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Killer dog jury considers verdict Killer dog case jury sent home
(about 4 hours later)
The jury has been sent out to consider its verdict in the trial of a woman accused over a fatal attack on her granddaughter by a dog. The jury in the trial of a woman accused over a fatal dog attack on her granddaughter has been sent home.
Five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson was savaged by a pit-bull terrier at Jackie Simpson's home in Knowles House Avenue, St Helens, on New Year's Day. Ellie Lawrenson, five, was fatally mauled by a pit-bull terrier at Jackie Simpson's home in Knowles House Avenue, St Helens, on New Year's Day.
Ms Simpson ignored a family agreement banning the dog from the house, Liverpool Crown Court was told. Ms Simpson, 45, ignored a family rule banning the dog from the house, the jury at Liverpool Crown Court was told.
Ms Simpson, 45, denies manslaughter through gross negligence. She denies manslaughter through gross negligence. The jury will resume its deliberations on Tuesday.
'Savaged to death''Savaged to death'
The judge, Mr Justice Royce, took 65 minutes to sum up five days of evidence before sending out the seven men and five women jurors.The judge, Mr Justice Royce, took 65 minutes to sum up five days of evidence before sending out the seven men and five women jurors.
He told the jury to be dispassionate and apply common sense.He told the jury to be dispassionate and apply common sense.
He said: "What the police found when they arrived at the house was a horrific sight - a little girl, aged five, in the care of the defendant savaged to death by a pit-bull terrier.He said: "What the police found when they arrived at the house was a horrific sight - a little girl, aged five, in the care of the defendant savaged to death by a pit-bull terrier.
"This case, by its very nature, provokes strong emotions."This case, by its very nature, provokes strong emotions.
"You may have sympathy for the parents because they have lost a much-loved daughter in terrible circumstances."You may have sympathy for the parents because they have lost a much-loved daughter in terrible circumstances.
"You may have sympathy for the defendant because, as a grandmother, she has lost a loved granddaughter and accepts some responsibility for that death."You may have sympathy for the defendant because, as a grandmother, she has lost a loved granddaughter and accepts some responsibility for that death.
"You may find the very circumstances of Ellie's death horrific."You may find the very circumstances of Ellie's death horrific.
"It is of the greatest importance that you put emotions behind you and approach the task with clear heads.""It is of the greatest importance that you put emotions behind you and approach the task with clear heads."