TWO prisoners battered another to death at Risley prison, a murder trial heard yesterday, Wednesday.

Marcus Nelson and Aaron Gordon are accused of fracturing Patrick Butler's skull on November 13, 2005.

All three men originally come from Wolverhampton.

The victim's blood was found on Nelson and Gordon's clothing and in Nelson's cell.

Mr Butler, aged 41, was a small-time criminal and heroin user, Chester Crown Court heard.

There was evidence he used drugs in prison and helped other prisoners top-up' illegally held mobile phones. He was found dumped by a stairwell gasping for breath with closed eyes.

Robin Spencer QC, prosecuting, said: "The defendants dragged him out of the cell and then made themselves scarce."

Soon after he was found, Nelson and Gordon were attacked by a large group of prisoners and suffered serious injuries themselves.

The court heard there was no CCTV in the prison to record the violence.

Analysis of blood patterns found in Nelson's cell showed Butler was rammed against a hard surface such as the cell door.

Nelson, aged 30, was serving four years for robbery, imposed at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

Gordon, aged 24, was serving eight years for robbery and possession of a firearm, imposed at Leeds Crown Court.

Nelson's stepfather is Gordon's cousin. Nelson told police he was in another cell at the time of the attack while Gordon made no comment. Both deny murder.

l The case continues and is expected to last five weeks.