A 32-year-old man has begun his trial for the manslaughter of Anthony Thompson.

Thomas Evans, of Bordesley Road, Morden, denies killing the 26-year-old, who was a delivery man and football captain.

A jury was selected at the Old Bailey, with the trial due to open this afternoon.

Mr Thompson, of Derinton Road, Tooting, died of a head injury after being attacked in Holmbury Court around the corner from where he lived on February 5 last year.

He was set to fly to Barcelona the day after he was attacked, having worked up the courage to overcome his fear of flying and go abroad for the first time.

Mr Thompson, a former Southfields Community College pupil, was known to friends as Chillerman and was an MC in his spare time.

The Manchester United supporter was captain of football team Wandsworth All Stars, and also enjoyed caring for his staffordshire terrier Tugs.

The trial is expected to last two weeks.