Joyce and Gunn face charges accusing them of directing Mr. White to transfer money to their bank accounts to pay for food and forcing him to drive them to personal appointments.

He is also said to have been told to ask friends and family for money for his benefit and to initiate legal proceedings for the sale of his property.

They are alleged to have disposed of cushions, towels and a T-shirt Mr White was wearing and deleted photographs of him from a mobile phone in an effort to eliminate evidence.

It is alleged that Mr White was repeatedly beaten causing blunt traumatic injuries to his head and body.

Joyce and Gunn are accused of pretending they found his body after he committed suicide, and allegedly placed a marriage certificate and photographs of Mr. White and his late wife around his body.

They have denied the charges.

The trial before Lady Poole continues.