The four men accused of gunning down a man outside Wandsworth Prison two years ago have refused to give evidence at their own trial.

Rupert Ross, 30, from Vera Road, Fulham, Khori Hines, 34, from Rosebury Road, Fulham, Casper Smith, 28, of no fixed abode, and Leon St Aubin, 34, from Lucan Place, Fulham, are accused of murdering Darcy Austin-Bruce on May 1, 2009.

But none of the four were willing to take the stand to clear their names.

Mr Austin Bruce, 20, was shot fives times at close range in front of the Heathfield Road prison following a visit to a friend.

Part of the prosecution case against Mr Ross was based on the discovery of a "military-style" bullet proof vest at his Fulham flat after he was arrested.

Earlier in the trial, the prosecution stated the vest was covered in gunshot residue, tiny metallic particles left behind after a weapon has been fired.

But on Tuesday, October 18, Stuart Trimmer, defending Mr Ross, quoted a forensic expert who said that any clothing bought from an army surplus store would be covered in gunshot residue depending on the "military career of the item".

He also pointed out that one key witness had, earlier in the trial, described the two men in crash helmets as black. Mr Ross is white.

Mr Trimmer said: "This is a very weak case with material that points to two black men with ballistic vests.

"The material which the Crown rely on is characterised by spin and speculation. Rupert Ross, in our submission, is not guilty."

All four defendants, who are not in custody despite the serious charges levelled against them, deny murdering Mr Austin-Bruce.

The Old Bailey trial, which is likely to reach its conclusion at the end of the week, continues.