Detailed forensic science pictures showing fingerprints of Peter Smith and another person on the door handle of the living room of Hilda Owen, was presented on Monday to the jury trying at Nottingham Crown Court.

Defenceless Hilda was battered to death at her West Hill home between 26th February and 1st March 2007, with a hammer and screwdriver, before being left to die.

She suffered serious head injuries, as well as blows to the neck, and died between 15 and 24 hours after the initial attack.

But Paul Mann QC, defending, told the 12-man jury the evidence did not prove his client was the killer.

He said: "These pictures were taken from poor quality images before they were enhanced one year later. These fingerprints contain general features common in the hands of many people.

"While they can rule people out, they also do not actually rule Peter Smith in. This evidence was produced in a hurry and cannot safely be relied upon."

Smith, who worked as a civil servant, for the Department of Work and Pensions in Mansfield, denies any involvement in the murder.