Greengrocer 'killed over orange'

Khalilulah Naseri was stabbed in the heart

A greengrocer was murdered in a row over a piece of fruit, the Old Bailey has heard.

Khalilulah Naseri, 25, was stabbed twice in the chest after accusing a man of stealing an orange from the greengrocers in Atlantic Road, Brixton.

Delroy Brown, from Stoughton Close, Kennington, south London, denies the murder in January.

The 39-year-old car mechanic also denies conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.

Peter Kyte QC, prosecuting, said: "It is hard to imagine that, even in an age when human life to some people is ascribed little value, this is a case of a young man who was murdered because of a row about a piece of fruit."

Mr Naseri challenged Brown when he took the orange from the greengrocer's fruit display in the street and began to peel it with a knife.

Staff and other shopkeepers became involved and Brown was hit with a broom handle and other objects, the court heard.

He had taken a hammer from the boot of his car and threatened Mr Naseri with it, before being chased away by shop staff, the court was told.

The trial was adjourned until Tuesday.