MEMBERS of the jury considering the cases of two men accused of the murder of student Joe Medforth were likely to be asked to consider their verdicts today.
Trial judge Michael Henshell told them to consider the cases against Anthony Silcock and Carl Newton totally separately.
He also told them in his summing-up that they could consider manslaughter verdicts as an alternative to murder.
If they did convict either or both defendants of murder the prosecution must have made them sure the defendants meant to kill Mr Medforth, or meant to cause him really serious harm.
The prosecution must also prove their actions had "contributed significantly" to his death.
Mr Medforth, 21, from Ryther, near Selby, died in hospital from brain injuries on July 17 last year, 30 hours after the prosecution alleged he was the victim of a random street attack in Preston while on the way home from a night out.
He was student at the University of Central Lancashire, in Preston.
Newton, 21, of Princess Way, Euxton, near Chorley, and Silcock, aged 20 from Villiers Court, Plungington, Preston, both deny murder.
Updated: 09:25 Thursday, January 12, 2006
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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