A BOY accused of causing the death of a pensioner has told the court he was "having a bit of fun".

The boy, now 14, is one of five boys aged from 12 to 14 on trial at the Old Bailey accused of manslaughter and violent disorder.

They are alleged to have caused the death of Ernest Norton, of Courtleet Drive, Erith, by pelting him with stones as he played cricket with his 17-year-old son.

Mr Norton, 67, collapsed and died from a heart attack as at least two of the stones, one said to be as big as half a brick, hit him in the face at Erith Leisure Centre in February last year.

The boy, who was 13 at the time, claimed he was aiming at the cricket stumps.

He told the jury: "I thought it was a bit of fun. I thought we were mucking around."

The boy admitted his behaviour had been "appalling" and apologised for spitting at Mr Norton.

He said he copied two of his friends, who also spat at the retired draughtsman and threw stones at him and his son.

The boy denied there had ever been a risk he would hit Mr Norton with any of the missiles.

All five boys, who cannot be named for legal resons, deny the charges. The trial continues.