THE man accused of murdering Hampshire grandmother Georgina Edmonds has been described as a “great guy” and hard worker.

Matthew Hamlen, 37, is on trial for the second time over the murder of Mrs Edmonds, 77, in Brambridge, near Eastleigh.

Defence witnesses yesterday testified to the electrician’s honesty and sense of humour at Winchester Crown Court.

Former colleague Tom Moore said: “He’s a great guy, he’s a good friend of mine – loyal, honest and good fun. He’s a hard worker, very committed.”

The court also heard that four witnesses failed to point out Hamlen at identity parades after Mrs Edmonds’ body was found in 2008.

Hamlen, accused of beating the pensioner to death with a rolling pin, watched from the dock as his defence read out testimonies from 20 people who were in Brambridge on January 11.

Prosecutors claim Hamlen is the man in a hi-vis coat seen on CCTV attempting to take cash from an ATM in Twyford Road, hours after Mrs Edmonds’ body was found.

A worker at nearby Brambridge Garden Centre, Sharon Budden, said she had seen two men stay in the store for four hours that day without buying anything. Neither was said to have worn a hi-vis jacket.

“They seemed completely out of place to her,” said Andy Houston, defending.

Ms Budden was one of four witnesses who could not identify Hamlen when shown his picture, the court heard.

An electrician who Hamlen used to work for as a subcontractor, also gave evidence.

David Moore, of Carlton Electrical Services, said he was shown the CCTV.

“It wasn’t Matthew,” said Mr Moore.

Hamlen was not working for Carlton Electrical between January 1 and 20, when Mrs Edmonds was killed, and did not wear the type of fluorescent jacket shown in the CCTV during his work, Mr Moore said.

Asked to describe Hamlen’s work rate, he said: “Probably the best I’ve known.”

The defence also called Tamara Denny and Joanna Croney, sisters who shared an equestrian yard in Shedfield with Hamlen's mother in the months after the alleged murder.

Ms Croney said: "He's always very caring, helping out with anything she needs. I know he was ringing her, making sure she's okay, and when she couldn't drive he'd drive her places and what-not."

Hamlen denies murder.

Proceeding