A burglar was stabbed and beaten to death by a gang of neighbours after they caught him raiding one of their flats in a Wolverhampton tower block, a court heard this afternoon.

Drug addict Alan Harris, pictured, was attacked by five men after he was caught “red handed” stealing a TV, DVD player and DVDs, it was alleged.

Mr Christopher Hotten QC, prosecuting, said: “It was a low and despicable crime to burgle a neighbour in such a way. He was to pay the ultimate price.”

Lee Gannon, Wayne Buchanan, Michael Joyce, Patrick Summers and Dale Francis all deny murdering Mr Harris, aged 37, in Wodensfield Tower, Wednesfield, early on March 11.

The court heard his killers beat Mr Harris up and dragged him to the 15th floor where he was dumped in a lift and had bleach poured over him in an attempt to clean the scene.

He died later in New Cross Hospital from multiple injuries including skull fractures and a stab wound. The victim lived alone in Flat 17 on the third floor of the flats in Plym Close. Cocaine, amphetamines and Ecstasy were found in his body.

The jury at Birmingham Crown Court was told that on the night he died Mr Harris broke into Flat 85 at Wodensfield Tower, the home of Gannon, 25.

He took the electronic equipment along with a Burberry cap and even the bed to exchange for drugs and returned to Flat 85.

Mr Hotten said Gannon returned home with Buchanan, 27, of Rushall Road, Northwood Park, and Summers, 23, of Dudley Road, Wolverhampton.

Meanwhile a party was taking place at the nearby flat of Joyce, a friend of Gannon. Joyce and Francis, who was at the party and lived in Wodensfield Tower, both aged 19, joined in the attack, it was alleged.

The trial continues.