A father and son accused of killing a 21-year-old in a McDonald's restaurant “carried on beating his lifeless body” a court has heard.Gerard Stonehouse, 48, and Jonathan Stonehouse, 18, both of Woodcock Road, Norwich, began their trial at Norwich Crown Court on Monday.

A father and son accused of killing a 21-year-old in a McDonald's restaurant “carried on beating his lifeless body” a court has heard.

Gerard Stonehouse, 48, and Jonathan Stonehouse, 18, both of Woodcock Road, Norwich, began their trial at Norwich Crown Court on Monday. Both deny the manslaughter in the Hay Hill, Norwich, branch of the fast-food chain on March 21 this year.

Richard Moore died of head injuries following the alleged attack. It was claimed the fight started after Mr Moore's girlfriend, Jemma Todd, became concerned that Jonathan Stonehouse was staring at her.

Mr Moore suffered 20 separate injuries in the incident. One severed an artery in his neck which would have resulted in instant collapse.

However, John Farmer prosecuting told the jury they would hear from a series of witnesses who claim the defendants carried on “laying in to him” as he lay dead on the floor.

Miss Todd, who was heavily pregnant at the time and has since given birth to the couple's son Cameron, could only look on helpless as Mr Moore tried to defend himself. The incident happened at about 4pm when the restaurant was at its busiest.

The Stonehouses told police they acted in self defence. However, the court heard that Mr Moore was 5ft 8ins tall but only weighed eight stone. Mr Farmer said their actions were disproportionate especially against such a “little bloke”.

He added: “They acted together and in judging this you do not judge who threw which punch or deliver which kick. If two people involve themselves in a criminal activity then they are both responsible for the consequences.”

The case is expected to last more than two weeks.