AN 86-year-old pensioner who was "brutally murdered" in the "sanctity of her own home" was bludgeoned to death with a hammer and glass jug, the Old Bailey has heard.

Pat Jobson’s body was found in her house in Oakridge Road, Downham, on February 20 last year.

Karen Williamson, aged 46, of Rangefield Road, Downham, denies murder.

Jurors at the Old Bailey heard today that Mrs Jobson was found lying in her hallway by a police officer, dead and cold to the touch.

It is alleged the defendant battered the pensioner to death with both weapons in the early hours of February 19 before returning home to burn her clothing.

The court heard that Williamson, who was a delivery driver working out of an Ocado distribution centre in Dartford, earned extra cash by working as a gardener.

The widower had paid Williamson in advance to tend to her garden, but the defendant did not turn up to do the job and was unable to be contacted by phone, it is alleged.

Prosecutor Brian Altman told the court: "Following a disagreement between the two, on the night of Friday the 18th, into the early hours of Saturday the 19th, this defendant (Williamson) viciously attacked and killed Mrs Jobson.

"She stole several items of jewellery from Mrs Jobson, as well as her purse containing some cash and other personal effects including cash cards."

He went on to tell the jury that within days Williamson had sold the items at the Money Shop for just £61.

He said: "Such was the price of the life of Mrs Jobson, £61."

Mr Altman told jurors that despite an ordinary appearance, Williamson was a drug addict.

He said: "She was a habitual user of crack cocaine to which she was addicted and of course a habit which she would have had to fund."

The trial continues.