Grace Millane murder trial: Jury retires to consider verdict

British backpacker Grace Millane was murdered in New Zealand
PA

The jury in the trial of a man accused of murdering British backpacker Grace Millane in New Zealand has retired to consider its verdict.

The young woman from Wickford, Essex, died after going back to the apartment of a 27-year-old man she met on the dating app Tinder in Auckland.

The Crown has alleged the defendant strangled her and shoved her body inside a suitcase before burying her in a forested area outside Auckland.

But the defence claims her death, on either December 1 or December 2, last year - the date of Ms Millane's 22nd birthday - was accidental during rough sexual intercourse.

Justice Simon Moore told jury members that to convict the accused of murder they had to be certain he had murderous intent, as defined by the Crimes Act, when he put his hands on Ms Millane's neck.

Forensic officers where the suitcase containing Grace Millane's body was found in the Waitakere Ranges, near Auckland

Mr Moore asked: "Are you sure that when he applied pressure to Miss Millane's neck... Did he intend to cause injury?"

He further asked them to consider if the accused was willing to take the chance of Ms Millane dying due to his actions.

"If yes, then (the defendant) is guilty of murder," the judge said.

"In other words, (he) must have appreciated Miss Millane's death was a likely consequence... but was willing to run that risk."

But, Justice Moore added, if the jury members did not consider a murder had been committed, they must consider the prospect of manslaughter.

The parents of Grace Millane, David and Gillian Millane arrive at court for a previous sitting 
Getty Images

The defence told the court that Ms Millane had an interest in BDSM, with a previous sexual partner testifying they had used safe words and physical tapping to indicate when physical pressure became overwhelming.

The judge said if the jurors believed Ms Millane did not consent to the accused's application of force to her neck, then they must find him guilty of manslaughter.

During the trial the jurors heard from forensic experts who examined the accused's apartment for blood stains as well as Ms Millane's body after her death.

They were also shown footage of the woman and the defendant drinking at various bars throughout Auckland and kissing before they returned to his apartment.

Alcohol has been considered as a factor in the case, with Justice Moore noting that intoxication was not a defence to murder.

A toxicologist called by the Crown had earlier told the court it was impossible to accurately determine the level of alcohol in Ms Millane's system at the time of her death as microbial action thereafter can raise or lower such toxicity.

A pathologist called by the defence said there was no evidence Ms Millane had fought back against the accused, though an expert called by the prosecution said constant pressure on the throat for between five and 10 minutes would be needed to lead to death.

The jury’s deliberations continue. If they do not reach a verdict by 5pm (4am UK time) they will be sent home for the weekend and return to court on Monday morning.

New Zealand courts have banned reporting the defendant's name and the country's government has asked international media to respect that ruling.

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