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Closing speeches at murder trial

 

The jury in a murder trial has heard the prosecution's closing speech at Douglas Courthouse today.

 

Forty-six-year-old Ian Anderson denies murdering 60-year-old Neil Roberts from Ballabeg, in late 2013.

 

It's the fifth week of the trial and Linda Watts for the prosecution gave her closing speech to the jury.

 

Mrs Watts went over what the prosecution considered the key elements from the past four weeks of evidence.

 

She talked about Mr Anderson and Mr Roberts's relationship and the "catalogue of injuries" Mr Roberts sustained on the night of the alleged murder.

 

Mrs Watts said Mr Anderson "is not saying anyone else carried out the killing but he won't admit he did it either".

 

She asked the jury to reject the partial defence that Mr Anderson was suffering from diminished responsibility.

 

Mrs Watts noted evidence from both a psychologist and psychiatrist had told the court Mr Anderson had a personality disorder, but couldn't say to what degree.

 

She told the jury only if the disorder was "substantial" could it be a defence to the charge of murder.

 

Mrs Watts said finally "members of the jury he is guilty of murder".

 

Jurors will hear the defence's closing speech this afternoon.

 

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