A man accused of murdering landlord Mohammed Raja was seen with burns to his hand and neck because of a "job gone wrong", a court heard.

David Croke, of Bolney Road, Moulsecoomb, Brighton, was seen with fresh burns by Paul Tong at his parents' home in Crayford, Kent, in the summer of 1999, the Old Bailey heard yesterday.

It is alleged Croke and Robert Knapp went to Mr Tong's parents' home after shooting and stabbing Mr Raja on July 2.

Paul Tong said he went to his parents' house and saw the pair but could not be sure of the dates.

The jury saw Mr Tong's work schedule from the period which showed he was due to work until 6pm on July 2. But he said he could have used time owed to only work half a day.

Mr Tong told the jury: "My father said to me 'this is Bob, you remember Bob, don't you? I said yes.

"I sat next to the other man who was introduced to me as Dave I think. I noticed he had burns on his hands and asked how he had done it.

"He muttered something along the lines of a job gone wrong."

Croke, 59, and Knapp, 53, of Convent Street, Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick deny murder. Nicholas Hoogstraten, 57, of High Cross Estate, Framfield, denies murder and conspiracy to murder.

The trial continues on Monday.