A neighbour of murdered Billy Carmichael told a jury he was threatened by one of the men accused of the killing.

Mr Carmichael, 64, who has been described during a trial at Lewes Crown Court as an eccentric gay alcoholic, was found battered to death at his flat in Lower Rock Gardens, Brighton, in November last year.

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

Mark Dinsdale, who lived below Carmichael, told the court Price made a series of visits to his home in the weeks leading up to the murder. Mr Dinsdale, who said he was a homosexual, told how frightened he was when Price threatened to kill him.

Mr Dinsdale said: "He said 'If you lay a finger on me, you queer bastard, I will kill you.'

"I never made an approach to him and I did not want to. I felt frightened."

The jury heard Price told Mr Dinsdale he was homeless at the time. He had been seen sleeping in the hall of the property and told Mr Dinsdale he had stayed in Carmichael's flat several times.

The trial continues.