Miller, of no fixed address, and Hartley, of New Kiln Road, Colchester, all deny murder.

But Miller has admitted to Mr Dines’ manslaughter while Kennedy has admitted assaulting Lisa Peck, a friend of Mr Dines, on the same night.

The trial continues.