TWO witnesses in the Edward Highwood murder trial were told the alleged killer had winked at him, the Old Bailey has heard.

Anthony Fulham and Robert Allen are both regular visitors to Deptford's 999 club where the 79-year-old gay victim and homeless defendant Marcin Orlowski met in July.

Today the jury heard that on the day of the pensioner's death on July 17 last year, Mr Highwood had told the two men that Orlowski had winked at him.

Mr Fulham has attended the 999 Club, which provides food and clothing for the area's homeless and vulnerable people, for around eight years.

Speaking about the morning Mr Highwood was killed in his home in Hollymount Close, Blackheath, Mr Fulham said: “Teddy (Mr Highwood) was sitting at the table having tea and chatting.

“All of a sudden Ted said, 'this guy is winking at me'.”

“I didn't take any notice and then I left at about 2.30pm.

“The next thing I saw was Ted outside talking to the gentleman, and that was the last time I saw him.”

He later added: “Ted always said he felt sorry for people. He was very sincere. He was outgoing and wasn't afraid to speak his mind.”

Later the court heard from another club visitor, Mr Allen.

He told jurors: “Ted told me there was a young man at the opposite table who was winking at him. I took no notice after that.”

Orlowski, aged 20, denies murdering Mr Highwood and claims he was provoked into hitting the victim with a glass vase due to his unwanted sexual advances.

The trial continues.