A jury was today due to retire on day 12 of Ian Jarvis's murder trial to decide whether or not he killed his brother's girlfriend.

Jarvis, of Second Avenue, Canvey, is accused of strangling Ann Marie Couldridge, 28, in her flat, in Hilton Road, Canvey, in the early hours of Sunday, May 13, 2001.

The 37-year-old is also accused of starting two fires in Ann Marie's flat to cover his tracks after the murder.

Published Tuesday November 5, 2002

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