A FIREFIGHTER at Biggin Hill airport told a court today how his childhood friend who is accused of murdering a doctor was nicknamed Billy Idiot and Forrest Gump at school.

William Paton, of Clarendon Way, St Paul's Cray, and Thomas Connor, of Curtismill Way, St Paul's Cray, are charged with murdering and robbing 32-year-old Dr Nadim Gulamhuseinwala near Buckingham Palace in July last year.

Nathan Bright told the Old Bailey this morning he first knew Paton when the pair attended Kemnal Technology College in Sidcup.

He said: "Billy seemed desperate to please.

"He was always looking for people to socialise with.

"I felt a bit sorry for him. He was a good lad."

He added: "He wouldn't hurt anybody - he's just a nice person in general.

"I've never known him to be dishonest."

Mr Bright went on to say Paton's nicknames at school were Billy Idiot and Forrest Gump because of the way he looked and acted.

Although 20-year-old Connor admits to hitting wealthy Dr Gulamhuseinwala with a metal pole in Green Park, the former Ravenswood Secondary School pupil denies intending to cause any serious harm.

Paton, also aged 20, says he did not see the attack because he was behind a tree and claims he only rifled through the unconscious man's pockets because Connor told him to.

Both defendents admit they spent Dr Gulamhuseinwala's money on a prostitute after the assault.

In a written statement to the court, Anthony Green, a family friend of Connor, said: "For this to be out of character [for Connor] is an understatement.

"He always looked out for friends and family."

The court has heard that Dr Gulamhuseinwala, from Ealing, was returning home from a nightclub at around 4am on July 25 when he was attacked as his spoke to his girlfriend on the phone.

He died from head injuries two weeks later.

Connor and Paton deny murder and robbery.

The case continues.