The court had previously heard heard that Stephens and Byrne had met with Mr Bruce, alongside two friends, to sell a Cartier watch and some jewellery.

The meeting had been cordial at first as the watch and jewellery were produced but after inspecting the items, Mr Bruce made off, with the intent of stealing them.

He was pursued by Byrne and another man, but was soon caught and acknowledged this before offering to hand the items back.

He was then fatally injured by five stab wounds, to the right side of his neck, cheek and right shoulder.

Mr Bruce’s friends were pursued by Stephens, who stabbed one of them to the side.

A Home Office post-mortem confirmed that the cause of Mr Bruce’s death was multiple sharp force injuries.

The knives that caused the injuries were never recovered.

Thames Valley Police is continuing to search for another man, who is believed to have left the country, in connection with the attack.