A man was due to stand trial today accused of murdering an 87-year-old woman after stealing antiques from her home.

David Munley, 56, a self-employed painter and decorator, denies killing Jean Barnes, a recluse found dead at her home in Tennyson Road, Worthing, last year.

Munley, of Byron Road, Worthing, is charged with murdering her between July 1 and 27 last year.

He was due to appear at Lewes Crown Court, where the trial is expected to last five weeks.

Munley is also charged with nine counts of burglary between September 1998 and July last year.

He is alleged to have stolen various antiques including paintings and furniture belonging to Miss Barnes.

He also faces five charges of forgery, which include allegedly forging documents sent to a bank and building society dating back to April last year.

For the first time in Sussex, the prosecution plans to use a computer to illustrate key points of the case to the jury during the opening speech.

A large screen will be set up in the courtroom to display graphics and other key evidence.