A FRIEND of murder victim Robert Eacock stormed into a closed courtroom to catch a glimpse of the man accused of killing the 33-year-old dad.

Scott Gillespie, 29, of Edgar Street, Hereford pleaded guilty to common assault (not by beating) at Hereford Magistrates Court today.

The court heard that on February 1 Gillespie barged into a closed courtroom at Hereford magistrates where an application was taking place for a warrant for the further detention of Anthony Boyd.

Boyd has since been charged with the murder of Mr Eacock, who died on January 29 after being stabbed in Commercial Street in Hereford at around midday.

Owen Beale, prosecuting, said members of the public are not supposed to be in court for these matters.

He said: "The defendant took no account of that and made his way into court. He was shouting towards the man in the dock. He then threw a cigarette lighter which ricocheted off the glass here. That is the assault we are talking about."

In mitigation Marilena Divitantonio said it was a very emotional day for Gillespie who had found out that morning that Boyd would be in court.

She said: "He [Gillespie] grew up with Mr Eacock and he was like a brother to him. On hearing the news he just wanted to see what Mr Boyd looked like. He had a lot of questions. Those questions are still unanswered due to the tragic death of Mr Eacock."

Ms Divitantonio added: "He came into the court and shouted and out of pure frustration threw the lighter. It was directed at My Boyd, nobody else. He didn't mean to show any disrespect to the court.

"It was pure rage - anger he was feeling that his best friend was stabbed two days before."

She said Mr Eacock had children with Gillespie's sister as Mr Eacock used to be in a relationship with her. She said this meant that Gillespie has had to see the impact of Mr Eacock's death on his nieces and nephews.

Ms Divitantonio said Gillespie has since appeared at the other court hearings to do with the case and has not caused any issues.

Gillespie had originally been charged with a Section 5 Public Order offence but this was changed as the incident took place in a closed court, which meant it is not classed as a public place.

Gillepsie was given a six month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £135 costs and a victim surcharge of £20.

Boyd, aged 22, from Willenhall, is due to appear for a pre-trial hearing at Worcester Crown Court next month.