A 76-year-old retired farmer was unable to defend himself as he was beaten with a crowbar in an attack that led to his death, a court heard.

Cambridge Crown Court heard that Llywelyn Thomas didn’t stand a chance after he was attacked in his home in Ely Road, Chittering, on December 17, 2011.

Travellers Frankie Parker, 26, of Nene Road, Ely, and Gary Smith, 21, of no fixed address, stand accused of murdering Mr Thomas after breaking into his home, a jury heard on the first day of the trial.

Both men deny murder.

Prosecutor Karim Khalil QC alleged that the pair restrained Mr Thomas before robbing his house and attacking him with crowbar, administering a “savage beating”.

He added that there were no signs of defensive injuries on Mr Thomas’ body, suggesting that he was unable to defend himself as the blows reigned down.

He was left with a multitude of injuries including a fractured skull and severe wounds to his head and face.

Ornamental eggs, watches and a wallet were stolen from Mr Thomas’ house.

The court was told that the pair then left Mr Thomas for dead while they stole his car and attempted to drive away, not realising that the vehicle had a mechanical fault.

It was dumped just a few miles away in Milton before the pair allegedly arrived at a family member’s house where they asked John Smith, Gary’s father, to drive them away from the scene.

John Smith, 67, of Wold Gate, Bridlington, East Yorkshire, is also standing trial after pleading not guilty to assisting an offender.

He has admitted one count of assisting an offender by providing a false alibi, but denies another of being their getaway driver.

The trial is set to continue for four weeks.