A TEENAGER’S mum was accused of burning clothes to protect two youths accused of killing a man by throwing a flare into a car.

Vilson Meshi, 30, was found dead in the back of his parked Audi A4 on February 26 last year in Pincey Mead, Pitsea.

Keani Hobbs, 18, of Stagden Cross, Pitsea, and a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, deny manslaughter and stealing marine flares.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard how Hobbs’ mum, Melanie, was also accused of throwing Mr Meshi’s stolen phone off a bridge on Canvey.

Another 16-year-old boy, who was originally arrested over the incident, gave evidence for the prosecution. He had been living in Stagden Cross, Pitsea, a few doors down from Hobbs and her mother.

The boy told the court he knew Hobbs to “speak to” and only met the other 16-year-old “one time”, on the night of the incident.

He said the trio went walking around Basildon at about 11.30am before Hobbs asked him to throw “something” in a car. The boy said he refused and walked away.

But Charlie Sherrard QC, defending the 16-year-old, suggested that while the youth had “played no part” in Mr Meshi’s death he was “present for more than you have told us about”.

The youngster was interviewed twice in November. On the first occasion he made no comment.

But after being told by police about comments the 16-year-old’s father made to Det Con Jordan, he provided a statement.

Mr Sherrard said: “He (the father) told him that Melanie Hobbs told him that she had burnt the clothing worn by them at the time of the fire so that they were not forensically linked to the scene.

“He told him that she also disposed of the phone by throwing it off the bridge at Canvey.

“He stated that Keani was responsible for starting the fire and didn’t think anybody was in the car.”

Mr Sherrard asked the youth why he did not enquire about the nature of the item Hobbs allegedly asked him to throw.

He replied: “It didn’t cross my mind. I just said no.”

Tony Badenoch QC, defending Hobbs, asked why he went for a walk with the pair if he did not really know them. The youth replied: “It’s how you make friends isn’t it?”

Mr Badenoch also suggested he knew Hobbs quite well and she asked him to film the incident on his phone. He replied: “No.” The trial continues.