David Brickwood trial: 'Everybody loved' Northampton scrap dealer who would 'give you shirt off his back', jury hears

'A kind man.' 'The backbone of the family.' 'A pinnacle part of Abington.'

These were just some of the glowing tributes a jury today heard about murdered Northampton scrap dealer David Brickwood.

A trial is underway into the killing of the 74-year-pensioner, who was died after an alleged burglary at his Lindsay Avenue home in September 26, 2015.

It is alleged that a London man - Cameron St Rose, 26, of Bristol Road, Forest Gate - and another unidentified accomplice broke into the home and murdered Mr Brickwood in a botched search for cash.

A jury at Birmingham Crown Court heard today tribute after tribute from the grandfather's family, friends and neighbours who repeatedly said what a kind person he was.

The string of brokenhearted statements were read out by the prosecutor Mr Peter Grieves-Smith.

One from David's son, Nathan, read: "My dad was the backbone of the family. Everybody loved him.

"He would give you the shirt off his back. He bought bags of shopping for neighbours who were struggling. He would stop and chat with whoever walked by. He made time for everybody. He was a pinnacle part of Abington."

In a similar statement, David's grandson Jacob said his 'Pap' had "a heart of gold" and in his last conversation with him had made plans to see on the 27th.

One of Mr Brickwood's neighbours said he was "a kind and generous man", while a long-time friend of 25 years said he thought of the 74-year-old as "his own grandfather".

Several of the statements stated it was common knowledge in the community that Mr Brickwood - a successful scrap metal dealer - kept large amounts of cash in the house and "didn't trust banks".

In fact, when police searched the property after the murder, they found £60,000 stashed in the home.

One account even heard how in the days prior to the attack, Mr Brickwood had invited friend over for a cup of tea and frankly told him how he had found £5,000 "he had forgotten about" in his bedroom while searching for some van paperwork.

It is alleged that this made him a target for a break-in carried out by St Rose and an accomplice on the night, who then brutally attacked Mr Brickwood and left without finding any of the money.

Nathan Brickwood concluded his written statement with: "My dad would never hurt anybody. I cannot understand why anyone would want to hurt my dad."

St Rose denies both charges of burglary and murder.