The fourth defendant in the Ben Gardner murder trial harboured Jordan Dixon for more than two months as police hunted for him, the Old Bailey heard.

Sarah Davey, 41, of Throwley Way, Sutton, is accused of allowing Dixon to stay at her flat – only yards from the spot where Mr Gardner was callously murdered – until January this year.

Brian Altman QC, prosecuting, said Davey claimed Dixon told her he moved out of home because of an argument with his father.

Davey, who pleaded not guilty, said she believed him and allowed him to stay with her temporarily.

Her daughter **** Faye allegedly told her she was being “unbelievably stupid” in allowing Dixon to stay.

Having realised that Dixon was wanted by police, Miss Faye told him to leave but, according to Mr Altman allowed him to stay .

The relationship between Dixon and Davey is as yet unknown.

Dixon was eventually caught when a BMW he was travelling in was stopped in Wimbledon on January 9 this year.

Davey was arrested a week later at her flat.

The trial continues.