THE jury in the Heather Barnett murder trial have retired to consider their verdict.

The panel of seven men and five women were sent out to begin their deliberations at 10.55am after hearing seven weeks of evidence in court two at Winchester Crown Court.

Accused Danilo Restivo denies murdering Heather Barnett on November 12, 2002.

Her body was discovered at her home in Capstone Road in Charminster, Bournemouth, by her two children Terry, then 14, and Caitlin, then aged 11.

She was hit over the head with a hammer-type object, her breasts were removed and placed by the side of her head. A clump of someone else’s cut hair was placed in her right hand and strands of her own cut hair was found under her left hand.

The prosecution claim Restivo, 39, of Chatsworth Road, Charminster, was the man responsible. They also claim he is responsible for the death of 16-year-old Elisa Claps who went missing from the town of Potenza on September 12, 1993. Her remains were found in the loft of a church in Potenza in March last year.

Restivo has always denied the deaths of both women.

Earlier today, the jury heard Judge Mr Justice Burnett finished summing up the case.