THE jury deliberating in the murder trial of a woman accused of killing her friend has been sent home for the day.

Keegan Barnes is accused of murdering Toni Butler after a drink and drug fuelled ‘bender’ descended into violence in June last year.

Barnes, of Vulcan Way, Thornaby, pleaded not guilty to murder at Teesside Crown Court and maintains she acted in self-defence after being attacked by Miss Butler.

During 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.

Read more: Murder accused admits inflicting fatal stab wounds but maintains self-defence

The court heard they had both been taking drugs and drinking throughout June 10 after an impromptu party started. 

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.

The jury were sent to consider their verdict by Mr Justice Lavender on Tuesday afternoon.

After a day of deliberations, the jury was sent home for the day at about 4.45pm on Wednesday.

The trial continues.

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