Stourbridge victim was infatuated with his alleged killer
A businessman became "infatuated" with his alleged killer after feeling lonely and seeking companionship, a court heard.
Prostitute Emma Bate is accused of murdering Richard Sherratt in a robbery at his flat in Bridgnorth. A jury was told she organised the raid in a bid to pay off her drug dealer.
Bate, aged 26, of Gladstone Street, Birmingham denies murder, but admits robbery and fraud. Her boyfriend Paramjit Singh, 32, of Willmore Road, Birmingham, has already pleaded guilty to murder, robbery and fraud.
Mr Peter Grieves-Smith, prosecuting, said Mr Sherratt, aged 57, was a successful businessman who had moved to Bridgnorth from Stourbridge after beginning a housing development.
Mr Sherratt, who was twice divorced and had three adult children, was described as in a poor physical condition, having been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2009.
He first met Bate in March after developing a habit of using prostitutes, Mr Grieves-Smith said.
Mr Grieves-Smith said: "Having met through her work, Richard Sherratt became infatuated with her."
The relationship ended in May, and the pair did not see each other again until the robbery on June 13.
His body was found the next day . Mr Grieves-Smith said Bate and Singh were driven to and from Bridgnorth by unemployed Michael Smith.
Smith, 51, of Horton Street, Tipton, denies robbery.
