Accused of murdering Gulf War vet

An alleged killer has denied murdering a Gulf War veteran in his own home.

Steven Wallace, 50, was discovered by police at his home in Barclay Close, Fulham, on 15 February, some six days after he was killed.

The veteran had become addicted to drugs after he sustained life changing injuries during the war.

Gary Curran, 52, appeared at the Old Bailey via video-link from HMP Wandsworth and spoke only to confirm his ‘not guilty’ plea.

Prosecutor Peter Ratliffe earlier said: ‘The victim in this case Steven Wallace was a former soldier understood to have fought in the Gulf War.

‘He sustained life changing injuries including the loss of sight to his right eye and a significant injury to his leg.

‘By the time of his death he had become addicted to drugs and suffered various related ailments.’

Mr Wallace fell ill when he went to collect his benefits and he was taken to hospital where CT scans revealed a bleed on the brain.

‘He was last seen alive when he entered his home on the 13 February,’ Mr Ratlifffe said.

He added that a community nurse tried to visit him on 14 and 15 February but received no response.

‘She rang a number that she had for the victim and an unknown male answered and said he didn’t know the victim,’ said the prosecutor.

‘Police were called and forced entry to the flat and the victim was found lying dead and rigor mortis had set in.’

The post-mortem examination found the cause of death to be ‘blunt force injury to the head consistent with an assault’.

When Curran was arrested on 19 February, he told police: ‘This is the first time I’ve heard that Steven is dead.

‘He was my friend.’

Curran, of no fixed address, denied murder and was remanded in custody ahead of his trial on 27 February 2023.