THE jury in the trial of a man for the murders of two Chinese graduates was sent out today to consider its verdict.
Restaurant worker Guang Hui Cao, 31, of Castle Close, Morpeth, Northumberland, denies killing Xi Zhou and Zhen Xing Yang, both 25, at their home in Croydon Road, Newcastle, on August 7 last year.
Police discovered the couple's bodies two days later.
Mr Yang, who was known as Kevin, was found on a bed in the rear bedroom of the property while his girlfriend, known as Cici, was discovered on a bed in the front bedroom.
The couple's pet cat was also found drowned in a bucket under the bathroom sink.
Both victims were graduates of Newcastle University, where they had both completed MA degrees.
After graduating, Miss Zhou worked as a waitress in a city centre noodle bar.
The three-week trial at Newcastle Crown Court has heard that the couple were involved in a lucrative internet betting operation.
Cao denies two counts of murder.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article