THE trial of a man charged with murdering two people has started at Newcastle Crown Court this morning (October 29).
James Arthur Allen has pleaded not guilty to killing Colin Dunford and Julie Davison.
The 36-year-old, of Finsbury Street, Middlesbrough, was arrested in Leeds following a manhunt in April this year.
Retired steelworker Mr Dunford, 81, was found dead by police in his terraced home in Leven Street, Middlesbrough, sometime between April 21 and 24.
Charity worker Julie Davison, 50, of Whitby, was found dead in her flat April 25.
The jury for the trial was sworn in this morning and the opening statements are due to start this afternoon The trial is expected to last for three weeks.
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