A man accused of murdering a pensioner and systematically stealing antiques from her home sold thousands of pounds of goods to an antiques centre, a court heard today.

David Munley, 56, of Byron Road, Worthing, sold the goods to the owners of Acorn Antiques in Rowlands Road, Worthing, where he was known only as Geordie.

Munley is accused of murdering 86-year-old Jean Barnes at her home in Tennyson Road, Worthing, and stealing her antiques.

Lewes Crown Court heard today how Munley had offered bronze candlesticks, chairs, paintings and china to the Worthing dealers last year.

Acorn Antiques' joint owner, Peter Nichols, told the court Munley had told him the antiques came from his aunt's house in Sussex.

He said: "She had left the contents to him and his brother with the money going into a trust and the house had been left to the church.

"He said he and his brother had been clearing the house and bringing it down to a lock-up in Littlehampton."

He said Munley had also chatted to them about his trips to Thailand, where he claimed to have a girlfriend and own land.

On two occasions Mr Nichols went to Munley's flat to look at antiques.

He described his home as a messy bachelor flat which he shared with a Jack Russell.

Munley denies murdering Miss Barnes, nine counts of burglary and five of forgery.

The case continues.