A murder trial heard today how defendant David Munley seemed legitimate when he offered a dealer an antique clock.

The clock is alleged to have been stolen from the home of pensioner Jean Barnes, who was found dead at her home in Worthing on July 26 last year. She had been hit on the head.

Munley sold the clock for £500 at Wilson Antiques, Worthing, 11 days before her body was found, Lewes Crown Court heard.

Munley, 56, of Byron Road, Worthing, is accused of murdering Miss Barnes, 86, of Tennyson Road, and faces nine counts of burglary and five of forgery.

It is alleged he stole antiques from the victim's home both before and after he killed her.

Dealer Frank Wilson said when Munley brought him the clock he was happy to supply proof of identity and gave him no reason to be suspicious.

He said: "I was satisfied the piece was his to sell from the questions I asked, his general appearance and the way he talked about the piece."

Yesterday the court was told how Andrew Wilson of Heptinstall Jewellers, Worthing, bought and pawned several antiques from Munley in July last year.

Mr Wilson told the court he had paid Munley £1,750 for an ornate clock and orrery.

Other pawned items included a decanter, silver-plated tea pot and dish holder.

Mr Wilson told the court: "I seem to remember he said he was clearing a house for an aunt or something like that."

The prosecution claims Munley had been stealing Miss Barnes' property over several months and killed her when she caught him in the act.

Munley denies all the charges against him. The case continues.