A plumber has gone on trial accused of causing the death of a woman by failing to notice a poorly installed gas boiler in her flat.

Elouise littlewood, 26, was found dead in her bathroom in a new build development in Bedfont on February 27 2008.

A post mortem examination found she had been killed by dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in her system, which had led to a fatal lack of oxygen in her blood.

Her friend and lodger, Simon Kilby, 32, was found collapsed in the living room, also suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.

He survived but was badly brain damaged and remains in a permanent, non-responsive state.

Paul Williamson, 54, of Chaucer Gardens, Sutton, was responsible for checking the boilers, installed by Malden Plumbing and Heating, of Croydon, at the housing development.

The court heard there were a catalogue of problems with the way the boiler had been installed, allowing the dangerous gas to seap into the flat.

The Old Bailey was told the two residents had shown signs of poisoning from the gas since moving into the new flat in December the previous year.

Mr Williamson has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of Miss Littlewood, through gross negligence.

He also denies inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Kilby and failing to properly check the boiler flue under health and safety law.

Malden Plumbing and Heating Ltd deny failing to discharge a duty of care by ensuring Miss Littlewood and Mr Kirby were not exposed to risks of injury and death.

The trial continues.