A CO-DEFENDANT in a manslaughter trial has been described as a ‘loyal and honest person’, a jury has heard.

Elliott Cripps, 27, of Ashbourne Crescent, Taunton, has been charged with perverting the course of justice along with Sabeur Trabelsi, 44, of King’s Road, Reading. 

It is alleged they lied about how Jason Page, 52, came to his death. They said he fell and hit his head while running away outside the BP petrol station on Chalfont Way in Earley on March 31, 2021.

READ MORE: Jason Page trial: Guard said he thought he would be stabbed

However, the prosecution's case that after stealing meat from the Marks and Spencer’s store round the corner, Mr Page was 'punched' by security guard Trabelsi before falling and suffering from fatal head injuries.

At Reading Crown Court on Wednesday (April 26), the defence case for Cripps began.

A friend of Cripps, Daniel Bland, was called to the witness stand to give character evidence. The Great Western Railway driver took annual leave to speak about his friend in court.

He said they had known each other for 16 years after meeting at school.

READ MORE: Jason Page: Trial starts for Lower Earley BP station death

"I regard [Cripps] as a very loyal, honest person,” he said. “It's part of the reason we've remained friends for so long - I know I can trust him."

The trial continues today (April 27).