JURORS have heard how a 17 centimetre deep stab wound penetrated a Downham pensioner’s lung, and another his heart.

Andrew Monk, aged 28, of Abergeldie Road, Eltham, is charged with the murder of James Land.

The 79-year-old was found by police at his home in Whitefoot Terrace on May 10 last year suffering from multiple stab wounds.

Pathologist Dr Peter Jerreat recorded 10 different cuts and bruises to Mr Land’s head.

He told jurors: “I was shown some photos of the scene, there was a blood stained mug near the feet of the victim.

“Some of these lacerations and bruising on the face could have been caused by that mug if it was used.”

Defence counsel David Spens asked the doctor if the injuries could have been caused by a bony fist to which he agreed could be possible.

Mr Spens asked him: “Could all of these have been caused by a minimum of five blows?

Dr Jerreat replied: “Yes.”

Dr Jerreat also recorded two cuts to Mr Land’s neck. He told the court: “I consider these injuries to have been caused by the point of an object, say a knife tip.”

The court heard that there were 10 stab wounds to MR Land’s body, these included a 17 centimetre deep wound which went through his lung and another stab wound passed through his heart.

There were also wounds to Mr Land’s abdomen, stomach and liver.

Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson showed Dr Jerreat a knife with a 19cm blade. He asked him: “Could that knife have inflicted the stab wounds on Mr Land’s body?”

The pathologist replied: “Yes, I think it could.”

The trial continues.