AN elderly caretaker was battered by a burglar who then plundered items from his body as he died, a jury has been told.

It is alleged the man then stole the victim's car before going on a spending spree with the 74-year-old's money and credit cards.

Preston Crown Court also heard claims that Gavin Cox left finger and foot prints at the scene of the crime, Nunnhills Mill, Stacksteads, Rossendale.

Cox, 25, of Park Road, Waterfoot, is trial accused of murdering Bryan Platt -- who was known as Joe -- last February.

He denies the charge.

A woman who had been his girlfriend, Sarah Bugat, 32, of Church Street, Stacksteads, denies a charge of handling stolen property.

At the start of the trial the jury was told that a third person, Paul Greatholder, 43, had admitted a charge of doing acts tended and intended to pervert the course of justice.

Paul Reid, QC prosecuting, told the court that Mr Platt left his home in Sycamore Close, Burnley around 9.30am on Saturday February 10th, to drive to work at the mill where he was a caretaker.

He left behind his wife of nearly 53 years, Audrey.

Mr Platt had gone to do some cleaning and maintenance work necessary as a result of a fire in the building.

The Crown says Mr Platt met his death at the hands of Cox who later stole his Proton car.

The body was undiscovered until later in the afternoon when his employer and a decorator visited the mill. Mr Platt was found close to the mill entrance. It became apparent from a closer examination that the violence inflicted on him was not confined to the room where the body eventually lay.

It was alleged that the defendant even discharged a fire extinguisher at Mr Platt, but ended up leaving footprints in the foam powder.

A post mortem examination showed that he died as a result of a sustained and forceful attack, said Mr Reid.

There were multiple deep cuts to the skull, indicating at least eleven impacts. Mr Platt also had fractures to the jaw, nose and ribs, plus other injuries.

The jury were told that after leaving the scene Cox ended up at the home of Paul Greatholder on Bacup Road. The other men helped wash bloodstained clothing and helped him get rid of various items, but he denied knowing Cox had been party to any violence.

The two were later said to have gone on a "spending spree" with money and credit cards "plundered" from Mr Platt's body as he lay dying.

At Bury, training shoes, a ring and mobile phones were bought before an attempt was made to use a credit card in Rawtenstall.

Fingerprints and footwear prints were found at the scene.

Examinations revealed the presence of Cox's fingerprints in blood, alleged Mr Reid.

A pair of trainers he is alleged to have worn at the time were found in a bin at the rear of Paul Greatholder's address. They were found to bear spots of blood.

Mr Platt's stolen car had been destroyed by fire.

The jury were also told it would be the defence case that Paul Greatholder and not Cox was responsible for the murder.

(Proceeding)