A 20-YEAR-OLD man accused of murdering a doctor tearfully told jurors today he wishes the victim was still alive.

Thomas Connor, of Curtismill Way, St Paul's Cray, denies robbing and murdering Nadim Gulamhuseinwala in Green Park near Buckingham Palace last summer.

Connor has admitted attacking Dr Gulamhuseinwala but claims he did not mean him any serious harm.

As he finished giving evidence at the Old Bailey today Connor sobbed: "I'm responsible for what I've done. There's no denying that. But it wasn't intentional.

"It's the worst thing I have ever done and I'm just really sorry for it."

He said finally before leaving the witness box: "I wish he was still alive."

Connor's co-defendent, William Paton, aged 20, of Clarendon Way, St Paul's Cray, also denies murder and robbery.

The pair are alleged to have plotted to rob wealthy Dr Gulamhuseinwala as he returned home from a night out at 4am on July 25.

CCTV footage shows Connor striking 32-year-old Dr Gulamhuseinwala with a 5kg metal railing and stamping on his head, before Paton is seen stealing the unconscious man's wallet and mobile phone.

Connor has admitted to the court he and Paton spent £40 of the stolen cash to pay for a prostitute an hour after the attack.

Andrew Edis, prosecuting, asked Connor this afternoon: "Was it true that you stamped on his head because you thought he had seen you?"

Connor replied: "Basically, yes."

Mr Edis continued: "Our position is that you and your friend Billy Paton have murdered and robbed this man.

"You wanted him because he looked like he had money.

"He was well dressed and was on his own."

Meanwhile, Judge Stephen Kramer took the unusual step of discharging one of the jurors today after it became clear the case would not finish before Easter.

The last of the evidence will be heard next week and then the case will be adjourned until April 12.

A juror was unable to attend court that week and so the judge told him: "The court can go on with 11 jurors. I'm going to have to discharge you."

The case continues.