Man accused of mother's murder found laughing and covered in blood, court told

A former milkman accused of murdering his mother and her friend in a horrific attack was found at the scene laughing and covered in blood, a court has been told.

Brett Rogers, 23, allegedly knifed Gillian Phillips, 54, and David Oakes, 60, dozens of times in a fatal attack at her home in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex.

He was jailed for assaulting his father Peter Rogers and was on licence at the time of the killings, Chelmsford Crown Court was told.

Rogers called 999 at around 11pm on July 22 last year and told police: "There's been a murder."

Officers found him standing outside his mother's house in Bentfield Gardens "laughing and covered in blood", the jury was told.

Prosecutor Simon Spence QC said: "Police officers were met with a scene which can only be described as horrific.

"Gillian Phillips was sprawled across a sofa, already dead and covered in blood.

"David Oakes was lying on the floor face down, his face and neck covered in blood - although at that time he was still breathing.

"There was copious amounts of blood around the room, and in the kitchen, bathroom and upstairs bedroom."

Mrs Phillips had been stabbed at least 41 times in the head, neck and torso, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

She also suffered 14 blunt-force injuries and defensive wounds to her arms.

Mr Oakes was taken to hospital with 56 wounds to his head, face and neck. He died just after midnight from severe head injuries.

Mr Spence told the jury both victims had injuries on their heads "consistent" with someone stamping on them while they lay on the ground.

Rogers lived with his father and worked as a milkman before he was jailed for inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent.

He went to live with his mother after his release in March 2015.

Rogers, of Bentfield Gardens, Stansted Mountfitchet, denies two counts of murder.

The trial continues.