An elderly Brighton man was battered to death in his home, a murder trial jury has been told.

William Carmichael, 63, known as Billy, was described as an eccentric gay alcoholic.

Two men are accused of killing Mr Carmichael at his top-floor flat in Lower Rock Gardens in November 2000.

Richard Price, 24, of Denmark Terrace, Brighton, and Richard Sumner, 35, of Grand Parade, Brighton, both deny murder.

They are said to have confessed to family members and drinking acquaintances after the killing that they had attacked a child abuser.

Richard Anelay, QC, prosecuting, told Lewes Crown Court Mr Carmichael's body was found after concerned neighbours alerted police.

Officers found his battered body lying on his bed.

The jury saw a video of the scene at the flat, which showed the walls splattered with blood.

A post-mortem examination revealed his injuries were consistent with him being kicked, punched and having his neck stamped on.

Mr Anelay said: "He had been subjected to a severe beating.

"We say both defendants were actively involved in punching, kicking or striking Billy Carmichael and, at the time, they intended to kill him or do some serious bodily harm."

Price is said to have telephoned an aunt in Wales and told her he and his friend had battered a paedophile.

Sumner is said to have telephoned his adopted sister in Florida and told her they had hit a man who was "into little children".

The two men met up with regular drinkers at a seafront shelter who noticed their clothes were blood-stained, the court heard.

Mr Anelay said: "They said the man they had killed was a 'nonce'. Price said, 'He deserved it. He interferes with little children'."

Price left Brighton on November 14, the day after Mr Carmichael is believed to have been killed. He was arrested in Park Lane, London, 11 days later.

Sumner was arrested on November 14, after being found drunk in a Brighton street.

He later made a statement to police, admitting being in Mr Carmichael's flat when he was killed, but he denied taking part in the attack. He said Price was responsible for the death.

He said Price had hit Mr Carmichael with a vase and an ashtray and called him a nonce and a child molester.

The trial continues.