City banker murder accused 'lied'

Mr Monckton was killed in the attack while his wife survived

Two men accused of stabbing a City banker to death in his own home have lied throughout their trial, the prosecution has told the Old Bailey.

Richard Horwell said Damien Hanson, 24, had falsely claimed he was not at the Chelsea home of John Monckton, 49, when he was attacked in November last year.

Elliot White, 24, of Shepherd's Bush, west London, admitted robbery but denied taking part in the killing.

Both deny murdering Mr Monckton and attempting to murder his wife Homeyra.

'Litany of lies'

The pair are accused of calling at the Monckton's home claiming to be delivering a parcel.

When Mr Monckton opened the door, it is alleged the men charged into the house, attacked the couple and stole Mrs Monckton's jewels.

Mr Horwell told the court that Mr Hanson, a convicted criminal, had "fallen back on the usual resort of alibi".

He said: "He has fabricated alibis before and given perjured evidence on oath before to previous courts.

"His evidence is a tortured and tortuous meander through the case. It has comprised of a litany of lies."

Mr Horwell accused Mr White, who told the court he did not know Mr Hanson had a weapon, of attempting to "distance himself from the planning of this crime".

The case continues.