Brothers stand trial accused of using shotgun on friend

Two brothers have denied threatening a friend with a shotgun after accusing him of “grassing” about a cannabis factory.

Ryan Howard, 24, of Monastery Court, Hadleigh, and Robert Howard, 21, of Main Road, Kesgrave, went on trial at Ipswich Crown Court this week.

Hugh Vass, prosecuting, alleged that the brothers had collected Konrad Butler from his home in Ipswich before taking him to a caravan site where he had a shotgun pressed against his face.

Mr Butler was also assaulted while being told by Ryan Howard: “You grassed us up.”

Mr Vass told the jury that the comment related to the discovery by police of cannabis being grown at the site.

After being struck on the head with a knuckle duster by Robert Howard, Mr Butler fell to the ground and only managed to escape after pulling the two brothers to the ground as well, claimed Mr Vass.

Giving evidence, Ryan Howard denied attacking Mr Butler and said the allegations were a fabrication, adding that the incident described to police had not taken place.

The pair have pleaded not guilty to charges of possessing an imitation shotgun, possessing a knuckle duster, which is an offensive weapon, and attempting to rob Mr Butler. The trial continues.