A 20-YEAR-OLD man accused of murdering and robbing a doctor near Buckingham Palace says he was concerned about the welfare of the victim.

Thomas Connor, of Curtismill Way, St Paul's Cray, told an Old Bailey jury today: "I still can't believe what I've done."

Connor, a former photographic model who appeared on packets of Angel Delight pudding mix, is alleged to have robbed and murdered 32-year-old doctor Nadim Gulamhuseinwala last July.

He denies the charges, along with William Paton, aged 20, of Clarendon Way, St Paul's Cray.

Connor has admitted to the court he threw a 5kg metal pole at Dr Gulamhuseinwala but did not mean him any serious harm.

Speaking from the witness box today, Connor said he was "scared and panicked" after he attacked the doctor and checked to see if he was breathing.

Nicholas Hilliard, defending Connor, asked his client: "Did it ever cross your mind that you might kill him?"

Connor answered: "No. I wasn't meaning to hit him on the head.

"I thought the pole might hit his body or his arm."

He went on to say: "I feel terrible. I wish it had never happened - it's the worst thing I have ever done."

Yesterday, the court heard how Connor and Paton had been drinking alcohol and snorting cocaine in the hours before Dr Gulamhuseinwala was attacked.

The prosecution claim Connor and Paton murdered the wealthy doctor and management consultant to rob him of cash and his mobile phone after a prostitute stole £100 from the pair.

Dr Gulamhuseinwala died from head injuries two weeks after the attack, which took place on July 25 in Green Park.

The trial continues.