A JURY in the trial of a Polish man accused of murdering a 79-year-old pensioner has been told the victim was seduced into inviting his killer back to his home.

Edward Highwood, of Hollymount Close, Blackheath, was killed in his house on July 17 last year. He died from head and face injuries.

On the first day of the Old Bailey trial, prosecutor Victor Temple told the court homeless 20-year-old Marcin Orlowski murdered Mr Highwood, who was homosexual, by hitting him with a glass vase.

The jury heard how the pair met at Deptford's 999 Club – a drop-in centre where vulnerable people can collect free clothes and meals.

Mr Temple said: “The defendant was told Mr Highwood was homosexual and attracted to young men.

“The defendant capitalised on this information and deliberately befriended Mr Highwood.

“He flirted with him and managed to get himself invited back to Mr Highwood's house, where he appears to have been offered a meal.

“It was there the defendant murdered Mr Highwood by striking a number of heavy blows to his head with a glass vase.”

Mr Highwood’s body was discovered by his housemate the following day, the court heard.

The prosecutor said there were bloodstains on the wall and a computer monitor, DVD player, two watches and a gold bracelet were missing from the house.

Orlowski, who denies murder, was arrested in Brighton a week later.

Mr Temple added: “This was a brutal and violent murder, principally carried out in the hope of financial gain.

“It was committed against a man who was vulnerable because of his advanced age and who had shown kindness to the defendant at a time when he was homeless.”

The trial continues.