A 27-YEAR-OLD man has denied murdering a Downham pensioner.

Andrew Monk, of Abergeldie Road, Eltham, appeared at the Old Bailey today (August 18) charged with the murder of James Land.

The pensioner, a great grandfather-of-four, was found by police in his home in Whitefoot Terrace at around 10pm on May 10.

London Ambulance Service was also called but the 79-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination revealed he died from stab wounds.

Monk has been remanded in custody and is due to stand trial at the Old Bailey on January 9.