AN ALBANIAN man accused of killing a pensioner in Barnehurst will go on trial at the Old Bailey this morning.

Gezim Delijah, 41, of Boundary Road, Waltham Forest, is accused of breaking into a house in Edendale Road on January 25 last year and killing 64-year-old Edward Syrad.

His trial will begin in front of a jury and Judge Richard Hone in courtroom four of the London court today.

Delijah was initially charged with murder but that charge has since been downgraded to manslaughter.

He also faces charges of robbery and possessing an imitation firearm with intent.

Officers were called to Mr Syrad’s home at 10.30pm on the night of the attack following a burglary at the property.

Mr Syrad was allegedly threatened with a gun and assaulted and he died at the scene.

His wife was taken to hospital suffering from minor injuries and was later discharged.

A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as numerous severe blunt trauma injuries and heart failure.

Delijah’s trial was originally set to begin on February 18 this year but the need to review evidence meant the case was adjourned and put back until today.

Since his last appearance at the Old Bailey, Delijah has been on conditional bail – despite being held in custody for 333 days since he was first charged with murder.

He has not been ordered to wear an electronic tag to track his whereabouts since but has been ordered by the court to remain at his home address between 10pm and 7am each night.

Visit newsshopper.co.uk for updates from the trial later today.