Closing speeches expected in double murder trial

Closing speeches in the trial of a Chinese national accused of the double murder of a student couple in their apartment in Dublin two years ago will begin next Monday in the Central Criminal Court.

Yu Jie, (aged 25), with a last address at McKee Avenue, Finglas, Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ms Liu Qing, (aged 19) in an apartment at Blackhall Square, off North King St., Dublin 7, between 6pm on March 12, 2001 and 3am on March 14, 2001.

He also denies the murder of Ms Liu's boyfriend, Mr Yue Feng, (aged 19) between 1pm on March 12 and 3am on March 14 in the same place.

The burnt remains of the deceased couple were found on the bed of their rented apartment after a fire explosion shortly before 1am on the morning of March 14. The accused is alleged to have strangled them first and then returned a night later to burn their bodies. He denies the charges.

Today the defence chose not to call evidence and Mr Justice Abbott adjourned the trial to Monday next for closing speeches.

It is expected that because the case has so far lasted 53 days, closing submissions will be lengthy.

These will be followed by the judge's charge to the jury before it retires to consider a verdict sometime next week.