Excerpts from an 18-page statement made by Smith to police were read out to the Nottingham Crown Court jury on Thursday and disclosed how he had 'found' the pensioner on the floor of her West Hill home.

Smith denies prosecution claims he savagely killed Hilda in a desperate bid to inherit her house and possessions some time between 26th February and 1st March 2007.

In the statement, Smith said: "I took 1st March off work and went to the tip in Mansfield, I then went to get my car valeted. At around 9am I returned home to do housework. I then noticed Hilda's curtains were shut and I went to check on her.

"I shouted her and got no response and then made my way into the home from the kitchen to the living room but the door would not open. I looked down and saw Hilda on the floor.

"I shouted at her but got no answer. Her eyes were wide open and there was a lot of blood and she wasn't moving.

"I called 999 and told them I thought she was dead. When the paramedics arrived they told me there was nothing they could do."

Prosecutors say Smith had wracked up more than £18,000 in debts and killed Hilda to solve his dire financial situation.

Forensic evidence from the scene will be shown to the jury on Monday.

Prosecutors expect to wrap up their case by Tuesday, with the trial expected to last another two weeks.

The case continues.