A pub licensee was branded a control freak by his gay lover, who repeatedly threatened to kill him, a jury heard.

Kevan Worrall and Callum Adams had quarrelled over a man the night before Mr Worrall’s body was found upstairs at the Seven Stars, it is alleged.

Adams, 39, is on trial accused of murdering Mr Worrall by smothering him.

He admits killing his partner but says it was in reasonable self defence and that he was provoked.

The jury at Bradford Crown Court has heard that Mr Worrall, 46, was found dead after police broke into the pub, on Harrogate Road, Greengates, Bradford, on September 13 last year.

Adams admits making off with the takings and Mr Worrall’s mobile phone and laptop computer.

Adams, who was living at the pub and worked there as a barman, was angry and upset the night before the killing.

Linda Cunningham, who was in the pub that night, told the jury yesterday he was “ranting and raving” about Mr Worrall.

“He called him a control freak and said: ‘I’ll kill him’,” she said.

Mrs Cunningham said she told Adams: “Don’t be silly, nothing’s worth that.”

She said Adams told her he had arranged to see a man that night but Mr Worrall sent his friend an abusive message and the meeting was cancelled.

Adams told her Mr Worrall “kicked off big time”.

Sharon Kirkbright, also in the Seven Stars that night, told the court Adams said of Mr Worrall: “I’m sick of him and I’m going to kill him.”

Lisa Asquith told the court that Mr Worrall said in August, 2009, that he and Adams had “a big bust-up” upstairs at the pub. She said: “Kevan said he was getting scared of Callum and they were having arguments and falling out.”

The trial continues.