A DRUGS dealer was killed because he owed his gang bosses money, a court has heard.

Birmingham Crown Court heard yesterday how Michael Kelly had sold drugs in Worcester for "big shot" Nathan Sweeney, of Liverpool.

Gerald Edwards, aged 32, denies the murder of Kelly, who was killed in a flat in Teme Road, Tolladine, and his body dumped in a lane in Bidford-on-Avon.

Roger Smith, QC, defending, suggested to Mr Sweeney that the victim was "got rid of because of a long-standing debt", which Mr Sweeney denied.

He claims that at the time of the killing he was on holiday and "could not possibly have been involved".

Asked why he went down to Worcester the day after he returned from his trip, on Wednesday, July 3, he replied he had received a phone call from Edwards.

"He (Edwards) told me that Kelly had gone. He didn't say any more than that. I went down to Worcester because he (Mr Kelly) had two of my cars and I went down with two friends to pick them up.

"Gerald tried to give me a watch and a chain belonging to Mike but I did not want them."

Mr Smith, defending, suggested Mr Sweeney was a drug dealer on a "big scale".

"You provided him with the cars as part of the drugs operation," he said.

"On the way back from your holiday you asked to change seats on the plane to make it known you were on the flight.

"I say you knew Mr Kelly was dead and his body disposed of. He was meant to sell off his watch and chain to help pay off the debt he owed to you, but he didn't.

"Kelly was got rid of because of that debt."

Mr Sweeney replied: "I was on holiday in Crete."

Two other witnesses, Daniel McCormack and David Beckett, denied claims by the defence that they and Mr Sweeney had made stops in Worcester to look for unsold drugs and cash.

Kelly was killed with an axe and then had his body sawn in half.

Gary Wood, 46, of Lowesmoor, denies perverting the course of justice.

Ashley Shearon is awaiting sentence after admitting perverting the course of justice.

The trial continues.