A 70-year-old man was murdered by a neighbour who flew into a violent rage during a New Year's drink, a court was told.

Aaron Moore, 20, is accused of attacking Malcolm French after losing his temper when he could not find the pensioner's car keys to go to buy cigarettes.

Before his death, Mr French accused Moore of shaking him like a "duster" and stamping on his head. Mr French, a retired refuse collector described as a sociable and generous man, died 13 days after the alleged assault from bleeding on the brain.

At Lewes Crown Court Moore, now 21, of no fixed address, yesterday denied murder and robbery.

The jury was told the alleged attack happened in the early hours of New Year's Day, 2006.

The two men, who were neighbours, spent New Year's Eve at the pensioner's bungalow in Faygate Lane, Faygate, near Horsham, drinking and watching television.

Charles Miskin QC, prosecuting, told the court Mr French, who suffered from a heart condition, later told police Moore attacked him in the early hours of New Year's Day.

Mr Miskin said Mr French suffered a head injury that led to bleeding on the brain, which caused his death.

Mr French allegedly claimed Moore, who had drunk seven cans of lager, lost his temper when he could not find the pensioner's car keys and house keys to unlock the front door.

Mr Miskin said: "He grabbed him round the throat, shook him, pushed him to the floor and stamped on his head."

He said Mr French later described to a family friend how he had been "shaken like a duster".

Mr Miskin said: "Mr French was defenceless."

Following the alleged attack, Moore is accused of taking the pensioner's Ford Escort and driving to the service station at Pease Pottage to buy cigarettes and a soft drink after stealing Mr French's wallet which contained £170 cash.

When Mr French called the police the following day to report the theft of his wallet, an officer who visited his home called an ambulance because of his injuries.

Mr French was taken to the East Surrey Hospital but was discharged the following day. But his condition worsened and he was readmitted to hospital where he died on January 13 last year.

Mr Miskin told the jury the Crown did not claim Moore intended to kill Mr French.

He said: "It is the Crown's case his death was caused by the actions of Aaron Moore.

"If you reach the conclusion that when he attacked Mr French he must have intended to cause that elderly man really serious injury, then he is guilty of murder."

The trial continues.