Dando murder retrial jury retires

Barry George has not given evidence at his Old Bailey trial

The jury in the trial of Barry George, who is accused of murdering television presenter Jill Dando, has retired to consider its verdict.

Mr George, 48, of Fulham, west London, denies shooting dead 37-year-old Miss Dando on 26 April 1999.

He is being retried, having first faced trial for the killing in 2001.

This week his defence QC said Mr George was not capable of carrying out what could be seen as the "perfect crime" that required "meticulous" planning.

The court heard that Mr George has an IQ of 75, in the lowest 5% of the population.

William Clegg QC said of his client: "Lightbulb's flickering maybe, but remember it is only a 40-watt bulb when it is completely lit."

The Crimewatch presenter was shot dead on the doorstep of her Fulham home.

The jury was also told that the defendant had a history of complex medical problems and told police that he had a "personality disorder".

In his closing speech last week, Jonathan Laidlaw QC said prosecutors did "not lack any confidence at all" that Mr George was guilty.

Mr Laidlaw highlighted Mr George's interest in the military and guns, and that he was "obsessed or fascinated by celebrities and interested in, in particular, female presenters and newscasters".