A JURY is expected to retire tomorrow morning (Tuesday, April 14) to consider its verdict in the trial of a man accused of bludgeoning his friend to death with a claw hammer.

Darlington man Alan Youngson died from massive head injuries after being hit with a claw hammer in August last year.

Nearly two months later, the 25-year-old’s partially decomposed body was found in a shallow grave in woodland near Jedburgh Drive, in the Branksome area of Darlington.

He had been missing since August 15. The body was discovered on October 7.

A post-mortem examination revealed Mr Youngson died after at least six forceful blows to the back of the head, causing both cuts to his scalp and skull fractures.

Daniel Dodsworth, 29, denies murder claiming he acted in self-defence after Mr Youngson threatened to kill him with a kitchen knife. He admits preventing his lawful burial.

Today Judge Peter Benson, who has overseen the trial, summed up the evidence heard by the jury at Teesside Crown Court.

They heard Mr Dodsworth admitted killing his friend in the dining room of his house in Branksome Green, Darlington, in the early hours of August 16.

In police interviews, the defendant initially told officers he had loaned his bike to Mr Youngson so he could cycle home and had not seen him since.

Judge Benson told the jury: “The defendant admits that he killed Mr Youngson but says he was acting in lawful self-defence.

“If the defendant wasn’t acting in self-defence he may have killed Mr Youngson because of a loss of control.”

The trial continues.