Murder jury told not to focus on awful facts of burning body

Allan Scott, 42, is on trial for the murder of Patricia Holland, who had allowed him to lodge with her at her home on Lowestoft Road, Gorleston.

Norwich Crown Court has been told he burnt her body in a fire in an attempt to fake the 83-year-old’s disappearance so he could continue living in her house.

On Thursday (March 23) defence barrister Karim Khalil KC told the jury not to focus on the "undeniably awful facts of the burning of Mrs Holland's body".

In his closing address, Mr Khalil said the prosecution had used "skill" and "distinction" in focusing on that factor but had tried to "deflect you from the fact that there isn't enough evidence beforehand".

Mr Khalil said murder was "all about intention" with the prosecution needing to prove there was "an intention to kill or cause really serious harm".

He said a "third way" could see Scott acquitted of murder but convicted of manslaughter which would not be letting Scott off as it too carries a "possible life sentence".

Jurors were told Scott's state of mind was "so unusual, so complicated that three highly-skilled medics were unable, even between them, to agree on the proper diagnosis of his mental condition".

Mr Khalil said jurors needed to focus on the evidence not on the personality of Scott, who was "clearly an alcoholic" and who might not have come across as likeable.

He said the correct verdict was not guilty of murder but whether it was not guilty of everything or guilty or manslaughter was up to the "better judgement" of the jury.

Scott, of no fixed address, denies murder.

The trial continues.