‘Stabbed to death by burglar’

An alleged killer climbed into a house through an upstairs window before stabbing a young man to death in front of his brother, a court heard.

Renato Geci died in the early hours of 22 March after being found seriously injured following reports of a disturbance on Granville Avenue in Hounslow.

He had been staying at the address with his brother Vilson when he was killed, the Old Bailey heard.

Shaddai Smith, 31, is accused of scaling a ladder and clambering through a first floor window before launching the attack.

Prosecutors claim he was joined by a second man who has not yet been charged.

Bearded Smith appeared in court today via video-link from custody wearing grey prison clothes and spoke only to confirm his details.

Julia Faure Walker, prosecuting, said: ‘There were two brothers Remato and Vilson Geci, at the address.

‘The defendant and another man entered the house through a first floor window.

‘The two brothers attempted to barricade themselves into a room but they made their way into the room attacking the brothers, fatally stabbing Renato.’

Smith, of Furwood Lane, Romford, is charged with murder, wounding with intent and burglary.

Judge Mark Dennis QC remanded him into custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation on 15 June.