Man 'stabbed to death by intruders'

A man was stabbed and beaten to death by intruders after being the victim of two burglaries in a week, the Old Bailey heard today.

Ian Jones, 41, was found dead in a pool of blood in his Catford, south London, home shortly after midnight on May 18.

Neighbours called police after hearing noises and seeing youths carrying out electrical goods.

David Fisher QC, prosecuting, said three youths forced their way in through a kitchen window, while a fourth waited nearby.

He said: "Mr Jones was stabbed and beaten to death during the robbery."

Earlier in the day, Mr Jones's estranged wife had visited and said he was "clearly distressed" about a burglary two days earlier.

Mr Fisher said it was not suggested that the same people were responsible for the two break-ins.

Derron Bailey, 19, Justin Barnett, 21, and Leo Jones, 18, all of Catford and a 16-year-old who cannot be identified, deny murder.