A MUGGING victim who collapsed and died minutes after he had valuables stolen which he often showed off in public, a court heard.

Laurence French was described by a neighbour as “a very quiet person who minded his own business” and was said to have a “great collection of coins”.

Peter Parkes, who lived next door to 50-year-old Mr French in flats at Alwent Road, Middlesbrough, gave evidence as a manslaughter trial started.

Mr Parkes told a jury at Teesside Crown Court: “He attended all the marts and places like that, and bought them as cheap as he could.” Asked by defence barrister Nicholas Lumley QC, if Mr French liked showing off his valuables, he said: “Yes, he was a bit of a bragger.”

Mr French suffered a fatal heart attack after walking to Middlehaven police station on May 25 last year.

Damien Bishop, 41, of Apsley Street, Middlesbrough, has admitted manslaughter and theft, but denies robbery. Christopher Dalziell, 39, of Aire Street, also in Middlesbrough, denies charges of manslaughter and robbery.