AN elderly visitor to a critically-ill north Worcestershire pensioner told a jury how he indulged in sex play with his friend's full-time carer.

Peter Langley, aged 68, giving evidence at Worcester Crown Court, said he became involved with 30-year-old Joy Njoku when he called to see 85-year-old Peter Sturgeon in Hartle Lane, Belbroughton.

Described as a well-liked live-in carer, she is on trial accused of stealing around £26,000 from Mr and Mrs Sturgeon, who had been married for 60 years and are now both dead.

Mr Langley, who said he had been a friend of the Sturgeons for 20 years, said he had heard many compliments about Joy for the way she looked after Mr Sturgeon after his wife's death.

Visiting one afternoon, he was surprised when she flaunted herself, fondling her breasts. He said he had never shown any sexual interest in her but they engaged in sexual touching. On another occasion, she took him to her bedroom and they indulged in sexual activity but he emphasised they never had full sexual intercourse.

Mr Langley, who is married, said he regretted that it had ever happened.

Peter Arnold, prosecuting, alleged that Njoku, now living in Polecroft Lane, Catford, London, obtaining cash from pre-signed cheques and from a savings account.

Mr Langley, cross-examined by Michael Field, defending, denied that he told Joy she was attractive and said their sexual conduct had been mainly kissing and stroking.

Mr Sturgeon had a very nimble mind and once led a campaign group in an effort to stop the western orbital road proposal.

Mr Langley said he once heard Mr Sturgeon answering a telephone call presumably from Joy in which he said: "You didn't seduce me."

Rose Frost, the Sturgeon's daughter, said she and her brother decided to have a full-time carer because they both had work commitments.

They found Joy had been a very happy person, always singing, and had cheered up her mother when she was going to have an operation.

Most of the household payments were made by cheque with cash only for the milkman, gardener, cleaners and the occasional local shopping. She and her brother had power of attorney but her father was switched on mentally.

The prosecution alleges that money was taken dishonestly and without authority from cash machines.

The trial is expected to end on Monday.