Murder jury warned over 'emotion'

Mr Hoskin fell to his death on 6 July last year

The jury at a murder trial in Cornwall has been warned as the prosecution summed up not to allow emotion or sympathy to influence its judgment.

Five people are appearing at Truro Crown Court charged in connection with the death of Steven Hoskin, 39.

Martin Pollard, 21; 30-year-old Darren Stewart and a 17-year-old girl, all from St Austell, have been charged with murder. They have denied the charge.

Two youths, aged 16 and 17, deny assault and false imprisonment.

The youths, who cannot be named, have chosen not to give evidence in court.

Dog collar

Mr Hoskin, who had severe learning difficulties, fell to his death from a viaduct in St Austell in July 2006.

The court was told Mr Hoskin was beaten, forced to wear a dog collar and "walked" around on a lead.

He was also forced to eat 70 paracetamol tablets.

Mr Pollard, Mr Stewart and the 17-year-old girl, who is also too young to be named, have pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Mr Stewart and Mr Pollard have pleaded guilty to a charge of false imprisonment.

Mr Stewart denies a further charge of intimidating a witness.

The teenage girl has admitted attacking Mr Hoskin.

The jury is expected to retire to consider its verdicts next week.