A WITNESS in the Pat Jobson murder trial has been accused of lying.

Mrs Jobson, aged 86, was found dead at her home in Oakridge Road, Downham, on February 20 last year.

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

During cross-examination at the Old Bailey today, defence barrister Alan Kent asked witness Donna Coleman about her drug habits.

Earlier Ms Coleman had told jurors that on two occasions after Mrs Jobson was murdered, Williamson had visited her and confessed to the crime.

However Mr Kent told Ms Coleman that in the mid-afternoon on February 19, when she claimed Williamson had first confessed, she could not have done so, as there was not enough time for her to sign in at work at 2.14pm.

Mr Kent said: "You didn't know that she had been at work that afternoon and you have been exposed."

Ms Coleman replied: "Why would I want to tell lies about Karen?"

Mr Kent then said: "To protect somebody else."

Ms Coleman told jurors that when she gave her statement to police in March last year, she made clear she wasn't sure about exact times and dates.

The prosecution allege that after killing Mrs Jobson, Williamson stole some items of jewellery from the pensioner which she went on to sell for £61.

Footage from a CCTV camera outside the Money Shop shows Williamson entering the shop on February 21.

Police recovered items from the shop that members of Mrs Jobson's family confirmed belonged to the dead pensioner.

However, the defence claims it was Ms Coleman who gave Williamson the jewellery early on February 21.

Mr Kent said: "You gave her (Williamson) a small bag with some money in and gave her a bag with some jewellery in, to raise some money.

"You told her that somebody had given you the jewellery or left it with you."

He added: "It was the jewellery that had been stolen by the killer of Pat Jobson that you gave her."

Ms Coleman denied this.

The trial continues.