The prosecution in a High Wycombe murder case have alleged that the defendant stabbed a man to death - before going to a nearby gym.

Tyrell James, 24, of Patrick Haugh Road in Arncott, has been charged with murder over the killing 44-year-old Karl Stanislaus, who was found dead on September 5 last year.

A murder trial at Reading Crown Court has heard that Mr Stanislaus was left to die under a disused railway bridge, having sustained 56 separate knife wounds.

James denies any involvement in the killing.

The incident occurred in Bowden Lane, and jurors have been scrutinising the defendant's movements on the evening in question.

Prosecuting barrister Eloise Marshall KC has claimed that James and Mr Stanislaus were in communication in the run-up to the latter's death.

A friend of Mr Stanislaus told police that, just before his death, the victim said he was going to 'pick something up.'

Today (March 13), the court heard from a High Wycombe resident who admitted buying cocaine from James.

This and other evidence of dealing activity by James has led the prosecution to suggest that the killing must have been drug-related.

A passer-by discovered Mr Stanislaus' body around 9.45pm.

Shortly after, James was seen at a gym in High Wycombe.

An employee at the gym stated that the defendant only came in briefly, and did not use any of the equipment.

He only came in to use the water fountain, before quickly leaving.

The witness said: "I thought it was strange, as he had not done any exercise."

The same employee claims he saw James at the gym again on September 6, the morning after the stabbing.

He said: "I believe Tyrell came in, got some water, went into the changing rooms, possibly spoke to someone, did some press-ups using a dumbbell, and then used the leg machine."

The trial continues.