A jury has retired to consider their verdict in the trial of a man accused of beating a five-year-old boy to death over a lost shoe.

Marvyn Iheanacho, 39, is alleged to have flown into a rage and attacked Alex Malcolm in Mountsfield Park on November 20 last year.

The terrified boy, who had misplaced his shoe in the play park, pleaded 'I'm sorry' before witnesses reported hearing a 'sickening' flurry of blows.

After the attack Iheanacho carried the boy from the park and took a cab home rather than take him to Lewisham Hospital, just a five minute walk away, Woolwich Crown Court was told.

He had rung his then partner and the boy's mother Lilya Breha to tell her Alex had fallen asleep then attacked her at their home to prevent her calling an ambulance, it is alleged.

When the boy was taken to hospital three hours later, it was too late and he died two days later following surgery.

A post-mortem showed Alex was covered in bruises from head to toe with cause of death given as bleeding on the brain.

The pathologist identified at least 22 bruises as well as internal bruising of his abdomen.

Iheanacho says Alex sustained his injuries after falling from his shoulders and hitting his head on the park tarmac below.

This afternoon the jury were sent out to consider their verdict just before 3pm on the 11th day of the trial following a summary of the evidence by Judge Mark Dennis.

Iheanacho, of Wesley Avenue, Hounslow, denies a charge of murder.

The trial continues.