THE JURY has retired to consider its verdict as a Teesside woman is on trial for murder.
Keegan Barnes is accused of murdering Toni Butler after a drink and drug fuelled ‘bender’ descended into violence in June last year.
But Barnes, of Vulcan Way, Thornaby, pleaded not guilty to murder at Teesside Crown Court and maintains that she acted in self-defence after Miss Butler attacked her.
Earlier in the trial, jurors heard how 25-year-old Miss Butler had died of catastrophic blood loss after suffering two stab wounds to her calf – one piercing a main vein.
The court heard they had both been taking drugs and drinking throughout June 10 after an impromptu party started.
Yet Barnes, 28, denied leaving Miss Butler to bleed to death on June 10. She said Butler was ‘off her face’ and ‘looked possessed’ when she launched a violent attack on her.
Read more: Murder accused admits inflicting fatal stab wounds but maintains self-defence
Describing what happened in the bedroom of her home, the defendant said she was terrified as Miss Butler continued to punch and kick while she was on the floor.
Barnes denied deliberately wanting to hurt Miss Butler and said that she didn’t believe that her injuries would prove to be fatal.
The jury heard how Barnes called an ambulance when Miss Butler was found dead at the foot of her stairs, was upset, and was later shocked when she was arrested on suspicion of murder.
The prosecution said efforts had been made to clean Miss Butler’s body before different clothes were put back on her.
In her closing remarks, defence barrister Michelle Colburn urged the jury to return a not guilty verdict.
The jury were sent to consider their verdict by Mr Justice Lavender on Tuesday afternoon.
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