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DAY 16: Jury to begin considering its verdict tomorrow
JURORS in the murder trial of Neil Entwistle will retire tomorrow to consider their verdict.
Judge Diane Kottmyer offered instructions to the jurors about how they should consider the evidence and the charges put before them.
"You must spend whatever time is necessary to reach a fair and just verdict," she said.
She explained to the jury Entwistle faces two counts of murder and that they can find him either not guilty, guilty of first degree murder (murder with deliberate premeditation), or guilty of second degree murder (without premeditation).
She also explained the two other firearms related charges Entwistle faces, illegal possession of a firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
She added that Entwistle is under no obligation to give evidence in the trial and that the jury should remember this when reaching a verdict.
"The defendant has an absolute right not to testify, the entire burden of proof is on the Commonwealth to prove that he is guilty," she said.
"The fact that the defendant did not testify has nothing to do with the fact he's guilty or not guilty."
"You must decide whether the Commonwealth has proved the burden beyond a reasonable doubt," she said.
Also at the end of today's proceedings two men and two women, the alternates, were picked at random and dismissed from deliberating with the jury.
Tomorrow six men and six women will return to the Woburn court to decide the fate of Entwistle.
More members of the media are also expected to fly in tonight as interest in the case reaches its peak.
The trial continues.
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Weather for Worksop
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North west
