An eccentric gay alcoholic was murdered by two men who claimed he "interfered with boys and girls", a court heard.

The body of William Carmichael, 64, known as Billy, was found in his top-floor flat at Lower Rock Gardens, Kemp Town, Brighton, on November 14 last year.

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

Richard Anelay, QC, prosecuting at Lewes Crown Court yesterday, said the body of Mr Carmichael was found by police following concern by neighbours.

Mr Anelay described him as an "eccentric, known to be gay and an alcoholic".

He said, when police entered the flat they found blood splattered in his lounge and on the walls of his bedroom.

Officers found Mr Carmichael's body in the bedroom with a jumper pulled over his head.

A video showing the blood-splattered flat was shown to the jury.

Mr Anelay said: "A post mortem showed he died as a result of facial and head injuries. He had been subjected to a severe beating, as the result of punching and kicking.

"He had suffered a blow to his neck consistent with his neck being stamped on.

"He may have survived for a while after the attack."

The jury was told friends of Price, who often met him at the seafront shelter at the bottom of Lower Rock Gardens, said they had seen him with blood on his clothes the morning after the attack.

He is alleged to have told one of the friends: "I have had a go at a child abuser."

Price is alleged to have told a friend Mr Carmichael deserved it, said Mr Anelay.

Mr Anelay said: "He told his friend, 'He deserved it. He interferes with little boys and girls. It could be my son or my daughter'."

Price left Brighton on November 14 last year and was arrested 11 days later in London's West End.

Blood from his clothes and trainers matched that of Mr Carmichael's, the court was told.

Sumner was arrested on the afternoon of November 14 in Brighton after being found drunk in the street.

He told police he was in the flat when the attack occurred but took no part in it and it was Price who hit him, the jury heard.

Mr Anelay said: "The prosecution say they both participated in the attack. Each defendant had some part in it. Both were kicking and punching Mr Carmichael."

The trial continues.