THE death of Bradford grandfather Clement 'Butch' Desmier was "directly precipitated by a sustained and violent assault," a murder trial jury was told today.

Forensic pathologist Dr Christopher Johnson told Bradford Crown Court the cause of 68-year-old Mr Desmier's death was multiple injuries, including stab wounds.

Dr Johnson said it was highly likely Mr Desmier's injuries - which included 60 penetrative puncture wounds to his body from a screwdriver and a single typical knife stab wound to his abdomen - were inflicted while he was sat in his armchair, in the front room of his home in Rowlestone Rise, Greengates, in August 2012.

The pathologist said Mr Desmier had a number of health issues which would have made him more susceptible to the effect of the multiple injuries.

Dr Johnson said two of the puncture wounds with a screwdriver had gone through ribs and into Mr Desmier's left lung, indicating that severe force had been used. The knife wound had damaged his kidney and spleen.

He also found evidence that Mr Desmier's neck had been compressed by use of a hand, while smothering his face with a pillow at the same time. he said the compression, the puncture wounds and the stab wound could all have caused his death on their own.

David Lawler, 33, of Bradford, denies murdering Mr Desmier.

Nathan Jefferson, 20, of Springwell View, Holbeck, Leeds, has pleaded guilty to murder.

The trial continues.