THE jury has been sent out to deliver its verdict in the trial of a man who killed his secret lover’s husband.

Cohnor Coleman admits manslaughter in respect of the victim Andrew Jackson, but has denied the more serious charge of murder.

The 24-year-old was described by witnesses as acting like a “cage fighter” during the attack on Mr Jackson in Richmond, North Yorkshire.

The Northern Echo:

Andrew Jackson was killed

Lorry driver Mr Jackson, 43, suffered a catastrophic brain injury after being repeatedly punched by the defendant and died two days later in hospital without regaining consciousness.

Coleman had been having an affair with Mr Jackson’s wife, Sarah, unbeknownst to the older man, and their paths crossed during a night out in Richmond town centre on April 25 this year.

The defendant, of Cookson Way, Brough with St Giles, near Catterick, North Yorkshire, told his trial that he was devastated for Mr Jackson and his family and did not mean to cause him really serious harm.

The Northern Echo:

Sarah Jackson, had a secret lover.

He claimed he was acting in self defence after Mr Jackson “came straight at me” after following him from the Cavern music bar in Richmond.

The prosecution’s case is that Coleman saw the former golf pro as an obstacle to his relationship with 38-year-old Sarah Jackson, who he used to babysit for.

The trial, at Teesside Crown Court, is now into its fourth day and the jury has been asked to reach a unanimous verdict.