A PIECE of skull was found on the chest of a Downham pensioner who was hit so hard with a hammer that the weapon broke, the Old Bailey has heard.

Pat Jobson, aged 86, was found dead at her home in Oakridge Road, on February 20 last year, with a hole in the left side of her head, jurors were told today.

Karen Williamson, aged 46, of Rangefield Road, Downham, is charged with her murder.

Officers found the widow's body after receiving a phone call from a relative of Mrs Jobson's who was concerned she had not heard from her for a number of days.

Police Constable Terry Powell was the first officer to arrive at the address.

After knocking and receiving no response, he looked through the letter box and saw Mrs Jobson lying on the floor in the hallway.

In order to gain access to the property he kicked open the door.

He then turned on the light, put on some gloves and went to check the body for signs of life.

Alan Kent, defending Williamson, asked PC Powell: "Did you notice if there was any blood in the chest area?"

PC Powell replied: "I didn't notice any blood, no. I did notice a piece of ceramic looking material that turned out to be a piece of skull."

Prosecutor Brian Altman read a statement from paramedic Clare Barclay, who attended the scene.

In her statement she said: "I could see she was a white female with pieces of skull protruding through her hair. Her face was covered with blood.

"Constable Powell pointed out to me that she had a hole in the left side of her head.

"I could see that the top of her head had completely caved in."

Mrs Jobson was pronounced dead at the scene.

The prosecution said the hammer broke while Williamson was hitting Mrs Jobson.

The hammer shaft was found near Mrs Jobson's left hip, while the broken head was found some way away in the lounge, the court heard.

Williamson denies murder.

The trial continues.