David Hill, 48, of Lakeside Meadows, Pontefract, denies "losing his temper" and battering Molly Wright repeatedly over the head after a confrontation at her home in Redhill Gardens on September 27 2006.


The prosecution claims the dad-of-two - who shared a greetings card and toy stall with the 73-year-old at Castleford indoor market - was £20,000 in debt and was altering bank statements to hide that he was taking money from their joint buisness account to keep his creditors at bay.


Hill denies tampering with the bank statements and the defence claims it is "likely" Mrs Wright, who had a history of mental illness, had "cut and pasted" them "in a delusional state of mind".
They say it is a "very real possibilty" Mrs Wright was killed by a stranger or strangers posing as bogus officials.
Hill denies murder.


Mr Justice Simon has asked the jury at this stage to try and return a unanimous verdict.
He told them: "It was in any view a shocking killing and the effect on her family has been devastating. Her daughter Maxine was to see her husband, the defendant, arrested and charged for her mother's murder.


"It would be surprising if you didn't sympathise for Maxine Hill and other members of her family."
He added: "When it comes to the facts of the case, it's your judgement that matters."


Proceeding.
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