A man accused of murder admitted lying to police, a jury heard.

Jason Bradley, 37, claimed he wanted to protect co-defendant Colin Meek, Lewes Crown Court heard.

Bradley and Meek, 35, both deny murdering wealthy businessman Ken Harvey as he drove to work in August 2003.

Mr Harvey, of Broad Oak, near Hastings, was shot five times by two men on a motorbike as he sat in his Mercedes at crossroads at Cripps Corner, near Battle.

The prosecution alleges Mr Harvey, who ran a courier firm, was the victim of a contract killing linked to drug trafficking.

The jury has heard traces on mobile phones belonging to Meek, of Leyton, East London, and Bradley, from Croydon, were linked to the area near the murder.

The two claim they were only in the area because they were buying and selling stolen cars.

Bradley told the jury when he was questioned about his visits to the area he did not tell the truth because he did not want to get his friend into trouble.

He said: "I didn't want the police to know me and Colin had been buying or selling stolen cars."

The trial continues.