The jury in the trial of a man accused of the Christmas Day killing of his sister’s allegedly violent partner will retire tomorrow (Tuesday July 4) to consider its verdict.
Adam Jenkins is said to have emerged from the kitchen of his home in Newbottle, near Houghton-le-Spring, carrying up to three knives, one of which he used to slash Simon Birch in the neck in a brief confrontation near parked cars, at about 11.20pm, on December 25, 20221.
Newcastle Crown Court has heard that despite prompt first-aid attention given after the arrival of paramedics at the scene, 39-year-old Mr Birch died from the stab wound shortly after midnight.
It is the prosecution’s case that Mr Jenkins was in a “rage” after he was assaulted by Mr Birch in trying to defend his sister, Emma, from attack by Mr Birch in a drink-fuelled incident a short time earlier in the house.
Read more: Simon Birch: Adam Jenkins' murder trial continues
The Crown says he armed himself with the knives and went out to confront Mr Birch, who was unarmed, and said to be, “calming down in the night air.”
Footage from CCTV at the house has been shown to the jury in which Mr Jenkins approached Mr Birch from between parked cars, apparently holding at least two knives.
But the defence claims that Mr Jenkins was trying to protect his family from Mr Birch.
Mr Jenkins claims he could not recall picking up the knives or the moment he slashed Mr Birch in the neck.
The defence claims he was “confused” and “traumatised” by events in the house, and his memory loss as to the fatal confrontation could be put down to the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder in the circumstances that evening.
Read more: Adam Jenkins said he could not recall fatal slash wound on Simon Birch
Mr Jenkins, who runs a successful company supplying bricklayers for the building trade, was described as, “a hardworking family man”, who had wanted to provide a memorable Christmas for them and other relatives at his large home.
The 35-year-old defendant, of Sunderland Road, Newbottle, denies both the murder and manslaughter of Mr Birch in a trial which has now run for three weeks.
Trial judge, Mrs Justice Alison Foster DBE, began summing up the evidence to the jury today (Monday July 3).
Read next:
Murder trial: Jury watched CCTV of Simon Birch fatal injury
Murder accused denies 'losing his rag' with victim Simon Birch
Simon Birch trial: Murder accused's sister abused by victim, jury told
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She is expected to complete the summing up on Tuesday morning, before the jury is sent out to begin its deliberations in the case.
Mrs Justice Foster said they should strive to reach a verdict upon which all 12 jurors agree.
Proceeding.
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