The trial of Stefano Brizzi, the Borough man accused of killing PC Gordon Semple, has been adjourned after he started sobbing loudly in court.
The jurors have since heard how Brizzi visited Leyland DIY on April 5, where he bought a perforated metal sheet, three large plastic buckets, washing-up liquid, descaler and bleach.
He also bought a pair of pincers, a set of saws, two pairs of heavy duty scissors, a putty knife, carpet cleaner, Vim scouring powder, red PVC gloves and a pair of washing up gloves.
Prosecutor Crispin Aylett QC said: “There is a CCTV camera covering the area around the till. The defendant can twice be seen to inspect the red plastic bucket, looking into it and examining the bottom.
“He then placed his head inside the bucket.
“It may be that bearing in mind he was going to dissolve the body in acid, he was interested in the constitution of the plastic bucket.”
Brizzi broke down into loud sobs when the court was shown the footage of his trip to the hardware store.
Judge Nicholas Hilliard, the Recorder of London, adjourned the case until tomorrow.