Trial of Italian man accused of Tom O'Gorman murder begins

The trial of an Italian man accused of murdering religious affairs writer Tom O'Gorman will begin today.

The jury in the trial of Saverio Bellante has heard that insanity will be the “only issue” for them to consider.

36-year-old Bellante has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Tom O’Gorman in January 2014.

In his direction to the jury of seven men and three women, Patrick Gageby, for the DPP, said that Mr Bellante has admitted killing Mr O’Gorman.

Mr Gageby also said that Mr Bellante had previously been treated for a mental disorder, known as hysterical delirium, and had delusions that he was possibly Jesus Christ.

The jury also heard Mr Bellante had made some unusual calls to his sister in the run up to January 2014, causing her concern.

The trial is expected to last two days.