The jury in the trial of four men accused of killing a homeless alcoholic has retired to consider its verdict.

Terry Hannaby, 34, died after he was allegedly kicked and stamped to death in Bartholomew Square, Brighton, last year.

His body was found under a blood-soaked duvet as security staff opened up to let early morning cleaners into Brighton town hall on September 4.

Street drinkers Andrew Stanley, 40, Anthony Griffiths, 33, Gareth Russell, 25, and Declan Mallon, 38, all of no fixed address, deny murder.

The jury was sent home for the night after deliberating for more than five hours today.

The trial continues.