Multi-millionaire Nicholas van Hoogstraten has denied ordering the contract killing of his rival Mohammed Rajah, who was stabbed five times and shot at close range by two men three years ago.

He was admonished by both the judge and the prosecuting barrister under cross-examination at the Old Bailey on Wednesday.

Mr Justice Newman warned Mr van Hoogstraten against accusing David Waters QC of trying to trick him.

He told the property magnate: "He has a job to do.

"If he is doing it unfairly it is my job to stop it. It is not for you to suggest it."

Prosecutors allege Mr van Hoogstraten hired two hit men

Then Mr Waters accused Mr van Hoogstraten of being "desperately keen to pull the wool over the jury's eyes to make them think you had no ill-feelings against Mr Raja".

The exchanges came as Mr van Hoogstraten was cross-examined about his property dealings with Mr Raja.

The prosecution alleges that Mr van Hoogstraten hired hit-men to murder Mr Raja after he fell out with him over property deals.

Mr Raja was taking civil court proceedings against Mr van Hoogstraten, alleging fraud, the jury has heard.

'Nothing unusual'

Mr Waters asked: "If we put all these properties together would you agree that by mid-1999, Mr Raja was something of a thorn in your side?".

"No, certainly not. Not a thorn in my side," replied Mr van Hoogstraten.

Mr Waters said Mr Raja had gone to the police in 1996 alleging dishonesty or fraud against van Hoogstraten.

"How did you feel about it?" he asked.

"I imagine in 30% of all litigation I have been involved in, allegations are made about fraud or dishonest behaviour by one or other of the parties.

"It is nothing unusual at all, as you well know," Mr van Hoogstraten replied.

He added he thought there were about five other people who had actually alleged fraud or dishonesty.

Assassination

Mr van Hoogstraten has denied the murder of Mr Raja, 62.

He was stabbed and shot at his home in Sutton, Surrey, on 2 July 1999.

The 57-year-old, of Framfield, Uckfield, East Sussex, also denies conspiring with David Croke, 59, of Bolney Road, East Moulsecoomb, Brighton, and Robert Knapp, 55, of Convent Street, Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick, and others to murder Mr Raja between 1 January and 3 July 1999.

Mr Croke and Mr Knapp deny murdering Mr Raja.

On Tuesday, Mr van Hoogstraten described claims he had masterminded the murder as "laughable".

The case continues.