A 60-year-old retiree who disappeared more than two years ago was murdered by a man who then took his life savings and renovated his home, Leicester Crown Court has heard.
Ibrahim Yosif, 44, is accused of killing Gary Piatek, who disappeared on 18 April 2024 after going drinking in Leicester. Mr Yosif then allegedly moved his family into Mr Piatek's home.
The court heard that Mr Yosif and his relatives drained Mr Piatek's bank accounts. Mr Yosif, of Broad Avenue, Leicester, and Omed Firuzmand, 25, of Ashley Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, both deny murder and preventing a lawful burial.
Six other defendants also face charges relating to Mr Piatek's disappearance. Prosecutor Harpreet Sandhu KC told the jury that Mr Piatek lived an "unassuming life" at his home in Broad Avenue, Evington.
Mr Sandhu said that by April 2024, Mr Piatek had retired and received a pension. The prosecutor stated that within days of Mr Piatek's disappearance, Mr Yosif allegedly began renovating the house and "completely transformed" it for his family. The trial continues.