THE jury in the trial of a man accused of slashing the throat of a neighbour he suspected of burgling his home will retire to consider its verdict today.

The eight men and four women were told by the trial judge that they should put aside emotion when considering whether Paul Ryan was responsible for the attempted murder of Craig Beddow on July 16, last year.

Mr Beddow, who was prosecuted for handling stolen goods after a burglary at Mr Ryan's home in Hartlepool, last May, was slashed five times across the throat with what prosecutors believe was a craft knife.

Teesside Crown Court has heard how the 23-year-old heroin addict had to be continually resuscitated and was given the last rites by the hospital chaplain.

Judge Peter Fox told the jury: "There is no room for feelings in your task, but that's not to say you should leave your commonsense at home, quite the opposite."

Mr Ryan, 37, denies attempted murder. He and his wife, Tracey, said he was at home in Seaton Lane when Mr Beddow was attacked on his doorstep in nearby Jutland Road.