Julia Rawson murder trial: Jury retires to consider verdict
A jury has retired to consider its verdicts on a former film and TV student and his boyfriend accused of murdering a woman at their home in the Black Country.
A month-long trial at Coventry Crown Court was told Julia Rawson's body was cut into 11 pieces after she was lured to a "flat of horrors" in Tipton.
Prosecutors allege the killing "was the culmination of years of pent-up fantasy and desire" on the part of Nathan Maynard-Ellis, who had an obsession with horror movies and serial killers.
His partner, David Leesley, is also accused of killing the 42-year-old victim, whose body was found dumped in undergrowth in June last year.
Jurors have heard Maynard-Ellis met Ms Rawson by chance in a pub in Dudley and took her in a taxi to the flat he shared with 25-year-old Leesley in Mission Drive, in Dudley Port.
Both men deny murder, while Maynard-Ellis, 30, also denies four rape charges relating to historical allegations made by a woman after his arrest.
Coverage of the case:
Jurors in the case retired this morning after the trial judge told them to take all the time they needed to consider the evidence.
Mr Justice Soole told the jury panel: "You have had the directions of law, it's now for you to decide the facts ... and then reach your verdicts.
"There is absolutely no pressure of time. Take all the time that you need to consider all the matters that are before you."
