Allen jury sent home

Jonathan and Victoria Allen disappeared in 1975

The jury in the trial of Anthony John Allen has been sent home for the weekend.

It had retired to consider its verdict over whether Mr Allen murdered his wife and children 27 years ago on Thursday.

Mr Allen, 68, from Poole, Dorset, denies murdering 39-year-old Patricia Allen, and their children, Jonathan and Victoria, who disappeared in May 1975.

The jurors will resume deliberations at 1030 GMT on Monday.

Patricia Allen's body has never been found

The panel considered evidence for around three hours before being sent home for the night on Thursday.

Members then deliberated for a further five hours at Exeter Crown Court on Friday.

Mr Allen has said his wife left their home in Salcombe, Devon, after a row, then returned to take the children with her.

He said his wife drove off on Monday, 26 May after a row, then returned two days later to take the children, saying she could not live without them.

They have not been seen since. No bodies have been found in connection with the case.

Prosecutor Mark Evans QC said in his closing speech that there was "very strong circumstantial evidence" to draw the conclusion that Mr Allen was guilty.

Defence counsel John Aspinall QC said the suggestion Mr Allen murdered his wife and children was "without foundation".