Jury considers boy murder verdict

Christopher Hawkins told the court he loved his children

The jury in the case of a father accused of murdering his young son has retired to consider its verdict.

Christopher Hawkins, of Royd Street, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, denies murdering Ryan, four, and attempting to murder his daughter Donna, 14.

Leeds Crown Court has heard the boy was knifed nine times, with two wounds penetrating his heart. His sister was stabbed 13 times but survived.

During his trial Mr Hawkins, 47, said he had no recollection of the attacks.

He told the jury: "I must have been insane that day. If I was sane that day Ryan would be here now and my daughter would not have those horrific scars."

The attacks took place at Mr Hawkins's home last September.

The prosecution alleges that Mr Hawkins attacked his children as an act of revenge on his wife who started an affair and left him.

The jury will continue its deliberations on Wednesday.