Pensioner 'told police of burglar struggle' - court

MAN ACCUSED OF MURDERING 94-YEAR-OLD IN HIS OWN HOME

- ANNABAL BAGDI

A PENSIONER who was allegedly beaten to death by a burglar who sneaked into his home told police 'I tried to struggle but I was too weak,' hours before he died.

Harold Monk was subjected to a 'gratuitous' attack when he walked in on Paul Topham stealing from his Wolverhampton home, prosecutors say.

The 94-year-old was allegedly pushed to the floor and straddled by Topham before being 'repeatedly beaten' in the early hours of the morning.

Mr Monk's neighbour raised the alarm with police after hearing 'groaning' next door, with officers finding the pensioner's face 'bleeding profusely'.

The elderly man who lived alone was taken to hospital where he spoke to police about the alleged assault, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

Topham, 45, of Palmerston Road, Sparkbrook, denies murdering Mr Monk at Inglewood Court, in Inglewood Avenue, Bradmore, on October 4 last year.

Jurors have been told that Topham pleaded guilty to burglary and the lesser charge of manslaughter ahead of his trial but the prosecution say he is guilty of murder.