The jury in the trial of four men accused of murdering a homeless alcoholic was due to continue considering its verdict today.

Matthew Heading, 41, was stamped on and kicked during an attack outside Glenwood Lodge hostel in Grand Parade, Brighton.

One witness told police Mr Heading was kicked "with the force of a David Beckham free kick". Mr Heading died from a ruptured spleen two days after the attack on June 21 last year.

The jury at Hove Crown Court was sent home for the night after deliberating for more than five hours yesterday.

Joe Budgen, 19, of Ann Street, Brighton, Oliver McNulty, 18, of New England Street, Brighton, Adam Todd, 25, of Ropetackle Walk, Shoreham, and Paul Hamlet, 32, of Falcon Court, Whitehawk, all deny murder.

They also deny causing actual bodily harm to Mr Heading's friend Joe Burton, who was punched during the alleged attack.

The trial continues.