A drunken Folkestone man murdered a love rival after launched a 15-minute savage and vicious beating, a court heard today.

Brian Sharp was so consumed with jealousy he went looking for father-of-two Tim Clayton, who was sleeping rough in the town, a murder jury has been told.

The 54-year-old - with his dog called Tyson - is alleged to have found his victim behind Europa House, the NatWest building in Sandgate Road, in the early hours November 9 last year.

Prosecutor Ian Hope told Canterbury Crown Court: "The Crown says that, fuelled by alcohol, Sharp set upon Mr Clayton and driven by rage and jealousy and then subjected him to a vicious beating, involving repeated punches and kicking."

He claimed the blows were so severe they caused severe injuries to the victim and led to his death.

Sharp, of Manor Road, has pleaded not guilty to murder.

Mr Hope said Sharp was in a relationship with Samantha Allen, who was an alcoholic and had allegedly attacked her just days before Mr Clayton died.

Ms Allen would later tell police how Sharp was "obsessed" by any men she knew, "insisting he met any men she had spent time with", he claimed.

"According to Ms Allen, Mr Clayton was hated with a vengeance, often questioning her as to whether she had slept with him.

"He was also convinced Mr Clayton had stolen from him and deliberately damaged his property."

Sharp was arrested the day after the death and told he was going to be questioned about causing grievous bodily harm – although doctors had pronounced Mr Clayton dead in a London hospital two hours earlier.

Sharp is alleged to have told officers: "I know what this is all about. It's about beating Tim up isn't it?

"I admit it. He deserves it. He smashed up my records. If you do a wrong-un, expect a wrong-un. I believe in karma... I gave him a couple of smacks, I admit it. He deserves it. I would do it again.

"I didn't hit him hard, just a couple of slaps. Anyway he's a waste of space. It's ABH - I never used a weapon."

Days earlier, Mr Hope claimed Sharp gave Ms Allen an ultimatum to stop seeing Mr Clayton – or their relationship was over.

He allegedly told police: "She (Ms Allen) has got a thing for this vagrant called Tim. He sleeps at the back of Iceland.

"I chucked him out. I didn't want him there. I said it's me or him. I know she has got a little sweet spot for him and he's sleeping rough in Folkestone.

"The other night she went out looking for him and she said to me: 'By the time I get back I don't want to see you here'," claimed the prosecutor.

The trial continues.